7 Best Waterproof Watches for Swim Tracking That Maximize Performance

Swimming enthusiasts know the value of tracking performance metrics, and a reliable waterproof watch is essential for this purpose. Today’s advanced swim watches don’t just tell time underwater—they monitor laps, stroke counts, distance, and even heart rate while you’re swimming. Finding the right waterproof timepiece can dramatically improve your training efficiency and help you reach new performance levels in the pool.

Whether you’re a competitive swimmer or a casual lap counter, investing in a quality swim tracking watch is a game-changer for your aquatic workouts. We’ve tested dozens of models to bring you the seven best waterproof watches that combine durability, accuracy, and user-friendly features for swimmers of all levels.

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Understanding Waterproof Ratings for Swim Tracking Watches

Before diving into the pool with your new swim watch, it’s crucial to understand exactly what those waterproof ratings mean for real-world use.

What ATM and IP Ratings Mean for Swimmers

ATM (atmospheres) ratings indicate how much water pressure your watch can withstand. A 5 ATM watch resists pressure equivalent to 50 meters depth, but isn’t suitable for swimming—you’ll need at least 10 ATM for pool sessions. IP ratings use a different system: IP68 watches can handle continuous immersion, while IP67 devices only withstand temporary dunking. For serious swimmers, prioritize watches with at least 10 ATM/100m or IP68 ratings for reliable pool performance.

The Difference Between Water-Resistant and Waterproof

Water-resistant watches offer minimal protection against splashes or brief exposure to water but fail during sustained immersion. True waterproof watches withstand continuous underwater use and pressure at specified depths. Many manufacturers avoid the term “waterproof” entirely, preferring “water-resistant to X meters” to set clear expectations. For swim tracking, ignore watches marketed as merely “water-resistant”—they won’t survive your training sessions and could be damaged beyond repair after just one swim.

7 Best Waterproof Watches for Swim Tracking

Garmin Swim 2: Best Overall Swim Tracker

The Garmin Swim 2 stands out as the top choice for dedicated swimmers, excelling in both pool and open-water environments. It meticulously tracks distance, lengths, pace, stroke count, stroke type, and SWOLF score with impressive accuracy. With built-in GPS for open water swimming and seamless integration with Garmin Connect, this affordable option ($249.99) delivers up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.

Apple Watch Ultra: Best Premium Smartwatch for Swimming

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 combines premium smartwatch functionality with advanced swim tracking capabilities. Its rugged titanium construction and built-in dive computer make it perfect for serious swimmers. You’ll get comprehensive metrics including splits, volumes, and stroke types, plus SWOLF scores and compatibility with third-party apps like MySwimPro. Though pricier than competitors, it offers unmatched versatility for tech-savvy swimmers.

Fitbit Versa 4: Best Budget-Friendly Option

The Fitbit Versa 4 delivers reliable swim tracking without breaking the bank. With 5ATM waterproofing, it accurately logs your swim workouts while displaying clear, easy-to-read metrics underwater. Perfect for pool sessions, this affordable tracker handles basics like laps, duration, and calories burned with ease. Its main limitation is the lack of built-in GPS, making it less ideal for open-water swimming.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Best for Android Users

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 delivers seamless integration with Android devices while offering comprehensive swim tracking features. With water resistance up to 50 meters, it reliably tracks laps, stroke types, and calories burned during your swim sessions. Android users will appreciate the intuitive interface and compatibility with popular fitness apps, making it the logical choice for swimming enthusiasts in the Android ecosystem.

Coros Apex 2: Best for Triathletes

The Coros Pace 3 (successor to the Apex 2) is the ultimate multisport companion with exceptional 25-day battery life that outperforms most competitors. Designed for triathletes, it precisely tracks swimming metrics including distance, pace, and stroke count without missing a beat. You’ll appreciate its affordability compared to similar multisport watches while benefiting from robust training features across all three triathlon disciplines.

Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Best Battery Life for Swimmers

The Suunto 9 Peak Pro boasts unmatched endurance with up to 21 days in standard mode and an impressive 170 hours in GPS training mode. It excels at recognizing different swim styles automatically while providing advanced metrics that serious swimmers demand. Additional features like skin temperature measurement and comprehensive sleep tracking make this the ideal companion for triathletes and open-water swimmers requiring extended battery performance.

Polar Vantage V2: Best for Advanced Swim Metrics

The Polar Vantage V2 delivers elite-level swim analytics with exceptional clarity on its vibrant AMOLED display. It precisely identifies different swim styles, including breaststroke, while maintaining impressive GPS accuracy during open-water sessions. With comprehensive tracking of heart rate, skin temperature, and detailed post-swim analysis, this powerhouse offers up to 12 days of battery life in standard mode for serious swimmers seeking performance insights.

Essential Features to Look for in Swim Tracking Watches

When selecting a waterproof watch for swimming, certain features can significantly enhance your training experience and performance tracking capabilities.

Stroke Recognition and Lap Counting

Most premium swim watches now automatically identify your swimming style through motion sensors and algorithms. Watches like the Garmin Fenix 8, Garmin Swim 2, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 accurately detect freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly strokes. This technology eliminates manual logging, allowing you to focus entirely on your technique while the watch counts laps and tracks your swimming patterns with remarkable precision.

Heart Rate Monitoring Underwater

Underwater heart rate monitoring provides crucial insights into your swimming intensity and cardiovascular performance. Advanced models like the Garmin Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 feature optical sensors specially designed to maintain contact with your skin while swimming. These sensors deliver continuous heart rate data throughout your session, helping you maintain target training zones and optimize your workouts for endurance, recovery, or high-intensity intervals.

SWOLF Score and Efficiency Metrics

SWOLF (Swimming + Golf) scores combine your stroke count and time per length to measure swimming efficiency. Lower scores indicate better technique. Watches like the Garmin Swim 2, Polar Grit X, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 calculate this metric automatically, alongside stroke rate, distance per stroke, and pace indicators. These efficiency metrics help you identify technique improvements, track progress over time, and optimize your swimming economy for both training and competition.

How to Maintain Your Waterproof Swim Watch

Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your waterproof swim watch continues to function optimally and remains reliable for tracking your swim sessions.

Post-Swim Cleaning Routine

Always rinse your watch with fresh water immediately after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, or other contaminants. Dry it thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth, paying special attention to buttons, crevices, and sensors. Clean the watch band regularly to prevent buildup of bacteria, especially if it’s made of silicone or fabric materials. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could degrade water-resistant seals or damage the watch’s surface.

Avoiding Common Damage Mistakes

Never expose your watch to extreme temperatures that could compromise internal components or water-resistant seals. Use protective features like Apple Watch’s Water Lock to prevent accidental screen touches while swimming. Avoid pressing buttons underwater unless your watch specifically allows it. Regularly update your watch’s software to fix known issues—like the Garmin Fenix 8’s cold water resistance problem that was resolved through an update. Always check your watch’s water resistance rating before diving or deep-water activities to ensure it meets the required specifications.

The Evolution of Swim Tracking Technology

From Manual Counting to Advanced Analytics

Swim tracking technology has undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades. Swimmers once relied entirely on manual lap counting and pace clocks, requiring mental math during workouts. Early basic digital watches offered stopwatch functionality but lacked swim-specific features. Today’s advanced swim watches provide automatic stroke detection, precise lap counting, and detailed performance analytics that would have seemed impossible just a decade ago.

Key Milestones in Swim Watch Development

The first dedicated swim watches emerged in the early 2000s, offering basic water resistance and lap counting functionality. Garmin pioneered the category with the original Garmin Swim, which tracked only pool and open-water metrics. By 2010, GPS integration revolutionized open-water swimming, allowing for accurate distance and route tracking. The introduction of optical heart rate sensors around 2015 eliminated the need for chest straps. Most recently, AI algorithms have enabled automatic stroke identification and technique analysis in watches like the Garmin Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Modern Features and Connectivity

Today’s swim tracking watches offer unprecedented analytics capabilities. Most premium models like the Apple Watch Series 8 automatically detect stroke types including butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. Built-in GPS functionality in watches like the Polar Grit X provides precise tracking for open-water swimming. Advanced connectivity allows instant syncing with smartphone apps like Garmin Connect and third-party platforms such as MySwimPro and Swim.com. This ecosystem approach delivers comprehensive training insights, structured workout plans, and performance tracking that transforms how swimmers train and improve.

Innovations Beyond the Wrist

The swim tracking landscape has expanded beyond traditional watches to include specialized devices. Form Smart Swim Goggles represent a groundbreaking approach, projecting real-time metrics directly in the swimmer’s line of sight. These goggles display key data like split times, distance, and stroke rate without requiring the swimmer to check their wrist. They can also pair with heart rate monitors and sync with GPS-enabled watches for comprehensive outdoor swim tracking. As technology continues to evolve, we’re seeing increased integration between different tracking tools, creating more comprehensive and actionable swimming analytics.

The Impact on Training and Performance

Modern swim tracking technology has fundamentally changed how athletes train. SWOLF scores (combining stroke count and time) provide objective efficiency metrics that were previously impossible to track consistently. Detailed stroke analysis helps swimmers identify technique flaws and track improvements over time. Integration with broader fitness ecosystems connects swimming performance to overall training load, recovery metrics, and sleep quality. For competitive swimmers and triathletes using devices like the Coros Pace 3 or Garmin Swim 2, this data-driven approach enables more precise training, targeted improvements, and optimized race strategies.

Future Directions in Swim Tracking

The next frontier in swim tracking appears focused on even more granular technique analysis. Emerging technologies aim to measure metrics like stroke length, body position, and kick power—elements previously visible only to trained coaches. Artificial intelligence will likely play an increasing role in providing technique feedback and personalized coaching recommendations. As wearable technology continues to miniaturize while improving battery life, we can expect swim tracking to become more comprehensive yet less intrusive, giving swimmers unprecedented insights into their performance without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Comparing Price Points: Investment vs. Value for Swimmers

When choosing a waterproof swim tracking watch, understanding the relationship between price and value is crucial for making an informed decision. The market offers options across various price points, each providing different features and benefits tailored to different swimming needs and experience levels.

High-End Investment ($600+)

The premium segment features sophisticated watches that deliver comprehensive tracking capabilities and exceptional durability:

• Garmin Fenix 8 ($700-$900) offers extensive functionality for serious swimmers with pool, open-water, and deep-sea tracking. Its multi-sport triathlon mode, safety tools like TracBack, and superior battery life justify the higher price for competitive swimmers and triathletes.
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799) combines rugged titanium construction with advanced swim metrics, dive mode functionality, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. It’s an ideal choice for dedicated swimmers who are already invested in Apple products.

Mid-Range Options ($200-$500)

These watches balance functionality and affordability, making them suitable for regular swimmers seeking reliable tracking:

• Apple Watch Series 8 ($400-$500) provides 50-meter water resistance with detailed swim tracking for both pool and open water. Its versatility as both a swim tracker and comprehensive smartwatch offers good value despite the higher price point.
• Garmin Swim 2 ($250-$350) delivers specialized swim features including GPS tracking, stroke counting, and SWOLF scoring. As a dedicated swim watch, it offers excellent value for serious swimmers who prioritize detailed swim metrics.
• Coros Pace 3 ($200-$300) stands out with accurate stroke tracking, multisport modes, and exceptional battery life at a more accessible price point. It’s particularly valuable for triathletes seeking reliable performance without premium pricing.

Budget-Friendly Choices (Under $250)

These affordable options deliver essential swim tracking features without breaking the bank:

• Fitbit Versa 2 ($150-$250) provides reliable swim workout logging with 5ATM waterproofing, making it ideal for casual lap swimmers who don’t need GPS functionality.
• Form Smart Swim Goggles ($200-$250) offer an innovative approach with goggle-integrated tracking that displays real-time metrics during your swim. They provide unique value for swimmers who prefer immediate feedback while training.

Your ideal investment level should align with your swimming frequency, performance goals, and whether you need a dedicated swim watch or a multifunctional device. Casual swimmers can find excellent value in budget-friendly options, while competitive athletes will likely benefit from the advanced features of higher-end models.

How to Choose the Right Waterproof Watch for Your Swimming Needs

Selecting the perfect waterproof watch can transform your swimming experience from casual laps to data-driven training. Your ideal choice depends on your swimming goals budget and preferred ecosystem.

Remember that true waterproofing (minimum 10 ATM or IP68) is non-negotiable for regular swimmers. Advanced features like stroke recognition SWOLF scoring and optical heart rate monitoring can provide invaluable insights to improve your technique.

Maintain your investment with proper post-swim care and regular software updates. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or fitness swimmer the right waterproof watch will become an essential training partner that enhances both your performance and enjoyment in the water.

Find the balance between functionality and budget that works for your specific needs and dive into a more connected swimming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a waterproof swim watch?

Look for a watch with at least 10 ATM or IP68 waterproof rating, automatic stroke recognition, lap counting, and underwater heart rate monitoring. SWOLF score tracking helps measure swimming efficiency. GPS is valuable for open water swimming, while multisport capabilities benefit triathletes. Battery life is crucial for longer training sessions, and compatibility with smartphone apps allows for detailed analysis of your swimming performance.

What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof watches?

Water-resistant watches can handle splashes and brief immersion but aren’t designed for swimming. Truly waterproof watches are engineered to withstand continuous underwater use and pressure at specified depths. For swimming, look for watches with at least 10 ATM (100m) or IP68 ratings. Don’t trust watches labeled merely as “water-resistant” for regular swimming sessions, as they may fail under sustained water exposure.

How should I maintain my swim tracking watch?

Rinse your watch with fresh water after each swim to remove chlorine, salt, and other contaminants. Dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures and don’t press buttons underwater unless specifically stated as safe. Check seals regularly for damage and follow manufacturer recommendations for water resistance testing. Update your watch’s software regularly to maintain optimal performance.

Are expensive swim watches worth the investment?

It depends on your swimming goals and frequency. High-end models ($600+) like the Garmin Fenix 8 offer comprehensive features for serious athletes. Mid-range options ($200-$500) provide reliable tracking for regular swimmers. Budget-friendly choices (under $250) deliver essential features for casual swimmers. Your investment should align with your performance goals, swimming frequency, and whether you need a dedicated swim watch or multifunctional device.

Can smartwatches like Apple Watch track swimming effectively?

Yes, premium smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra provide excellent swim tracking capabilities, including stroke recognition, lap counting, and heart rate monitoring. They offer versatile functionality beyond swimming while maintaining accurate swim metrics. However, dedicated swim watches from brands like Garmin might offer more swimming-specific features and longer battery life, which can be important for serious swimmers and triathletes.

What is a SWOLF score and why is it important?

SWOLF (Swimming Golf) combines your stroke count and time taken to complete a length, creating a single efficiency score. A lower SWOLF indicates greater swimming efficiency. This metric helps swimmers assess and improve their technique without focusing solely on speed. By tracking SWOLF over time, you can measure technical improvements even when speed plateaus, making it valuable for swimmers of all levels seeking to optimize their performance.

Do swim watches work for open water swimming?

Yes, but you need a watch with built-in GPS for tracking distance and routes in open water. Models like the Garmin Swim 2 and Coros Apex 2 excel at open water tracking. Without GPS, a watch can only track time and heart rate outdoors. For comprehensive open water analytics, look for watches that can map your course, measure stroke efficiency, and provide accurate distance measurements without lane markers.

How accurate are swim watches for counting laps and strokes?

Modern swim watches are remarkably accurate for lap counting, with error rates below 5% in optimal conditions. Stroke counting accuracy varies more, especially with inconsistent technique. Watches use accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect motion patterns, with higher-end models offering better accuracy. For maximum precision, maintain consistent technique and push off walls with deliberate movements. Some watches allow manual corrections after your swim.