Best Smartwatch for Swimming: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to finding the best smartwatch for swimming, several factors must be considered to ensure that the device meets your needs. These include water resistance, swim tracking features, battery life, and overall performance in aquatic environments. Here’s a detailed guide to the top smartwatches that excel in swimming and how to choose the right one for you.

1. Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Ultra stands out as one of the best smartwatches for swimming due to its exceptional water resistance and advanced features tailored for aquatic activities. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for both pool and open-water swimming.

• Water Resistance: The Apple Watch Ultra's 100-meter water resistance ensures that it can handle various swimming conditions.
• Swim Tracking: It offers detailed swim tracking, including lap count, distance, and stroke type. The watch also provides insights into your swimming efficiency.
• Battery Life: The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 36 hours on a single charge, which is beneficial for long swim sessions.
• Performance: It has a robust build and a large, bright display that is easy to read even underwater.

2. Garmin Swim 2

Garmin's Swim 2 is another excellent choice for swimmers looking for a dedicated swimming smartwatch. It is specifically designed for swim tracking and comes with various features that cater to swimmers’ needs.

• Water Resistance: It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, which is adequate for most swimming activities.
• Swim Tracking: The Swim 2 offers advanced swim metrics such as stroke count, stroke rate, and SWOLF (Swim Golf) score. It also tracks heart rate underwater.
• Battery Life: The battery life is approximately 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 72 hours in pool swim mode.
• Performance: Its lightweight design and clear display make it comfortable to wear and easy to use during swimming.

3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a versatile smartwatch that also performs well in aquatic environments. It provides a good balance between smartwatch functionalities and swim tracking capabilities.

• Water Resistance: The Galaxy Watch 6 is water-resistant up to 50 meters.
• Swim Tracking: It includes swim tracking features such as lap count, distance, and stroke type. It also offers swim coaching features and heart rate monitoring.
• Battery Life: The battery lasts up to 40 hours on a single charge, depending on usage.
• Performance: It features a high-resolution display and a comfortable strap, making it a good choice for extended swimming sessions.

4. Polar Vantage V2

Polar Vantage V2 is a high-performance smartwatch that is well-suited for swimmers who need detailed tracking and analysis.

• Water Resistance: It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for all types of swimming.
• Swim Tracking: The watch provides advanced metrics such as heart rate, distance, stroke count, and efficiency. It also offers training and recovery insights.
• Battery Life: The battery lasts up to 7 days in normal use and up to 40 hours in GPS mode.
• Performance: It has a robust design and a range of sports profiles, making it versatile for different activities.

5. Suunto 9 Peak

The Suunto 9 Peak is designed for athletes who demand durability and performance, including swimmers who need a reliable watch for both pool and open-water swimming.

• Water Resistance: The Suunto 9 Peak is water-resistant up to 100 meters.
• Swim Tracking: It includes comprehensive swim tracking features such as lap counting, distance, stroke type, and heart rate monitoring.
• Battery Life: The battery life is up to 170 hours in GPS mode and up to 14 days in watch mode.
• Performance: The watch is known for its rugged build and accuracy, making it ideal for rigorous training sessions.

Choosing the Best Smartwatch for Swimming

When selecting the best smartwatch for swimming, consider the following factors:

• Water Resistance: Ensure the smartwatch is rated for water resistance that matches your swimming needs, whether for pool or open-water swimming.
• Swim Tracking Features: Look for features such as lap counting, stroke detection, distance tracking, and heart rate monitoring.
• Battery Life: Choose a smartwatch with a battery life that suits your swimming routine, especially for longer sessions.
• Comfort and Fit: Ensure the smartwatch is comfortable to wear and fits securely on your wrist while swimming.
• Additional Features: Consider other features such as GPS, training programs, and compatibility with fitness apps.

Conclusion

Selecting the right smartwatch for swimming can significantly enhance your training and tracking capabilities. The Apple Watch Ultra, Garmin Swim 2, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, Polar Vantage V2, and Suunto 9 Peak are all excellent options that offer various features tailored to swimmers. Consider your specific needs and preferences to choose the best smartwatch that fits your swimming routine and goals.