9 Best Smartwatches For Swimming Today – In-depth Guide
All swimming addicts, this one is for you!
It’s without a doubt that swimming is a great hobby. Now, most people have a rule of keeping their smartwatch on during swimming, which I respect.
So when it comes to keeping the watch on you can’t just be careless and wear a watch that is not swim-proof. That would result in a major catastrophe and we don’t want that.
You can’t leave your profound love for swimming either because hey, we all need that perfect summer shape. And smartwatches even help enhance your swimming by tracking the distance, heart rate, and work.
So, what do you do? Find a smartwatch that’s swim-proof, OF COURSE!
Luckily for you though, there are watches made to be kept on during swimming and in this article, I’ll tell you all about the 9 best smartwatches for swimming!
My #1 Choice ❤
Out of all the names in the list I’ve compiled, if I were to choose one it would definitely be Garmin Forerunner 495.
- Premium GPS running/triathlon smartwatch with music
- Download songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer (may require premium subscription with a third party music provider)
- Performance monitoring features include Vo2 Max and training status with adjustments for heat, altitude Acclimation status, training load focus, recovery time, and aerobic and anaerobic training effects
- Garmin Pay contactless payment solution (available for supported cards from participating banks) lets you make convenient payments with your watch so you can leave your cash and cards at home
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is my top pick because: During swimming, it creates a real-time bread crumb trail that traces your exact path.
it’s got a precise heart rate monitor and can even pick up the slightest of details.
Alongside that, it also has several features all designed to aid your swim session. With specialized workouts, pacing alerts, and many more, this watch took no time in checking all my boxes.
How To: Choose The Best Smartwatch For Swimming
Now when you immerse yourself into the market of swim-proof smartwatches you’ll find that there are multiple watches and, oftentimes, all seem similar. In reality, all watches have a degree of difference between them.
What matters most are a few key things you should keep in mind when setting out to get your watch. These include:
Water Resistance
The first and foremost feature it should have is high water resistance. Some smartwatches look like they could be water-resistant but aren’t.
Many other watches have a certain level of resistance which, if exceeded, will stop working.
Heart Rate Monitor
It should have a heart rate monitor. Now if you’re serious about the swimming gig then you might want to consider your watch having a heart rate sensor.
This way you can check your efficiency and keep an eye on your training load.
Clear Screen
It should have a clear screen. When looking for a watch that works best underwater, you should ensure its screen is easy to read.
After all, you won’t have much time to sit and analyze your metrics. The data should be easily read and presented effortlessly.
9 Best Smartwatches For Swimming Compared
Our top picks with assessed cost range and final ratings are given below. Each choice from the list is hyperlinked with the Amazon link, so it is easier for you to track down every product with its relevant information.
The table is positioned from the most economical smartwatch for swimming first to the most expensive choice at the base.
| Name | Price | Rating |
| Moov Now | ⭐⭐⭐ | |
| Amazfit Stratos | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| Garmin Swim 2 | $249.00 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Apple Watch Series 6 | $205.00 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Garmin Vivoactive | $234.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro | $199.97 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 | $194.50 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Garmin Forerunner 495 | $368.50 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Suunto 7 | $397.00 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
#1 Garmin Swim 2
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.5/5
Key Features:
- Has GPS for open water
- 7-day battery life
- Heart rate monitor
- Pacing alert
- Automatically stops
- DIY workouts
As the name suggests, this smartwatch is solely for all you swimming fanatics. However, if you’re looking at this for other sports then I’m sorry but this isn’t your guy.
Garmin at first glance will make you think that they’re wasting time branching their devices for specific sports but for all the triathletes, it proves to be the best brand.
What makes this, especially a swimming device, is its plethora of features that only enhance your swimming session. One such new and improved feature is measuring your heart rate underwater!
This along with pace guidance, workout, and training stats truly is a major help to have. It’s also the main reason you should buy the Swim 2.
Garmin goes deeper in its tech by having two different modes for swimming; pool or open water. Choosing the pool option will result in multiple extra features you won’t find in many watches.
The best part?
All this data backs up in the Garmin connect app.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Very costly |
| Strong suite for swimming features | Light on smartwatch features |
| Comfortable to wear | Does not differentiate enough |
- GPS swimming smartwatch for the pool and open water
- o Battery life: up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours in GPS and optical heart rate (OHR) mode and 72 hours in pool and OHR mode
- Pool swim mode: records distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type and SWOLF (gauges swimming efficiency)
- Open-water swim mode: uses built-in GPS for swims in lakes, oceans or rivers; records distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, stroke rate and stroke distance
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
» Read my blog post about: Best Fitness Tracker for MyFitnesspal / MFP
#2 Suunto 7
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating:: 4.2/5
Key Features:
- Up to 50m waterproof
- Heart rate tracker
- GPS
- Offline maps
- 70+ sports niches
- Google pay
A product of the Wear OS brand which, with its release has finally delved into the world of full-fledged smartwatches. This watch is an all-rounder.
With a GPS and the ability to use and download colored maps, this is not specifically a swimming watch but it has the features to be classified as one. One of its 70 sports niches includes open water swimming.
For this, the watch has heart rate monitoring and tracks altitude and HR sensor data so your buddy can help you plan your sessions between the rough and easy ones.
To choose the swimming option, all you have to do is connect to Suunto’s software and enjoy your underwater perks.
| Pros | Cons |
| Good quality and light screen | Poor battery life |
| Nicely integrated map feature | Poor heart rate accuracy |
| 70+ fitness metrics | Titanium version is expensive |
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#3 Garmin Forerunner 495
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.7/5
Key Features:
- Alarms
- Heart rate monitor
- Compass
- Music
- Barometer
- Activity profiles
- Thermometer
The most peculiar and most common features packed into a lightweight device would probably be the Forerunner 495. This is made to satisfy the triathletes and the pros in their gigs.
Filled to the brim with extensive features, this watch will do only good for you. Including a GPS, access to Garmin’s robust ecosystem, pre-loadable maps, and songs, this is the device for you.
Perhaps the most favorable feature of this watch is its highly accurate heart rate monitor. Not only does it work in water but it also picks up even the slightest change, giving you the accuracy no device can promise.
Moreover, open land swimming includes a GPS tracker, pace, stroke, and efficiency counter. All in all, it’s the perfect watch for swimming. Especially if you pop in your waterproof earphones and listen to the top tracks underwater.
| Pros | Cons |
| Accurate heart rate sensor | Not stylish |
| Vast swim tracking tools | |
| Built-in music player |
- Premium GPS running/triathlon smartwatch with music
- Download songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer (may require premium subscription with a third party music provider)
- Performance monitoring features include Vo2 Max and training status with adjustments for heat, altitude Acclimation status, training load focus, recovery time, and aerobic and anaerobic training effects
- Garmin Pay contactless payment solution (available for supported cards from participating banks) lets you make convenient payments with your watch so you can leave your cash and cards at home
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
» Read also: Best Smartwatches For Music
#4 Amazfit Stratos
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.0/5
Key Features:
- 5 ATM waterproof
- Multiple sports mode
- VO2max fitness analysis
- 5-day battery life
- Bluetooth music
- Call notifications
- Silent alarms
A solid all-rounder fitness tracker, the Amazfit Stratos has indeed made a name for itself. As for all you swimming fans out there, well, it’s got a couple of tricks up its sleeve that is sure to help you out.
Aside from just the swimming mode, you even get music apps that allow you to tune into the top beats all while underwater. It also has a triathlon mode, so you can switch from swimming to cycling to swimming again with ease.
Although it’s a bummer it doesn’t have open ground swimming, you can still go on minute scales for your pool session. Just by pressing a button on the bottom, you can time your laps and check out any changes you need to make.
The watch is waterproof if it wasn’t already obvious. But specifically for swimming, it can hold up to 5 atmospheres of pressure.
| Pros | Cons |
| Good Quality | Interface needs adjustments |
| Not very expensive | Poor viewing angles |
- Powered by FirstBeat Analytics: Amazfit Stratos 3 provides in-depth analytics of the sport you play with data such as VO2Max, Training Load, Training Effect, Recovery Time, etc. by analyzing your heart rate and all fitness related data.
- Transreflective Professional Sports Display: Amazfit Stratos 3 adopts a 1.34-inch full round transflective MIP display perfectly suitable for outdoor use; the brighter the light is, the clearer the display looks. The four physical buttons enable you to browse through the features and control the device without using the touch screen.
- Dual Chip System: Stratos 3 is integrated with two main control chips and two operating systems and is suitable for both professional sports and daily life. 7-Day smart mode enables full functional mode supporting 80-sports modes and professional algorithms while 14-day ultra-endurance mode enables daily life functions.
- 80-Sports Modes: Amazfit Stratos 3 comes with 80 professional sports modes and provides rich workout data to satisfy various users’ needs.
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
» I also wrote this blog post: Best Solar Powered Smartwatches (For Long Battery Life)
#5 Garmin Vivoactive 4
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.5/5
Key Features:
- Barometric altimeter
- Satellite systems
- Heart rate monitor
- pulse oximeter
- gyroscope
- GPS
- A compass
A solid waterproof watch, this is at the top of its game as it surpasses each of its competitors. The watch can withstand up to 50 meters of pressure and it has the ability to connect with ios and Android, too.
The vivoactive has a range of technical features that make your swimming experience one to remember.
With swim accuracy, showing data on time, distance, stroke, SWOLF (score that measure swimming efficiency), and more this device is jam-packed with features eagerly waiting to be used.
And what is a smartwatch if one does not looking at the data display?
For this reason, the watch has a transflective display that lets you see your stats in real-time and underwater too!
With an easy connection to Garmin’s IQ connect, it lets external apps give you further assistance in your swim practice. Although it is important to know that this watch only has pool resistance, not open ground.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stylish design | Can’t choose which apps get alert |
| Good GPS | ios users can’t respond to texts |
| Good heart rate monitor | Does not support music playback |
| tracks range of activities |
- Keeps track of your energy levels, Pulse Ox (this is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition), respiration, menstrual cycle, stress, sleep, estimated heart, hydration and more
- Easily download songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon music or Deezer (may require a premium subscription with a third party music provider), and connect with headphones (sold separately) for phone free listening
- Record all the ways to move with more than 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, including yoga, running, swimming and more
- Get easy to follow, animated workouts right on your watch screen, including cardio, strength, yoga and Pilates
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#6 Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.6/5
Key Features:
- BioActive sensor
- Connectivity by Bluetooth
- 40 hours of battery life
- Heart rate monitor
- ECG
- GPS
- Can resist 5 ATM pressure
One of Samsung’s best releases yet, this articulate watch has all you could ever need. Its software and storage space both allow the watch to have smooth runs of multiple apps. It may even be the fastest smartwatch ever.
A new and improved set, this watch includes GPS for runs, a heart rate sensor and an ECG monitor.
The most memorable feature is its bioactive sensor enabling a periodic watch on heart rates and blood oxygen levels.
Moving onto its water resistance, the watch can be submerged in up to 50 meters of water for prolonged periods. So, you can enjoy your dip in the pool without having to worry about taking your watch off.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Limited compatibility |
| Good design | No rotating bezel |
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#7 Apple Watch Series 6
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.8/5
Key Features:
- SpO2 monitoring
- ECG monitor
- Always on retina display
- Heart rate notifications
- Irregular heart rate notification
- Music
- App notification
- Call and text notifications
It just isn’t possible that Apple misses out on the swim-proof feature. The Series 6 is perfect in all ways. From its buttery smooth performance to its top-of-the-line features, there’s just no going wrong with this.
Now with the series 6, the watch offers SpO2 monitoring; a brighter always-on display and an always-on altimeter. Now, these may not be features only Apple has, but I can say with certainty that their performance is the best.
Aside from this, it even has a handwashing timer. Talk about inclusivity!
As far as swimming goes, it can go underwater but not for long. It’s usually advised to avoid long periods since it’s not specifically made for swimming.
| Pros | Cons |
| Improved brightness | Expensive |
| Fast processor | Poor battery improvement |
| Best 3rd party app selection |
- GPS model lets you take calls and reply to texts from your wrist
- Measure your blood oxygen with an all-new sensor and app
- Check your heart rhythm with the ECG app
- The Always-On Retina display is 2.5x brighter outdoors when your wrist is down
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
» Read my blog post about: Best Smartwatches for Treadmill Running
#8 Moov Now
Price Range: $
BestSportsLounge Rating: 3.2/5
Key Features:
- Long battery life
- Measures calories burned
- Sleep tracking
- Sleep monitoring
- Steps taken
- Personalized fitness stats
- Live map
- Choreographed workouts
Both the name and design give it a uniqueness that makes the watch stand out.
Its unique concept doesn’t hinder its features and job, though. This is a very powerful and good quality watch with months of battery life and many more perks.
What makes it exceptional is its relatively cheap price compared to its features that come parallel to those of Fitbit and Garmin. The watch has sleep tracking, fitness updates, run coaching and it can even be used when swimming.
More commonly referred to as a fitness coach, there’s no doubt in its title as it personalizes fitness workouts to make you the best at what you do.
It can also be used as a clip-on fitness tracker.
| Pros | Cons |
| Relatively cheap | No screen |
| Long battery life | Not very stylish |
- MOOV NOW provides real-time audio coaching for running, cycling, cardio boxing, body weight (Moov 7 Minute+)
- Most advanced swim tracker - stroke type, stroke count, lap analysis, recommends ways to improve
- Tracks Active Minutes and Sleep
- A wearable fitness coach that speaks to you - actively monitors your motion, tracks your progress, and motivates you to achieve your fitness goals
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#9 Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.1/5
Key Features:
- Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
- Easy to read summaries
- Continuous heart rate monitoring
- Tracks location
- Offline music services
- More than 3000 apps inbuilt
A rendition of the Fit 2, what makes this watch a ‘pro’ is its slow but steady steps towards the top. It still has the same sleek design as the Fit 2 and the same bright screen display. So what makes this different enough to have its launch?
Well, it’s made many minute scale improvements such as an outdoor mode. This way you can easily read your stats through the screen even under the scorching rays of the sun.
And if you’re worried about battery power, fear not because the brightness automatically tones down after 5 minutes.
One of my favorite additions is its music storage and Spotify. With the Fit 2 pro, you can sync Spotify through your phone and enjoy listening to music as you go on your light swim. What’s more refreshing than Lady Gaga under the water?
Its main feature is its new water lock mode ensuring that water droplets aren’t fingerprints. It also includes measuring metrics like pace, lap time, and SWOLF to measure swimming efficiency.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great design | Poor setup process |
| Offline Spotify | Bad value as compared to Fit 2 |
| Swim friendly |
- Water resistant up to fifty meters, now you can own the pool, run in the rain and recover in the shower
- Power through intervals to the beat of your favorite tracks with music storage on your Gear Fit2 Pro. Bullet Point : 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz
- Boost every session with fitness apps powered by Under Armour. Count every mile on Map MyRun, and stay on top of your nutrition with MyFitnessPal. Dust and Water resistant : MIL STD 810G and 5ATM
- Get a more accurate view of your performance and all day calorie burn with continuous heart rate monitoring. Battery - Battery Type and Size - 200mAh Li-ion. Typical Usage - Up to 3 days. Low Usage - Up to 5 days
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Well, that’s the end of the list. I hope it cleared up your mind and thoughts on what watch to get. Like I said before, every watch seems the same one way or another.
In the end, it all piles down to your personal preference and price range. You can either opt for the Apple series or find cheaper alternatives that do the trick as well. Either way, your main purpose for swimming will be fulfilled.
