Best Fitness Trackers for Swimming: A Complete 2025 Guide

In the ever-evolving world of wearable technology, fitness trackers have become indispensable companions for those committed to a healthier lifestyle. For swimmers in particular, the market now offers specialized devices that can track laps, stroke type, distance, heart rate, and more—all underwater. Whether you're a professional athlete, a casual lap swimmer, or someone diving into swimming for the first time, the right fitness tracker can transform your aquatic sessions into measurable progress.

This guide explores the best fitness trackers for swimming in 2025, highlighting the standout features, pros and cons, and what makes each one ideal for water-based workouts.

Why You Need a Swimming Fitness Tracker

Swimming is a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, builds endurance, and tones muscles—all with minimal impact on joints. However, tracking progress in water can be challenging without the right tools. A swimming-focused fitness tracker offers:

• Lap counting: Automatically records completed laps and total distance.
• Stroke recognition: Identifies your swimming style (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, etc.).
• SWOLF score: Measures swimming efficiency by combining stroke count and time per lap.
• Underwater heart rate monitoring: Helps you gauge intensity and training zones.
• Water resistance: Essential for accurate performance and durability.

These metrics help swimmers understand performance, adjust techniques, and set informed goals, making a fitness tracker a powerful coach on your wrist.

What to Look for in a Swimming Fitness Tracker

When choosing a tracker, consider the following:

• Water resistance rating: Look for 5 ATM or higher, meaning it can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters or more.
• Swimming-specific features: Metrics like lap count, stroke type, and SWOLF are must-haves for dedicated swimmers.
• Heart rate monitoring in water: Not all devices offer this accurately.
• Battery life: Long battery life ensures reliability during long sessions or multi-day use.
• Ease of use in water: Bright displays, intuitive controls, and compatibility with swim goggles make a difference.

Now, let’s dive into the best options available in 2025.

1. Garmin Swim 2

Best for: Dedicated swimmers and triathletes

Garmin has carved out a niche in the swimming tracker market with the Garmin Swim 2. This sleek, lightweight watch is designed specifically for swimmers and includes a suite of advanced features.

Key Features:

• Pool and open water tracking
• Accurate heart rate monitoring underwater
• SWOLF analysis
• Built-in GPS for open water
• Customizable workouts

Pros:

• Exceptional swim metrics
• Long battery life (7 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours in GPS+OHR)
• Lightweight and comfortable

Cons:

• Limited smart features compared to full-fledged smartwatches

Why it stands out:

It’s one of the few watches that offers both pool and open water tracking with accurate heart rate monitoring underwater. For swimmers who want data-driven training without distractions, the Garmin Swim 2 is a standout.

2. Apple Watch Series 9

Best for: Apple users who want a balance of smart features and swim tracking

Apple has consistently improved its fitness tracking capabilities, and with the Series 9, the swim tracking is more precise than ever.

Key Features:

• Automatic stroke and lap detection
• Swim in both pool and open water
• Retina display that brightens underwater
• Integration with Apple Fitness+
• Water resistance up to 50 meters

Pros:

• Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
• Vivid, responsive display
• Accurate swim metrics

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Battery life limited to about 18 hours

Why it stands out:

While it’s not a swim-specific tracker, the Apple Watch Series 9 delivers an excellent all-around performance with the bonus of an ecosystem that supports diverse workout types.

3. Fitbit Charge 6

Best for: Casual swimmers and all-day fitness tracking

Fitbit has long been associated with general health tracking, and the Charge 6 brings swim tracking into the mix with surprising depth.

Key Features:

• Swim tracking in pools
• Tracks duration and calories
• Heart rate monitor (though limited accuracy in water)
• Lightweight, comfortable design
• Google Maps and Wallet integration

Pros:

• Affordable
• Stylish and compact
• Good sleep and heart health tracking

Cons:

• Lacks open water swim tracking
• No stroke detection

Why it stands out:

While not built for elite swimmers, the Fitbit Charge 6 is perfect for casual swimmers looking for basic tracking and a robust set of features outside the pool.

4. Polar Vantage V3

Best for: Multisport athletes including serious swimmers

Polar is a go-to brand for athletes who want precise metrics across multiple sports, and the Vantage V3 is no exception.

Key Features:

• Swim metrics for pool and open water
• Heart rate monitoring in water
• Advanced performance analytics
• Dual-frequency GPS
• Recovery and training load tracking

Pros:

• High accuracy and detailed metrics
• Long battery life (up to 8 days)
• Excellent for cross-training

Cons:

• Slightly bulkier than others
• Learning curve for interface

Why it stands out:

Its ability to seamlessly switch between sports while offering deep insights makes it a strong pick for triathletes and dedicated athletes.

5. Coros Pace 3

Best for: Budget-conscious swimmers who still want accuracy

Coros is an up-and-comer making waves in the endurance sports world, and the Pace 3 is a cost-effective alternative with serious power.

Key Features:

• Pool and open water tracking
• Stroke detection and SWOLF
• Water resistance up to 50 meters
• Lightweight with a sleek design

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Solid swim features
• Accurate tracking for price range

Cons:

• Fewer smart features
• App isn’t as polished as competitors

Why it stands out:

For swimmers on a budget, the Coros Pace 3 delivers a surprising array of features without breaking the bank.

6. Whoop 4.0 (with waterproof sleeve)

Best for: Swimmers focused on recovery and strain

The Whoop 4.0 isn’t a traditional watch, but it’s powerful for athletes who prioritize recovery and readiness just as much as workout tracking.

Key Features:

• Measures strain, recovery, and sleep
• Heart rate monitoring in water (with waterproof sleeve)
• Subscription-based model
• No display; data accessed via app

Pros:

• In-depth recovery data
• Lightweight and barely noticeable
• Encourages balance between effort and rest

Cons:

• No on-device display
• Requires ongoing subscription

Why it stands out:

For competitive swimmers or coaches focused on long-term performance, the recovery-first approach of Whoop can lead to smarter, more efficient training.

7. Samsung Galaxy Watch6

Best for: Android users seeking style and functionality

Samsung has been refining its smartwatch game, and the Galaxy Watch6 now offers better water resistance and refined swim tracking.

Key Features:

• Tracks swim laps, strokes, and duration
• Heart rate monitoring (limited underwater)
• AMOLED display visible in water
• Integration with Google and Samsung Health

Pros:

• Beautiful design
• Strong ecosystem for Android users
• Decent battery life

Cons:

• Heart rate not fully reliable in water
• Not swim-specific

Why it stands out:

A good choice for Android users who want a fashionable smartwatch that also handles swimming.

Comparing the Best Fitness Trackers for Swimming (2025)

Final Thoughts: Which Fitness Tracker is Right for You?

The “best” fitness tracker for swimming truly depends on your needs:

• For serious swimmers and triathletes: Garmin Swim 2 or Polar Vantage V3 offer the deepest swim metrics.
• For everyday health and casual pool swims: Fitbit Charge 6 or Apple Watch Series 9.
• For value seekers: Coros Pace 3.
• For data-driven recovery: Whoop 4.0.
• For Android integration: Samsung Galaxy Watch6.

Swimming is one of the most effective full-body exercises—and with the right fitness tracker, it becomes a measurable, goal-oriented pursuit. Whether you're training for your first triathlon or perfecting your breaststroke, the tools on your wrist can be just as important as the technique in your arms.

Would you like a comparison chart image or a printable summary of this guide?