Diving into the water, whether it’s for a rigorous training session in the pool or an adventurous open-water swim, requires gear that can keep up. For water sports enthusiasts, a reliable swimming watch is more than a timepiece; it’s a crucial training partner. These advanced wearables track your laps, monitor your heart rate, and analyze your stroke efficiency, providing the data you need to improve your performance and achieve your fitness goals.
The right watch can transform your relationship with the water, offering insights that were once only available to professional athletes. From dedicated swim trackers to versatile multisport GPS watches, the market is filled with options designed for every level of swimmer. This roundup will help you navigate the features and find the perfect device to accompany you on your next aquatic endeavor.
The Best Swimming Watches for Your Active Lifestyle
- H2O Audio 100% Waterproof Headphones & iPod Shuffle Case
- Garmin Swim 2, GPS Swimming Smartwatch for Pool and Open Water
- Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit (Black)
- Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar, Premium Multisport GPS Watch
- Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR – Black
- Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro Smart Fitness Band (Large), Diamond Red
- Fitbit Versa Smart Watch, Black/Black Aluminium
- Garmin Forerunner 945 GPS Smartwatch with Music
- Suunto 9 Peak Pro GPS Sports Watch with Barometer
H2O Audio 100% Waterproof Headphones & iPod Shuffle Case
While not a watch, this audio solution is a game-changer for swimmers who want to combine their training with high-quality music. The system features superior sound with noise-cancelling headphones that are sweat-proof and waterproof, boasting an IPX8 rating for submersion up to 12 feet. This allows you to enjoy your favorite playlists during pool laps without any compromise on audio quality.
Designed with athlete input, the ergonomic earbuds sit flush with the ear for a secure and comfortable fit. The package includes five sets of earplugs and a tree tip set to ensure they stay in place during vigorous activity. You can make your purchase with confidence, as the product is backed by an industry-leading 1-year warranty.
Garmin Swim 2
The Garmin Swim 2 is a specialized smartwatch built specifically for swimmers. It seamlessly transitions between pool and open-water swimming, using GPS to track your route, pace, and distance in lakes, rivers, or oceans. For pool sessions, it automatically records your distance, pace, stroke count, and stroke type, providing a comprehensive overview of your workout.
A key feature is the SWOLF score, which gauges your swimming efficiency by combining stroke count and time per lap. The watch also monitors your underwater wrist-based heart rate, offering deeper insights into your effort and recovery. With a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, it’s a dedicated companion for any swimmer focused on improving their technique.
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is a premium multisport GPS watch that excels in triathlon and other endurance activities, including swimming. It offers advanced running and multisport features in a remarkably lightweight design of just 49 grams, making it comfortable for all-day wear and intense training sessions.
For navigation and environmental awareness, it includes a built-in barometer for tracking elevation changes, along with an altimeter and electronic compass. Its robust swimming metrics track your performance in the water, while the wrist-based heart rate monitoring provides continuous data across all your activities, making it an excellent choice for the serious multisport athlete.
Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar
The Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar is a top-tier multisport GPS watch built for extreme adventures. Its standout feature is the Power Glass solar charging lens, which harnesses the sun’s energy to significantly extend battery life, ensuring your watch stays powered during long-distance swims and off-grid excursions. The large 1.4-inch display is easy to read in any condition.
It comes loaded with advanced training features, including PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance and training status estimates. The watch also provides enhanced wrist heart rate and Pulse Ox data, supporting advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation, making it a comprehensive tool for athletes who push their limits in various environments.
Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR
The Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR is a versatile and durable watch ready for a wide range of sports, including swimming, running, cycling, and gym workouts. It offers reliable GPS tracking to monitor your speed, pace, and distance, giving you accurate data for your training sessions in and out of the water.
With a battery life of up to 10 hours in training mode, it is well-suited for long workouts and competitions. Its robust construction and water resistance make it a dependable choice for swimmers looking for a straightforward, multisport watch that delivers essential performance metrics without unnecessary complexity.
Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro Smart Fitness Band
The Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro is a sleek fitness band that doesn’t shy away from water, being water-resistant up to 50 meters. This allows you to track your swims, run in the rain, and wear it in the shower without worry. Its curved Super AMOLED display is bright and clear, making it easy to check your stats at a glance.
A major benefit is the onboard music storage, letting you power through workouts with your favorite tracks directly from the band. It also integrates seamlessly with leading fitness apps like Under Armour’s MapMyRun and MyFitnessPal, providing a connected ecosystem to manage your running and nutritional goals.
Fitbit Versa Smart Watch
The Fitbit Versa is a versatile smartwatch that combines everyday activity tracking with robust swim-proof features, being water-resistant to 50 meters. It tracks your all-day activity, 24/7 heart rate, and sleep stages, all with a battery life that lasts over four days on a single charge.
For swimmers, it automatically tracks your swim laps, providing valuable data on your pool workouts. It also allows you to store and play more than 300 songs and offers on-screen workouts that guide you through each move. With over 15 exercise modes, it’s a comprehensive health and fitness watch for a variety of activities.
Garmin Forerunner 945 GPS Smartwatch with Music
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a high-performance GPS smartwatch designed for serious athletes. It includes advanced dynamics for running, cycling, and swimming, providing detailed metrics to help you fine-tune your technique and performance across all disciplines. Its music storage capability allows you to leave your phone behind and still enjoy your personal playlists during workouts.
This watch offers comprehensive training and recovery insights, including training load focus, aerobic and anaerobic exercise effects, and recovery time advice. With full-color mapping and a pulse ox sensor for altitude acclimation, the Forerunner 945 is a feature-rich tool for triathletes and endurance swimmers who demand the most from their gear.
Suunto 9 Peak Pro GPS Sports Watch with Barometer
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is a sleek and rugged GPS sports watch built to withstand the demands of intense training. It features a barometer for accurate weather tracking and altitude information, which is particularly useful for open-water swimmers navigating different conditions. The heart rate monitor provides valuable data on your exertion levels during swims and other activities.
Known for its exceptional battery life and robust construction, this watch is designed for endurance. It offers over 95 sport modes, including detailed tracking for swimming, and uses FusedTrack technology to improve GPS accuracy and conserve battery on long adventures, making it a reliable partner for any water sports enthusiast.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Perfect Swimming Watch
So, you’re in the market for one of the best swimming watches for water sports. It can feel a bit overwhelming with all the specs and features thrown at you. I’ve been there. The key is to focus on what actually matters for your time in the water, not just the flashy tech. Let’s break down the main things you should be looking for.
First and most importantly, you need to check the water resistance rating. This is non-negotiable. A watch that says it’s “water-resistant” might only be okay for hand-washing. For actual swimming, you want a rating of at least 5 ATM (atmospheres), which is good for surface swimming. For serious lap swimming, freediving, or surfing, I recommend looking for a minimum of 10 ATM. For scuba diving, you’ll need 20 ATM or more. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to see what activities the rating is intended for.
Next, think about the tracking features. A basic swimming watch will track your laps, distance, and duration. But if you’re serious about improving, you’ll want more advanced metrics. Look for a watch that can measure your SWOLF score (a combination of stroke count and time), stroke type recognition (freestyle, breaststroke, etc.), and even track your heart rate in the water. Some use an optical sensor on the wrist, while others pair with a chest strap for greater accuracy. For open water swimming, built-in GPS is a game-changer for tracking your exact route, speed, and distance without relying on a phone.
Battery life is another huge factor. If you’re just doing hour-long pool sessions, almost any sports watch will suffice. But if you’re an open water swimmer planning long sessions, or an ultramarathon swimmer, you need a watch that can last. Check how long the battery lasts in GPS mode specifically, as that drains power the fastest. Some watches offer an “ultra” or battery saver mode that can extend life for multi-day adventures.
Finally, don’t forget about the physical design and display. A comfortable, secure strap is essential—silicone is a popular choice for a reason. The screen needs to be easy to read underwater and while you’re moving. A MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) or transflective display is often better in bright sunlight than a standard OLED, which can be harder to see. Also, consider the user interface. Buttons are often easier to use with wet fingers than a touchscreen. Finding the right combination of these features will help you narrow down your search and find a watch that truly fits your aquatic lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ATM rating on a swimming watch actually mean?
ATM stands for “atmosphere,” and it’s a measure of static pressure. In simple terms, a 10 ATM rating means the watch can theoretically withstand pressure equivalent to being 100 meters underwater. However, this is tested under controlled, static conditions. In the real world, your movements—like a vigorous butterfly stroke or the force of a dive entry—create dynamic pressure that increases the strain on the watch. That’s why a 10 ATM watch is recommended for swimming and snorkeling, but not necessarily for high-speed water sports or scuba diving. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the intended use.
Can I use the heart rate monitor on my watch while swimming?
It depends on the watch. Many modern sports watches now have waterproof optical heart rate sensors that work underwater. However, the accuracy can vary. Water can interfere with the light-based sensor, and arm movement during swimming can cause a less secure fit, leading to erratic readings. For the most accurate heart rate data while swimming, many serious athletes prefer to use a compatible chest strap transmitter, which is designed to handle the aquatic environment and movement better. Check if your chosen watch supports this kind of pairing.
How does a watch track my swimming strokes and laps?
It’s pretty clever. The watch uses its internal accelerometer and gyroscope to detect the specific motion patterns of your arms. Each swimming stroke—freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly—has a unique arm and body movement signature. The watch’s algorithms analyze these patterns to identify your stroke. For lap counting in a pool, the watch detects the sharp turn and push-off from the wall. You usually have to tell the watch the length of the pool first (e.g., 25 meters), and it uses that data combined with the turn detection to calculate your total distance and laps.
Is a touchscreen or button-based watch better for swimming?
This one comes down to personal preference, but I often lean towards buttons for water use. Touchscreens can be unresponsive or behave unpredictably when wet. Trying to swipe through screens with dripping fingers can be a real hassle. Physical buttons provide tactile feedback and are generally more reliable when you’re in the water and need to start, stop, or lap your timer quickly. Some watches, like certain Garmin models, even have a “lock” feature for the buttons to prevent accidental presses during your workout.
Do I need a separate app to analyze my swimming data?
Yes, almost always. The watch itself will show you a summary of your workout, but the deep dive into your data happens in a companion smartphone app or web platform. Brands like Garmin, Apple, Suunto, and Polar have their own dedicated apps where you can see detailed graphs of your pace, heart rate, SWOLF, stroke rate, and more. This is where you can track your progress over time, join challenges, and share your results. When you are looking for the best swimming watches for water sports, it’s a good idea to also check out the corresponding app to see if its interface and analysis tools meet your needs.