Best Smartwatches for Swimming and Water Sports

Dive into our guide to the best waterproof smartwatches for swimming, surfing, and other water activities. Track your performance in any environment.

Hey there, water lovers! If you're someone who spends a lot of time in the pool, at the beach, or out on the open water, you know how important it is to have gear that can keep up with your aquatic adventures. And when it comes to smartwatches, 'water-resistant' just doesn't cut it. You need something truly waterproof, something that can track your laps, monitor your heart rate while you're doing the butterfly stroke, or even survive a wipeout while surfing. That's exactly what we're diving into today: the best smartwatches built specifically for swimming and other water sports. We're talking about devices that aren't just splash-proof but are designed to be submerged, track your performance, and come out kicking.

Choosing the right waterproof smartwatch can be a bit tricky. There are so many options out there, and understanding water resistance ratings can feel like learning a new language. But don't worry, we've got you covered. We'll break down what those ATM and IP ratings actually mean, what features are essential for water sports, and then we'll highlight some of the top contenders on the market. Whether you're a serious swimmer, a casual paddleboarder, or just someone who wants to wear their watch in the shower without a second thought, this guide will help you find your perfect aquatic companion.

Understanding Smartwatch Water Resistance Ratings for Swimmers

Before we jump into specific models, let's clear up the confusion around water resistance. You'll often see terms like 'water-resistant,' 'ATM,' and 'IP ratings.' Knowing what these mean is crucial for any water-based activity.

ATM Ratings Explained for Smartwatch Water Depth

ATM stands for 'atmospheres' and refers to the pressure a watch can withstand. It's often misinterpreted as the actual depth you can take a watch. Here's a quick breakdown:

• 3 ATM (30 meters): This means the watch can withstand splashes or brief immersion, like washing your hands or getting caught in the rain. Definitely NOT for swimming.
• 5 ATM (50 meters): This is generally considered suitable for surface swimming, showering, or shallow-water activities. It's okay for laps in a pool, but not for diving or high-impact water sports.
• 10 ATM (100 meters): Now we're talking! Watches with a 10 ATM rating are suitable for snorkeling, recreational diving (not scuba diving), and most water sports. This is where you want to be for serious swimming.
• 20 ATM (200 meters) or more: These watches are built for serious water sports, including scuba diving (though always check the manufacturer's specific recommendations for diving depth).

It's important to remember that these ratings are based on static pressure tests. Dynamic pressure, like the force of a dive or a strong current, can exceed these ratings. Always err on the side of caution.

IP Ratings for Smartwatch Dust and Water Protection

IP stands for 'Ingress Protection' and has two digits. The first digit indicates protection against solids (like dust), and the second indicates protection against liquids (water).

• IP67: Dust tight (6) and protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (7). Good for splashes, but not sustained immersion.
• IP68: Dust tight (6) and protected against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter (8). The manufacturer specifies the exact depth and duration. This is generally better than IP67 for water activities, but still check the specific depth rating.

For swimming and water sports, you'll want a watch with at least a 5 ATM rating, but ideally 10 ATM or higher, combined with a good IP rating if specified. Many dedicated sports watches will primarily use ATM ratings.

Essential Smartwatch Features for Water Sports Enthusiasts

Beyond just being waterproof, certain features make a smartwatch truly excel in aquatic environments.

Accurate Swim Tracking Metrics for Performance Analysis

This is a big one for swimmers. A good swim-tracking smartwatch should accurately record:

• Laps and Distance: Automatically detect when you've completed a lap and calculate total distance.
• Stroke Type Recognition: Identify different strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly).
• SWOLF Score: A measure of swimming efficiency (sum of strokes per length and time per length).
• Pace and Speed: Track how fast you're moving through the water.
• Rest Times: Automatically detect when you're resting between sets.

Heart Rate Monitoring in Water for Health Insights

Optical heart rate sensors can be less accurate in water due to water interference. Look for watches that either have improved optical sensors for water or support external chest strap heart rate monitors (which are generally more accurate in water).

GPS Tracking for Open Water Swimming and Outdoor Activities

If you're into open water swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding, built-in GPS is essential for tracking your route, distance, and pace without needing your phone nearby.

Durable Design and Materials for Harsh Environments

Water sports can be tough on gear. Look for watches with:

• Robust Casing: Stainless steel, titanium, or reinforced polymers.
• Scratch-Resistant Display: Gorilla Glass, Sapphire Glass, or similar.
• Comfortable and Secure Straps: Silicone or quick-drying nylon straps that won't chafe or come loose in water.

Long Battery Life for Extended Water Adventures

Tracking GPS and heart rate can drain battery quickly. For long swims or multi-day water trips, a watch with excellent battery life is a must.

Top Smartwatch Recommendations for Swimming and Water Sports

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best smartwatches currently on the market that are perfect for your aquatic pursuits, along with their typical price ranges and ideal use cases.

Garmin Forerunner 965 The Ultimate Multisport Watch

Price Range: $599 - $649

Water Resistance: 5 ATM

Ideal Use Case: Serious swimmers, triathletes, open water enthusiasts, and anyone who wants comprehensive multisport tracking with a beautiful AMOLED display.

Why it's great for water sports: The Forerunner 965 is a beast when it comes to tracking. It offers incredibly detailed swim metrics for both pool and open water, including stroke type, SWOLF, critical swim speed, and even underwater wrist-based heart rate. Its GPS is super accurate for open water, and the battery life is phenomenal, lasting up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours with GPS. The bright AMOLED display is easy to read even underwater, and the physical buttons make it easy to operate when wet. It's also durable enough to handle the rigors of any water sport.

Comparison: Compared to other watches, the Forerunner 965 offers a more dedicated sports tracking experience than a general-purpose smartwatch like an Apple Watch. Its metrics are deeper, and its battery life is far superior for extended activities. It's a step up from the Fenix series if you prioritize a lighter build and AMOLED screen for running and swimming.

Garmin Fenix 7 Series The Rugged Outdoor Companion

Price Range: $699 - $999 (depending on model and solar charging)

Water Resistance: 10 ATM

Ideal Use Case: Adventure seekers, divers (recreational), serious outdoor athletes, and those who need extreme durability and long battery life for multi-day expeditions involving water.

Why it's great for water sports: The Fenix 7 series is built like a tank and designed for the toughest conditions. With a 10 ATM water resistance rating, it's suitable for almost any water sport, including recreational diving. It offers advanced swim tracking, open water GPS, and robust navigation features. The battery life is legendary, especially with solar charging models, making it perfect for long trips where charging isn't an option. It also has a dedicated 'Dive' activity profile for basic dive metrics.

Comparison: The Fenix 7 is more rugged and has a higher water resistance rating than the Forerunner 965, making it slightly better for more extreme water activities or accidental deeper dives. It uses a transflective display, which is great for direct sunlight and battery life, but not as vibrant as AMOLED. It's a true outdoor multisport watch.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 The Premium Water-Ready Smartwatch

Price Range: $799 - $849

Water Resistance: 100m (suitable for recreational scuba diving to 40m)

Ideal Use Case: iPhone users who want the best of both worlds: a full-featured smartwatch for daily life and a highly capable, durable device for serious water sports, including recreational diving.

Why it's great for water sports: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple's most robust and water-capable watch. It's rated for 100m water resistance and is certified to EN13319, making it suitable for recreational scuba diving down to 40 meters. It has a dedicated Depth app that shows current depth, water temperature, and dive duration. For swimming, it offers excellent pool and open water tracking, including kickboard detection. The bright, large display is easy to read underwater, and the Action Button can be customized for quick access to swim workouts. It also has a siren for emergencies.

Comparison: The Ultra 2 offers unparalleled integration with the Apple ecosystem and a vast app store. While its battery life isn't as long as Garmin's dedicated sports watches for continuous GPS tracking, it's significantly better than standard Apple Watch models. It's a more versatile daily smartwatch that also happens to be incredibly capable in the water.

Garmin Swim 2 The Dedicated Swim Tracker

Price Range: $249 - $299

Water Resistance: 5 ATM

Ideal Use Case: Serious swimmers who want a dedicated, affordable device focused purely on swim tracking, both in the pool and open water, without all the extra multisport features.

Why it's great for water sports: As the name suggests, the Garmin Swim 2 is designed specifically for swimmers. It provides advanced swim metrics, critical swim speed, drill logging, and pace alerts. It has built-in GPS for open water swimming and wrist-based heart rate monitoring that works underwater. It's lightweight, comfortable, and has excellent battery life for its price point (up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours with GPS and optical HR in pool mode).

Comparison: The Swim 2 is more affordable and less feature-packed than the Forerunner or Fenix, but it excels at its core purpose: swimming. If you're primarily a swimmer and don't need extensive running, cycling, or smart features, this is a fantastic, cost-effective option.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic for Android Users

Price Range: $399 - $449

Water Resistance: 5 ATM / IP68

Ideal Use Case: Android users, especially Samsung phone owners, who want a stylish smartwatch that can handle casual swimming and water activities, with good smart features.

Why it's great for water sports: The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is rated 5 ATM and IP68, making it suitable for swimming in pools and shallow water. It offers automatic swim tracking, including laps, stroke type, and SWOLF. While not as advanced as Garmin for dedicated swim metrics, it's perfectly capable for recreational swimmers. Its rotating bezel is also useful for navigating menus with wet hands. It integrates seamlessly with Samsung Health and the Android ecosystem.

Comparison: This watch is a great all-rounder for Android users. It offers a balance of smart features, health tracking, and water resistance. It's not as rugged or as feature-rich for extreme sports as the Garmins or Apple Watch Ultra, but it's a solid choice for everyday use and casual swimming.

Real-World Scenarios and Product Comparisons for Water Activities

Let's look at how these watches perform in different aquatic scenarios and compare them head-to-head.

Pool Swimming Training and Lap Tracking

For dedicated pool swimmers, accuracy in lap counting and stroke detection is paramount. The Garmin Forerunner 965 and Garmin Swim 2 are arguably the best here. They offer the most granular data, including drill logging and advanced metrics like critical swim speed. The Forerunner 965 adds the benefit of a vibrant display and more multisport capabilities, while the Swim 2 is a more budget-friendly, focused tool. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also performs very well in the pool, with excellent automatic detection and a clear display, making it a strong contender for iPhone users who want a premium experience.

Open Water Swimming and GPS Accuracy

When you're out in a lake or the ocean, reliable GPS is crucial. The Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Forerunner 965 truly shine here. Their GPS accuracy is top-notch, providing precise route mapping and distance tracking even in challenging conditions. The Fenix 7's longer battery life makes it ideal for ultra-long open water swims. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also has dual-frequency GPS, offering excellent accuracy for open water, and its emergency siren could be a lifesaver in certain situations.

Surfing, Paddleboarding, and High-Impact Water Sports

For sports with more dynamic movement and potential impacts, durability and a secure fit are key. The Garmin Fenix 7, with its 10 ATM rating and rugged build, is an excellent choice. Its physical buttons are also easier to use when wet or wearing gloves. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is another strong contender due to its titanium casing, sapphire front crystal, and 100m water resistance. Both watches can withstand the occasional wipeout and provide reliable tracking. The Fenix 7 might have a slight edge in pure ruggedness and battery life for multi-hour sessions.

Recreational Diving and Snorkeling

If you're into recreational diving (not deep scuba), the Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands out with its EN13319 certification and dedicated Depth app. It's designed to handle depths up to 40 meters, providing real-time depth and water temperature. While the Garmin Fenix 7 has a 10 ATM rating, it's not specifically certified for diving like the Ultra 2, though it can certainly handle snorkeling and shallow free diving. Always check manufacturer guidelines for specific diving capabilities.

Casual Wear and Water Resistance for Everyday Life

For those who just want a watch they don't have to worry about in the shower, doing dishes, or a quick dip in the pool, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and even the standard Apple Watch Series 9 (5 ATM) are great options. They offer a balance of smart features and sufficient water resistance for everyday splashes and light swimming. They are more fashion-forward than the dedicated sports watches, making them suitable for all-day wear.

Tips for Maintaining Your Waterproof Smartwatch

Even the most waterproof watches need a little love to ensure their longevity and performance.

Rinsing After Saltwater or Chlorinated Water Exposure

Always rinse your smartwatch thoroughly with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chlorinated pool water. This prevents corrosion and buildup that can damage seals and sensors over time.

Avoiding Extreme Temperatures and Chemicals

Don't expose your watch to extreme temperature changes (like going from a hot sauna directly into cold water) as this can stress the seals. Also, avoid contact with harsh chemicals, soaps, or detergents, which can degrade the water-resistant gaskets.

Checking for Damage Before Water Immersion

Before every swim or water activity, quickly inspect your watch for any visible cracks in the screen or casing, or if the buttons feel loose. Even a tiny crack can compromise its water resistance.

Cleaning Straps and Sensors Regularly

Keep your watch straps clean to prevent skin irritation and ensure the optical heart rate sensor has good contact with your skin. A soft cloth and fresh water are usually all you need.

So, there you have it! Whether you're a competitive swimmer, a weekend paddleboarder, or just someone who loves being in and around the water, there's a smartwatch out there that's perfectly suited for your needs. From the ultra-rugged Garmin Fenix to the versatile Apple Watch Ultra and the dedicated Garmin Swim 2, you've got plenty of fantastic options. Remember to consider your primary water activities, desired features, and budget when making your choice. Happy swimming, surfing, and splashing!