Best Budget Swimming Watches for 2024

When it comes to choosing the best budget swimming watch, finding one that strikes the right balance between price, functionality, and durability is key. Whether you're a casual swimmer or training for competitions, having a reliable swimming watch is crucial. In this article, we'll explore some top options under $100 that offer features like water resistance, lap counting, heart rate monitoring, and more, without compromising on quality.

What to Look for in a Budget Swimming Watch

Before diving into our top picks, it’s important to understand what features are essential in a swimming watch, even on a budget. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Water Resistance: This is the most critical feature. Ensure the watch is waterproof with at least 5 ATM (50 meters) of water resistance, though 10 ATM (100 meters) is better for more serious swimmers.

2. Lap Counting and Distance Tracking: Even budget-friendly options should offer accurate lap and distance tracking. Some watches automatically count your strokes and laps, while others need manual input.

3. Heart Rate Monitoring: Not all budget swimming watches have this, but it’s becoming more common. Heart rate tracking can be a helpful metric, especially for those training seriously.

4. Battery Life: A long-lasting battery is a must. Look for watches that offer at least 7 days of usage on a single charge.

5. Comfort and Fit: Swimming involves repetitive arm movements, so it’s crucial that the watch fits comfortably and doesn’t feel too bulky.

Top Budget Swimming Watches for 2024

1. Garmin Swim 2

Price: $99
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
The Garmin Swim 2 offers advanced swim metrics like stroke rate, SWOLF score, and underwater heart rate monitoring. It’s perfect for swimmers looking for a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

• Open water and pool swim modes
• Integrated GPS for open water swims
• Heart rate monitoring both in and out of the water
• Excellent battery life (7 days in smartwatch mode)

2. Amazfit Bip U Pro

Price: $59
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Amazfit Bip U Pro is one of the most affordable swimming watches available, and it doesn’t compromise on essential features. It tracks swimming metrics, provides 60+ sports modes, and even has built-in GPS.

Key Features:

• Water resistance up to 50 meters
• Basic swim tracking (distance, laps, stroke count)
• Lightweight design at only 31 grams
• Up to 9 days of battery life

3. Xiaomi Mi Band 7

Price: $45
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
While technically a fitness band, the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 offers impressive swim tracking features at a fraction of the cost of dedicated swimming watches. It’s ideal for swimmers who want a slim, affordable option.

Key Features:

• Automatic stroke recognition and lap counting
• Continuous heart rate monitoring during swims
• Over 110 sports modes including swimming
• 14 days of battery life

4. Fitbit Inspire 3

Price: $79
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a versatile fitness tracker that doubles as a reliable swimming watch. While its swim-specific features are basic, it offers excellent value for those who want a multi-purpose device.

Key Features:

• Water resistance up to 50 meters
• Tracks swim duration and calorie burn
• Comprehensive health metrics including sleep tracking
• Comfortable design suitable for all-day wear

5. Coros Pace 2

Price: $99
Water Resistance: 10 ATM
The Coros Pace 2 is designed for athletes, but it’s also a fantastic budget swimming watch. With its 10 ATM water resistance and detailed swim metrics, it’s an excellent choice for those who need more advanced features without a high price tag.

Key Features:

• Pool and open water swim modes
• 20-day battery life in standard mode
• Detailed metrics including SWOLF, stroke rate, and distance
• Built-in GPS for outdoor swims

Comparison Table

Model	Price	Water Resistance	Heart Rate Monitoring	Battery Life	Notable Features
Garmin Swim 2	$99	5 ATM	Yes	7 days	Open water mode, GPS, SWOLF score
Amazfit Bip U Pro	$59	5 ATM	Yes	9 days	Built-in GPS, lightweight
Xiaomi Mi Band 7	$45	5 ATM	Yes	14 days	Slim design, automatic stroke recognition
Fitbit Inspire 3	$79	5 ATM	No	10 days	All-day comfort, swim tracking
Coros Pace 2	$99	10 ATM	Yes	20 days	Advanced metrics, long battery life

Additional Considerations

When shopping for a budget swimming watch, you may also want to consider factors like app compatibility, ease of use, and overall durability. Some models, like the Garmin Swim 2 and Coros Pace 2, offer companion apps that provide deeper insights into your swim sessions. It’s also worth considering the overall interface—watches like the Amazfit Bip U Pro are known for their intuitive and easy-to-navigate displays.

Conclusion

Finding the best budget swimming watch doesn't have to be overwhelming. The models listed above offer a range of features that cater to both casual and competitive swimmers. Whether you prioritize heart rate monitoring, GPS, or battery life, there’s a budget-friendly option for everyone. For those looking to get the most value, the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 and Amazfit Bip U Pro stand out as versatile, affordable choices that go beyond basic swim tracking.

Investing in a good budget swimming watch can enhance your swim training and help you monitor your progress without breaking the bank. Take the time to compare the features that matter most to you, and you’ll find a reliable swimming watch that fits your budget and needs.