Dive into Best Sports Watches for Swimming in 2024. Waterproof, accurate, & feature-packed – find your perfect aquatic companion.
Hit the water with confidence and track your every stroke with these top sports watches designed for swimming. Unlike ordinary timepieces, these swimming smartwatches are built to handle the challenges of your workouts. Constructed from water-resistant materials and featuring dedicated swim apps, these watches provide a deep dive into the metrics that matter most for your technique, endurance, and performance.
Whether pushing for personal bests, prepping for open water events, or just discovering the joys of swimming, these sports watches for swimming have you covered. Capture critical details of pace, distance, stroke count, interval times, and heart rate to improve stronger and faster with every session. Select from options with or without cell service to stay connected poolside or dive deep into training.
No matter your swimming skill or motivation, we’ve reviewed the best swimming watches to keep you on track. Compare features like battery life, smart capabilities, available metrics, and durability across Garmin, Apple, Coros, and Fitbit options. Find the perfect sports watch companion for your swimming adventures and realize your full potential. Are you ready to dive in?
Why should you invest in a swim watch?
Swimming is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy. Tracking your progress or timing your laps is as crucial as the workout. A watch that can handle challenging pool conditions can significantly impact your swimming experience, irrespective of your expertise level.
Swim watches are uniquely made to endure the challenging conditions of swimming. Their waterproof and long-lasting configuration allows you to check and evaluate your performance while experiencing your swim. Besides measuring distance, stroke rate, lap time, and several other metrics, swim watches include advanced features like heart rate monitor and GPS.
Top features to consider when buying a swim watch
When selecting a swim watch, key features include waterproof rating, battery life, smartphone compatibility, the type of data it can track, and how easily you can read the data underwater.
Here are the top features to consider when purchasing a swim watch:
Water resistance – Ensures the watch can handle swimming pools, open water, and other aquatic activities. Look for at least 5 ATM or 50 meters of water resistance for most swimming.
Battery life – Aims for several hours of battery life in swim mode for lengthy pool workouts or open water swims. Some watches specify battery life for smartwatch mode as well for daily use.
Smartphone compatibility – Determines whether the watch syncs with Android, iOS, or both platforms. Look for the option(s) that match the devices you use the most. Compatibility enables sharing your swim stats and progress.
Tracking capabilities – Decide which metrics are most important, like strokes, distance, laps, intervals, heart rate, GPS, etc. More advanced watches provide more comprehensive tracking for different swimming needs.
Display – An easy-to-read display with large, clear text and graphics allows monitoring details during your swim without straining your eyes. Some options have always-on displays for at-a-glance information.
Design – Comfort, fit, and style are essential for a watch you wear frequently during exercise. Look for an adjustable or elastic band and lightweight, breathable materials that won’t irritate your skin.
Smart features – Consider additional features such as music control, contactless payments, apps, notifications, and more, depending on how you use the watch otherwise. Some watches have dedicated swim apps and programs as well.
Connectivity – Determine if you want the watch to have cellular capability for streaming music, making calls, or using apps when away from your phone. Cellular adds to the cost but provides more independence.
Available styles – Evaluate case size, material, color, and band options. More options mean a better chance of finding a style you love for everyday wear.
Pricing – Set a budget and compare values across different watches to find the right balance of features and quality for the price. Options start around $100-$200 for basic swim tracking up to $500 or more for premium smartwatches with advanced features.
Several sports watches are excellent for swimming. Here are some of the best sports watches for swimming
Garmin Swim 2
Garmin Swim 2
For Pool and Open Water
- GPS swimming smartwatch
- Heart rate tracking underwater
- Auto rest and drill logging
- Critical swim speed estimation
- Turn-based pacing alerts
The Garmin Swim 2 is an innovative GPS swimming smartwatch that tracks open water and pool swimming workouts. It provides key metrics, including heart rate, pace, distance, stroke count, stroke type, SWOLF score, and more – all while swimming.
Some of the featured benefits of the Garmin Swim 2 include:
- Auto rest – Automatically detects and logs rest periods during workouts.
- Drill logging – Records timed intervals for kick sets and other drills.
- Critical swim speed – Estimates your optimal swimming speed for improved performance.
- Turn-based pacing alerts – Notifies you if you’re ahead or behind your target pace at each turn.
- Pool swim workouts – Guided programs for interval, play, and circuit training in the pool.
The Garmin Swim 2 also supports sports like running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training. It features a 1.04-inch color display, five buttons for intuitive navigation, and up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode or 13 hours in GPS mode.
Designed for comfort and convenience while swimming, the Garmin Swim 2 has a lightweight 42mm case and silicone band that fits most wrist sizes. It is water-resistant up to 16 atmospheres or 50 meters deep.
Synchronize your swim workouts and metrics with the Garmin Connect app for in-depth analytics, training plans, social sharing, and more.
The Garmin Swim 2 GPS swimming smartwatch typically retails for $249.99. It comes in slate gray or whitestone options. For an additional $100, you can bundle it with an HRM-Swim heart rate monitor.
The Garmin Swim 2 is compatible with Android and iOS devices for seamless data transfer and monitoring. With its features and form-fitting, swim-ready design, the Garmin Swim 2 is the ultimate smartwatch training tool for open water and pool swimming.
Garmin Swim 2 Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Waterproof rating | Up to 50m |
| Screen | Color touchscreen |
| Heart rate tracker | It works underwater |
| Activity tracking | Yes, for swimming and other sports |
| GPS | Yes, it works underwater |
| Battery life | Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, up to 13 hours in GPS and optical heart rate mode |
| Compatibility | Android/iOS |
| Swim metrics | Length, distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, stroke type, pace alerts, critical swim speed, auto rest |
Coros Pace 2
Coros Pace 2
- Super lightweight design (29g)
- Excellent satellite positioning (GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou)
- High-resolution display (240×240 pixels)
- AI trainer for optimal performance
- Long battery life (20 days)
The Coros Pace 2 is a GPS sports watch that can track swimming, among other activities. It has a heart rate monitor, a barometer, an accelerometer, a compass, a gyroscope, and a thermometer. It can also measure running power from the wrist and integrate with Stryd power meters.
It has a 1.2-inch color display, four buttons for navigation, and a battery life of up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode. It weighs only 29g with the nylon band, making it one of the lightest GPS watches on the market. It supports Android and iOS devices and syncs with the Coros app for additional features.
The Coros Pace 2 is priced at $199 USD and comes in navy blue, white, black, and pink. You can select between a nylon band or a silicone band.
Coros Pace 2 Feature
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Waterproof rating | Up to 50m |
| Screen | Yes, color memory-in-pixel display |
| Heart rate tracker | Yes, works 24/7 |
| Activity tracking | Yes, for swimming and other sports134 |
| GPS | Yes, supported by two additional satellite positioning systems2 |
| Battery life | Up to 20 days in smartwatch mode, up to 30 hours in GPS mode |
| Compatibility | Android/iOS |
| Swim metrics | Length, distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, stroke rate, stroke efficiency index |
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8
[GPS 41mm] Smart Watch
- Temperature Sensing for Women’s Health
- Crash detection for emergency help
- Sleep stages for better understanding
- Enhanced workout app for training
- Always-on retina display for style
The Apple Watch Series 8 features advanced health monitoring utilities that track heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns and provide ECG readings. This smartwatch offers a seamless user experience, long battery life, and a bright OLED display, suiting any lifestyle or activity level.
Additionally, its design seamlessly integrates monitoring and managing overall wellness into daily routines. Key benefits include:
- Heart rate and blood oxygen tracking – Ensures optimal cardio fitness and oxygen levels during workouts or rest. Provides alerts for abnormal rates.
- Sleep analysis – Identifies sleep stages, duration, and quality to improve rest and daytime vitality. Offers reports and tips for better sleep hygiene.
- ECG app – Performs an electrocardiogram to check heart rhythm and detect signs of atrial fibrillation or other heart conditions. Data is stored securely in the Health app.
- Body temperature sensing – Tracks changes in basal body temperature during sleep to better understand wellness and enhance menstrual cycle awareness for women. Find patterns for predicting ovulation.
- Fall detection – Detects if you’ve taken a hard fall and alerts emergency contacts. You can request help even if you’re unable to.
- App gallery – Access exercise, meditation, nutrition, and other apps for an integrated approach. Many are optimized for the Apple Watch experience.
The Apple Watch Series 8 costs $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular version. Available in aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium materials with five color options: midnight, starlight, green, blue, and red. Additional bands sold separately can be mixed and matched to personal style.
The Apple Watch Series 8 delivers cutting-edge health and fitness tracking to keep you informed and empowered. Its metrics, monitoring features and integrative design promote wellness, endurance, and progress at every stage of life. Whether starting a new routine, managing a condition, or optimizing performance, this watch supports your every move. Detailed insights and alerts keep you aware of your body’s needs while stylish, durable construction suits any wrist or lifestyle. The Apple Watch Series 8 invests in insight and vitality for the long run.
Apple Watch Series 8 Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Waterproof rating | Up to 50m1 |
| Screen | Yes, always-on retina display |
| Heart rate tracker | Yes, works 24/7 and has an ECG app |
| Activity tracking | Yes, for swimming and other sports |
| GPS | Yes, for outdoor activities |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours in smartwatch mode |
| Compatibility | iOS only |
| Temperature sensing | Yes, tracks your temperature while you sleep and enables advanced cycle tracking features |
Fitbit Charge 5
Fitbit Charge 5
Advanced Health & Fitness Tracker
- Stress management with EDA sensor
- ECG app for heart health
- Built-in GPS for outdoor activities
- AMOLED touchscreen for bright display
- Daily readiness score for recovery
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a fitness tracker that can track your activity, heart rate, SpO2, stress, sleep, and more. It has a bright AMOLED touchscreen display, a built-in GPS, an ECG app, and an EDA sensor. It also supports Fitbit Pay, smart notifications, and voice assistants.
The battery of Fitbit Charge 5 lasts for a maximum of 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 5 hours in GPS mode. The device is designed to be water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for tracking swimming activities. With a complimentary half-year membership of Fitbit Premium, it can determine your regular readiness level and score of stress management.
The Fitbit Charge 5 costs $179.95 USD and is available in black/graphite, platinum/lunar white, and steel blue/gold3. You can also choose from different band styles and materials sold separately.
Fitbit Charge 5 Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Waterproof rating | Up to 50m1 |
| Screen | Yes, color AMOLED touchscreen |
| Heart rate tracker | Yes, works 24/7 and has an ECG app |
| Activity tracking | Yes, for swimming and other sports |
| GPS | Yes, for outdoor activities |
| Battery life | Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode |
| Compatibility | Android/iOS |
| Stress management | Yes, tracks your stress level and provides mindfulness tools |
Garmin Forerunner 945
Garmin Forerunner 945
Running/Triathlon Smartwatch
- LTE connectivity for phone-free safety
- GPS running and triathlon smartwatch
- Music storage and streaming services
- Advanced performance monitoring tools
- Long battery life and durability
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a GPS running and triathlon watch that can track your activity, heart rate, VO2 max, training load, recovery time, and more. It has a color display, five buttons for navigation, and a battery life of up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode12. It also supports Garmin Pay, smart notifications, music storage and streaming, and incident detection12.
The Garmin Forerunner 945 also has a new LTE version that can connect to cellular networks without a phone. This allows you to use live tracking, spectator messaging, emergency assistance, and live event sharing without carrying your phone3. The LTE version costs $649.99 USD and is available in whitestone or black.
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is compatible with Android and iOS devices. You can sync your data with the Garmin Connect app and access more features like advanced analytics, training plans, social sharing, and more.
The Garmin Forerunner 945 costs $499.99 USD and is available in black or blue1. You can also choose from different band styles and materials sold separately.
Check out the Garmin Forerunner 35 Review
Garmin Forerunner 945 Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Waterproof rating | Up to 50m |
| Screen | Yes, color transflective memory-in-pixel display |
| Heart rate tracker | Yes, works 24/7 and has an ECG app |
| Activity tracking | Yes, for swimming and other sports |
| GPS | Yes, for outdoor activities and navigation |
| Battery life | Up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, up to 36 hours in GPS mode |
| Compatibility | Android/iOS |
| Music storage | Yes, up to 1000 songs |
Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin Swim 2 | Coros Pace 2 | Apple Watch Series 8 | Fitbit Charge 5 | Garmin Forerunner 945 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof rating | Up to 50m | Up to 50m | Up to 50m | Up to 50m | Up to 50m |
| Screen | Color touchscreen | Color memory-in-pixel display | Always-on retina display | Color AMOLED touchscreen | Color transflective memory-in-pixel display |
| Heart rate tracker | Yes, works underwater | Yes, works 24/7 and has an ECG app | Yes, works 24/7 and has an ECG app | Yes, works 24/7 and has an ECG app | Yes, works 24/7 and has an ECG app |
| Activity tracking | Yes, for swimming and other sports | Yes, for swimming and other sports | Yes, for swimming and other sports | Yes, for swimming and other sports | Yes, for swimming and other sports |
| GPS | Yes, works underwater | Yes, supported by two additional satellite positioning systems | Yes, for outdoor activities | Yes, for outdoor activities and navigation | Yes, for outdoor activities and navigation |
| Battery life | Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, up to 13 hours in GPS and optical heart rate mode | Up to 20 days in smartwatch mode, up to 30 hours in GPS mode | Up to 18 hours in smartwatch mode | Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode | Up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, up to 36 hours in GPS mode |
| Compatibility | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | iOS only | Android/iOS | Android/iOS |
| Music storage | No | No | No (GPS model), yes (GPS + Cellular model) up to 32GB songs or streaming services like Apple Music or Spotify. | No (GPS model), yes (GPS + Cellular model) up to 1000 songs or streaming services like Spotify or Deezer |
Conclusion
These are just some of the best sports watches for swimming or water sports, and you will need to choose based on your budget, features, and desired functionalities.
In conclusion, sports watches designed specifically for swimming provide unparalleled tracking of your workouts and performance. They feature water-resistant construction, dedicated swim apps and modes, and advanced sensors to capture every stroke and measure that matters most. Whether pushing personal bests, training for open water events, or discovering the joy of swimming, a high-quality swim watch becomes your workout partner.
These watches motivate you to swim stronger and longer through insights into speed, distance, interval times, stroke count, and heart rate. They build confidence in the open water and push your limits in the pool. Whatever your swimming goals, a swim watch helps bring them within your reach. No swim is too small or too big for proper tracking and motivation.
Invest in a sports watch built to handle swimming and open up new possibilities for progress. Start analyzing the details behind personal records and best practices for technique or endurance for continued improvement over time. Your swim watch is the tool that will keep you engaged through years of discovery and achievement in the pool. There’s no better way to dive into the benefits of swimming than with a running buddy designed specifically for the job. Make each swim count – track it all with a sports watch made for swimming!
If you like running, prepare to take your runs to the next level with these cutting-edge smartwatches tailored to unleash your endurance and shatter personal bests.
References
- Garmin Swim 2: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/641471
- Coros Pace 2: https://coros.com/pace-2
- Apple Watch Series 8: https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-7/
- Fitbit Charge 5: https://www.fitbit.com/global/us/products/smartwatches/fitbit-charge-5
- Garmin Forerunner 945: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/621922
- Suunto 9: https://www.suunto.com/sports-watches/suunto-9/
- Polar Vantage V2: https://www.polar.com/us-en/vantage/v2
- Samsung Galaxy Watch4: https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-watch4/
- Timex Ironman R300 GPS: https://www.timex.com/ironman-gps
- Casio G-Shock GBD-H1000: https://www.casio.com/products/watches/g-shock/gbdh1000-1a7
As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.