Top-Rated Fitness Trackers for Swimmers

Swimming is one of the most effective full-body exercises, offering a low-impact yet highly efficient workout. For swimmers, tracking performance and monitoring progress can help improve technique, endurance, and overall fitness. However, not all fitness trackers are built to withstand the water environment. Swimmers need a specialized fitness tracker that can endure submersion, accurately track swim metrics, and provide detailed insights into their performance.

In this guide, we'll explore the top-rated fitness trackers designed specifically for swimmers. These devices come equipped with water-resistant features, advanced swim tracking capabilities, and other essential tools that will help swimmers monitor their workouts both in and out of the pool.

Key Features to Look for in a Fitness Tracker for Swimmers

Before diving into the top fitness trackers for swimmers, let's take a closer look at the features that make a tracker ideal for aquatic activities. Not all fitness trackers are suitable for swimming, so it's essential to focus on the following aspects:

1. Water Resistance and Durability

For any fitness tracker used by swimmers, water resistance is a top priority. The tracker should be rated for swimming or deeper activities (look for a 5 ATM or higher water resistance rating). This ensures that the device won't be damaged during immersion in water, and it can handle various water-based activities like swimming, snorkeling, or even diving.

2. Swim-Specific Tracking

Not all fitness trackers track swimming performance accurately. A good swim tracker should be able to:

• Measure lap count: Count the number of laps swum during a session.
• Track stroke type: Recognize different strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly).
• Record SWOLF score: SWOLF is a swimming efficiency metric that combines stroke count and time for one length of the pool.
• Track distance and pace: Measure how far you swim and your pace in terms of time per lap or per 100 meters.

3. Heart Rate Monitoring

Monitoring heart rate while swimming can provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular fitness and intensity level. The tracker should have water-resistant sensors that can accurately detect heart rate under water, which can be more challenging than during dry activities.

4. Battery Life

Fitness trackers for swimmers should offer long battery life, as swimming workouts can often last 30 minutes to an hour or more. Opt for a device that has enough battery life to last through multiple swim sessions without needing frequent recharging.

5. Smart Features and Integration

In addition to swim tracking, you may want a tracker that integrates with other fitness data, such as step counting, calories burned, sleep tracking, and even smartphone notifications. These additional features can offer a comprehensive picture of your overall fitness journey.

6. Comfort and Fit

Since swimmers will wear these trackers for long periods of time, comfort is crucial. Choose a fitness tracker with an ergonomic design and comfortable straps. A watch-style tracker might be more suitable, as it won't interfere with swimming strokes.

Top Fitness Trackers for Swimmers

Now that we've outlined the key features to look for in a swim tracker, let's explore the top-rated options available for swimmers. These trackers combine water-resistant capabilities with swim-specific tracking features, giving swimmers all the tools they need to monitor and improve their performance.

1. Garmin Swim 2

The Garmin Swim 2 is specifically designed for swimmers who want to track their swim workouts with precision. This device is packed with swim-specific features, making it one of the best choices for serious swimmers.

• Key Features:

  • Advanced swim metrics: Tracks distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, stroke type, and heart rate (even underwater).
  • Open-water swimming mode: Includes GPS tracking for open-water swims, which is useful for those who swim in lakes or oceans.
  • Heart rate monitoring: Underwater heart rate monitoring is enabled via the device's optical sensor.
  • Up to 7 days of battery life: Long battery life for both pool and open-water swims.
  • Water-resistant: Rated 5 ATM, suitable for swimming and diving up to 50 meters.

• Why It's Great for Swimmers : The Garmin Swim 2 offers all the essential swim-specific metrics, plus advanced features like GPS for open-water swimming. With heart rate monitoring even under water and a comfortable fit, this tracker is tailored for swimmers who want detailed insights into their workouts.

2. Fitbit Charge 5

While the Fitbit Charge 5 is a general fitness tracker, it still stands out as one of the best options for swimmers due to its robust swim tracking features and water-resistant design.

• Key Features:

  • Swim tracking: Tracks lap count, duration, and calories burned during swim sessions.
  • Water-resistant: Rated up to 50 meters (5 ATM), making it ideal for swimming in the pool or ocean.
  • Heart rate monitoring: Continuous heart rate tracking with onboard sensors, providing insights into cardiovascular performance.
  • Sleep and activity tracking: Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and even provides detailed sleep analysis.
  • Smart notifications: Receive calls, texts, and app notifications on your wrist.

• Why It's Great for Swimmers : The Fitbit Charge 5 combines basic swim tracking with other fitness features, making it a versatile choice for swimmers who want an all-in-one device. It's also more affordable than some specialized swim trackers, offering great value for those who want a general fitness tracker with water resistance.

3. Coros Pace 2

The Coros Pace 2 is a multi-sport GPS watch that includes a variety of tracking features for swimmers. It's lightweight, durable, and comes with a swim mode designed to track both pool and open-water swims.

• Key Features:

  • Advanced swim tracking: Records lap time, distance, pace, stroke type, and SWOLF score.
  • Open-water swim mode: Uses GPS to track outdoor swims.
  • Heart rate monitoring: Measures heart rate both in the water and out, giving insights into cardiovascular effort.
  • Up to 20 days of battery life: Long battery life for extended use, even during intensive swim training.
  • Water-resistant: Rated 5 ATM, suitable for pool and open-water activities.

• Why It's Great for Swimmers : The Coros Pace 2 stands out with its excellent battery life, making it ideal for swimmers who want a watch that can keep up with long swim sessions. The ability to track both pool and open-water swims with advanced metrics makes it a solid choice for serious swimmers.

4. Suunto 9 Baro

The Suunto 9 Baro is a rugged, high-performance watch that is perfect for swimmers who want a durable device with excellent swim tracking features.

• Key Features:

  • Swim tracking: Tracks distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF.
  • Open-water swimming: GPS functionality for tracking swims in lakes, oceans, or rivers.
  • Barometer for altitude: Ideal for those who train in different environments, whether in the pool or in open water.
  • Heart rate monitoring: Continuous heart rate tracking, with an optional chest strap for more accurate results.
  • Up to 120 hours of battery life: Long-lasting battery, especially for multi-sport and outdoor athletes.
  • Water-resistant: Rated 10 ATM, designed for swimming at greater depths (100 meters).

• Why It's Great for Swimmers : The Suunto 9 Baro is a premium option with top-notch durability and features that cater to both pool and open-water swimmers. Its rugged design, GPS functionality, and heart rate monitoring make it an ideal choice for those who train outdoors or in extreme conditions.

5. Polar Vantage V2

The Polar Vantage V2 is a high-end multisport watch designed for athletes, including swimmers. It offers advanced swim metrics and high-precision heart rate monitoring.

• Key Features:

  • Swim metrics: Tracks pace, distance, stroke count, and SWOLF.
  • Open-water swimming mode: Uses GPS to track outdoor swimming.
  • Heart rate monitoring: Optical heart rate sensor for underwater tracking.
  • Up to 40 hours of battery life: Great for long training sessions or races.
  • Water-resistant: Rated up to 100 meters (10 ATM), making it suitable for professional swimmers.

• Why It's Great for Swimmers : The Polar Vantage V2 is perfect for swimmers looking for advanced metrics and a watch that can handle both pool and open-water swimming. With its extended battery life and robust build, it's designed for serious athletes who need a versatile and reliable device.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fitness tracker for swimming depends on your specific needs and goals. Whether you're a competitive swimmer or a casual swimmer looking to stay fit, the right tracker can help you monitor your performance, improve your technique, and stay motivated.

Devices like the Garmin Swim 2 , Fitbit Charge 5 , and Coros Pace 2 are excellent choices, offering a mix of durability, swim-specific tracking features, and smart functions. Meanwhile, high-performance options like the Suunto 9 Baro and Polar Vantage V2 are perfect for those looking for a more advanced, multi-sport solution.

Ultimately, the best swim tracker for you will be one that combines the right features with comfort, durability, and ease of use, ensuring you can focus on your swim and progress with confidence.