Imagine effortlessly tracking your swim workouts, analyzing your stroke technique, and seeing your progress improve—all with the right fitness tracker for swimming. But with so many models on the market, choosing the perfect one can feel overwhelming. This ultimate guide cuts through the confusion, comparing the best fitness trackers for swimming in 2024 to help you find the ideal device. We’ll cover essential features, explore top-rated trackers across different budgets, and empower you to make an informed decision that helps you reach your swimming goals. Let’s dive in!
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Swimming Fitness Tracker
Selecting the perfect fitness tracker for swimming depends on your individual needs, goals, and budget. This guide breaks down the key features to consider, helping you make an informed decision.
A. Essential Features for All Swimmers
- Water Resistance: Waterproofing is paramount for any swimming fitness tracker. You need a device that can withstand prolonged submersion without malfunctioning or sustaining damage. Look for a minimum 5 ATM (50 meters) water resistance rating, and ideally higher for open water swimming. For a detailed explanation of IPX and ATM ratings, and their implications for swimming, [check out our comprehensive guide on Understanding Water Resistance Ratings](link to your supporting post).
- Stroke Recognition: A good swimming fitness tracker should accurately identify your stroke type (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly). This feature is vital for detailed analysis of your swimming technique, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and track progress across different strokes. Accuracy varies between devices, so consider reviews highlighting the accuracy of specific trackers.
- SWOLF Score Calculation: SWOLF (Stroke + seconds) is a key metric for evaluating swimming efficiency. A lower SWOLF score indicates better efficiency. This feature is highly valuable for serious swimmers aiming to improve their technique and overall performance.
- Battery Life: Ensure your tracker has sufficient battery life for extended swim sessions. Nothing’s more frustrating than having your tracker die mid-workout. Consider how long you typically swim and choose a tracker with a battery life that exceeds your training sessions.
B. Features for Specific Swimming Types
- GPS Tracking (for open water): If you swim in open water, GPS is essential for accurate distance and route tracking. Accurate GPS is crucial for monitoring your progress and analyzing your performance in open water environments.
- Durability: Your swimming tracker will be exposed to water and chlorine, so durability is critical. Look for trackers with robust materials and designs that can withstand prolonged exposure to these elements.
C. Valuable Supplementary Features
- Heart Rate Monitoring (in Water): Accurate heart rate tracking during swimming allows you to monitor your effort levels and adjust your training intensity. While challenging to achieve accurately underwater, several trackers offer this feature.
- App Compatibility: Consider compatibility with popular swimming apps. Integration with these apps allows you to analyze your data, set goals, and create personalized training plans.
D. Making Your Decision
Remember, the best swimming fitness tracker depends on your specific needs, goals, and budget. This guide helps you prioritize the key features. [Learn more about choosing the right tracker based on your swimming style and goals in our detailed guide on How to Choose a Swimming Fitness Tracker](link to your supporting post). This guide will help you navigate the options and make an informed choice.
Not sure which swim tracker is right for you?
Before you decide, check out our expert guide on how to choose the best fitness tracker for swimming — it breaks down the key features, swim modes, and must-have specs based on your swim style and goals.
Top Fitness Trackers for Swimming: Reviews
This section reviews top-performing swimming fitness trackers across different price points, helping you choose the perfect fit for your needs and budget. We’ve categorized them to help you find the best option for you:
A. Premium Trackers: Advanced Features for Serious Swimmers
Apple Watch Ultra 2
![Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch, Sport Watch with Black Titanium Case with Black Titanium Milanese Loop - Medium. Fitness Tracker, Precision GPS, Action Button, Carbon Neutral](https://wearablefitnesstech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Apple-Watch-Ultra-2_Milanese-Loop-895x1024.jpg)
Price: Starting $839
Key Features: 100m water resistance, SWOLF tracking, stroke recognition, underwater heart rate monitoring, robust titanium casing, customizable training plans via MySwimPro.
Pros: Premium build quality, extensive app ecosystem, excellent swim metrics, versatile smartwatch functionality beyond swimming.
Cons: Expensive; shorter battery life compared to dedicated swim trackers.
Who It’s For: Competitive swimmers and triathletes seeking advanced metrics, durability, and versatile smartwatch features.
Why It’s Recommended: The Apple Watch Ultra is a top choice for serious swimmers who value advanced features and a premium experience, even if it compromises slightly on battery life.
Polar Vantage V3
Price: Starting $599
Key Features: Multi-sport tracking, swim analytics, long battery life, durable and lightweight design.
Pros: Great for triathletes, excellent swim features, long battery life.
Cons: Slightly expensive for casual swimmers, not solely focused on swimming.
Who It’s For: Multi-sport athletes, including triathletes, who need a durable and versatile device.
Why It’s Recommended: The Polar Vantage V3 is a solid choice for multi-sport athletes who value detailed swim metrics and long battery life.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
![SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE AI Smartwatch w/Energy Score, Wellness Tips, Heart Rate Tracking, Sleep Monitor, Fitness Tracker, GPS, 2024,Titanium Gray [US Version, 1Yr Manufacturer Warranty]](https://wearablefitnesstech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-Ultra-Titanium-Gray-888x1024.jpg)
Price: Starting at $422
Key Features: Comprehensive swim tracking with stroke detection and heart rate monitoring, seamless integration with Samsung Health and third-party apps.
Pros: Stylish design, versatile for everyday use, good swim tracking features.
Cons: Limited battery life for extended swim sessions.
Who It’s For: Casual swimmers and tech-savvy users wanting a blend of style and functionality.
Why It’s Recommended: For casual swimmers desiring style and versatile functionality, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra offers solid swim tracking with added smartwatch capabilities.
B. Mid-Range Trackers: Balancing Features and Affordability
Garmin Swim 2
Price: Around $199
Key Features: SWOLF tracking, stroke count, open-water GPS, lightweight, and user-friendly design.
Pros: Accurate swim tracking, suitable for pool and open water swimming, user-friendly interface, dedicated swim features.
Cons: Lacks the advanced smartwatch features found in models like the Apple Watch.
Who It’s For: Competitive and open-water swimmers focused on dedicated swimming features and precise data.
Why It’s Recommended: The Garmin Swim 2 is a dedicated swimming tracker offering unparalleled accuracy in both pool and open water, perfect for serious swimmers prioritizing swim-specific metrics.
Fitbit Versa 4
Price: Around $166
Key Features: Swim tracking, heart rate monitoring, app compatibility, user-friendly interface.
Pros: Easy to use, suitable for casual swimmers, good value.
Cons: Limited advanced swim features compared to premium options.
Who It’s For: Casual swimmers and fitness enthusiasts who want a user-friendly device.
Why It’s Recommended: The Fitbit Versa 4 is a good option for casual swimmers who prioritize simplicity and ease of use, offering solid basic swim tracking features.
Coros Pace 3
Price: Around $229
Key Features: Lightweight design, GPS for open water, stroke tracking, exceptional battery life.
Pros: Affordable, accurate GPS, great battery life, lightweight.
Cons: Limited app ecosystem compared to some competitors.
Who It’s For: Open-water swimmers seeking accurate GPS tracking, long battery life, and affordability.
Why It’s Recommended: The Coros Pace 2 is perfect for open-water swimmers prioritizing reliable tracking and long battery life without breaking the bank.
C. Budget-Friendly Trackers: Essential Features at Lower Prices
Xiaomi Smart Band 9
Price: Around $47
Key Features: Basic swim metrics (lap counting), lightweight and compact design.
Pros: Very affordable, easy to use.
Cons: Lacks advanced features found in more expensive models.
Who It’s For: Beginners or casual swimmers on a tight budget.
Why It’s Recommended: The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is a great budget-friendly entry point for recreational swimmers wanting to track their basic swim metrics.
Amazfit Bip 5
Price: Around $59
Key Features: GPS tracking, basic swim metrics, lightweight and affordable.
Pros: Affordable, includes GPS for open water.
Cons: Limited swim-specific features.
Who It’s For: Entry-level swimmers looking for GPS functionality at a low price.
Why It’s Recommended: The Amazfit Bip 5 is ideal for those new to open water swimming and seeking GPS functionality without a large investment.
Fitbit Inpire 3
Price: Around $94
Key Features: Swim tracking, heart rate monitoring, simple and reliable design.
Pros: Affordable, user-friendly.
Cons: Limited advanced swim features.
Who It’s For: Recreational swimmers seeking a simple and reliable tracker.
Why It’s Recommended: The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a reliable and straightforward choice for recreational swimmers who want basic tracking features without complexity.
Pro Tip: Curious to learn more about the Fitbit Inspire 3?
Before you decide, check out our detailed Fitbit Inspire 3 Review. It explains why this the best affordable fitness tracker under $100.
Swimming Fitness Tracker Comparison Table
This table compares the top fitness trackers for swimming, highlighting five key features: water resistance, GPS functionality, accurate in-water heart rate tracking, battery life, and advanced swim metrics (stroke analysis and SWOLF score where available). Quickly compare models to find the best fit for your swimming goals and budget.
| Fitness Tracker | Water Resistance | GPS | Heart Rate (in water) | Battery Life (approx.) | Stroke Recognition/SWOLF Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 100m | Yes | Yes | 18 hrs | Yes | Serious swimmers, advanced features |
| Polar Vantage V3 | 10 ATM | Yes | Yes | 40 hrs | Yes | Advanced metrics, long battery life |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | 5 ATM | Yes | Yes | 40 hrs | Yes | Long battery life, extensive smartwatch features |
| Garmin Swim 2 | 5 ATM | Yes | Yes | 16 hrs | Yes | Budget-conscious, reliable basic features |
| Fitbit Versa 4 | 5 ATM | Yes | Yes | 6+ days | No | Long battery life, extensive smartwatch features |
| Coros Pace 3 | 5 ATM | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | Yes | Good balance of features and price |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 9 | 5 ATM | No | No | 15+ days | No | Budget-friendly, basic tracking |
| Amazfit Bip 5 | 5 ATM | Yes | No | 15+ days | No | Budget-friendly, basic tracking, long battery life |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | 5 ATM | No | Yes | 10+ days | No | Basic tracking, long battery life |
Note: “Approx.” indicates approximate battery life, as these can vary depending on usage and settings. “Yes” indicates that the feature is present; “No” indicates that it is absent or limited.
Still not sure which swim tracker is right for you?
Before you decide, check out our expert guide on how to choose the best fitness tracker for swimming — it breaks down the key features, swim modes, and must-have specs based on your swim style and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section addresses common questions about swimming fitness trackers.
Q: How accurate are fitness trackers for swimming?
A: The accuracy of fitness trackers for swimming varies depending on the device and the specific features. While most trackers accurately measure distance and duration in a pool (based on lap counting), accuracy for open-water swimming depends heavily on GPS functionality. Stroke recognition also has varying degrees of accuracy between models. Generally, dedicated swimming trackers tend to provide more accurate data than general-purpose fitness trackers.
Q: How long does the battery last during a swim?
A: Battery life varies significantly between trackers. Some premium smartwatches may only last 18-24 hours with heavy usage, including GPS and heart rate monitoring. Dedicated swimming trackers often have longer battery life (16-30+ hours), while some basic fitness trackers can last for days or even weeks on a single charge. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for details.
Q: What is the difference between IPX and ATM water resistance ratings?
A: IPX ratings indicate a device’s protection against water ingress, generally referring to splash resistance. ATM (atmospheres) ratings refer to the pressure a device can withstand when submerged under water. For swimming, you need a minimum of 5 ATM (50 meters), but higher ratings are better for deep or prolonged submersion, especially for open-water swimming.
Q: Can I use my fitness tracker for both swimming and other activities?
A: Many fitness trackers are designed for multi-sport use. However, some, particularly dedicated swimming trackers, may offer fewer features for activities other than swimming. Consider your overall fitness goals and choose a tracker that meets your diverse needs, whether you only swim, do other sports, or are a general fitness enthusiast.
Q: What should I do if my fitness tracker malfunctions in water?
A: Should this occur, consult the manufacturer’s warranty and instructions immediately. Most manufacturers will cover defects if the malfunction is due to a manufacturing defect and not misuse. Take precautions and do not attempt to repair the tracker yourself.
Q: What is SWOLF score, and why is it important?
A: SWOLF (Stroke + seconds) is a metric that combines the number of strokes taken with the time taken to complete a certain distance. A lower SWOLF score indicates better swimming efficiency. Tracking your SWOLF score over time can reveal improvements in technique, helping you optimize your performance.
Not sure which swim tracker is right for you?
Before you decide, check out our expert guide on how to choose the best fitness tracker for swimming — it breaks down the key features, swim modes, and must-have specs based on your swim style and goals.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Swimming Tracker
Choosing the right fitness tracker for swimming can significantly enhance your training and enjoyment of the sport. This guide has explored various top-performing trackers across different price points, highlighting their key features and benefits. Remember that the “best” tracker is subjective and depends on your individual needs, swimming style, and budget.
Recommendations:
- For competitive swimmers seeking advanced features: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Swim 2 are excellent choices, offering comprehensive metrics and robust performance.
- For multi-sport athletes: The Polar Vantage V3 provides excellent swim tracking capabilities alongside other fitness tracking features.
- For open-water swimmers: The Coros Pace 3 offers accurate GPS tracking and long battery life.
- For budget-conscious swimmers: The Xiaomi Smart Band 9, Amazfit Bip 5, and Fitbit Inspire 3 provide reliable basic swim tracking at more affordable prices.
Investing in a quality swimming fitness tracker can significantly improve your swimming experience. By tracking your progress, analyzing your technique, and setting new goals, you can enhance your performance and achieve your aquatic goals.
We encourage you to:
- Leave a comment below: Share your experiences with swimming fitness trackers. What are your favorite models? Do you have any questions we haven’t addressed?
- Share this article: Help fellow swimmers discover the best fitness trackers to enhance their swim training.
- Contact us: If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out!