In the ever-evolving world of fitness, swimming is a holistic workout that engages every muscle group, providing cardiovascular benefits while being easy on the joints. To enhance your swimming experience and monitor your progress effectively, a dedicated best fitness tracker for swimming becomes indispensable.
From advanced swim metrics to water-resistant designs, these devices are made to withstand the rigors of the pool while providing valuable insights into your swimming performance. Dive in with us as we navigate the features and functionalities of the top fitness trackers designed to take your aquatic workouts to the next level.
Our Top Picks
Garmin Venu® Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch
Specifications
- Battery Life: Up to 11 days in advance mode.
- Weight: Lightweight design.
- Sensors: Heart rate monitor, Pulse Ox sensor, built-in GPS.
- Display: Color touchscreen display.
- Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming, water-resistant.
Garmin Venu® Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch combines style with substance, offering up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Now, you can seamlessly track your health 24/7 without worrying about frequent charging.
Dive into comprehensive health monitoring features, including Body Battery energy levels, sleep score, respiration, hydration, and stress. With over 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, you can explore new activities and stay motivated. Receive smart notifications from your Apple or Android smartphone, ensuring you’re always in the loop.
Customize your fitness journey with preloaded workouts or create your own using the Connect app. Garmin Coach provides adaptive training plans for your running goals. Leave your wallet at home and make secure contactless payments using Garmin Pay.
Pros:
- Extended Battery Life
- Comprehensive Health Tracking
- Variety of Built-in Sports Apps
Cons:
- Limited App Selection
Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch
Specifications
- Battery Life: Up to 6+ days.
- Weight: Lightweight design.
- Sensors: Heart rate monitor, built-in GPS, SpO2 sensor.
- Display: Color touchscreen display.
- Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming, water-resistant.
Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch tracks your activities without your phone, thanks to built-in GPS, and monitors your heart rate 24/7 with PurePulse 2.0 technology.
Stay motivated with Active Zone Minutes, guiding you to optimal workout intensity. Plus, receive a Daily Readiness Score to help you balance exercise and recovery. With a 6-month Premium membership, access advanced analytics and personalized insights tailored to your fitness journey.
Convenience meets intelligence with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Built-in. Control your smart home devices, set reminders, and get news updates from your wrist. And when it comes to charging, fast charging technology gives you a day’s worth of battery in just 12 minutes.
Pros:
- Active Zone Minutes
- Voice Assistant Integration
- Personalized Fitness Insights
Cons:
- Requires Fitbit Premium
Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker
Specifications
- Battery Life: Up to 5 days.
- Weight: Lightweight design.
- Sensors: Accelerometer, heart rate monitor (Ace 2 has a simplified version).
- Display: Monochrome OLED display.
- Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming, water-resistant.
Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker—a fun and interactive way to keep your kids moving and healthy. Steps and active minutes tracking encourage physical activity and healthy habits. The swim-proof design allows for worry-free pool adventures and spontaneous water activities.
Kids can earn virtual badges and enjoy on-screen celebrations when they achieve their goals, making fitness engaging and rewarding. With up to 5 days of battery life, Ace 2 ensures less downtime and more playtime. Plus, parents can monitor their children’s sleep patterns, set bedtime reminders, and use silent alarms to establish healthy sleep routines.
Pair Ace 2 to a child account for a limited kid view, allowing kids to challenge their friends, send messages, and offer cheers in the app. It’s more than just an activity tracker; it’s a tool to inspire a lifetime of healthy habits playfully and enjoyably.
Pros:
- Kid-Friendly Design
- Swim-Proof and Durable
- Parental Controls and Tracking
Cons:
- Limited Features for Adults
Polar Grit X Rugged Multisport GPS Tracker
Specifications
- Battery Life: Up to several days in smartwatch mode.
- Weight: 64 grams.
- Sensors: Built-in GPS, compass, altimeter, heart rate monitor.
- Durability: MIL-STD-810G military-grade durability.
- Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming, water-resistant up to 100m.
Polar Grit X Rugged Multisport GPS Tracker is crafted for trailblazers. This outdoor multisport watch is your reliable companion on the toughest terrains. With a built-in GPS, compass, and altimeter, you never lose your way. Designed for endurance, its ultra-long battery life and multiple power-saving options guarantee uninterrupted tracking during your longest escapades.
Weighing just 64 grams, it’s incredibly lightweight yet packed with features. Monitor your heart rate with advanced wrist-based technology and access military-level durability with MIL-STD-810G certification.
Stay fuelled with FuelWise smart fueling assistance and explore confidently with route guidance from Komoot. Whether hiking, swimming (water-resistant up to 100m), or conquering steep slopes with Hill Splitter, the Grit X is your ultimate outdoor partner, delivering real-time weather updates and a 2-day forecast.
Pros:
- Rugged Durability, Military-Grade
- Long Battery Life
- Lightweight and Compact
Cons:
- Limited App Ecosystem
Garmin Vivoactive GPS Tracker
Specifications
- Battery Life: Up to 8 days in advance mode; 6 hours in GPS and music mode.
- Weight: Varies depending on the model.
- Sensors: Built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, Pulse Ox (blood oxygen saturation) sensor.
- Display: Color touchscreen display.
- Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming, water-resistant.
Garmin Vivoactive GPS Tracker is your gateway to holistic health monitoring, offering insights into energy levels, stress, sleep, heart rate, and more. Its versatile design includes preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, catering to activities like yoga, running, and swimming. Elevate your workouts with animated on-screen cardio, strength, yoga, and Pilates routines.
Download your favorite tunes, and leave your phone behind while you exercise, thanks to music streaming support. Stay safe with incident detection and assistance features, automatically sharing your real-time location with emergency contacts. Customize your watch face, choose from thousands of apps, and enjoy up to 8 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
Pros:
- Wide Variety of Activities
- Music Streaming Support
- Safety Features Included
Cons:
- Bulky Design
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Health & Fitness Tracker
Specifications
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days.
- Weight: Lightweight design.
- Sensors: EDA sensor for stress management, heart rate monitor, ECG app (availability varies by region), built-in GPS.
- Display: Color touchscreen display.
- Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming, water-resistant.
Empower your fitness journey with the Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Health & Fitness Tracker. This sleek device offers a Daily Readiness Score, guiding your exercise routine based on your body’s readiness. Manage stress with on-wrist EDA sensor sessions and monitor heart health with high and low heart rate notifications and a compatible ECG app.
Dive into advanced health metrics like SpO2 and skin temperature variation via the Health Metrics dashboard. With built-in GPS, track your outdoor activities and view your route in the Fitbit app. The vibrant color touchscreen displays real-time data, and with up to 7 days of battery life. Charge 5 ensures uninterrupted monitoring of your fitness goals.
Pros:
- Advanced Health Metrics
- Sleek Design
- Long Battery Life
Cons:
- No Onboard GPS
Apple Watch Series 8 Fitness Tracker
Specifications
- Battery Life: All-day battery life.
- Weight: Varies depending on the model.
- Sensors: Temperature sensor, ECG app, heart rate monitor, Blood Oxygen sensor, Always-On Retina display.
- Display: Always-on Retina display with Force Touch.
- Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming, WR50 water resistance.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is your indispensable companion for a healthier life. Its advanced sensors provide profound health insights, including temperature sensing for in-depth women’s health tracking and real-time sleep stage analysis. With an Always-On Retina display and innovative safety features like Crash Detection and Fall Detection, your well-being is in safe hands.
Customize your watch with many bands and watch faces tailored to your preferences. It is seamlessly compatible with your Apple devices and effortlessly integrates with services like Apple Pay and Apple Fitness+. With exceptional durability, it’s crack-resistant, dust-resistant, and swim-proof. The enhanced Workout app offers detailed metrics and training options, making the Series 8 your ultimate fitness partner for a more active and healthier lifestyle.
Pros:
- Ecosystem Integration
- Advanced Health Features
- Always-On Retina Display
Cons:
- Limited Customization Options
Buying Guide for Best Fitness Tracker for Swimming
The best fitness tracker for swimming can significantly enhance your aquatic fitness journey. By considering factors such as water resistance, swim tracking features, heart rate monitoring, battery life, connectivity, design, screen visibility, post-swim analysis, durability, and budget. Invest in a reliable fitness tracker, dive into the water confidently, and let your device guide you toward your fitness goals.
1. Water Resistance Ratings: IP67 vs. IP68
When it comes to trackers for swimming, water resistance is paramount. Look for devices with at least an IP67 or IP68 rating, indicating they are protected against water immersion up to a specific depth. IP68-rated trackers are generally better suited for swimming, offering protection against continuous immersion in water.
2. Swim Tracking Features
Choose a fitness tracker equipped with advanced swim-tracking features. Look for metrics like lap count, stroke type detection, distance covered, and swim duration. Some high-end trackers even provide detailed data on your swimming style, including stroke efficiency and SWOLF score, helping you refine your technique over time.
3. Heart Rate Monitoring and Accuracy
Accurate heart rate monitoring is crucial during swimming sessions. Opt for a fitness tracker with optical heart rate sensors that work underwater. This feature helps you stay within your heart rate zone and provides valuable data for post-swim analysis.
4. Connectivity and Compatibility
Check the compatibility of the fitness tracker with your smartphone and preferred fitness apps. Most trackers sync data with dedicated apps on your phone, allowing you to analyze your progress, set goals, and track your achievements over time. Additionally, some trackers offer smart notifications, allowing you to stay connected even during your swim sessions.
5. Design and Comfort
Consider the design and comfort of the fitness tracker, especially if you plan to wear it throughout the day. Choose a device with a lightweight and streamlined design to minimize drag in the water. Adjustable bands ensure a secure fit, preventing the tracker from slipping off during vigorous swim sessions.
6. Screen Visibility and Controls
Opt for a fitness tracker with a bright and easy-to-read display, even under direct sunlight. Touchscreen devices should be responsive, allowing you to navigate through menus effortlessly. Some trackers also feature physical buttons, which can be more convenient for controlling the device underwater.
7. Post-Swim Analysis
Look for a fitness tracker that provides detailed post-swim analysis. Data such as swim efficiency, stroke count, and rest intervals can help you identify areas for improvement and tailor your workouts accordingly. Access to historical data and trends allows you to track your progress and stay motivated.
8. Durability and Build Quality
Consider the durability and quality of the fitness tracker, especially if you engage in intense swim workouts or open-water swimming. Robust materials and solid construction ensure the device can withstand the rigors of water activities, providing long-term reliability.
Tips To Take Care of Best Fitness Tracker for Swimming
By following these tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your best fitness tracker for swimming.
1. Keep It Clean and Dry: Post-Swim Ritual
After your swimming session, make it a habit to clean your fitness tracker thoroughly. Rinse it with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, or other chemicals in the pool or open water. Dry it completely before charging or wearing it again. Moisture can damage the internal components, so ensuring it’s dry is crucial.
2. Regularly Charge Your Device: A Charged Tracker is a Happy Tracker
Charge your fitness tracker regularly to keep it functioning optimally. Most trackers come with specific charging guidelines. Overcharging or letting it completely discharge frequently can affect the battery life. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for charging to maintain the battery’s health.
3. Avoid High-Impact Activities: Protect Your Tracker
While many fitness trackers are designed to be durable, it’s best to avoid high-impact activities like diving or hitting the device against hard surfaces. These impacts can cause internal damage or affect the waterproof seals, compromising water resistance. Be mindful of your activities to prevent accidental damage.
4. Update Firmware and Software: Stay Up-to-Date
Manufacturers often release software updates to improve device performance and fix bugs. Regularly check for updates through the accompanying app and install them as recommended. Updated software ensures your fitness tracker operates smoothly and efficiently.
Best Fitness Tracker for Swimming
Choosing the best fitness tracker for swimming is a significant step toward achieving your fitness goals with precision and accuracy. These devices endure the challenges of underwater workouts and offer comprehensive data to help you refine your swimming techniques and boost your overall fitness. Whether you prioritize swim metrics, heart rate monitoring, or seamless integration with your smartphone, a perfect fitness tracker is waiting for you. So, take the plunge with confidence, armed with the knowledge of the best fitness trackers for swimming, and let your aquatic adventures propel you toward a healthier, fitter you.
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