Braun ExactFit 5 Connect
Main features
Braun ExactFit 5 Connect is a 2-in-1 device which combines the experience of using traditional blood pressure monitor and the sense of innovation that a modern consumer wants. Unlike some of the other devices that only work using mobile app or others that don’t have an app at all, Braun offers both. If you’re not much of a fan of mobile apps, do not worry, for you can use Braun just on its own, without even downloading its Healthy Heart app. Braun BP monitor might not be travel-friendly it seems to be quite bulky, unless you’re taking a bigger suitcase. However, unlike with the devices higher on our list, you probably won’t be able to get away with using it without opening the manual first. There are many buttons to figure out, instead of the usual three, but most of them are pretty simple and just cover the function that just one button in other devices does. The screen features a lot of information, so it looks a bit busy, but that information is handy as well. Overall, there’s not much wrong with this device, and if you need a BP monitor to simply keep at home rather than carry, this is one of the better ones out there.
Portability and Design
ExactFit 5 is one of the biggest devices in size that we tested, though most of it is only due to its bent shape. Braun screen is angled so you could see your readings right in front of you. However, because of its shape, Braun monitor cannot be travel-friendly. The device includes a carrying bag, so you could keep it somewhere without attracting much attention. Also, it provides batteries, so you could use it straight out of the box. There are multiple buttons on the front of Braun device, each serving a special purpose that you could read more about in the instruction’s manual. Our favorite was the handy button that enables you to switch between users instantly. We haven’t tried the app, so we cannot comment on it, but another feature that we loved was two cuffs. That’s right, Braun included not one but two different-size cuffs, so it’s guaranteed to fit everyone. The cuff is of average comfortability, comparing to the ones we tried. It does squeeze moderately hard, but not so it’s impossible to use.
Ease of use
The buttons may seem quite confusing, but once you’ve consulted with the instruction manual, it should all become very clear. Top few smaller buttons are for various functions and one large blue button is for taking the reading. Left to right, as mentioned before, is the switch between users. The second calculates the average, which some might find particularly handy. M button is pretty obvious, as it’s for looking through your memory to review stored data. Then there are two small buttons that together would activate Bluetooth for easy connection to the Braun Healthy Heart app, and if you would use them individually, they would enable you to select and set the date and time options.
The screen shows a lot of information. On the top of the screen, you’ll see battery levels, date, and time. Then, in large numbers - your readings with a WHO-approved blood pressure scale. At the bottom, you can check which user is currently selected, the average reading, and how many readings are already stored. However, if you do struggle with operating Braun BP monitor, then reading through the manual could help.
Value
To summarize, Braun ExactFit 5 is not the cheapest option, considering that you would have to pay for the shipping as well. Braun has a relatively good value for money, knowing that it comes with the mobile app, as often various devices offer much higher price due to this feature. Braun is not difficult to master, it shows all the settings and readings clearly, it fits basically everyone, and offers handy instructions on the cuffs. For greater convenience, it even includes a storage pouch and batteries. The only noteworthy drawbacks are its size and price. Excluding these negatives, it’s truly a handy device.