Swimming is one of the best full-body workouts, but tracking your performance in water can be tricky without the right fitness gear. That’s where waterproof fitness trackers come in handy. Whether you’re a casual swimmer or a competitive athlete, these smart devices help monitor your strokes, laps, distance, stamina, and more.
From counting every stroke to measuring your heart rate underwater, the right tracker can take your training to the next level. But with so many options available, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming.
In this blog, we’ve handpicked the 6 best waterproof fitness trackers for swimming that are reliable, easy to use, and packed with swimming-specific features.
We’ll break down their pros and cons, rate their performance across key factors like durability, quality, waterproofing, and battery life, and help you decide which one is the right fit for your swimming journey.
1. Garmin Swim 2 – Swimmer’s Go-To Tracker 🏊♂️
Overview
The Garmin Swim 2 is explicitly designed for swimmers and triathletes. It tracks stroke type, count, distance, pace, SWOLF, and even open-water GPS swims
Pros & Cons
- 👍 Pros: Excellent stroke detection; GPS for open-water; lightweight.
- 👎 Cons: No music onboard; smaller screen.
Ratings (out of 5):
- Durability: 4.5
- Quality: 4.5
- Price (₹22k): 3.5
- Effectiveness: 5
- Waterproof: 5 (safe to 50 m)
- Features: 4
- Battery: 4 (about 4 days)
2. Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Apple User Favorite
Overview
Though pricier, Ultra 2 nails swim tracking: waterproof to 100 m, handles all strokes, laps, includes SWOLF, and even functions as a dive computer
- 👍 Titanium build, brilliant screen, multi-sport, third-party app support.
- 👎 Very expensive; battery life around 36 hours.
Ratings:
- Durability: 5
- Quality: 5
- Price (₹70k+): 2.5
- Effectiveness: 5
- Waterproof: 5
- Features: 5
- Battery: 3
3. Garmin Forerunner 945 – Triathlete’s Powerhouse
Overview
Great multi-sport device that tracks pool & open-water swims with stroke metrics and GPS
Pros & Cons
- 👍 GPS, SWOLF, stroke counts, training status.
- 👎 May be overkill for casual swimmers; mid-range price.
Ratings:
- Durability: 4.5
- Quality: 4.5
- Price (₹35k): 3.5
- Effectiveness: 5
- Waterproof: 5
- Features: 5
- Battery: 4.5
4. Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 – Sporty Budget Pick
Overview
A slim, affordable band that is rated waterproof to 5 ATM, tracks laps, distance, strokes, and basic fitness metrics
- 👍 Light, affordable (₹3.5k), bright screen, decent swim detection.
- 👎 Lacks built-in GPS; simplified stroke metrics.
Ratings:
- Durability: 4
- Quality: 4
- Price: 5
- Effectiveness: 3.5
- Waterproof: 5
- Features: 3.5
- Battery: 4
Also Read: Best Budget VR Headsets of 2025 – Affordable Picks for Virtual Reality Lovers
5. Amazfit T‑Rex 3 – Rugged All‑Rounder
Overview
Designed for outdoor use with 100m water resistance, supports stroke tracking, SWOLF, and has dual-band GPS
- 👍 Tough build, long battery (18 days), maps, budget friendly.
- 👎 Heavier; the app experience is basic.
Ratings:
- Durability: 5
- Quality: 4
- Price (₹22k): 4.5
- Effectiveness: 4
- Waterproof: 5
- Features: 4
- Battery: 5
6. Zeblaze VIBE 3 – Pocket-Friendly Choice
Overview
IP68-rated band (₹179!), tracks swimming alongside 100+ activities. Affordable but modest swim metrics
Pros & Cons
- 👍 Extremely budget friendly; basic swim count; good battery.
- 👎 Lacks GPS, detailed stroke metrics, modest brand support.
Ratings:
- Durability: 3.5
- Quality: 3
- Price: 5
- Effectiveness: 2.5
- Waterproof: 4
- Features: 3
- Battery: 4.5
🏊♂️ Waterproof Fitness Tracker Ratings Comparison Table
| Fitness Tracker | Durability | Quality | Price | Effectiveness | Waterproof | Features | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Swim 2 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 2.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Garmin Forerunner 945 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Amazfit T-Rex 3 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Zeblaze VIBE 3 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 4.5 |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right waterproof fitness tracker depends on your swimming goals, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you want a serious swim companion like the Garmin Swim 2 or a budget-friendly option like Galaxy Fit 3, there’s something for everyone.
Consider what features matter most—accuracy, design, battery life—and dive into smarter swimming with confidence!
Expert Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Waterproof Fitness Tracker
- Keep your device clean and rinse after saltwater or chlorine swims.
- Calibrate your tracker regularly for more accurate data.
- Use the app to review your swims and notice patterns for better performance.
- Set realistic goals based on your current fitness level and progress.
- Consider monitoring your heart rate under water if your tracker supports it, for deeper insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I wear my fitness tracker while diving?
Most fitness trackers are rated for swimming but not deep-sea diving. Look for 10 ATM or 100m water resistance or diving-specific devices like the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Q2: What is SWOLF in swimming?
SWOLF combines stroke count and time to measure swimming efficiency. A lower SWOLF score is better.
Q3: Do all waterproof fitness trackers support open water swimming?
Not all do. For open water, choose trackers with built-in GPS like Garmin Swim 2, Forerunner 945, or Amazfit T-Rex 3.
Q4: How accurate are fitness trackers in swimming pools?
Accuracy depends on the tracker. Garmin and Apple devices offer highly accurate lap, stroke, and pace tracking.
Q5: Are budget swim trackers worth it?
Yes, if you’re a beginner. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 offer decent swim tracking at a low cost.
