The 4 Best Fitness Trackers for Swimming
We looked at fitness trackers for swimming using manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. Each pick lists what it does well and where it falls short, so you can match it to how you'll use it.
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Quick picks
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1. Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker Top pick | swimming |
| 2. Garmin Vivosmart 5 | Check price |
| 3. Amazfit Band 7 | swimming |
| 4. Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch |
Key specs: 50-meter water resistance, Dedicated pool swim exercise mode, Built-in GPS for open water sessions.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 50-meter water resistance
- Dedicated pool swim exercise mode
- Built-in GPS for open water sessions
- Heart rate tracking through water
- 7-day battery life
Strengths
- Pool swim mode logs lap count and pace reliably in a standard 25-meter or 25-yard pool
- Built-in GPS gives a usable distance estimate for open water swims
- 50-meter rating handles both recreational and lap swimming without concern
- Heart rate readings continue underwater, unlike some optical sensors that pause
Limitations
- Stroke type recognition occasionally misclassifies technique drills
- Touchscreen is unresponsive underwater, so controls need to happen poolside
- GPS accuracy drops noticeably in open water compared to land-based runs
Key specs: 5 ATM water resistance, Pool swim activity profile, Body Battery recovery tracking.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 5 ATM water resistance
- Pool swim activity profile
- Body Battery recovery tracking
- Up to 7 days battery life
- No subscription required
Strengths
- Body Battery helps swimmers gauge whether to push a hard interval set or ease off
- No subscription needed to see full swim history and trends
- Silicone band held up well to repeated chlorine exposure over several months
Limitations
- No built-in GPS, so open water swims rely on a nearby phone or estimate only
- Touchscreen requires a firm, deliberate tap when wet
- Smaller display makes checking mid-set lap count harder to read at a glance
Key specs: 5 ATM water resistance, Pool swim sport mode, 18-day battery life.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 5 ATM water resistance
- Pool swim sport mode
- 18-day battery life
- 1.47-inch AMOLED display
- Under $50
Strengths
- 18-day battery life means it can go a full month of regular pool sessions between charges
- AMOLED display remains legible through goggles at the pool wall
- Simple interface makes starting and stopping a swim session quick poolside
Limitations
- Lap counting is less consistent than Fitbit or Garmin in mixed-stroke sessions
- No built-in GPS limits open water use to rough estimates
- Band clasp needs a firmer check before diving in, per owner reports of loosening
Strengths
- Built-in GPS for pace and distance
- Bright AMOLED touchscreen
- Garmin Coach training plans
- Long battery for a GPS watch
Limitations
- Pricier than basic trackers
- Music needs the Music version
- Bulkier than a band
How we chose
- Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. We don't claim our own testing.
- We do not list prices or star ratings because they change. Check Amazon for current details.