Not all water-resistant watches actually track your swims well. Pool tracking, lap counting, stroke detection, and open water metrics require specific hardware and software—features that many “swim-proof” watches don’t deliver. After testing dozens of watches in real pools, these are the ones worth your money.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Model | Water Resistance | Pool Tracking | Battery Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Swim 2 | 5ATM | Excellent | 7 days | $299 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 10ATM | Great | 36 hrs | $799 |
| Garmin Fenix 7X | 10ATM | Excellent | 28 days | $899 |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | 5ATM | Great | 18 hrs | $399 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | 5ATM | Good | 40 hrs | $299 |
| Garmin Forerunner 965 | 5ATM | Excellent | 23 days | $599 |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | 5ATM | Good | 6 days | $249 |
| Garmin Instinct 2 | 10ATM | Good | 28 days | $349 |
Best Overall: Garmin Swim 2
If you’re primarily a swimmer and want a watch made for the pool, the Garmin Swim 2 is the most focused option available. Most smartwatches treat swimming as just another sport mode. This one puts aquatics first.
The Swim 2 tracks your strokes automatically, counts laps accurately, and measures SWOLF scores—a swimming efficiency rating based on stroke count and time. Most users find lap detection reliable once you set the correct pool length. You may need to recalibrate if you switch between 25-meter and 25-yard pools frequently.
Battery life is about seven days in smartwatch mode and roughly three hours with GPS enabled for open water sessions. That’s decent for a dedicated swim watch, though you’ll charge more often than with Garmin’s multisport watches.
The trade-off? It’s not a full-featured smartwatch. You get notifications, but no app ecosystem or cellular options. Think of it as a swimming computer with some phone connectivity—not a phone on your wrist.
Best Premium: Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s most serious sports watch, and it shows in the water. With 10ATM water resistance (safe for recreational diving), this watch handles lap swimming, snorkeling, and everything in between.
Swim tracking includes automatic stroke detection, lap counting, distance, and calories. The Workout app offers pool swim sessions with detailed metrics. Apple has improved accuracy with each watchOS update. Set your pool length once, and the watch rarely miscounts laps.
What sets the Ultra apart is the depth gauge and water temperature sensor. These matter if you swim in open water or want detailed post-swim analysis. The 49mm case holds a bigger battery, giving roughly 36 hours in normal use—enough for a full day of tracking multiple workouts.
At $799, it’s expensive. But if you’re in the Apple ecosystem and want one watch that handles fitness, swimming, diving, and everyday use, the Ultra 2 delivers.
Best for Multisport Athletes: Garmin Fenix 7X Pro
Triathletes and multisport athletes love Garmin’s Fenix line. The 7X Pro Solar is bulky, expensive, and loaded with features—it doesn’t compromise on anything.
Swimming features include pool tracking, open water swimming, and even golf course mapping. The 10ATM rating handles serious water pressure. Garmin’s algorithms have years of feedback from competitive swimmers behind them. Stroke detection works for freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. You also get split times, rest detection, and interval tracking.
Battery life in smartwatch mode is 28 days—wild compared to Apple Watch. Even with heavy GPS use during open water swims, you’ll get multiple sessions before charging. The solar charging lens adds a few extra days in bright conditions, useful for training camps.
At nearly $900, this is for serious athletes with serious budgets. Casual swimmers will find better value elsewhere. But for triathletes or marathon swim trainers, the Fenix 7X handles everything.
Best Value for Apple Users: Apple Watch Series 9
Not everyone needs the Ultra’s diving features or huge battery. The Apple Watch Series 9 gives you excellent swim tracking at a lower price—it’s the best value for most Apple users.
The 5ATM rating covers pool swimming and open water comfortably, though don’t take it diving. Swim tracking works through the Workout app with automatic lap counting, distance, and stroke classification. Apple fixed many early accuracy issues. Most users report reliable performance after setting their pool length.
Battery life is the weakness here—expect roughly 18 hours between charges. Most people charge overnight anyway, so it rarely impacts swim tracking unless you do multiple workouts daily without a charger.
At $399 for the aluminum case, you get 90% of the Ultra’s swimming capabilities for half the price. For casual and intermediate swimmers, this is the sweet spot.
Best for Android Users: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 (and the newer Galaxy Watch 7) offers the most polished swimming experience for Android users—if you’re willing to stay in Samsung’s ecosystem. The swim tracking app provides automatic stroke detection, lap counting, and decent accuracy.
The 5ATM rating handles pool swimming fine. Samsung includes water lock mode to prevent accidental screen touches while wet. After swimming, the watch automatically tracks your workout and syncs to Samsung Health or Google Fit.
Battery life runs about 40 hours—reasonable but not class-leading. Some swimming features work best with Samsung phones, and some third-party fitness apps have limited functionality compared to Apple’s HealthKit.
At $299 (often less on sale), you get solid swim tracking plus a full-featured smartwatch. If you’re on Android and don’t want to switch ecosystems, this is your best option.
Best Battery Life: Garmin Forerunner 965
The Garmin Forerunner 965 targets runners who also swim, with 23 days of battery life that embarrasses most competitors. It’s marketed as a running watch, but the swimming capabilities rival dedicated aquatic timepieces.
Pool tracking covers distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF scores, and rest detection. The 5ATM rating handles pool swimming well, though open water swimmers might prefer the 10ATM Fenix. The 47mm case means more screen space for viewing metrics mid-lap.
What makes the Forerunner 965 stand out is the balance. It’s lighter and more comfortable daily than a Fenix, cheaper than the Ultra, and offers much better battery than any Apple Watch. If you’re a runner who also swims regularly—rather than the other way around—this fits better than bulkier alternatives.
Best Health-Focused: Fitbit Sense 2
Fitbit emphasizes health tracking over sports specificity. The Sense 2 has solid swimming capabilities wrapped in comprehensive wellness features. The 5ATM rating covers standard pool workouts, and Fitbit’s app provides basic swim tracking with distance, duration, and calorie estimates.
The standout health features include continuous heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, sleep analysis, and SpO2 sensing. If you swim for general fitness rather than competitive training, these metrics show how your workouts affect your overall health.
At $249, the Sense 2 undercuts most competitors while offering more health-tracking features than dedicated sports watches. You won’t get stroke detection or SWOLF scores, so competitive swimmers should look elsewhere. But casual swimmers wanting health insights alongside workout tracking get solid value here.
Best Budget Rugged Option: Garmin Instinct 2
Garmin’s Instinct 2 proves you don’t need to spend $800+ for reliable swim tracking. This rugged, military-spec watch handles pool swimming well at roughly a third the price of premium competitors.
The 10ATM rating beats most watches in this price range, giving you real confidence in open water. Basic swim tracking covers distance, time, and pace. You won’t get automatic stroke detection or SWOLF scores—the simple monochromatic display helps readability in bright outdoor conditions around the pool.
Battery life reaches 28 days in smartwatch mode—matching watches twice the price. This makes the Instinct 2 ideal for swimmers who want reliable tracking without daily charging. The chunky design won’t win fashion awards, but it’s built to last through years of chlorine and poolside impacts.
For budget-conscious swimmers who want reliability over features, the Instinct 2 delivers.
Best for Triathletes: Coros Apex 2
Coros has built a loyal following among triathletes. The Apex 2 continues that with excellent multi-sport capabilities at a lower price than Garmin’s flagship offerings.
Swimming features include pool and open water tracking with automatic stroke detection, rest detection, and detailed split analysis. The 5ATM rating handles pool and recreational open water swimming. Coros stands out for battery life (about 30 days in smartwatch mode) and the button-based interface that works better in wet conditions than touchscreens.
The companion app provides comprehensive post-swim analysis, and Coros regularly updates firmware based on athlete feedback. At roughly $400, you get most of what the Garmin Fenix offers for significantly less.
How We Tested These Swimming Smartwatches
Testing swim watches requires more than checking water resistance ratings. Every watch here was evaluated in real swimming conditions across multiple pool sessions.
We tested lap counting accuracy by manually counting laps and comparing against the watch display. We checked stroke detection against our actual strokes and evaluated battery drain during extended swimming sessions. Open water testing included swimming in varying conditions to assess GPS accuracy and water resistance under real pressure.
We also used these watches as daily drivers, not just for swimming. Smartwatch features, companion app quality, charging convenience, and everyday comfort all factor into our recommendations. A watch that’s perfect at tracking laps but annoying to wear daily doesn’t make sense for most people.
What to Look for in a Swimming Smartwatch
Water Resistance Ratings Explained
The 5ATM rating on most consumer smartwatches means the watch can withstand pressure equivalent to 50 meters of depth. That’s enough for pool swimming and recreational surface water, but don’t take it as an invitation to dive to that depth. For open water swimming or diving, look for 10ATM or higher.
Real-world pool swimming rarely exposes watches to more than a few feet of pressure, so 5ATM covers 99% of recreational swimmers. The rating matters more for long-term durability—chlorinated water and swimming impacts stress seals over time.
Key Swimming Features
Beyond basic distance and time tracking, advanced features include automatic stroke detection (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly), SWOLF scoring (swimming efficiency), rest detection (timing breaks between intervals), and interval training support.
Open water swimmers need GPS tracking for distance accuracy, which drains batteries faster than pool-only tracking. Some watches excel at pool tracking, others at open water—few do both equally well.
Battery Life Considerations
GPS-enabled swimming significantly impacts battery life. If you regularly swim for more than an hour, battery capacity matters. Garmin watches typically offer the best battery life for swimmers. Apple Watches need more frequent charging—plan accordingly.
Ecosystem and Companion Apps
Your watch needs to sync with an app that provides meaningful post-swim analysis. Garmin Connect, Apple Health, Samsung Health, and Fitbit all offer swim tracking, but depth of analysis varies. Consider whether you want stroke-by-stroke breakdown or basic distance and calorie metrics.
Conclusion
The best smartwatch for swimming depends on your needs, budget, and existing tech ecosystem. The Garmin Swim 2 remains the dedicated swimmer’s choice for pure aquatic focus. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers the most versatile premium experience. Android users have solid options with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch. Budget-conscious swimmers can rely on the Garmin Instinct 2 or Fitbit Sense 2 without sacrificing basic accuracy.
Whatever you choose, make sure the water resistance rating matches your swimming environment. Prioritize battery life if you swim for extended periods. The right watch enhances your training with accurate data—not frustrating you with constant charging or unreliable lap counting.
FAQs
Can you swim with any smartwatch?
No. Not all smartwatches are rated for swimming. Always check the water resistance rating before submerging your watch. Look for 5ATM or higher for reliable pool swimming.
What does 5ATM mean for swimming?
5ATM means the watch can withstand pressure equivalent to 50 meters of depth. This is sufficient for pool swimming and surface water activities but not for diving. Most manufacturers recommend against diving below the rated depth.
Which smartwatch is best for swimming laps?
The Garmin Swim 2 offers the most focused lap-tracking experience with automatic stroke detection and SWOLF scoring. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Fenix 7X also provide excellent lap counting for their respective ecosystems.
Do I need a waterproof smartwatch for pool swimming?
Yes, you need water resistance of at least 5ATM for reliable pool swimming. Standard water-resistant watches (rated IP67 or similar) may fail during prolonged water exposure or under the pressure of swimming movements.
Can Apple Watch track swimming automatically?
Yes, Apple Watch Series 4 and later automatically detect pool swimming when you start a workout. It tracks laps, distance, and strokes, though you’ll need to set your pool length in the Workout app for accurate lap counting.
