The Best Smartwatches for Tracking Swimming Activity: My Top Picks After Research, Trials, and Reviews
The Best Smartwatches for Tracking Swimming Activity: My Top Picks After Research, Trials, and Reviews
As an exercise scientist and strength coach with a passion for self-improvement and optimization, I’ve tried my fair share of tools to track workouts. Swimming, being one of the best low-impact activities to boost cardiovascular fitness, strength, and recovery, deserves precise tracking. I’ve tested several smartwatches to find the best ones to help swimmers get the most out of their sessions. Below is a roundup of the best smartwatches for swimming, based on my research, personal trials, and feedback from other swimmers.
1. Garmin Swim 2
Why it stands out:
Garmin Swim 2 is specifically designed for swimmers. From my research and trials, Garmin’s heart rate monitoring is among the most accurate while submerged, which is a rare feature for many wearables. It tracks all the essential swim metrics—distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF (a measure of swimming efficiency). This watch isn’t just for pool swimmers either—it supports open-water swimming.
Pros:
Best-in-class swim-specific features
Accurate underwater heart rate tracking
Open-water swim mode
Cons:
Limited functionality for non-swimming activities compared to other multisport watches
My experience:
I’ve found Garmin Swim 2 to be invaluable during both pool and ocean swims. It’s user-friendly, and the SWOLF feedback helps me optimize stroke efficiency in real-time. For serious swimmers, this watch is unbeatable in its focused functionality.
2. Apple Watch Series 9
Why it stands out:
Apple consistently sets the bar with its versatile range of fitness features. While it’s not swimming-specific, the Apple Watch Series 9 has a powerful swim-tracking mode that automatically detects strokes and laps. It’s easy to use and syncs seamlessly with Apple’s Health ecosystem. From my experience, it's the most intuitive smartwatch for those who want a balance between everyday wear and fitness tracking.
Pros:
High versatility and excellent for all-day use
Automatically detects stroke type and lap count
Seamless integration with other Apple services
Cons:
Battery life can be shorter, especially if tracking long swims
My experience:
As someone who also incorporates sprints and strength training into my routine, I appreciate the versatility of the Apple Watch. However, I noticed the heart rate tracking isn’t as accurate underwater compared to swim-specific watches like Garmin. Still, for its multifunctionality, it’s a reliable choice for swimmers who want an all-around smartwatch.
3. Polar Vantage V2
Why it stands out:
Polar has always focused on performance-driven athletes, and the Vantage V2 is no exception. After testing it, I found its metrics extremely detailed for swimmers who want to fine-tune their performance. It tracks everything from strokes to swimming style, making it a solid contender for those who swim competitively or simply want comprehensive data on their swims.
Pros:
Superior analytics for performance-driven athletes
Tracks heart rate in water via a chest strap for improved accuracy
Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
Higher price point due to its advanced features
Requires additional chest strap for heart rate tracking in water
My experience:
This is my go-to when I want more detailed data on my swimming. The ability to use a chest strap for heart rate tracking allows for more accurate data, which is crucial for monitoring recovery.
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch6
Why it stands out:
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 is one of the more stylish watches on this list, but don’t let that fool you—it’s packed with features. Through my research and experience, I’ve found that it performs well both in and out of the water. It tracks distance, laps, and strokes and has a dedicated swimming mode to keep tabs on your performance in the pool. The integration with Samsung Health also makes it easier to analyze your data.
Pros:
Sleek design with a powerful processor
Strong swim-tracking capabilities
Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
Slightly bulky for smaller wrists
Heart rate monitoring accuracy in water isn’t as strong as competitors
My experience:
I found the Galaxy Watch6 to be a great balance between style and functionality. It’s perfect for someone who swims recreationally and wants to monitor other fitness activities throughout the day. Its bulkier design may not be for everyone, but I found it comfortable enough for day-to-day wear.
5. Suunto 9 Baro
Why it stands out:
Suunto has long been known for its outdoor-focused devices, and the Suunto 9 Baro is a beast when it comes to durability. I’ve put this watch through some serious tests in open water, and its robustness stands out. It offers detailed swim metrics and includes heat maps, which show where you’ve swum if you’re out in the ocean or lakes. Its long battery life also makes it a strong option for triathletes and endurance swimmers.
Pros:
Incredibly durable and built for open-water swimming
Excellent battery life
Detailed swim and outdoor tracking features
Cons:
Higher price point
UI is slightly less intuitive than competitors
My experience:
The Suunto 9 Baro is what I’d recommend for someone who swims in the ocean or does long-distance open-water swims. Its durability is unmatched, and while the user interface isn’t as intuitive, the wealth of data it provides makes up for it.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casual swimmer or an athlete pushing limits in open water, the right smartwatch can make a world of difference. My top pick for swimmers purely focused on the water is the Garmin Swim 2 due to its swim-specific features. However, if you're looking for a watch that balances swimming with all-around fitness, the Apple Watch Series 9 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 offer excellent versatility.
Through personal trials, research, and feedback from clients, these smartwatches have emerged as the best in the market for swimming activity tracking. No matter which you choose, all of these watches offer top-notch tracking to help you stay on top of your swim goals and overall fitness.
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