Best Waterproof Smartwatches for Swimmers: 2024 Edition
Table of Contents
Introduction
Over the past few years, smartwatches for swimmers have been in high demand. How this device was transformed from a simple time-keeping device to a complex swim metric tracker, heart rate monitor, and water-proof device is pretty dramatic. Whether elite athlete or a recreational swimmer, a waterproof smartwatch is sure to help enormously in stretching your training program and increasing the joys of swimming.
This is an overview article about the top-rated waterproof smartwatches that is available in 2024 based on their features and benefits for swimmers.
1. Understanding the Need: Why Waterproof Smartwatches Matter
For swimmers, the waterproof smartwatch is more than just a convenience; it’s part of their equipment. Unlike regular watches or other activity trackers, waterproof smartwatches are designed to handle prolonged periods in water and provide real-time accurate data during the swim.
The waterproofing capability is usually represented through IP ratings that define the watch’s resistance to water and dust. The higher the IP rating, the more resistant a watch would be toward being submerged in water. For instance, IP68 and IPX8 provide more protection against this and are a necessity for swimmers trained in pool and open water activities.
2. Key Features To Look In Waterproof Smartwatches
While selecting a waterproof smartwatch for swimming, some principal features should be given priority. These include:
Swim Tracking
Advanced swim tracking is basic. Look for watches that give you lap counts, stroke detection, such as freestyle or breaststroke, distance measurement, and swim efficiency metrics like SWOLF score. With this information, swimmers can establish a baseline of their performance and work to refine their technique over time.
Water Resistance
Notice the depth rating of the smartwatch. For swimmers, 50 meters, or 5 ATM, is the minimum recommendation that the watch would be able to handle underwater pressures without losing its functionality.
Battery Life
Longer battery life is essential for swimmers who train for hours at a stretch. Being called upon to track several swim sessions, the smartwatch has to have adequate battery life to sustain itself in such conditions.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Real-time heart rate tracking lets you monitor your cardiovascular performance during swimming. Go for watches that have accurate, continuous heart rate tracking in water and throughout the day.
GPS and Navigation
For outdoor swimmers, GPS functionality is useful for tracking open water swims and navigation through routes they are not familiar with. Some smartwatches offer breadcrumb mapping to find your way back to shore.
3. Top Waterproof Smartwatches Picks For 2024
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a next-generation smartwatch that’s designed to be the ultimate health and fitness companion. With the S9 chip, it comes up with a super bright display and introduces an innovative way of interaction with minimum effort, without touching the screen. Equipped with advanced health monitoring like blood oxygen level, ECG, and sleep, this watch will be able to give an all-rounded understanding of your well-being. It comes dust-resistant and 50m water-resistant, so it can fill all your swimming and active lifestyle needs.
Reasons To Buy The Apple Watch Series 9
- Track your blood oxygen, heart rhythm, and sleep stages – all from one smartwatch for a full picture of your health.
- The Workout app provides detailed metrics and three months of Apple Fitness+ to enhance your workout experience.
- It has fall detection, emergency SOS, and now Crash Detection to protect you during emergencies.
- Seamlessly integrates with Apple devices, offering features like Apple Pay and Precision Finding.
- A variety of watch bands and tons of customizable watch faces to fit your style and mood.
Pros
- Extremely bright display for easy readability
- Health and fitness tracking with detailed features
- Durable and swim-proof design
- Integration with Apple ecosystem for seamless connectivity
- Innovative safety features like fall detection and emergency SOS
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to other smartwatches
- Needs an iPhone, which it cannot work without
- As much as 18 hours of battery life could mean daily recharging in heavy-use scenarios
Quick Summary
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the ultimate water-resistant smartwatch, catering to health enthusiasts and active individuals. With advanced health monitoring and fitness tracking capabilities, this watch boasts new innovative safety features, all within its sleek yet resilient design. This makes it a perfect smartwatch for swimmers and other outdoor adventurers who desire style with performance in their daily activities.
People Ask
Q: Is the Apple Watch Series 9 waterproof?
Ans: The Apple Watch Series 9 has an IP rating of 50 meters, so you can swim and do all activities relating to water while wearing it.
Q: Can I use the Apple Watch Series 9 without an iPhone?
Ans: While most features actually require an iPhone to fully work, the Apple Watch Series 9 can be used independently to a great extent in basic functions like fitness tracking and playing music.
Q: How long does the battery last on the Apple Watch Series 9?
Ans: The Apple Watch Series 9 will last up to 18 hours on a single charge, depending upon the usage.
Q: What sizes are available for the Apple Watch Series 9?
Ans: The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in two case sizes: 35mm and 38mm, catering to different wrist sizes and preferences.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 is a feature-rich, waterproof smartwatch that supports its wearer on the path to health and wellness. It works with Android and features full health monitoring, including heart rate and body composition analysis via the BIA sensor, advanced sleep tracking, over 90 recognized exercise modes, and track workouts pretty well while providing personalized insights to achieve one’s fitness goals. Sleek design, durable crystal glass, interchangeable bands for any activity—everything that one needs in a stylish and functional companion.
Reasons To Buy The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6
- Check heart rate, body fat, and sleep stages for deep insights into your well-being.
- Set targets with personalized heart rate zones tailored to your intensity preferences.
- Improve your sleep habits and get insight into stages of sleep and detection of snores.
- Seamlessly integrate with other Galaxy devices and get easy music streaming, camera control, calls, and texts across devices.
- Style your watch to your mood with a wide range of bands and watch faces.
Pros
- Strong health and fitness tracking features
- Sleek design with durable crystal glass
- More than 90 recognized exercise modes
- Seamless integration with Samsung Galaxy devices
- Advanced sleep tracking and coaching features
Cons
- Requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone for full functionality
- Premium pricing as compared to other smartwatches
Quick Summary
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 is a high-end, water-resistant smartwatch. It brings cutting-edge health monitoring with personalized fitness tracking and stunning design together. The device therefore seeks to offer people interested in general health conditions and physical fitness regimes in-depth insight. It seamlessly connects with Samsung Galaxy devices and offers customization with interchangeable bands and watch faces.
People Ask
Q: Is the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 waterproof?
Ans: Yes, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 is water-resistant, allowing one to swim and be involved in various activities within the water.
Q: Can I use the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 with an iPhone?
Ans: While most of the features would work with iPhones, it is optimized in terms of full functionality and integration only with Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
Q: How does the advanced sleep coaching work on the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6?
Ans: The watch provides insights into your sleep stages (awake, light, deep, REM) and can detect snoring to help you develop better sleep habits.
Q: What is the BIA sensor on the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 used for?
Ans: BIA Sensors analyze body composition, which contains data on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, and BMI.
Garmin fenix 7
The Garmin fenix 7 is a rugged, multisport GPS smartwatch designed for both adventurers and athletes. It features a tough fiber-reinforced polymer case and an ultra-durable 1.3-inch always-on display, designed to offer greater durability and more consistent visibility across various scenarios. Equipped with next-generation training features, advanced health monitoring, and thorough connectivity, the Fenix 7 is designed for performance and to support active lifestyles and it is also great for swimmers who are looking for a smartwatch with advanced features that also work inside the water effectively.
Reasons To Buy The Garmin fenix 7
- Track endurance, and real-time stamina and receive personalized training insights.
- Durable, fiber-reinforced polymer case to withstand the toughest environments.
- Includes wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox (where available), stress tracking, and enhanced sleep monitoring.
- Utilizes multi-GNSS satellite systems and built-in sensors for accurate navigation off the beaten path.
Pros
- Touchscreen and button controls for easy operation in any environment.
- Long battery life: Up to 18 days in smartwatch mode and up to 57 hours in GPS mode
- Preloaded maps for golf courses and ski resorts worldwide
- Supports a wide range of sports and activities with dedicated apps
Cons
- Premium price compared with a lot of smartwatches out there
- Can be too complicated for those who just want to keep a simple fitness
- Needs to be charged regularly for optimal use, especially in the case of heavy GPS activity
Quick Summary
The Garmin fenix 7 is the best waterproof smartwatch for adventurous and athletic people who want advanced training metrics, solid health monitoring, and reliable outdoor navigation. Its design is brawny and long-lasting, besides having prolonged battery life and fully connected features for those seeking both performance and versatility.
People Ask
Q: Is the Garmin fenix 7 waterproof?
Ans: Yes, the Garmin Fenix 7 is water-resistant and won’t get damaged during swimming or showering.
Q: Can I use Garmin Pay with the fenix 7?
Ans: Yes, contactless payments are supported through Garmin Pay in countries and on networks where the feature is available.
Q: What does Pulse Ox measure on the Garmin fenix 7?
Ans: Pulse Ox measures blood oxygen saturation levels, providing insights into your body’s oxygen levels.
Q: How durable is the Garmin fenix 7 for outdoor activities?
Ans: The fenix 7 is built with a rugged design and is tested for durability in various environmental conditions.
Fitbit Versa 4
The Fitbit Versa 4 Swim is one of the more versatile waterproof watches for swimmers, with advanced fitness tracking and everyday connectivity. It has built-in GPS, active zone minutes, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking, with more than 40 different exercise modes for tracking your varied fitness activities. Sleek in design and packing a host of smart features right at your wrist—including Bluetooth calls, notifications, and Fitbit Pay—it’s designed to pump up your workout sessions and day-to-day activities.
Reasons To Buy The Fitbit Versa 4
- Track activities with GPS, heart rate, and detailed workout metrics.
- Swimproof up to 50m and water-resistant, so you can take it for a swim
- Take calls, texts, and app alerts right to your wrist
- Enjoy up to 6+ days of battery life, minimizing frequent charging
- Includes sleep tracking, stress management, and SpO2 monitoring (where available)
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable, so you can wear it all-day
- Big, bright touchscreen with easy swipes to navigate
- Compatibility with Fitbit Premium to give a more detailed look at your activities and sleeping habits
- Better connection with smart devices and app
Cons
- App selection is somewhat limited compared to other smartwatch platforms
- Some advanced features require a Fitbit Premium subscription
- Battery life may vary based on usage, especially with continuous GPS use
Quick Summary
The Fitbit Versa 4 offers a feature-rich design, robust fitness tracking for swimmers, smart notifications, and long battery life—it’s nearly the perfect waterproof smartwatch. This smartwatch is perfect for anyone looking to track their workout, health metrics, and stay connected without any hassle throughout the day.
People Ask
Q: Is the Fitbit Versa 4 waterproof?
Ans: Yes, it has resistance of up to 50 meters; thus, it is good for swimming and other water activities.
Q: Can I make phone calls with the Fitbit Versa 4?
Ans: Yes, the Fitbit Versa 4 supports Bluetooth calls after pairing with a compatible smartphone.
Q: What is SpO2 monitoring on the Fitbit Versa 4?
Ans: The measurement for SpO2 monitoring on the Fitbit Versa 4 measures blood oxygen saturation levels. It helps one keep an eye on overall wellness.
Q: How long does the battery last on the Fitbit Versa 4?
Ans: The battery can last up to 6+ days with regular use, depending on settings and usage patterns.
Amazfit GTR 4
The Amazfit GTR 4 is a robust waterproof smartwatch designed for active individuals, featuring dual-band GPS, Alexa built-in, and a clear 1.43″ AMOLED display. It combines the latest in health monitoring with more than 150 sports modes to satisfy fitness enthusiasts and someone lookin for a smartwatch as companion during swimming.
Reasons To Buy The Amazfit GTR 4
- Enjoy precise location tracking comparable to top handheld GPS devices
- Monitor heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, stress levels, and more 24/7
- Can support pressures of 50 meters in water swim and do water sports
- Up to 14 days of battery life and Battery Saver Mode for extended usage
- Alexa built-in with voice commands, Bluetooth calls, and music storage
Pros
- Sleek design with anti-glare glass and stainless steel navigation crown
- Comprehensive fitness tracking with smart recognition of 8 sports modes
- Compatible with popular fitness apps like Strava and Komoot for data sharing
- Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and music streaming
Cons
- Only a few voice assistant features are available in Offline mode
- App Updates may require frequent updating for an optimal user experience
Quick Summary
The Amazfit GTR 4 waterproof is a feature-rich smartwatch with GPS accuracy, all the tracking you need for your health, and an extra-long battery life. Ideal for the fitness-focused user who wants to track everything without being disconnected from everyone else.
People Ask
Q: Is the Amazfit GTR 4 waterproof?
Ans: Yes, it has 50 meters water resistance, suited for swimming and water activities.
Q: Can I make Bluetooth calls with the Amazfit GTR 4?
Ans: Yes, it supports Bluetooth calls when paired with a compatible smartphone.
Q: What fitness apps does the Amazfit GTR 4 support?
Ans: It supports data sharing with apps like Strava, Komoot, and smartphone health apps.
Polar Grit X Pro
The Polar Grit X Pro is the ultra-waterproof and rugged smart watch for adventure lovers, featuring military-grade durability with scratch-resistant sapphire glass and FKM wristbands. It’s as tough as it gets, with up to 100 meters of water resistance and ultra-long battery life.
Reasons To Buy The Polar Grit X Pro
- Built to MIL-STD-810G standards, ensuring robustness in challenging conditions.
- Train up to 40 hours with full GPS and continuous heart rate; this goes as far as 100 hours with power-saving options.
- Precise wrist-based heart rate tracking with built-in GPS for location tracking.
- Get real-time navigation powered by Komoot that keeps you on course during your adventures.
- rack overnight recovery and sleep behavior to optimize training and daily performance.
Pros
- Scratch-resistant sapphire glass, tough FKM wristbands for added durability.
- Military-grade design ensures resilience against tough conditions
- Reliable GPS accuracy and assisted-GPS for fast fix times
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking features
Cons
- May be bulkier compared to other smartwatches
- Advanced features, such as navigation, may require familiarization
Quick Summary
The Polar Grit X Pro is an IP68 waterproof rugged smartwatch that packs military-grade durability, long battery life, accurate GPS tracking, and advanced health monitoring. Ideal for adventure seekers who demand reliable performance in all conditions.
People Ask
Q: Is the Polar Grit X Pro waterproof?
Ans: Yes, it has up to 100 meters water-resistance, suitable for swimming and water activities
Q: How long does the battery last on the Polar Grit X Pro?
Ans: Up to 40 hours with full GPS and heart rate tracking, and up to 7 days in watch mode with 24/7 HR tracking.
Q: Does the Polar Grit X Pro support turn-by-turn navigation?
Ans: Yes, it offers real-time navigation powered by Komoot for accurate guidance during activities.
Tips for Choosing the Right Waterproof Smartwatch
Choosing an ideal waterproof smart watch needs to be guided by a person’s individual needs for swimming, budget and the features desired. Here are some tips which can help in making the right choice:
Define Your Requirements
Determine if you’re a pool or open water swimmer, or both. You’re going to want to make sure you pick a watch that’s relevant to the water resistance and available swim tracking capabilities needed for the environment.
Evaluate Battery Life
Select a smartwatch that will hopefully last for long hours, and its battery does not run out during your swimming session. Consider how often you are going to swim and the length of your average session.
Check Compatibility
Be sure to get a compatible smartwatch that you can easily connect with your smartphone and your favorite swimming apps. This will make sure that one analyzes swimming data with ease.
Conclusion
In short, these six waterproof smartwatches come diversified for any individual preference and lifestyle. From the sleek design to comprehensive health tracking of Apple Watch Series 9, to the rough durability and advanced sports modes of Garmin fenix 7, each model will satisfy certain needs—from fitness enthusiasts to those spending all their time outdoors.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 comes with an AMOLED display, full connectivity, while the Fitbit Versa 4 shines in terms of fitness and smartwatch functionalities. The Amazfit GTR 4 probably has two of the most impressive features: dual-band GPS and a very tough build. Of course, the Polar Grit X Pro boasts next-level military-grade durability for the ultimate resilience and GPS accuracy, especially for explorers in extreme outdoor sports. Strong under watches that can be used from swimming to fitness tracking and even daily wear, these options have features at many different budget levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?
Ans: Water-resistant means the watch can withstand some exposure to water, while waterproof indicates a higher level of protection against water ingress. Waterproof smartwatches are designed to be submerged in water without damage, making them suitable for swimming and aquatic sports.
Q: How deep can waterproof smartwatches typically go underwater?
Ans: The depth rating varies by model, but most waterproof smartwatches can withstand depths of 50 meters (5 ATM) or more. This depth rating ensures the watch remains functional during swimming and water activities, including recreational diving.
Q: Are all waterproof smartwatches suitable for saltwater swimming?
Ans: Not all waterproof smartwatches are designed for saltwater use. Some models may specify freshwater use only, due to the corrosive nature of saltwater. It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the watch is suitable for your intended swimming environment.
Q: What information do you collect from users, and how is it used?
Ans: For information regarding the types of data we collect from users and how it is used, please refer to our Privacy Policy page privacy policy
