Swimming is not only a fantastic full-body workout, but it’s also a low-impact cardiovascular activity that appeals to many people across all age groups. For swimmers, tracking performance—laps, strokes, heart rate, and more—can help enhance training efficiency and monitor progress over time. This is where waterproof activity trackers designed specifically for swimming come into play.
TL;DR
If you’re a swimmer looking to up your game, waterproof activity trackers are essential tools that can monitor everything from lap count to swim style. Top brands like Garmin, Apple, and Fitbit offer excellent options with advanced features such as GPS tracking, stroke recognition, and real-time analytics. Whether you’re a casual swimmer or training for a triathlon, there’s a tracker tailored to meet your needs. Below, we delve into the best waterproof activity trackers for swimmers and what to consider when making your choice.
What Makes a Great Waterproof Activity Tracker?
Not all waterproof trackers are created equal. Before diving into the top options, it’s essential to understand the features that make an activity tracker ideal for swimmers:
- Water Resistance Rating: Look for trackers with at least a 5 ATM or IP68 rating, indicating they can endure depths of up to 50 meters.
- Swim Tracking Capabilities: Not all waterproof trackers can interpret swimming-specific data. Look for one that tracks laps, stroke types, distance, SWOLF score, and pace.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Advanced models use optical or ECG sensors to monitor heart rate even underwater—perfect for serious athletes.
- Battery Life: The best trackers can last several days on a single charge, even with regular swim sessions.
- User Interface: A clear display and intuitive controls are a must, especially when wet or submerged.
Top Waterproof Activity Trackers for Swimmers
1. Garmin Swim 2
Designed specifically for swimmers, the Garmin Swim 2 offers an array of in-water metrics including stroke detection, SWOLF (a swim efficiency score), pace, and distance. Its GPS functionality additionally makes it a great option for open-water swimmers.
Key Features:
- Pool and open-water swim modes
- Built-in GPS and heart rate monitor
- Custom workouts
- Water resistance up to 5 ATM
This watch is ideal for serious swimmers who want robust swimming analytics and the ability to review performance in real-time or post-swim through the Garmin Connect app.
2. Apple Watch Series 9
The latest iteration of the Apple Watch continues to be a versatile fitness companion. It offers pool swim tracking, detailing your laps, strokes, and even detecting different swim techniques. While not technically a “swim watch,” its functionality will satisfy most recreational and amateur competitive swimmers.
Key Features:
- Water resistance up to 50 meters
- Automatic stroke recognition
- Supports third-party swim apps
- Comprehensive health tracking including ECG and blood oxygen levels
For those already integrated into the Apple ecosystem, the Series 9 provides seamless synchronization with iPhones and Apple Health. However, battery life is around 18 hours, so frequent charging is necessary.
3. Fitbit Charge 5
The Fitbit Charge 5 balances affordability with high-end features, making it a favorite among casual swimmers. Its swim mode supports basic pool metrics but lacks open-water tracking capabilities.
Key Features:
- Water resistance up to 50 meters
- Swim tracking in pools (laps, duration, calories)
- Built-in GPS and heart rate monitor
- Long battery life (up to 7 days)
A perfect choice for everyday health tracking with swim capabilities, the Fitbit Charge 5 is more affordable than most premium options while still offering reliable data.
4. Coros Pace 2
Favored among athletes for its lightweight build and extensive sports tracking features, the Coros Pace 2 includes both indoor and open-water swim tracking. While not as popular as Garmin or Apple, it holds its own in functionality.
Key Features:
- Water resistance up to 5 ATM
- Advanced metrics: SWOLF, stroke rate, distance
- Excellent GPS accuracy
- Battery life up to 20 days in regular mode
This watch is ideal for triathletes and fitness nerds who want ultra-light gear without sacrificing tracking power.
5. Spolar Swim Watch
Less known but packed with purpose-driven features, the Spolar Swim Watch is designed purely for swimmers. Though it lacks some of the smart features of its competitors, it excels in core swim tracking.
Key Features:
- Supports over 30 swim drills
- Custom swim workouts
- Water resistance of 10 ATM
- No GPS, but highly accurate lap tracking
This is great for swimmers focused narrowly on pool performance rather than multi-sport functionality.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Match Your Needs
Casual swimmers might not need all the bells and whistles that come with premium models. If you’re tracking swim sessions a few times a week for general fitness, mid-range models like the Fitbit Charge 5 offer excellent value.
Battery Life vs. Display
Vibrant displays like those on the Apple Watch often drain batteries faster. Trackers like the Garmin Swim 2 or Coros Pace 2 offer longer battery durations, which is crucial for frequent swimmers.
App Ecosystem
Consider what app the tracker syncs with—Garmin Connect, Apple Health, Fitbit App, etc. These platforms provide post-swim insights and help identify areas for improvement. Some also let you customize your swimming workouts and offer social features for motivation.
Comfort and Build
Swimmers spend a lot of time with their devices submerged. Choose a device with a comfortable, secure strap and a weight that feels good on your wrist during laps. Opt for silicone bands that dry quickly and don’t irritate the skin.
The Verdict
Waterproof activity trackers have pushed the boundaries of what swimmers can measure and improve upon. From robust multi-sport watches like the Garmin Swim 2 and Coros Pace 2 to user-friendly options like the Fitbit Charge 5, there’s no shortage of devices tailored to every swimming style and budget.
Investing in a waterproof activity tracker not only boosts your swimming performance but also enhances overall fitness by giving you a clearer picture of your health metrics. Whether you’re preparing for an Ironman or simply doing laps for leisure, a swim-optimized activity tracker can become your best lane partner.
Final Thoughts
The technology behind swim-ready trackers continues to evolve rapidly, with stronger water resistance, more accurate metrics, and improved smartwatch features. When selecting the right device, factor in your fitness goals, swimming frequency, preferred data points, and budget. Ultimately, the right tracker is the one that fits seamlessly into your swimming lifestyle and helps you reach new personal bests.
