best waterproof activity trackers for swimming

Best Waterproof Activity Trackers for Swimming

When it comes to tracking fitness levels, especially for swimming enthusiasts, choosing a reliable waterproof activity tracker is essential. These devices not only monitor your performance but also withstand the conditions presented by chlorinated pools or salty oceans. Below, we delve into some of the best waterproof activity trackers that shine in aquatic environments, offering a blend of accuracy, functionality, and advanced features.

1. Garmin Swim 2

The Garmin Swim 2 is specifically designed for swimmers, making it a top choice for tracking swimming workouts. This smartwatch provides advanced swimming metrics, including distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF (a measure of swimming efficiency). It features:

Water Resistance: Rated up to 50 meters, perfect for swimming in pools or open water.
GPS Tracking: Integrated GPS with the ability to track your outdoor swims.
Auto Rest Feature: Automatically detects rest intervals and records swim times.
Battery Life: Lasts up to 13 hours in swim mode, which is ample for long training sessions or competitions.

2. Apple Watch Series 7

The Apple Watch Series 7 combines style with functionality. Known for its sleek design, this smartwatch is also remarkably robust when it comes to water exposure. Key features include:

Swim Proof: WR50 water resistance allows it to withstand shallow water for snorkeling or swimming.
Swimming App: Dedicated Swim app that tracks laps, distance, and calories burned.
Comprehensive Health Monitoring: Additional fitness tracking features include heart rate monitoring and fall detection.
Custom Workouts: Ability to create custom workouts and sync them with music playlists.

3. Fitbit Charge 5

Fitbit has made a name for itself in the health and fitness tracking space, and the Charge 5 is no exception. This activity tracker covers a wide range of metrics, making it suitable for multiple sports, including swimming:

Water Resistance: Waterproof up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming in a pool or open water.
Built-in GPS: Allows for precise tracking of swims outdoors without needing your phone.
Daily Readiness Score: Utilizes metrics to provide insights into your recovery and readiness for activity.
Bright AMOLED Display: Easy-to-read screen even in bright sunlight.

4. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a versatile smartwatch, offering features that cater specifically to swimmers. Its advanced technology provides users with excellent swimming metrics:

Water Resistance: Rated at IP68, it can handle bathing, showering, or swimming effectively.
Custom Swim Workout: Automatically detects different strokes and provides detailed metrics post-swim.
Fitness Tracking: Includes automatic tracking for multiple types of exercises beyond swimming.
Battery Life: Up to 2 days, allowing you to track multiple workouts without needing frequent charging.

5. Suunto 7

For serious athletes, the Suunto 7 is one of the best GPS sports watches available. It combines sports tracking with smartwatch capabilities, making it suitable for swimmers and fitness lovers alike:

Water Resistance: Rated at 50 meters, suitable for serious swimmers and water sports.
Over 70 Sports Modes: Allows tracking for a multitude of activities, with specialized modes for swimming.
Offline Maps: GPS with offline maps is beneficial for open water swimming.
Performance Tracking: Provides insights into training load, recovery time, and overall performance.

6. Polar Vantage V2

Polar has a strong reputation in the running community, but its Vantage V2 is impressive for swimmers as well. This multisport watch provides exceptional tracking capabilities:

Water Resistance: 100 meters, making it ideal for both pool swims and open water.
Swimming Metrics: Measures swim distance, pace, and stroke efficiency.
Versatile Data Collection: Compiles data for various sports, giving a comprehensive overview of overall fitness.
Long Battery Life: Up to 40 hours in training mode, well-suited for long-distance swims.

7. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

While primarily aimed at runners, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is also a fantastic choice for swimmers looking for a durable activity tracker. Its standout features include:

Water Resistance: 50 meters, perfect for all forms of swimming.
Music Storage: Ability to store up to 500 songs, allowing users to listen to music while swimming (pool use recommended).
Performance Monitoring: Offers insights into training effect and recovery.
Built-in GPS: Useful for tracking outdoor routes and distances.

8. Amazfit Bip U Pro

For budget-conscious swimmers, the Amazfit Bip U Pro brings a vast array of features at an accessible price point. This fitness tracker does not skimp on quality:

Water Resistance: Rated at 50 meters, suitable for all your swimming needs.
Heart Rate Monitoring: 24/7 heart rate monitoring, even while swimming.
Compatibility: Syncs with both Android and iOS devices.
Long Battery Life: Up to 9 days on a single charge, an advantage for daily users.

9. HONOR Band 6

Another strong contender in the budget category is the HONOR Band 6. It prioritizes practicality and reliable performance for users looking mostly for activity tracking in water:

Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters, providing ample protection for swimming.
SpO2 Monitoring: Measures blood oxygen levels, making it a great all-around health tracker.
Large Display: Offers a clear view of metrics during workouts, including swimming.
Economical Assurance: One of the most affordable options with such a strong feature set.

10. Xiaomi Mi Band 6

Among the most affordable options in the market, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is perfect for those who require basic tracking without a hefty price tag. This fitness tracker is effective for casual swimmers:

Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters, suitable for pool or outdoor swimming.
Fitness Modes: Offers a variety of fitness tracking options, including swimming.
Battery Life: Exceptional battery life that can last up to 14 days.
Customization: Multiple watch faces for personalization.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a waterproof activity tracker for swimming, consider the following features to maximize your experience:

Water Resistance Rating: Look for devices rated at least 50 meters if you plan on swimming frequently.
Swim-specific Features: Stroke detection, lap counting, and SWOLF metrics can significantly enhance your swimming practice.
Battery Life: Ensure that it can last for your workout sessions, especially for longer swims or training days.
Comfort: Your tracker should be comfortable to wear, especially when submerged for extended periods.
Data Analysis: Tracker software should provide insights and analytics that help you improve your swimming technique and stamina over time.

Selecting the right waterproof activity tracker can elevate your swimming performance, offering insights that promote efficiency and enjoyment in the water. Whether you opt for a specialized swim watch or a versatile multisport tracker, you are sure to find options that cater to your swimming needs and lifestyle.