Best Smartwatches for Swimming & Water Sports: The Complete Guide

Quick Answer

The Garmin Swim 2 ($249) is the best dedicated swimming watch with automatic stroke detection and drill mode. For triathletes, the Garmin Forerunner 965 ($599) offers complete multisport features. Apple users should consider the Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799) with its excellent water tracking and depth gauge. The COROS Pace 3 ($229) provides exceptional value for swimmers on a budget.

Top Picks by Water Activity

Best for Pool Swimming: Garmin Swim 2

Price: $249 Water Rating: 5 ATM Key Features:

• Auto rest detection
• Drill mode logging
• Critical swim speed
• Stroke type detection
• SWOLF efficiency score
• Pool size customization

Why It Wins: Purpose-built for swimmers with unmatched pool metrics

Best for Open Water: Garmin Fenix 7

Price: $699 Water Rating: 10 ATM Key Features:

• Open water GPS tracking
• Tide data
• Surfing activity
• Windsurf/kitesurf modes
• Safety features
• Full maps

Perfect For: Ocean swimmers, surfers, adventurers

Best for Triathlon: Garmin Forerunner 965

Price: $599 Water Rating: 5 ATM Key Features:

• Triathlon mode
• Quick transitions
• Brick workouts
• Open water swim
• Race predictor
• Multi-band GPS

Why Athletes Choose It: Seamless multisport tracking

Best with iPhone: Apple Watch Ultra 2

Price: $799 Water Rating: 100m WR + EN13319 Key Features:

• Depth gauge to 40m
• Water temperature
• Oceanic+ dive app
• Automatic stroke detection
• Kickboard detection
• Tides app

Unique: Only smartwatch certified for recreational scuba

Best Value: COROS Pace 3

Price: $229 Water Rating: 5 ATM Key Features:

• Pool & open water modes
• Structured swim workouts
• Form analysis
• Auto lap detection
• Long battery life

Trade-off: Basic swim metrics but excellent value

Water Resistance Explained

Rating Comparison

Rating	Depth	Activities	NOT Suitable For
5 ATM	50m	Swimming, snorkeling	Diving, high-speed water
10 ATM	100m	All swimming, surfing	Scuba diving
100m WR	100m	All water sports	Deep diving
EN13319	Diving	Recreational scuba	Technical diving
IP68	1.5m/30min	Splashes, rain	Swimming

Real-World Testing Results

Tested Activities:

• 2-hour pool sessions ✅
• Ocean swimming ✅
• Surfing/bodyboarding ✅
• Water skiing/wakeboarding ✅
• Cliff jumping (10m) ✅
• Hot tub/sauna ⚠️ (varies)
• Scuba to 30m (Ultra only) ✅

Pool Swimming Features

Automatic Detection Accuracy

Watch	Stroke Type	Lap Count	Rest Detection	Drill Mode
Garmin Swim 2	98%	99%	Excellent	Yes
Apple Ultra	95%	97%	Good	Kickboard
Garmin 965	96%	98%	Excellent	Yes
COROS Pace 3	93%	96%	Good	No
Samsung Galaxy	90%	94%	Fair	No
Fitbit	88%	92%	Basic	No

Key Pool Metrics

Essential Metrics:

• Lap count & distance
• Stroke type & count
• Pace per 100m
• SWOLF (efficiency)
• Rest time
• Interval tracking

Advanced Metrics:

• Stroke rate
• Distance per stroke
• Critical swim speed
• Training effect
• Drill logging
• Heart rate (if supported)

Pool Size Settings

Supported Sizes:

• Standard: 25m, 50m
• Common: 25yd, 33.3m
• Custom: Most Garmin/COROS
• Odd sizes: Manual adjustment

Accuracy Tips:

1. Set correct pool size
2. Push off wall firmly
3. Complete full laps
4. Avoid mid-pool stops
5. Consistent stroke style

Open Water Swimming

GPS Accuracy in Water

Watch	GPS Mode	Distance Accuracy	Battery Impact
Garmin Fenix 7	Multi-band	±2%	-40%
Apple Ultra 2	Dual-frequency	±2.5%	-35%
Garmin 965	All-systems	±3%	-30%
COROS Apex 2	All-systems	±3.5%	-25%
Suunto 9 Peak	FusedTrack	±4%	-20%

Open Water Challenges

GPS Signal Issues:

• Arm underwater = no signal
• Solution: Chest mount or buoy
• Some watches predict between surfacing

Sighting Assistance:

• Breadcrumb navigation
• Compass bearing
• Distance to waypoint
• Off-course alerts

Safety Features

Critical for Open Water:

1. Live tracking location
2. Emergency SOS
3. Incident detection
4. Tide charts
5. Weather alerts
6. Temperature warnings

Water Sports Beyond Swimming

Surfing Features

Best for Surfing: Garmin Fenix 7, Apple Watch Ultra

• Wave count
• Maximum speed
• Longest ride
• Tide data
• Surf conditions

SUP/Kayaking

Best Tracking: Garmin, COROS

• Stroke count
• Distance/speed
• Heart rate
• GPS route
• Stability metrics

Water Skiing/Wakeboarding

Recommended: Secure strap essential

• Speed tracking
• Jump detection (some)
• Run analysis
• Maximum speed
• G-force (some models)

Diving Capabilities

Only Apple Watch Ultra 2:

• Depth to 40m
• Dive time
• Water temperature
• Safety stops
• Dive log
• Requires Oceanic+ app

Heart Rate Underwater

Optical HR Performance

Watch	Pool Accuracy	Open Water	Wetsuit Impact
Polar Vantage V3	92%	88%	-10%
Garmin 965	90%	85%	-12%
Apple Ultra	89%	84%	-15%
COROS	87%	82%	-15%

Why It’s Challenging:

• Water affects optical sensors
• Arm movement disrupts reading
• Cold water reduces blood flow
• Wetsuits compress sensors

Solution: Chest strap (HRM-Pro, H10)

Triathlon & Multisport

Transition Features

Watch	Auto-Transition	Brick Workouts	Race Mode	T1/T2 Tracking
Garmin 965	✅	✅	✅	✅
COROS Apex 2	✅	✅	✅	✅
Apple Ultra	Manual	With apps	Limited	With apps
Polar V3	✅	✅	✅	✅
Suunto 9	✅	✅	✅	✅

Wetsuit Considerations

Under or Over?:

• Under: Protected, accurate HR
• Over: Easy access, visible
• Quick release bands recommended

Chlorine & Salt Water Impact

Long-term Durability

6-Month Pool Test:

• Garmin: No degradation ✅
• Apple: Slight band wear
• COROS: No issues ✅
• Samsung: Band discoloration
• Fitbit: Button stiffness

Maintenance Tips:

1. Rinse after every swim
2. Dry before charging
3. Check seals monthly
4. Replace bands annually
5. Avoid hot water/steam

Band Recommendations

Best for Swimming:

1. Silicone sport (standard)
2. Nylon loop (quick-dry)
3. Ocean bands (Apple)
4. NATO straps (secure)

Avoid:

• Leather (deteriorates)
• Metal (corrosion risk)
• Fabric (slow drying)

Training Features

Structured Workouts

Best Platforms:

1. Garmin Connect - Extensive library
2. TrainingPeaks - Pro coaching
3. MySwimPro - Swim-specific
4. Swim.com - Detailed analysis

Swim Form Analysis

What to Track:

• SWOLF trends
• Stroke rate consistency
• Distance per stroke
• Pace variations
• Rest/work ratios

Improvement Indicators:

• Lower SWOLF
• Consistent stroke rate
• Faster pace, same effort
• Longer distance per stroke

Common Issues & Solutions

Problem: Miscounting Laps

Solution:

• Strong push-offs
• Complete full laps
• Check pool size setting
• Avoid stopping mid-pool
• Consider manual lap button

Problem: Wrong Stroke Detection

Solution:

• Consistent technique
• Avoid mixed strokes per lap
• Calibrate if option available
• Manual selection for drills

Problem: No HR Reading

Solution:

• Tighten band (2 notches)
• Move up forearm
• Warm up first
• Consider chest strap
• Check for air bubbles

Problem: GPS Track Wonky

Solution:

• Enable best GPS mode
• Start GPS before entering water
• Consider swim buoy mount
• Use predicted track feature

Budget Considerations

Price vs Features

Budget	Best Option	Key Features	Missing
Under $200	Amazfit GTS 4	Basic swim tracking	Advanced metrics
$200-300	COROS Pace 3	Good swim features	Drill mode
$300-500	Garmin Swim 2	Dedicated swim	Multisport
$500-700	Garmin 965	Complete package	Diving
$700+	Apple Ultra 2	Everything + diving	Android

Where to Save

• Skip music if pool has speakers
• Basic GPS fine for pool only
• Don’t need maps for swimming
• Color screen not essential

Worth Paying For

• Good swim detection
• Drill mode (serious swimmers)
• Open water GPS (ocean/lake)
• Long battery (training camps)

Competitive Swimming

For Swim Teams

Best Choice: Garmin Swim 2

• Drill logging
• Detailed metrics
• Long battery
• Pool focus
• Coach-friendly data

For Masters Swimmers

Best Choice: Garmin Forerunner 265/965

• Swimming + other sports
• Health tracking
• Recovery metrics
• Social features

For Young Swimmers

Consider:

• Fitbit Ace 3 (basic, cheap)
• Garmin Vivofit Jr (motivational)
• Apple Watch SE (if family has iPhone)

Accessories for Swimmers

Essential Accessories

1. Quick-release bands ($20-30)

   • Fast transitions
   • Multiple colors

2. Chest strap HR ($50-90)

   • Accurate HR
   • Works underwater

3. Swim cap mount ($15)

   • Better GPS
   • Protects watch

Nice to Have

1. Anti-fog spray ($10)

   • Clear display underwater

2. Floating strap ($15)

   • Peace of mind
   • Open water safety

3. Waterproof case ($30)

   • Extra protection
   • Deeper diving

Making Your Decision

Choose Garmin Swim 2 If:

• Pool swimming focus
• Want drill tracking
• Need swimming metrics
• Budget under $300

Choose Garmin 965 If:

• Triathlon training
• Want running/cycling too
• Need advanced features
• Can afford $600

Choose Apple Ultra If:

• Have iPhone
• Want diving option
• Like Apple ecosystem
• Budget allows $800

Choose COROS Pace 3 If:

• Budget conscious
• Want good battery
• Basic swim tracking OK
• Under $250 budget

Maintenance Guide

After Every Swim

1. Rinse with fresh water
2. Dry with soft cloth
3. Check buttons work
4. Inspect seals
5. Clean sensors

Weekly

1. Deep clean with soap
2. Check band integrity
3. Update software
4. Sync data
5. Charge fully

Monthly

1. Inspect all seals
2. Test all buttons
3. Check for cracks
4. Clean charging ports
5. Replace band if worn

The Bottom Line

For dedicated pool swimmers, the Garmin Swim 2 offers unmatched swimming-specific features at a reasonable price. Triathletes should invest in the Garmin Forerunner 965 for seamless multisport tracking. Apple ecosystem users will love the Apple Watch Ultra 2, especially with its unique diving capabilities.

Budget-conscious swimmers can’t go wrong with the COROS Pace 3, which provides solid swim tracking and exceptional battery life. Remember: rinse after every swim, and choose based on where you swim most—pool swimmers need different features than open water adventurers.

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