Best smartwatch for swimming

Best Smartwatches for Swimming (Waterproof and Durable)

As a regular swimmer and tech enthusiast, the convergence of these two worlds has always fascinated me. In recent years, the rising popularity of smartwatches designed for swimming has brought a whole new level of excitement to my swimming endeavors.

In this review, I will look at the best smartwatches for swimming to help you find the perfect companion for your swimming sprees.

Swimming isn’t just a recreational activity for me; it’s an integral part of my fitness routine. Whether it’s tracking my laps in the pool or monitoring my progress during open water swims, having the right smartwatch can make a lot of difference.

But choosing the best smartwatch for swimming can be a daunting task. With a plethora of options on the market, each claiming to be the ideal fit, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of choices.

To navigate this area, I’ll be sharing my ideas into the main factors you should consider when selecting a smartwatch for swimming. From waterproof ratings to advanced swim tracking capabilities and heart rate monitoring accuracy.

Suunto 7 swimming smartwatch

 

So, if you’re a fellow swimmer looking to make a well-informed decision, go through this review to find the best smartwatch for your swimming sessions.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Swimming Smartwatch

As a regular swimmer, I know that finding the best smartwatch for swimming requires more than just a quick dip into the world of wearable tech.

It demands a thorough understanding of the key features that can enhance your swimming experience and help you achieve your fitness goals.

Let me break down the essential features to look for when choosing the perfect swimming smartwatch.

Waterproof Rating

One of the first things you should consider is the waterproof rating of the smartwatch. Understanding Ingress Protection (IP) ratings is crucial.

Look for a watch with a rating of at least IP68 or higher, indicating its ability to withstand immersion in fresh water for up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes. For serious swimmers, a higher rating such as 5 ATM (50 meters) or more is recommended for worry-free underwater use.

Swim Tracking Capabilities

The heart of any swimming smartwatch is its ability to accurately track your swim sessions. Look for watches that offer features like stroke detection, lap counting, and distance tracking.

Advanced models can even differentiate between various swim styles, providing you with valuable data to improve your technique.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Heart rate monitoring is not just for land-based workouts. A good swimming smartwatch should provide accurate heart rate data even in the water.

Suunto 7 best smartwatch for swimming

This information is essential for tracking your effort, calorie burn, and overall cardiovascular fitness during swims.

GPS and Location Services

If you’re into open water swimming or want to keep tabs on your routes, GPS functionality is a must. A smartwatch with built-in GPS can accurately map your swim, helping you analyze your performance and progress.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial consideration, especially for long swim sessions or multi-day events. Look for a smartwatch that can endure extended use without needing frequent recharges. Some watches offer dedicated swim modes to conserve power during aquatic activities.

Best Smartwatches for Swimming

Each of the smartwatches covered here offers unique strengths that cater to different needs and preferences. Let us take a closer look at four of the best smartwatches for swimming:

  1. Apple Watch Series 7

Waterproof Rating: The Apple Watch Series 7 boasts an impressive water resistance rating, with WR50 certification, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

Apple Watch Series 7 on table

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Swim Tracking Capabilities: Apple’s watchOS includes a dedicated swim workout mode that tracks laps, distance, and stroke type. The Series 7’s accelerometer and gyroscope provide precise tracking, even for open water swims.

Heart Rate Monitoring: The optical heart rate sensor on the Apple Watch Series 7 is known for its accuracy during swims, giving you real-time insights into your cardiovascular performance.

GPS and Location Services: With built-in GPS, the Series 7 can map your swim routes accurately. It also offers cellular connectivity for safety and staying connected during open water swims.

Apple Watch Series 7 swimming watch

Battery Life: While Apple doesn’t specify the Series 7’s swim mode battery life, it typically provides enough power for most swimming sessions.

Pros

  • Impressive water resistance with WR50 certification.
  • Accurate swim tracking capabilities, including stroke type detection.
  • Reliable heart rate monitoring during swims.
  • Built-in GPS and cellular connectivity for comprehensive tracking.
  • Integration with the Apple ecosystem for seamless data syncing and app compatibility.

Cons

  • Relatively shorter battery life compared to some competitors.
  • Limited third-party app support for swim tracking.
  1. Garmin Forerunner 945

Waterproof Rating: The Forerunner 945 is rated at 5 ATM, ensuring it can withstand pressure at depths of up to 50 meters, making it an excellent choice for swimmers especially open water swimmers and deep sea divers.

Garmin Forerunner 945

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Swim Tracking Capabilities: Garmin’s expertise in fitness tracking shines with features like automatic stroke detection, lap counting, and distance tracking. Its advanced algorithms are particularly adept at recognizing different swim styles.

Heart Rate Monitoring: Garmin’s Elevate wrist-based heart rate technology is reliable during swims, providing valuable data for optimizing your workouts.

GPS and Location Services: With built-in GPS and GLONASS, the Forerunner 945 excels at tracking your outdoor swims, providing accurate mapping and performance data.

Battery Life: The Forerunner 945 offers an impressive battery life of up to 36 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for long swim sessions or multi-sport events.

Pros

  • Robust water resistance with a 5 ATM rating.
  • Advanced swim tracking features, including automatic stroke detection.
  • Accurate heart rate monitoring during swims.
  • Built-in GPS and GLONASS for precise location tracking.
  • Exceptional battery life, suitable for extended swim sessions and multisport events.

Cons

  • A bulkier design compared to some other smartwatches.
  • A steeper price point for premium features.
  1. Fitbit Versa 3

Waterproof Rating: The Fitbit Versa 3 comes with a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, ensuring its durability for swimming.

Fitbit Versa 3

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Swim Tracking Capabilities: Fitbit’s swim tracking features include lap counting and distance tracking. While it lacks stroke detection, it provides essential data for swimmers.

Heart Rate Monitoring: The Versa 3 offers accurate heart rate monitoring during swimming, helping you stay in the right training zones.

GPS and Location Services: It relies on connected GPS via your smartphone for location tracking during swims, which may be less convenient for open water enthusiasts.

Battery Life: The Versa 3 provides up to 12 hours of battery life with GPS use, which should suffice for most swim sessions.

Pros

  • Respectable water resistance with a 5 ATM rating.
  • Basic swim tracking features, including lap counting and distance tracking.
  • Accurate heart rate monitoring during swims.
  • Affordable pricing for budget-conscious consumers.
  • Compatibility with the Fitbit app and ecosystem.

Cons

  • Lacks advanced swim tracking features like stroke detection.
  • Relies on connected GPS via a smartphone for location tracking during swims.
  1. Suunto 7

Waterproof Rating: The Suunto 7 is water-resistant up to 50 meters (5 ATM), suitable for both pool and open water swimming.

Suunto 7 smartwatch for swimming

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Swim Tracking Capabilities: Suunto offers comprehensive swim tracking, including stroke detection, lap counting, and distance tracking. Its accuracy is well-regarded among swimmers.

Heart Rate Monitoring: The Suunto 7’s optical heart rate sensor performs reliably in the water, delivering valuable heart rate data during swims.

GPS and Location Services: With built-in GPS and offline maps, the Suunto 7 is a top choice for open water swimmers who want to explore new routes.

Battery Life: While the Suunto 7 has a shorter battery life in smartwatch mode, it still offers up to 12 hours in GPS tracking mode, making it suitable for long swim sessions.

Pros

  • Strong water resistance, rated at 5 ATM.
  • Comprehensive swim tracking, including stroke detection and lap counting.
  • Accurate heart rate monitoring during swims.
  • Built-in GPS and offline maps for independent location tracking.
  • Durable design suitable for outdoor adventures.

Cons

  • Shorter battery life compared to some competitors in smartwatch mode.
  • Limited availability of third-party apps compared to some other smartwatches.
  • A slightly heavier and bulkier build.

Each of the above smartwatches has its strengths and caters to different swimmer profiles. The Apple Watch Series 7 shines for its all-around capabilities and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Garmin’s Forerunner 945 excels in advanced swim tracking and extended battery life. The Fitbit Versa 3 offers a more budget-friendly option with essential swim tracking features.

Finally, the Suunto 7 stands out for its accuracy and robust outdoor swim tracking capabilities. Your choice should depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget, but any of these options would make a fantastic swimming companion.

Other Considerations When Choosing A Smartwatch for Swimming

Choosing the best smartwatch for swimming isn’t just about its waterproof rating or swim tracking features; there are several other important factors to consider.

Let us go through these additional considerations to ensure you make a well-rounded decision when selecting your ideal swimming companion.

Design and Comfort

The design and comfort of a smartwatch play a significant role in your overall swimming experience. Consider factors such as the material of the strap, its adjustability, and whether it feels comfortable during long swims.

A watch with a lightweight and streamlined design can be more comfortable during aquatic activities. Additionally, check if the watch’s screen is easy to read in bright sunlight and underwater to ensure you can access your data when you need it.

Compatibility and Syncing

Make sure your chosen smartwatch is compatible with your smartphone’s operating system, whether it’s iOS or Android. Seamless syncing between the smartwatch and your smartphone is essential for reviewing and analyzing your swim data.

Check if the smartwatch supports the fitness apps you prefer to use for tracking your progress and sharing achievements with friends or fellow swimmers.

Price and Budget-Friendly Options

Smartwatches vary significantly in price, so it’s important to determine your budget before making a decision. While premium options like the Apple Watch Series 7 and Garmin Forerunner 945 offer advanced features, there are more budget-friendly options available that still provide essential swim tracking capabilities.

Finding the right balance between features and cost is crucial, so you don’t overspend on functionalities you may not need.

Additional Features and Smartwatch Ecosystem

While swim tracking is a primary consideration, think about other features you may want in a smartwatch. Some smartwatches offer music playback, contactless payments, and customizable watch faces.

Additionally, consider whether the smartwatch you choose fits into your existing smartwatch ecosystem. If you’re already invested in a particular brand’s ecosystem, it may be more convenient to stick with a watch from that brand.

Software Updates and Long-Term Support

The smartwatch market evolves rapidly, and software updates are crucial to ensure that your watch remains up to date with the latest features and bug fixes.

Fitbit Versa 3 swimming watch

Research the manufacturer’s track record for providing software updates and long-term support for their devices. A watch that receives regular updates is more likely to stay relevant and functional for years to come.

Customer Service and Warranty

Lastly, consider the manufacturer’s customer service and warranty policies. Accidents can happen, and having a reliable warranty can provide peace of mind. Ensure that the manufacturer offers a warranty that suits your needs and that their customer support is responsive and helpful.

While swim tracking capabilities and water resistance are essential factors when choosing the best smartwatch for swimming, these additional considerations can help you make a well-informed decision.

Remember to balance your budget with the features you need and consider factors like design, compatibility, and long-term support to ensure your swimming companion meets all your requirements and enhances your aquatic adventures.

Closing Remarks

In the vast sea of smartwatches, finding the perfect one for swimming can be a challenging task. However, armed with the knowledge of the key features to look for, a comparison of some of the top smartwatches, and additional considerations, you can confidently choose the best swimming smartwatch that suits your needs and preferences.

Whether you’re a casual swimmer looking for basic tracking or a serious athlete seeking advanced features, there’s a smartwatch out there that aligns with your goals. Remember to factor in design, compatibility, budget, and the watch’s ecosystem to ensure a seamless experience.

Based on my experience as a swimmer, I found the best smartwatch for swimming to be Apple Series 7. Other top watches include the Garmin Forerunner 945, Fitbit Versa 3, and Suunto 7.

As a swimming enthusiast who has experienced the transformative power of swim-friendly smartwatches, I encourage you to dive in and make the most of your aquatic adventures.

With the right smartwatch by your side, you can track your progress, analyze your data, and enjoy a more productive and enjoyable swimming experience. So, go ahead, choose your ideal swimming companion, and make a splash in the world of aquatic fitness!

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