Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that provides cardiovascular benefits, builds endurance, and is gentle on the joints. To track your progress and make the most of your time in the water, smartwatches for swimming can be your best companion.

Key features to look for in a swimming smartwatch:

Before we jump into the recommendations, it’s important to understand the key features that make a smartwatch suitable for swimming:

• Waterproof rating: Ensure the watch has a high waterproof rating (usually 5 ATM or higher) to withstand submersion in water.
• Swim tracking: Look for a watch that can accurately track your swim metrics, including lap count, stroke type, distance, and duration.
• Heart rate monitoring: A built-in heart rate monitor is essential for tracking your effort and intensity in the water.
• GPS: GPS functionality is valuable for open water swimmers to track distance and routes.
• Battery life: Consider a watch with good battery life to last through longer swim sessions and daily wear.

Top picks for swimming smartwatches:

Garmin Forerunner 945:

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a top-tier smartwatch for swimmers. It boasts advanced swim tracking, a waterproof rating of 5 ATM, heart rate monitoring, GPS, and a remarkable battery life. It’s compatible with various swim apps and provides in-depth data analysis for your aquatic workouts.

Apple Watch Series 7:

The Apple Watch Series 7 may not be designed exclusively for swimming, but it’s water-resistant (WR50), making it suitable for pool and open water swimming. With its accurate heart rate monitoring, GPS, and vast app ecosystem, it’s a versatile choice for fitness enthusiasts.

Suunto 7:

Suunto 7 is a versatile smartwatch designed for outdoor activities, including swimming. It features a waterproof rating of 5 ATM, GPS, and exceptional battery life. The watch provides detailed swim tracking data and is perfect for those who enjoy both land and water workouts.

Fitbit Versa 3:

Fitbit Versa 3 is an affordable option with a water-resistant design. It offers swim tracking, heart rate monitoring, and an excellent battery life. While it may not have all the advanced features of high-end smartwatches, it’s a great choice for casual swimmers.