Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers: Swim, Sweat, and Succeed

Ever wondered which fitness tracker can keep pace with your swim laps and withstand the sweat of your most intense workouts? The quest for the best waterproof fitness trackers isn’t just about staying connected during a downpour. It’s a search for a robust companion that mirrors your resilience.

Leading the pack, we find models that not only shrug off water but also offer an array of features to track every stride and stroke. Imagine devices that not only endure a dip in the pool but also provide detailed analytics to improve your performance, from your resting heart rate to your peak swimming speed. With expert endorsements from top fitness tech analysts, these trackers stand out for their precision, durability, and innovative design.

But who says durability can’t be paired with style and sophistication? Prepare to delve into our carefully curated assortment of waterproof fitness titans that marry practicality with panache.

Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers: Quick Recommendations

If you’re short on time, here are my top three picks for the best fitness trackers currently available in the market.

Best Overall: Garmin Swim 2

I recently received the Waterproof Garmin Swim 2, and I was thrilled to find that it arrived brand new and in perfect condition. I immediately took it for a swim, and the GPS function performed flawlessly in open water, providing accurate tracking of my swim. I also used it as a waterproof pedometer for running, and it worked exceptionally well in that activity too. Although the watch face is larger than I expected and it’s not a touch screen, with a bit of reading and trial and error, I quickly figured out how to navigate it.

Editor’s Choice: Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker

After my daughter lost her Fitbit waterproof watch while swimming in a lake in NH, we thought it was gone forever. Surprisingly, over a year later, her friend found it in the lake and returned it to us. To our astonishment, we plugged it in, and it charged up perfectly, functioning as if it were brand new! This remarkable Fitbit managed to survive a full year submerged underwater, enduring even the harsh conditions of an NH winter.

Best User-friendly: Amazfit Band 5 Activity Fitness Tracker

Setting up the Zepp app and pairing the watch to my Bluetooth was a straightforward process, requiring registration for sign-in. Initially, the little band was slightly challenging to fasten on my wrist, and it could come off during bed or regular use if not properly secured or if the closure button got caught on something.

While the readouts were user-friendly, the instructions and explanations of functions lacked clarity, and manual inputs for measurements like blood pressure and body temperature were only available in UK measurements, necessitating conversion for users who prefer imperial measurements

Our Top Picks

Garmin Swim 2: Best Overall

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Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker: Best for Tracking Your Running

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Amazfit Band 5 Activity Fitness Tracker: Best User-Friendly

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Boean SW06 Smartwatch: Best Swim Lap Counter Watch

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Apple Watch Ultra: Waterproof Hr Activity Tracker

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Apple Watch SE: Best for Outdoor Sports

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SAMSUNG Gear Fit2 Pro Smartwatch: Best for Design

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Best for a Rotating Bezel

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Best Waterproof Fitness Tracker: Detail Reviews

So, in this detailed review guide, we will explore the top waterproof fitness trackers available on the market. From their durability and water resistance to their tracking capabilities and additional features, we’ll provide comprehensive insights to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best waterproof fitness tracker for your needs.

Garmin Swim 2

Rating: 9.9*

Specs: 

1. Water resistance: 5 ATM
2. Exercise modes: Pool swim, OW swim, run, bike, cardio
3. Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
4. Battery Life: Up to 7 days for watch mode with smart notifications, activity tracking, and wrist heart rate Up to 14 hr. in GPS mode with wrist heart rate
5. Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Garmin Elevate Wrist Heart Rate Monitor, Accelerometer

My Experience:

I’ve been a dedicated runner for years and have always trusted Garmin products. This is the most compact model I’ve owned, yet it boasts an impressive battery life. Unlike my previous Garmin 310XT, this one is stylish enough to be worn as an everyday watch. I previously relied on the 310XT for its 12-13 hours of GPS mode battery life during ultra marathons. While I haven’t pushed this new model beyond a 50K (around 5 hours), its battery performance is commendable. I run multiple 45-50 minute sessions with GPS weekly and, combined with daily use, I only need to charge it once a week. Navigating through its numerous features can be a tad overwhelming, especially when customizing my preferred data screens. I assume familiarity will grow over time. On the whole, I appreciate the plethora of data it provides, even if some of it might remain unexplored.

Using the Garmin Swim 2 in the water has been a game-changer for me. As a dedicated swimmer, this smartwatch has taken my aquatic workouts to the next level. It tracks every detail with precision, from lap count to stroke type, helping me refine my technique. The open water GPS feature is a gem, providing accurate data on my routes and performance. Plus, it’s comfortable to wear, and its stylish design makes it versatile for everyday use. If you’re serious about swimming, the Garmin Swim 2 is a must-have.

Fitbit Charge 4 – Waterproof Fitness Watch

Rating: 9.8*

Specs:

1. Water resistance: 5 ATM
2. Exercise modes: Goal-Based Exercise Modes, All-Day Activity Tracking, Reminders to Move, Automatic Exercise Recognition, Guided Breathing Sessions
3. Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
4. Battery Life: up to 7 days, or up to 5 hours with continuous GPS use
5. Sensors: Accelerometer, Altimeter, SpO2, and Heart rate sensor, GPS

My Experience:

I purchased this as a replacement for a previous Fitbit I owned. I ensured it came with the charging mechanism I prefer. It’s been durable and long-lasting. However, over time, the part of the watch that connects to the band broke, preventing me from replacing the band. I’m considering buying the same Fitbit model again because I find it user-friendly, comfortable to wear, and the display is easy to read. The charger design is intuitive, ensuring that I can tell when it’s charging correctly. This is crucial for me, especially since we have another device with a different charging system that occasionally doesn’t remain connected during charging.

I’ve been putting the Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker through its paces in the water, and it’s been a pleasant surprise. The waterproof design means I can wear it while swimming without worries. It accurately tracks my laps and provides insights into my swim duration, distance, and calories burned. The icing on the cake is the built-in GPS, which maps my open water swims with precision. It’s comfortable on the wrist and the touchscreen works surprisingly well even when wet.

Amazfit Band 5 Activity Fitness Tracker

Rating: 9.5*

Specs:

1. Water resistance: 5 ATM
2. Exercise modes: Outdoor running, Treadmill, Walking, Indoor cycling, Cycling, Rowing machine, Yoga, Jump rope, Pool swimming, Freestyle and Elliptical
3. Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
4. Battery Life: 15 days (assuming 30 minutes for automatically heart rate detection, 100 notifications, 30 wrist lifts, and 5 minutes of other operations every day. 30 minutes of running every three days)
5. Sensors: Accelerometer, SpO2, Heart rate sensor, GPS

Item Description:

The Amazfit Band 5 is a versatile activity fitness tracker with Amazon Alexa built-in, enabling voice commands and smart home control. It offers Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and boasts an impressive 15-day battery life, eliminating daily recharges. The device features a Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor, making it suitable for intensive workouts. Its Huami-proprietary BioTracker™2 PPG optical sensor provides 24/7 real-time heart rate monitoring, and it also evaluates sleep quality. As a fitness partner, the Band 5 supports 11 sports modes, is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, and even tracks women’s menstrual cycles. Compatible with Android 5.0/iOS 10.0 or above, its strap fits 6.4-9.3 inches.

Boean SW06 Fitn Waterproof Fitness Watch

Rating: 9.2*

Specs:

1. Water resistance: 5 ATM
2. Exercise modes: Running, Gymnastics, Boating, Cycling, Climbing, Ping-pong, Badminton, and Walking Activities
3. Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
4. Battery Life: up to Ten Days
5. Sensors: Heart rate sensor, SpO2, Sleep-breathing Quality Monitor

Item Description:

The Boean SW06 Smartwatch boasts a 1.3-inch IPS screen and operates with Bluetooth 4.0. It has a waterproof rating of IP67, ensuring it’s resilient against water exposure. The watch has a battery capacity of 200mAh. Designed with aesthetics in mind, the watch’s band is made of TPU while the case is crafted from alloy. It features a rectangular dial measuring 1.3 inches, with an adjustable band size ranging from 150-200MM. The smartwatch supports multiple languages, including English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Its package weighs 0.1250 kg, and the dimensions are 13.00 x 8.00 x 3.50 cm or 5.12 x 3.15 x 1.38 inches.

Apple Watch Ultra Waterproof Fitness Watch

Rating: 9.3*

Specs:

Water resistance: 5 ATM
Exercise modes: Walk, Run, Cycling, Elliptical, Rower, Stair Stepper, HIIT, Hiking.
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Battery Life: up to 36 Hours with Normal use and up to 12 Hours During an Outdoor Run
Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyro, Heart Rate, Barometer, Always-on altimeter, Compass, SpO2, VO2max, Temperature (body), Temperature (water)

Item Description:

The Apple Watch Ultra, priced at $799, stands out in Apple’s lineup with notable upgrades. It features a larger battery, a titanium casing for increased durability, and a screen twice as bright as the Series 8. Exclusive to the Ultra is a dual-frequency GPS for precise tracking, additional microphones for clearer voice calls, and a customizable Action button for quick activity transitions, including triathlon shifts. LTE connectivity comes standard, distinguishing it from many fitness watches without cellular options. Despite its singular 49mm size, which may be large for some, the Ultra offers more protection with its titanium casing and brighter display. The Action button is a highlight, offering various functions, from starting workouts to marking segments. While the Ultra’s design might be bulky for some, it offers compatibility with older Apple Watch bands and introduces an exclusive watch face, Wayfinder. This watch is positioned as a robust blend of a smartwatch and sports watch, challenging other premium sports watches in the market.

Apple Watch SE

Rating: 8.9*

Specs:

1. Water resistance: 5 ATM
2. Exercise modes: Pool Swim or Open Water Swim.
3. Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
4. Battery Life: up to 18 hours
5. Sensors: An Electrical Heart Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS

Item Description:

The Apple Watch SE (2022) is Apple’s budget-friendly smartwatch priced at $249, offering many of the features found in the more expensive Series 8. The second-generation SE replaces both its predecessor and the Series 3, coming in as the most affordable option in Apple’s watch lineup. Key features of the new SE include a processor that matches the Series 8, car-crash detection, and a revamped Compass app. While it shares performance similarities with the Series 8, the SE lacks an always-on display and some advanced health-tracking features like ECG and blood oxygen saturation measurements. Design-wise, the watch offers new color choices and a refined back finish. For users seeking core functionalities like iPhone notifications, workout tracking, and Apple Pay, the Apple Watch SE presents a value-packed choice. However, those desiring more health features might lean towards the Series 8.

SAMSUNG Gear Fit2 Pro Smartwatch

Rating: 8.7*

Specs:

1. Water resistance: 5 ATM
2. Exercise modes: Running, Walking, Cycling, Hiking, Elliptical Trainer, Exercise Bike, Step Machine, Treadmill, Swimming, Lunges, Crunches, Squats, Star Jumps, Pilates, Yoga, Rowing Machine
3. Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
4. Battery Life: up to 3 days or more
5. Sensors: Accelerometer, Ambient light, GPS, HRM and Gyroscope

Item Description:

The Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro Smartwatch is designed for both land and aquatic fitness tracking, boasting a 5 ATM water-resistance rating that works up to 164′ deep. Enhanced from its predecessor, it features built-in sensors like GPS, accelerometer, and heart rate to meticulously monitor activities including steps, calorie burn, sleep, and specific sports like swimming and cycling. The device showcases a 1.5″ Super AMOLED display for clear viewing under various lighting conditions. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, enabling synchronization with smartphones and wireless headphones. With a 200mAh rechargeable battery, it promises multiple days of use before needing a recharge.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Rating: 8.5*

Specs:

1. Water resistance: 5 ATM
2. Exercise modes: Walking (Auto-Detect), Running (Auto-Detect), Cycling (Auto-Detect), Swimming (pool), Running Coach, Circuit Training, Swimming (outdoor), Hiking.
3. Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
4. Battery Life: 50 hours on a single charge
5. Sensors: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis sensor, Electrical Heart sensor (ECG), and Optical Heart Rate sensor, GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo.

Item Description:

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, launching with the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, is a Google Wear OS-powered smartwatch that promises abundant apps and strong smartphone integration. Echoing the Watch 4 in operations, it comes in two sizes and various colors. The Watch 5 Pro version offers improved battery life and a more robust build. Its design features a neutral aesthetic with a robust metal frame and a sapphire glass fascia. User interaction is intuitive, though a gap exists between Samsung’s fitness features and Google Fit synchronization. The watch boasts excellent sleep tracking, precise heart rate monitoring, and a competent GPS. One drawback is the modest battery life of the 40mm model, pushing those wanting better battery life towards the Watch 5 Pro.

What to Look for in a Waterproof Fitness Tracker

When searching for a waterproof fitness tracker, there are key features to consider that will enhance your aquatic workout experience. From pairing capabilities to water resistance ratings and specialized swim-centric features, finding the right tracker can ensure accurate tracking and safety during water-based activities.

Pairing Capabilities:

Look for a fitness tracker that seamlessly pairs with your smartphone or other devices, allowing you to easily sync and analyze your workout data.

Swim-Centric Features:

Opt for a tracker that offers specific features designed for swimming, such as lap counting, swim distance tracking, and swim stroke analysis. These features can provide valuable insights into your swim performance.

Training Specific:

Consider trackers that provide training modes tailored to swimming, including interval timers, target heart rate zones, and guided workouts. These features can help you improve your swimming technique and overall performance.

Water Resistance Rating:

Check the water resistance rating of the tracker to ensure it can withstand the depth and pressure encountered during your water activities. Look for a tracker with a high water resistance rating to ensure durability and reliability. Water resistance is typically measured in terms of atmospheric pressure.

ATM (Atmospheres):

This is a standard measure of pressure. 1 ATM is equivalent to the pressure at sea level, which is approximately 10 meters or 33 feet of water depth.

Meters or Feet:

Some watches or devices will simply indicate a depth (like 50 meters or 165 feet) to represent water resistance.

Stroke Recognition:

Some advanced trackers can recognize different swim strokes, allowing you to track your performance and efficiency in each stroke style. This feature can be particularly beneficial for swimmers looking to refine their technique.

Additional Water Sports:

If you participate in other water sports like surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, consider a tracker that offers specific tracking modes for these activities. This ensures accurate data collection and tailored insights for your chosen water sport.

By considering these factors and finding a waterproof fitness tracker that aligns with your specific needs, you can enhance your water-based workouts, monitor your progress, and stay safe during aquatic activities. Whether you’re a casual swimmer or a dedicated water sports enthusiast, a suitable waterproof fitness tracker can be a valuable companion for your fitness journey.

How Top Swimmers Utilize Fitness Trackers to Enhance Training

Numerous elite athletes employ a range of devices to monitor their health and gauge their training outcomes, fitness trackers being one of them. Yet, it’s essential to acknowledge that these high-level athletes and their coaching teams tend to lean towards specialized equipment or holistic tracking systems.

Michael Phelps, the renowned Olympic gold-medalist swimmer, has alluded to the advantages of leveraging technology to enhance his swimming techniques in several interviews. However, I’m unaware of his explicit comments regarding fitness trackers.

Katie Ledecky, a world-class swimmer, has pointed out the benefits of incorporating technology in her training regimen, even if she hasn’t explicitly discussed fitness wristbands.

British world champion swimmer, Adam Peaty, has underscored the significance of data analysis in elevating his swimming prowess.

Harnessing the Power of Fitness Trackers: How Data Analytics Boosts Swimmer Performance

In the intricate world of swimming, data analytics stands as a pivotal tool to refine training and elevate performance. Consider the following benefits:

Tracking Distance:

Modern wearables, from fitness trackers to smartwatches, effectively monitor lane counts and overall swimming distance. This empowers swimmers to gauge their pacing consistency, pinpointing moments of reduced speed or emerging fatigue.

Stroke Analysis:

By scrutinizing arm stroke frequency, swimmers can discern their most efficient pacing, striking a balance between speed and energy conservation.

Cardiac Monitoring:

Observing heart rate fluctuations throughout sessions aids swimmers in adjusting their training intensity and identifying optimal recovery periods.

Technique Refinement:

Cutting-edge devices are now adept at discerning various swimming styles, offering swimmers insights into their techniques and highlighting areas for improvement.

Time Metrics:

Monitoring times over varied distances provides valuable feedback, allowing swimmers to track their progress trajectory and formulate specific performance targets.

Spotting Inconsistencies:

Aggregated data from multiple sessions offers a unique lens to uncover anomalies in a swimmer’s technique, such as imbalanced strokes or irregular breathing patterns.

Through meticulous data evaluation, both swimmers and their coaches can fine-tune training regimens, track advancements, refine techniques, and establish fresh objectives. Consequently, leveraging data analytics ensures athletes optimize their pool time and attain superior performance outcomes.

Is there a difference between a fitness watch and a fitness tracker?

When choosing a waterproof fitness watch or fitness tracker, it’s important to understand the difference between the two, I thought I’d explain it to you and compare some of the criteria.

1. Design and Wearability:
   • Fitness Watch: Generally larger with a more watch-like appearance. They often feature a prominent display and resemble traditional wristwatches in design.
   • Fitness Tracker: Usually more compact and lightweight. They tend to have a more discreet, band-like design, making them less noticeable on the wrist.
2. Display and User Interface:
   • Fitness Watch: Typically have larger, more advanced displays with a comprehensive user interface. They often support touchscreens, allowing for more detailed interaction and readability.
   • Fitness Tracker: Might have simpler displays or even no display at all. Those with displays usually have limited interaction capabilities and show basic information like steps and time.
3. Functionality and Features:
   • Fitness Watch: Offer a wide range of features beyond fitness tracking, such as mobile notifications, music control, GPS navigation, and even mobile payments. They often include more advanced health monitoring features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and sometimes even ECG or blood oxygen level monitoring.
   • Fitness Tracker: Primarily focused on tracking physical activities like steps, distance, calories burned, and sometimes sleep. They usually have fewer features and less advanced sensors compared to fitness watches.
4. Battery Life:
   • Fitness Watch: Due to their larger displays and more extensive features, fitness watches often have shorter battery life, requiring more frequent charging.
   • Fitness Tracker: Typically have longer battery life owing to their simpler displays and limited functionality.
5. Price Range:
   • Fitness Watch: Generally more expensive due to their advanced features and capabilities.
   • Fitness Tracker: More affordable, targeting users who need basic activity tracking without the additional features of a smartwatch.
6. Target Audience:
   • Fitness Watch: Aimed at individuals who are looking for a comprehensive device that combines the functionalities of a smartwatch with fitness tracking.
   • Fitness Tracker: Ideal for users who are primarily interested in tracking their physical activity and health metrics without the need for additional smartwatch features.

In summary, fitness watches are more like smartwatches with a focus on fitness, offering a wide range of features and a larger display, whereas fitness trackers are more focused on basic activity tracking with a simpler and more discreet design. The choice between the two depends on the individual’s needs, budget, and preference for functionality and style.

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First, we conduct extensive research on the product, studying its specifications, features, and user feedback. This helps us understand the product’s intended purpose and assess its potential value to consumers.

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Ultimately, our commitment to transparency and objectivity sets us apart. We strive to deliver trustworthy and reliable reviews based on thorough testing and research. Our goal is to empower consumers with accurate information, helping them make informed decisions when purchasing products.

FAQ

Which Fitness Watches Are Best for Swimming?

Fitness watches that are best for swimming include the Garmin Swim 2, Fitbit Versa 3, and Apple Watch Series 6. These watches are specifically designed for swim tracking and offer water resistance features to withstand swimming activities.

Is a Fitness Tracker Waterproof?

Many fitness trackers are water-resistant, but not all are fully waterproof. It’s important to check the water resistance rating of a specific fitness tracker before using it in water. Some water-resistant activity trackers can handle swimming and water activities, while others are only splash or sweat resistant.

 Is Fitbit Waterproof vs Garmin?

Both Fitbit and Garmin offer fitness watches with varying degrees of water resistance. However, Garmin generally offers a wider range of swim-specific features and watches designed specifically for swimming. Fitbit watches are also water-resistant but may have limitations compared to Garmin for swimming activities.

Which Fitbit is Best for Swimming and Running?

Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Charge 4 are popular Fitbit models suitable for swimming and running. They offer swim tracking features and can track running activities as well, providing comprehensive data for both exercises.

Is Apple Better Than Garmin for Swimming?

Garmin is often considered more specialized and reliable for swimming due to its dedicated swim-tracking features. However, Apple Watches, particularly the newer models like Apple Watch Series 6, also provide advanced swim tracking capabilities and are suitable for swimming activities.

Can I Swim with a Waterproof Smartwatch?

Yes, you can swim with a waterproof smartwatch, as long as it has an appropriate water resistance rating. Waterproof smartwatches are specifically designed to withstand water activities, including swimming, without damage. It’s important to check the water resistance specifications of the smartwatch to ensure it is suitable for swimming.

Which Fitbits are Waterproof?

Fitbit offers several waterproof models that are suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. The Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Sense 2 are both swim-proof, with a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters. These best swim watches can track your swimming workouts accurately.

Another waterproof option from Fitbit is the Fitbit Charge 4. This fitness tracker is also swim-proof and has a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters. It can track your swim duration and provide data on laps, distance, and calories burned while swimming.

If you prefer a more compact and budget-friendly option, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is also water-resistant up to 50 meters. While it doesn’t have as many advanced features as the Versa or Charge models, it can still track your swim sessions effectively.

It’s not recommended to wear them while participating in activities like scuba diving or high-pressure water sports.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Fitbit_products

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-waterproof-fitness-trackers

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced enthusiast seeking advanced techniques, our comprehensive guides have you covered. Join us on this journey to improve your skills, enhance your knowledge, and excel in your favorite sports. Start exploring our guides today and take your game to the next level!