ANT+: the wireless protocol for sports sensors

ANT+ is a wireless protocol for sports and fitness devices that lets watches, bike computers and gym equipment receive data from chest heart rate straps and cadence, speed and power sensors.

ANT+ broadcasts data to several devices at once

In plain words

Bluetooth is like a phone call: usually one sensor talks to one device. ANT+ is like a radio channel: a chest strap "broadcasts" your heart rate, and a watch, a bike computer and a gym machine can all listen at the same time. Handy when you train with several gadgets.

How it works

A sensor (heart rate, cadence) broadcasts data over the air at 2.4 GHz.
Devices with ANT+ find the sensor and subscribe to its data.
Several receivers can get the data at once.
The protocol is very frugal - a sensor runs for months on a battery.
Standard profiles ensure sensors from different brands are compatible.

Bike sensors over ANT+

Where you'll see it

In sports watches from Garmin, Suunto and Coros, bike computers (Garmin Edge, Wahoo, iGPSPORT), gym equipment, chest straps and bike sensors. In our watch comparisons it is in the Connectivity row: "Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi".

Does it matter when buying

If you cycle or train seriously with sensors, yes - ANT+ is very handy for compatibility. For an ordinary fitness band and smartphone you do not need it. Most modern sensors have both ANT+ and Bluetooth, so you can connect them to a watch and a phone.

Myths

Myth: Every smartphone has ANT+. Reality: Some Android phones used to support it, but it is rare now; phones mostly use Bluetooth.
Myth: ANT+ is obsolete. Reality: It is still the standard in cycling and sports devices.

FAQ

Which is better for a heart rate strap - ANT+ or Bluetooth?

Both work; ANT+ is handy for several receivers at once.

Do Apple watches support ANT+?

No, Apple Watch uses Bluetooth.

Can I connect an ANT+ sensor to my phone?

Only with ANT+ support or an adapter; it is easier to use the sensor's Bluetooth mode.