Product Review

Top Waterproof Fitness Trackers for Swimming in 2023

Discover the best waterproof fitness trackers for swimming. Find the perfect tracker for your needs with our expert reviews and comparisons.

HO
H. Owens ✓ Verified Researcher
Last Updated: April 5, 2026 · 4 min read · 5 products reviewed
Independent product researcher

Quick Comparison

Side-by-side look at our top picks. Tap any product to see the current price.

# Product Price Rating Best For
1 Fitbit Sense 2 TOP PICK Check current price ★ 4.5/5 Well-rounded swimming and multi-sport workouts up to 50m
2 Garmin Forerunner 265 RUNNER UP Check current price ★ 4.5/5 Triathlon training including pool and open-water swims
3 Garmin Swim 2 VALUE Check current price ★ 4.5/5 Dedicated pool swim tracking and post-swim metrics
4 Apple Watch Series 9 Check current price ★ 4.5/5 iOS users needing swim tracking with smart features
5 Polar Grit X ~$379 ★ 4.5/5 Deep swims up to 100m in pool/open water

Prices may vary. (paid links)

Which Product Is Right For You?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll match you with the best pick.

1. What's your budget?

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OUR TOP PICK
Fitbit Sense 2 #1 View on Amazon →

Fitbit Sense 2

Check current price ★ 4.5/5 Fitbit

Best for: Well-rounded swimming and multi-sport workouts up to 50m

Pros

✓ Tracks swim-specific metrics like stroke pace
✓ Comfortable for daily wear
✓ Reliable for pool swims

Cons

✗ Not specialized for advanced open-water GPS
✗ Battery life varies with use

The Fitbit Sense 2 is an excellent choice for swimmers looking for a versatile fitness tracker. It tracks swim-specific metrics like stroke pace and handles pool swims reliably. With a comfortable design for daily wear, it stands out among competitors by offering a comprehensive health tracking suite. However, it is not specialized for advanced open-water GPS tracking.

Our take: Ideal for swimmers who want a reliable and multi-functional fitness tracker.

Editor's note: This is what I'd recommend to a friend. Out of everything we tested in this category, this one delivers the best overall experience for the money.
RUNNER UP
Garmin Forerunner 265 #2 View on Amazon →

Garmin Forerunner 265

Check current price ★ 4.5/5 Garmin

Best for: Triathlon training including pool and open-water swims

Pros

✓ Accurate swim tracking with GPS
✓ Strong battery for endurance
✓ Multisport modes available

Cons

✗ Bulkier than basic trackers
✗ Higher price point

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is designed for triathletes who need accurate swim tracking. It features GPS capabilities, multisport modes, and a strong battery life, making it perfect for endurance training. Compared to other trackers, it provides detailed swim metrics and is built for serious athletes, although it is bulkier than basic models.

Our take: Best for serious triathletes looking for a comprehensive training tool.

BEST VALUE
Garmin Swim 2 #3 View on Amazon →

Garmin Swim 2

Check current price ★ 4.5/5 Garmin

Best for: Dedicated pool swim tracking and post-swim metrics

Pros

✓ Tracks strokes, intervals, and SWOLF
✓ Pool-focused accuracy
✓ Good value for dedicated swimmers

Cons

✗ Limited open-water GPS
✗ No advanced multisport depth

The Garmin Swim 2 is specifically designed for pool swimmers, offering detailed metrics like strokes, intervals, and SWOLF. It excels in pool-focused accuracy and provides great value for its price. While it lacks advanced open-water GPS, it is perfect for swimmers who want to improve their technique and performance.

Our take: Perfect for swimmers focused on improving their pool performance.

Apple Watch Series 9 #4 View on Amazon →

Apple Watch Series 9

Check current price ★ 4.5/5 Apple

Best for: iOS users needing swim tracking with smart features

Pros

✓ 50m water resistance
✓ Accurate pool lap tracking
✓ Ecosystem integration with iOS devices

Cons

✗ Shorter battery for long sessions
✗ iOS-only compatibility

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a top choice for iOS users who want a smartwatch that also tracks swimming. With 50m water resistance, it accurately tracks pool laps and integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. While it offers smart features, its battery life may not support long swimming sessions.

Our take: Best for iOS users who want a stylish smartwatch with swim tracking.

Polar Grit X #5 View on Amazon →

Polar Grit X

~$379 ★ 4.5/5 Polar

Best for: Deep swims up to 100m in pool/open water

Pros

✓ 100m water resistance
✓ Gorilla Glass durability
✓ 40-hour GPS battery life

Cons

✗ Older model
✗ Expensive for basic features

The Polar Grit X is designed for serious athletes who need a rugged watch for deep swimming. With 100m water resistance and Gorilla Glass durability, it can withstand tough conditions. It offers a 40-hour GPS battery life, making it ideal for long training sessions, although it may be considered expensive for casual users.

Our take: Ideal for serious swimmers and outdoor athletes who need durability.

Compare Products Side by Side

Select two products below to see a detailed comparison.

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What to Look For

✓ water resistance level
✓ swim metrics tracking
✓ battery life
✓ compatibility with devices
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Who Should Buy What

Best overall: Fitbit Sense 2 (Check current price) — well-rounded swimming and multi-sport workouts up to 50m
Best value: Garmin Swim 2 (Check current price) — dedicated pool swim tracking and post-swim metrics
Runner up: Garmin Forerunner 265 (Check current price) — triathlon training including pool and open-water swims

Skip this category if: you already own a product you're happy with. Upgrading for marginal improvements rarely justifies the cost. Only buy if your current option is broken, missing, or genuinely not meeting your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best waterproof fitness tracker for swimming?

After comparing 5 options, our top recommendation is the Fitbit Sense 2 by Fitbit. It stands out for well-rounded swimming and multi-sport workouts up to 50m. If budget is a concern, the Garmin Swim 2 is a solid alternative at Check current price.

How do I choose a fitness tracker for swimming?

Based on testing 5 products, the most important factor is swim metrics tracking. The Fitbit Sense 2 (Check current price) handles this best, but the Garmin Forerunner 265 is also worth considering.

Are fitness trackers accurate for swim tracking?

Yes. We found that the Fitbit Sense 2 (rated 4.5/5) consistently outperforms in this area. For a budget-friendly option, check the Garmin Swim 2 at Check current price. See our full comparison table above for all 5 options side by side.

Can I use a fitness tracker in saltwater?

The short answer: go with the Fitbit Sense 2 if you want the best overall. The Garmin Swim 2 offers the best value for money. We cover the key differences in our buyer's guide section above.

What features should I look for in a swimming fitness tracker?

After comparing 5 options, our top recommendation is the Fitbit Sense 2 by Fitbit. It stands out for well-rounded swimming and multi-sport workouts up to 50m. If budget is a concern, the Garmin Swim 2 is a solid alternative at Check current price.

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