Best Garmin Swimming Watches: Top Picks for 2024

When it comes to tracking your swimming performance, Garmin has established itself as a leader in the market. Their range of swimming watches is designed to cater to various needs, from casual swimmers to competitive athletes. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best Garmin swimming watches of 2024, examining their features, strengths, and how they can help you achieve your aquatic fitness goals.

1. Garmin Swim 2

The Garmin Swim 2 is an excellent choice for swimmers looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on essential features. This watch is designed specifically for swimming, offering detailed metrics and advanced features.

Key Features:

• Swim Metrics: Tracks swim distance, pace, stroke count, stroke rate, and SWOLF (a measure of swimming efficiency).
• GPS Tracking: Provides accurate tracking of open water swims.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Measures heart rate underwater with the help of Garmin's advanced technology.
• Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters, making it suitable for both pool and open water swims.
• Battery Life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS mode.

The Garmin Swim 2 is ideal for swimmers who want a reliable, straightforward watch with essential swimming metrics and GPS tracking. Its affordability makes it a popular choice among recreational swimmers.

2. Garmin Forerunner 945

For those seeking a multi-sport watch that excels in swimming, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is a top contender. This high-end watch combines advanced swimming features with comprehensive tracking for other sports and activities.

Key Features:

• Swim Metrics: Provides detailed swim metrics, including distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF.
• Advanced GPS: Accurate GPS tracking for open water swims, along with mapping and navigation features.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Includes a wrist-based heart rate monitor and advanced heart rate analytics.
• Multisport Capabilities: Tracks a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, and triathlons.
• Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 36 hours in GPS mode.

The Forerunner 945 is perfect for serious swimmers and triathletes who need a versatile watch capable of handling multiple sports while providing in-depth swim data.

3. Garmin Fenix 7

The Garmin Fenix 7 is a premium multisport watch known for its rugged design and extensive feature set. It's designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who need a durable and versatile watch.

Key Features:

• Swim Metrics: Tracks swim distance, pace, stroke count, stroke rate, and SWOLF.
• Advanced GPS: Offers precise GPS tracking and mapping for open water swims.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Provides heart rate data during swims with Garmin's Elevate optical heart rate sensor.
• Durability: Built to withstand harsh conditions, with water resistance up to 100 meters.
• Battery Life: Up to 18 days in smartwatch mode and 57 hours in GPS mode.

The Fenix 7 is an excellent choice for swimmers who need a robust watch that can handle a variety of sports and outdoor activities, making it ideal for those who demand both performance and durability.

4. Garmin Venu 2/2S

The Garmin Venu 2 and 2S are stylish, feature-packed smartwatches that offer a range of fitness tracking options, including swimming. They are designed for users who want a smartwatch that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Key Features:

• Swim Metrics: Monitors swim distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF.
• GPS Tracking: Provides GPS tracking for open water swims.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Includes wrist-based heart rate monitoring with advanced analytics.
• Display: Features a vibrant AMOLED display for easy readability.
• Battery Life: Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 8 hours in GPS mode.

The Venu 2 and 2S are suitable for swimmers who appreciate a stylish watch with a range of fitness features and a high-quality display.

5. Garmin Forerunner 745

The Garmin Forerunner 745 is a more affordable option compared to the Forerunner 945 but still offers robust features for swimming and multisport activities. It’s designed for athletes who need a balance between performance and price.

Key Features:

• Swim Metrics: Tracks swim distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF.
• GPS Tracking: Accurate GPS for open water swims.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Features wrist-based heart rate monitoring with advanced metrics.
• Multisport Features: Supports running, cycling, and other activities.
• Battery Life: Up to 1 week in smartwatch mode and 16 hours in GPS mode.

The Forerunner 745 is a great option for swimmers who want advanced features and multisport capabilities without the premium price of higher-end models.

Choosing the Right Garmin Swimming Watch

When selecting the best Garmin swimming watch, consider the following factors:

• Swimming Focus: Determine whether you need a watch primarily for swimming or one that supports multiple sports.
• Budget: Assess how much you're willing to spend and choose a model that fits your budget while meeting your needs.
• Features: Identify which features are most important to you, such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, or advanced swim metrics.
• Design and Comfort: Consider the watch’s design and comfort, especially if you plan to wear it during other activities.

Conclusion

Garmin offers a range of swimming watches that cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you're a casual swimmer or a competitive athlete, there's a Garmin watch designed to help you track and improve your swimming performance. From the budget-friendly Garmin Swim 2 to the high-end Fenix 7, each model provides valuable features to enhance your aquatic workouts. Evaluate your requirements and choose the watch that best fits your swimming goals and lifestyle.