Best Smart Watch for Tracking Swimming

When it comes to tracking swimming performance, choosing the right smart watch can make a significant difference. Whether you’re a professional swimmer or a casual enthusiast, having a smart watch that accurately monitors your swim metrics can enhance your training and help you achieve your fitness goals. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the best smart watches for tracking swimming, focusing on their features, benefits, and what sets them apart.

1. Garmin Swim 2

The Garmin Swim 2 is designed specifically for swimmers. It provides detailed swim metrics including distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF (a measure of swimming efficiency). One of its standout features is its advanced heart rate monitoring, which works underwater thanks to Garmin’s innovative technology. The Swim 2 also offers GPS tracking for open water swims, allowing you to map your route and track your progress outside the pool.

Key Features:

• Underwater Heart Rate Monitoring: Accurate heart rate data even while swimming.
• Advanced Swim Metrics: Track distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF.
• Open Water GPS Tracking: For those who swim in lakes, rivers, or the ocean.
• Swim Profiles: Multiple swim profiles for different stroke types and workout settings.

2. Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a versatile smartwatch with robust swimming features. It offers automatic stroke detection and detailed metrics like lap count, average pace, and distance. The Series 8 is also equipped with advanced health monitoring features including ECG and blood oxygen levels, making it a great choice for those who want a comprehensive health and fitness device.

Key Features:

• Automatic Stroke Detection: Detects and tracks different swim strokes automatically.
• Detailed Metrics: Provides insights into lap count, average pace, and distance.
• Health Monitoring: Includes ECG, blood oxygen levels, and other health metrics.
• Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming and water-based activities.

3. Fitbit Sense

The Fitbit Sense is known for its health and fitness tracking capabilities, including features specifically tailored for swimmers. It offers swim tracking with metrics such as distance, pace, and stroke count. The Sense also includes a built-in GPS, which is particularly useful for open water swimming. Additionally, it provides comprehensive health monitoring features including stress management and skin temperature tracking.

Key Features:

• Swim Tracking Metrics: Distance, pace, stroke count, and lap count.
• Built-in GPS: For tracking routes during open water swims.
• Health Monitoring: Includes stress management, skin temperature, and heart rate tracking.
• Water Resistance: Designed for use in swimming pools and open water.

4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a high-performance smartwatch that offers extensive swim tracking features. It provides detailed metrics such as lap count, distance, stroke count, and SWOLF. The watch is also equipped with a GPS for open water swims and features advanced heart rate monitoring. Additionally, it offers a robust selection of other fitness tracking and health monitoring features.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Swim Metrics: Includes lap count, distance, stroke count, and SWOLF.
• Open Water GPS: For tracking your swimming route.
• Advanced Heart Rate Monitoring: Accurate data even during swims.
• Fitness and Health Features: Includes various fitness tracking options and health monitoring.

5. Coros Pace 2

The Coros Pace 2 is a lightweight, multi-sport watch that excels in swim tracking. It provides detailed metrics such as stroke count, distance, and pace, and features a unique swim mode that helps track different stroke types. The Pace 2 also includes a GPS for open water tracking and is known for its long battery life, making it ideal for extended training sessions.

Key Features:

• Swim Mode: Tracks different stroke types and provides detailed metrics.
• Open Water GPS: Allows for route tracking in open water swims.
• Long Battery Life: Ideal for long training sessions.
• Multi-Sport Tracking: Supports various sports and activities.

Comparative Table:

Feature	Garmin Swim 2	Apple Watch Series 8	Fitbit Sense	Samsung Galaxy Watch 6	Coros Pace 2
Underwater Heart Rate Monitoring	Yes	No	No	No	No
Advanced Swim Metrics	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Open Water GPS	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Stroke Detection	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Health Monitoring	Basic	Advanced	Comprehensive	Comprehensive	Basic
Water Resistance	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Battery Life	Up to 7 days	Up to 18 hours	Up to 6 days	Up to 40 hours	Up to 20 days

Conclusion

Choosing the right smart watch for swimming largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Garmin Swim 2 is ideal for swimmers who need detailed metrics and advanced heart rate monitoring. The Apple Watch Series 8 offers a comprehensive set of features for both swimming and general health monitoring. The Fitbit Sense provides a balanced mix of swim tracking and health monitoring, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 combines robust swim metrics with extensive fitness tracking. Finally, the Coros Pace 2 is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight watch with long battery life and detailed swim tracking.

Each of these smart watches has its unique strengths, so consider what features are most important to you in your swim tracking journey. Whether you’re looking for detailed metrics, advanced health monitoring, or long battery life, there’s a smart watch out there to meet your needs.