The best smartwatches for swimming combine a water-resistance rating of at least 5 ATM (50 meters), accurate lap and stroke detection, and a screen you can read in bright pool light. For most swimmers, a Garmin or Apple Watch Ultra covers pool and open-water needs, while casual lap swimmers can spend far less. Below we break down six watches across budgets and ecosystems, based on official manufacturer specifications and widely published expert and user reviews—not lab testing.
[[AFFDISCLOSURE]]- Look for at least 5 ATM / WR50 water resistance before swimming with any watch
- Pool swimming and open-water swimming rely on different sensors—lap detection vs. wrist GPS
- Optical heart rate is less reliable underwater, so chest straps still matter for serious training
What actually matters in a swimming smartwatch
Swimming is harder on a watch than running or cycling. Water blocks GPS, distorts touchscreens, and weakens optical heart-rate readings. Before comparing models, it helps to understand the three specs that separate a true swim watch from a fitness tracker that merely survives a splash.
Water resistance rating
The single most important spec. A rating of 5 ATM (also written WR50) means the watch is designed for swimming and surface water sports. Ratings like IP68 or “splash resistant” are not the same thing and may not hold up to repeated swimming. For diving or high-impact water entry, you want a 10 ATM rating or an EN13319 dive certification. We cover the rating system in depth in our guide to water-resistance ratings.
Pool vs. open-water tracking
In a pool, a watch counts laps using its accelerometer and the pool length you set—GPS is off because the signal can’t reliably reach a submerged wrist. In open water, the watch switches to GPS to map distance and pace, which is why open-water-capable models tend to cost more and use multi-band GNSS for accuracy.
Heart rate underwater
Wrist-based optical heart rate degrades in water as the sensor loses skin contact and cold constricts blood vessels. Many serious swimmers pair a watch with a compatible chest strap that stores data and syncs after the swim. If you rely on wrist readings, treat them as estimates—see our notes on calorie-count accuracy for why downstream metrics inherit that uncertainty.
How we picked
Smartwatch Trends is research-based and does not operate a testing lab. These selections draw on official manufacturer specifications (water-resistance ratings, supported swim modes, GNSS hardware, and battery claims), the consensus of published expert reviews, and recurring themes in user feedback. We prioritized watches with a documented swim mode, a verified 5 ATM rating or higher, and a strong track record for reliable lap detection. Prices and availability shift, so we focus on capabilities rather than a single “winner.”
The best smartwatches for swimming
1. Garmin Swim 2 — best value for dedicated swimmers
The Swim 2 is purpose-built for the water, with pool and open-water modes, stroke-type detection, drill logging, and SWOLF scoring. Unusually for a swim-focused watch, it adds wrist heart rate underwater and onboard GPS for open water, plus a multi-week battery in smartwatch mode.
Why it fits: Garmin’s swim metrics are among the most detailed available, and the lightweight design won’t drag on your stroke. Who it’s for: Lap swimmers and triathletes who want pool depth without paying flagship prices.
2. Apple Watch Ultra 2 — best all-around for open water and triathlon
With a 100-meter water-resistance rating, an EN13319 certification for recreational diving to 40 meters, a built-in depth gauge, and precision dual-frequency GPS, the Ultra 2 is the most capable mainstream watch for serious water use. It tracks pool and open-water swims natively and pairs with apps like Oceanic+ for diving.
Why it fits: It’s a true multisport watch that doubles as a flagship smartwatch on land. Who it’s for: iPhone owners who swim open water, race triathlons, or want diving-grade durability. New to the platform? See how to set up an Apple Watch.
3. Garmin Fenix / Epix series — best premium multisport
Garmin’s high-end multisport line carries a 10 ATM rating, multi-band GNSS, and the brand’s full swim toolkit across pool and open water. Battery life measured in weeks (not hours) is the standout, which matters for long open-water sessions and multi-day events.
Why it fits: Rugged build plus the deepest training-metrics ecosystem of any consumer brand. Who it’s for: Endurance athletes who want one watch for swimming, trail, and expeditions. If battery is your priority, compare options in our battery-life roundup.
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra — best for Android users
Samsung’s flagship offers a 10 ATM rating plus IP68, an open-water swim mode, and tight integration with Android phones and the Samsung Health app. It’s the most polished swimming option for people outside the Apple ecosystem who still want a full smartwatch experience.
Why it fits: Strong durability rating and a familiar Android workflow. Who it’s for: Galaxy and Android phone owners who swim regularly and want smart features on land.
5. Apple Watch Series (current generation) — best for casual lap swimmers on iPhone
The standard Apple Watch carries a WR50 (50-meter) rating and a built-in pool and open-water swim workout, with automatic set and rest detection. It lacks the Ultra’s depth gauge and dive certification, but for fitness lap swimming it’s more than enough—and it’s a better everyday smartwatch for notifications and apps.
Why it fits: Seamless iPhone integration at a lower price than the Ultra. Who it’s for: Recreational swimmers who mainly want lap counts and overall activity tracking.
6. Coros Pace 3 — best lightweight budget triathlon pick
The Pace 3 is a featherweight multisport watch with a 5 ATM rating, pool and open-water swim modes, dual-frequency GPS, and battery life that punches well above its price. It skips some smartwatch polish to focus on training data.
Why it fits: Serious swim and triathlon metrics at an entry-level price and weight. Who it’s for: Budget-conscious triathletes and data-driven swimmers who don’t need a full smartwatch.
Quick comparison
| Watch | Water resistance | Open-water GPS | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Swim 2 | 5 ATM | Yes | Value swim metrics |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 100 m / EN13319 dive | Yes | Open water, triathlon, diving |
| Garmin Fenix / Epix | 10 ATM | Yes | Premium multisport |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | 10 ATM + IP68 | Yes | Android users |
| Apple Watch Series | WR50 (50 m) | Yes | Casual lap swimmers |
| Coros Pace 3 | 5 ATM | Yes | Budget triathlon |
- Ultra 2: 100 m rating with dive certification
- Ultra 2: full smartwatch on land
- Garmin Swim 2: lighter and far cheaper
- Garmin Swim 2: multi-week battery, swim-first design
Who should buy which
If you swim open water, race triathlons, or want diving-grade durability and a flagship smartwatch in one device, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the most versatile choice for iPhone users. If you want the deepest pool metrics for the least money, the Garmin Swim 2 is hard to beat. Android swimmers should look first at the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Before any open-water session, learn your watch’s swim workflow with our step-by-step guide to tracking a workout on a smartwatch.
Frequently asked questions
Can any smartwatch be used for swimming?
No. Only watches rated 5 ATM (WR50) or higher are designed for swimming. “Splash resistant,” IPX7, or IP68-only devices may survive brief immersion but aren’t built for repeated laps or pressure changes. Always check the manufacturer’s stated water-resistance rating first.
Is GPS accurate for open-water swimming?
It’s reasonably good but not perfect. Because the antenna is often submerged, the watch estimates distance between surface readings—so dual-frequency (multi-band) GNSS models track more accurately. Wearing the watch on the wrist that surfaces most, or tucking it under a swim cap during races, can improve the signal.
Why is my heart rate wrong while swimming?
Water disrupts the optical sensor’s contact with your skin, and cold water reduces blood flow at the wrist. For accurate training data, pair a compatible chest strap that stores readings and syncs afterward. The same physics affect SpO2 readings, which generally aren’t measured mid-swim.
Do I need to rinse my watch after swimming?
Yes, especially after saltwater or chlorinated pools. Manufacturers recommend rinsing with fresh water and drying the watch to protect seals, sensors, and the band. Avoid pressing buttons underwater on models that advise against it.