Last Updated: June 25, 2026 — Pre-orders live. US shipping starts today. This is the complete breakdown of what is new, what is not, and exactly who should buy it.
Amazfit just shipped the Helio Strap Pro — $199.99, no subscription, dual sensor system. The original Helio Strap was $99.99 and genuinely good. The Pro costs twice as much.
Before you decide whether to upgrade or buy for the first time, there is one thing you need to understand clearly — because most coverage has buried it:
The waist module only works in HYROX Race and HYROX Simulation modes at launch. Not CrossFit. Not general gym. Not open hybrid training. Just HYROX.
If you do not train for HYROX, the $199 Pro gives you the same core experience as the $99 original, with one extra sensor sitting idle on your waist during every non-HYROX session.
That is the honest starting point. Now here is the full picture.
What Is the Amazfit Helio Strap Pro
The Helio Strap Pro is not a single device — it is a two-piece system. Understanding this is critical before buying.
Piece 1: Helio Core Motion HR The heart rate sensor worn on your wrist or upper arm. This is an evolution of the original Helio Strap sensor, using the same BioTracker 6.0 PPG optical sensor.
Upper arm placement reduces interference from wrist flexion, grip, and equipment contact during lifting — which is where wrist-based sensors lose accuracy. Battery life: approximately 7 days of continuous 24/7 use.
Piece 2: Helio Core Motion Waist ← This is what is actually new A 9-axis IMU motion sensor worn at the waist using the included Helio Pro Clip. It tracks core movement, posture, stability, and body mechanics.
The waist pod battery lasts up to 40 days in typical use because it only activates during supported workout modes. Weight: 10.7 grams.
Together, both sensors sync with a compatible Amazfit smartwatch to track not just heart rate but movement quality, core stability, and muscular load across workouts — then deliver a structured performance summary in the Zepp app.
What is in the box: Helio Core Motion HR, Helio Core Motion Waist, Helio Pro Clip, wristband, armband, magnetic charging head. Everything you need to start, nothing you do not.
What Is Actually New vs the Original Helio Strap
This is the most important section if you already own the original.
The core sensor module is essentially identical between generations. Same BioTracker 6.0 optical PPG sensor. Same 232mAh battery.
Same 5 ATM water resistance. Same Bluetooth 5.2. Same dimensions — 33.96 x 24.29mm on both. Same 22mm nylon wristband with 145-205mm size range.
What you are paying the extra $100 for:
1. The waist module — the only genuinely new hardware. 9-axis IMU, 40-day battery, 5 ATM rated, 10.7 grams. Tracks core movement during HYROX sessions and syncs to the Zepp app.
2. Per-station muscular load analysis — after a HYROX session, the app shows a cardio/muscle exertion split for each of the eight competition stations: SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmer’s Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls. No mainstream consumer wearable currently provides this data automatically. For HYROX athletes, this is genuinely new.
3. HybridCharge Index — combines BioCharge, LifeLoad, and Training Load into a single readiness score from 0 to 100. Tells you in plain terms whether your body is ready to push or needs recovery.
4. Open Bluetooth connectivity — real-time heart rate broadcast to third-party bike computers, gym equipment, competing sports watches, and training apps. The original Helio Strap was more closed.
The HYROX Limitation — Read This Before Buying
This needs more space than most reviews give it.
At launch, the full dual-sensor system — watch plus arm sensor plus waist sensor working together — only operates in two modes: HYROX Race and HYROX Simulation. These modes are available on the Amazfit Balance 3 and Balance Ultra only at launch.
What this means in practice:
If you train for HYROX on a Balance 3 or Balance Ultra, you get everything. The complete system works as designed.
If you train CrossFit, general functional fitness, or open hybrid workouts — the waist module is inactive during those sessions. You get the arm sensor heart rate data only, which is the same experience as the $99 original.
If you own any other Amazfit watch — Active Max, T-Rex Ultra 2, Active 3 Premium, Balance 2 — you do not get full system support at launch. Amazfit has confirmed support for additional watches is coming, with no timeline given.
Broader workout mode support for the waist module is also confirmed as coming, again with no timeline.
This is not a reason to avoid the Pro entirely. It is important context for setting expectations correctly.
Who Should Buy the Helio Strap Pro
Buy it if you train for HYROX and own a Balance 3 or Balance Ultra.
This is the target buyer and the Pro delivers specifically for this use case. Per-station muscular load analysis across all eight HYROX events is not available anywhere else at this price. The 5kRunner, after an exclusive Stockholm briefing, called it market-leading and unique for HYROX athletes. At $199.99 with no subscription, it undercuts every subscription-based competitor within 6-17 months.
Buy it if you are new to Helio Strap and train for HYROX.
At $199 you get the complete system from day one. The original is currently out of stock anyway.
Wait or skip if you do not train for HYROX.
The waist module adds nothing to your training right now. You are paying $100 extra for hardware that sits idle during your workouts. The original Helio Strap at $99 — if it comes back in stock — covers the same heart rate and recovery tracking you need.
Wait if you own a compatible Amazfit watch that is not Balance 3 or Balance Ultra.
Your watch will get support eventually, but “eventually” has no confirmed date. If the full system matters to you, waiting for that update before buying makes sense.
Helio Strap Pro vs Original Helio Strap
| Feature | Helio Strap ($99) | Helio Strap Pro ($199) |
|---|---|---|
| Heart rate sensor | BioTracker 6.0 | BioTracker 6.0 (same) |
| Waist motion sensor | No | Yes — 9-axis IMU |
| HYROX station tracking | No | Yes — all 8 events |
| Per-station muscle load | No | Yes |
| HybridCharge Index | No | Yes |
| Open BT broadcast | Limited | Yes — third-party devices |
| Battery — HR sensor | ~7 days | ~7 days |
| Battery — waist sensor | N/A | Up to 40 days |
| 24/7 HR and HRV | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Recovery score | Yes | Yes |
| Subscription | No | No |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Compatible watches | Most Amazfit | Balance 3 and Ultra (more coming) |
| Price | $99 | $199 |
Helio Strap Pro vs Whoop 5.0 — The Subscription Math
Whoop is the obvious comparison. At $199 one-time with no subscription, the Helio Strap Pro is structurally more attractive than Whoop over any ownership period longer than 6-17 months.
| Amazfit Helio Strap Pro | Whoop 5.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $199.99 | $0 hardware |
| Monthly subscription | $0 | $12–$30/month |
| Year 1 total | $199 | $144–$360 |
| Year 2 total | $199 | $288–$720 |
| Break-even | — | 7–17 months |
| HYROX tracking | Yes — 8 events | No |
| Open BT connectivity | Yes | Limited |
| Compatible watches | Amazfit only (full features) | Any |
Where Whoop still wins: ecosystem maturity, coaching depth, and it works independently without needing a paired smartwatch. For athletes who do not already own an Amazfit watch, Whoop is a simpler entry point.
For existing Amazfit Balance 3 or Balance Ultra owners who train for HYROX — the Pro wins on features and value.
For a full side-by-side on the recovery tracking comparison, see our Amazfit Helio Strap review which covers the original sensor’s daily tracking accuracy in depth.
Setup and Compatibility
The Helio Strap Pro requires the Zepp Health app — Android 8.0 and above, iOS 17.0 and above.
For the full dual-sensor HYROX experience at launch, you need the Amazfit Balance 3 or Balance Ultra. The arm sensor works independently across 50+ sports modes with any compatible Amazfit watch.
FSA and HSA eligible in the US — worth noting if you have an eligible account.
The system can store data on-device when training without your phone, then sync to the Zepp app later. Heart rate can be broadcast live to third-party devices via Bluetooth during workouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Amazfit Helio Strap Pro worth buying over the original?
For HYROX athletes with a Balance 3 or Balance Ultra — yes. The per-station muscular load analysis is unique at this price and the $100 premium is justified. For everyone else, the waist module adds nothing at launch. Wait for broader workout mode support or stick with the original when it comes back in stock.
Does the Helio Strap Pro require a subscription?
No. $199.99 one-time, no monthly fees. All tracking, recovery, and HYROX analysis included in the Zepp app at no extra cost.
Which Amazfit watches work with Helio Strap Pro?
Full dual-sensor HYROX experience requires Amazfit Balance 3 or Balance Ultra at launch. The arm sensor works with most current Amazfit watches independently. Support for additional watch models is coming with no confirmed timeline.
Can I use the waist module for CrossFit or general gym training?
Not at launch. The waist module is active only in HYROX Race and HYROX Simulation modes right now. Broader workout support is confirmed as coming — no date given.
How does the Helio Strap Pro compare to Whoop 5.0?
No subscription vs $12-30/month makes the Pro cheaper after 7-17 months. Whoop has more mature coaching and works without a paired smartwatch. Pro wins on HYROX-specific tracking. Whoop wins on ecosystem depth and independence.
Is the Helio Strap Pro available now?
US pre-orders are live at $199.99. Shipping started June 25, 2026. Available at Amazfit.com and select retailers. FSA and HSA eligible.
What is in the box?
Helio Core Motion HR sensor, Helio Core Motion Waist sensor, Helio Pro Clip, wristband, armband, and magnetic charging head. Everything needed to start.
Related Reading on SmartWatchSphere
The Helio Strap Pro pairs best with Amazfit’s Balance series. If you are deciding which watch to pair it with:
Our Amazfit Balance 2 review covers whether the Balance 2 is worth $249 — and how it compares to the Balance 3 that the Pro actually requires for full features.
Our T-Rex 3 Pro vs Balance 2 comparison helps outdoor athletes decide whether the rugged or lifestyle route makes more sense.
The Amazfit Active 2 vs Bip 6 comparison is useful if you are deciding on an entry-level Amazfit while you wait for broader Helio Pro watch support.
For the full Amazfit lineup context, our complete Amazfit buying guide ranks every current model including where the Balance 3 sits relative to everything else.
Sources
- Amazfit official press release
- Gadgets & Wearables
- The5kRunner
- Notebookcheck
- TechGenyz
Written by Sunil Bhatt — founder of SmartWatchSphere, your dedicated Amazfit resource. Specs based on official Amazfit press materials and independent hands-on assessments as of June 25, 2026.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
