Ever jumped into a pool only to realize your expensive smartwatch isn’t as waterproof as advertised? That sinking feeling in your stomach matches the sinking of your device to the bottom.
Finding a truly waterproof smartwatch isn’t just about surviving an accidental splash – for swimmers and outdoor adventurers, it’s about functionality where you need it most.
We’ve tested dozens of waterproof smartwatches across ocean swims, rainy trail runs, and even unexpected downpours to find the seven that actually deliver on their promises.
What makes these options different? While most brands claim “water resistance,” these watches offer legitimate waterproof performance without sacrificing the smart features you’ve come to expect.
But there’s one feature on our top pick that shocked even our most tech-savvy reviewers…
Essential Features to Look for in Swimming Smartwatches
Essential Features to Look for in Swimming Smartwatches
A. Swim Metrics and Tracking Capabilities
When selecting a waterproof smartwatch for swimming, you’ll want robust tracking capabilities that monitor your performance in the water. Look for devices that offer stroke counting, SWOLF scores (measuring swimming efficiency), and distance tracking. The best swimming watches differentiate between pool and open-water swimming modes, with specialized metrics for each environment. Premium models like the Garmin Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 provide comprehensive swim tracking with accurate stroke recognition for different swimming styles, while even budget options like the Coros Pace 3 offer reliable pool metrics.
B. Battery Life Considerations for Water Activities
Battery performance is crucial for swimming smartwatches, especially for triathletes and open-water enthusiasts. You’ll need a watch that can handle long training sessions without dying mid-workout. Garmin and Coros watches excel in this area, with the Coros Pace 3 offering up to 24 days in smartwatch mode and 38 hours with GPS active. The Garmin Fenix 8 provides up to 16 days of regular use and 47 hours in GPS mode. By contrast, Apple Watches offer significantly shorter battery life, with the Ultra 2 managing up to 36 hours in smartwatch mode and 12 hours with GPS active.
C. Durability and Material Choices
Your swimming smartwatch needs to withstand the harsh conditions of water activities. Waterproof ratings are essential—look for at least 5ATM (suitable for swimming) or higher for diving. Premium watches like the Garmin Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 feature robust titanium constructions, while budget options like the Coros Pace 3 use lighter polymer materials. For serious swimmers and divers, the Fenix 8 offers 10ATM water resistance, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a WR100 rating, making both suitable for deep-water activities and rugged enough for everyday wear.
D. Physical Buttons vs Touchscreens for Wet Environments
When your hands are wet, touchscreens can become unreliable. You’ll find physical buttons provide better control during water activities, allowing you to start, stop, and navigate through workout metrics without frustration. Premium swimming watches like the Garmin Fenix 8 feature multiple physical buttons for underwater operation, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes an Action Button specifically designed for water sports. Some watches, like the Garmin Forerunner 265, offer a hybrid approach with both touchscreen functionality for dry-land use and physical buttons for swimming, giving you the best of both worlds.
Top Waterproof Smartwatches for Serious Swimmers
Top Waterproof Smartwatches for Serious Swimmers
Apple Watch Ultra 2: Premium Performance for iPhone Users
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands as the ultimate waterproof smartwatch with its impressive 100ATM rating and EN13319 diving certification. Perfect for iPhone users who demand excellence, it automatically transforms into a dive computer when submerged, displaying real-time depth readings up to 40 meters. You’ll appreciate the integration with Oceanic+ app for specialized diving metrics, while still enjoying Apple’s excellent swim tracking that accurately monitors distance, lengths, pace, and stroke detection. The 49mm case might feel bulky on smaller wrists, but the enhanced battery life and brilliant display make it worth considering.
Garmin Forerunner 965: Advanced Swim Metrics for Athletes
For dedicated swimmers seeking comprehensive metrics, the Garmin Forerunner 965 delivers exceptional performance in both pool and open water environments. You’ll get access to detailed swimming analytics including distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF scores—all presented in customizable data fields on its vibrant AMOLED display. The watch excels with features like auto-resting, pace alerts, and Garmin’s Drill Log function for structured pool workouts. With Critical Swim Speed measurements and the ability to chain activities for triathlon training, it’s perfect for multisport athletes. The impressive two-week battery life ensures you won’t need frequent charging between swim sessions.
Polar Vantage V3: Ideal for Triathletes and Multi-Sport Training
The Polar Vantage V3 offers exceptional swimming capabilities for triathletes and multi-sport enthusiasts. You’ll benefit from its ability to identify different swimming strokes while capturing comprehensive metrics including pace, distance, stroke rate, and rest times. The vibrant AMOLED display makes it easy to view your stats underwater, with customizable data screens available through Polar’s Flow app. For open water swimming, the watch utilizes GPS to map your routes, though it needs brief moments above water to maintain connection. While its optical heart rate monitoring underwater isn’t perfect, you can pair it with Polar’s dedicated swimming heart rate monitors for reliable cardiac data during your aquatic workouts.
Finding the perfect waterproof smartwatch can significantly enhance your swimming and outdoor activities. From professional-grade devices with advanced swim tracking to versatile everyday options, the market offers solutions for every type of water enthusiast. Remember to consider water resistance ratings, specialized swimming metrics, battery life, and compatibility with your existing devices when making your selection.
Whether you’re a competitive swimmer, weekend warrior, or outdoor adventurer, investing in a quality waterproof smartwatch is an investment in your performance and safety. Choose a device that aligns with your specific needs, maintain it properly, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of smart technology even in the most challenging aquatic environments. Dive in and take your water activities to the next level with the right waterproof companion on your wrist.
