I have used Omron blood pressure monitors for many years and most recently the Omron 786n, which is my point of comparison.
Compared to the Omron 786n, this feels slightly more solid. It has a better hose connection to the device with some sort of metal jacket at the end of the hose that connects more securely than on the Omron which uses a plastic connector. The cuff on this device also feels more sturdy. It feels like the velcro will last longer. However, the Omron cuff is preformed and easier to put on. This one takes a bit more dexterity to apply but is not difficult. This cuff inflates more gently than the Omron, which sometimes has left red impressions on my arm. The Welch Allyn almost always measures your BP during inflation and thus faster than the Omron. Omron always measures during deflation, which can at times be very tight (and perhaps painful to some). This meter only measures during deflation if it can't get a read during inflation.
The rub is in the app and data review, however. The Omron app is simply superior. With the Omron device, you can take up to 100 readings per user (the Welch Allyn does not support multiple users), and you can review the readings on the device itself (you cannot do this on the Welch Allyn). With the Omron, can choose to sync to the monitor's readings to the app at any time. With the Welch Allyn, it syncs if you have the app open and the phone awake while taking a measurement. If you had taken measurements while away from your phone, they will sync while taking another measurement and keeping the phone awake and the app open (I confirmed with their tech support it will record up to 99 readings that you can later sync--but again you cannot review those on the device itself, and there is no sync button; you have to take another measurement in order to get older measurements to sync over). The Omron app lets you sync to the cloud, and you can view all of your data on Omron's web-site or by logging into the app on any device. This data has been amazingly helpful. It shows you charts of your systolic, diastolic, and pulse, and you can view averages over days, weeks, months, and years. It's simply a fantastic web-site and app. By comparison, you can view your data in the Welch Allyn app, but it doesn't sync to the cloud. You can manually export it if you wish. Some people don't like their data in the cloud, but I find it helpful.
If I could merge the physical hardware of the Welch Allyn with the app, web-service, and on-device review ability of the Omron, I would. The Welch Allyn is simply gentler on your arm, and it feels like it's very solidly made.
As for accuracy, the two measured comparably to each other. I've had doctors tell me before that my Omron tends to measure a bit higher than what they read, and the Welchy Allyn at times measured a smidge lower than the Omron in head to head comparisons. I can't really speak to the accuracy though as I haven't tested both side by side in a doctor's office.
This would not be a great device for someone who wants to take measurements and review them on the device only. If you don't use a smartphone, your only ability to review results would be to write them down somewhere.
I vacillated about how many stars to give because this is a really comfortable monitor and seems very solid. But for what I've come to expect with app performance and cloud storage, it falls a bit short. All the areas I mentioned not liking are ones Welch Allyn could easily improve, and I hope they do.
From the manufacturer
Welch Allyn Home 1500 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Easy Bluetooth Smartphone Connectivity
Accuracy Matters
Welch Allyn Home blood pressure devices are designed with accuracy in mind using professional grade, upper arm cuffs that have been clinically validated (e.g. ISO 81060-2:2013) and tested to ensure the highest levels of accuracy.*
* K161886, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2016
- Nearly 1 in 2 American adults have high blood pressure
- High blood pressure contributes to approximately 1,000 deaths per day
- 46% of people with hypertension don’t have it under control
- The American Heart Association does not recommend devices that record bp on the wrist; they recommend an automatic, upper arm monitor.
Welch Allyn Home 1500 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Easy Bluetooth Smartphone Connectivity
Trusted in the doctor’s office, made for the home
Trust clinical-grade blood pressure technology from the brand used in 9 out of 10 physician's offices. Our 1500 blood pressure monitor with upper arm blood pressure cuff captures an accurate bp reading in under 30 seconds as the cuff inflates without over-inflating or causing unnecessary discomfort.
Proper technique is critical for obtaining bp readings you can trust at home. Here are the recommended steps:
- Place the cuff on your bare upper arm, apply snugly allowing room for no more than two fingers
- Ensure the tube coming out of the cuff is on the inside of your arm
- The bottom of the cuff should be two finger widths (about 1 inch) above the bend in your arm
- Sit in a chair that supports your back, place feet flat on the floor and keep legs uncrossed
- Support your arm on a flat surface, ensure cuff is level with your heart
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes prior to taking a reading
- Refrain from moving or talking during the measurement cycle
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Physician Trusted9 out of 10 physicians use Welch Allyn products in their daily practice. Welch Allyn is the brand used for blood pressure measurement by more physicians than any other. |
Clinical AccuracyLike our professional devices used by doctors worldwide, the Welch Allyn Home blood pressure devices and cuffs have been clinically validated against all applicable standards (e.g. ISO 81060-2:2013) and thoroughly tested to ensure the highest levels of clinical accuracy. |
True SimplicityEasy-to-use, one-button operation that captures readings on inflation in about 30 seconds—providing a fast and comfortable experience. The (included) D-ring style of cuff was specifically designed for easy self-application, while providing professional-grade accuracy. |
Seamless ConnectivityFree smartphone app is powerfully simple and allows users to easily and securely share readings with loved ones and caregivers. |
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| 1500 Series | 1700 Series | |
| Brand used by 9 out of 10 physician’s offices | ✓ | ✓ |
| Incorporates algorithm used in hospital-grade medical devices | - | ✓ |
| Quick and comfortable BP readings | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single-button operation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connects to free Welch Allyn Home App | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compatible cuff sizes | Standard | Extra Small, Standard, Extra Large |
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2018
Style: 1700Pattern Name: MonitorVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2017
Style: 1700Pattern Name: MonitorVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2019
Style: 1700Pattern Name: MonitorVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
paid $20 for delivery and $20 for sending item back ... so expensive including all charges
Reviewed in Canada on March 15, 2019Style: 1500Pattern Name: MonitorVerified Purchase
JUANA GUILLERMINA RAMIREZ SILVA
No llegó el producto y tampoco el reembolso.
Reviewed in Mexico on June 4, 2020Style: 1500Pattern Name: MonitorVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
This item is very small & compact, to take with you.
Reviewed in Canada on January 11, 2021Style: 1500Pattern Name: MonitorVerified Purchase
