Best smartwatch for swimmers

There’s a common misconception that you can wear your smartwatch for swimming as it comes with Ingress Protection certification. These devices indeed feature a certain level of water resistance but not all of them are suitable for submersion for longer periods, especially for water sports enthusiasts and serious divers. To qualify as swim-friendly, smartwatches should have at least a 5ATM rating indicating water resistance up to 50 meters depth. 

In addition, they should be equipped with a durable build, a bright display, and support for swimming mode to track various parameters. Modern smartwatches also come with underwater heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking making them incredibly useful for those who are involved in water-based activities. The devices offer real-time insights into swim performance, motivating swimmers to push their limits and monitoring their progress. 

Best smartwatch for swimmers

While pricier smartwatches often have a higher level of waterproofing, there are some affordable options in the market ideal for casual/recreational swimmers. Let’s dive into the list below. 

ALSO READ: 8 smartwatch FAQs answered for you

1. Apple Watch Series 10

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

3. OnePlus Watch 2

4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7

5. Amazfit Active

1. Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 comes with a water temperature sensor and depth sensor making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. These can turn on automatically when you enter the water. The Tides app allows users to check the conditions of 1,15,000 beaches and 5,000 surf spots across the world along with high and low tides. 

Meanwhile, the Oceanic+ app is capable of tracking various metrics when underwater. The Watch Series 10 is also thinner and lighter than its predecessors offering a comfortable wearing experience. It also comes with sleep apnea detection coupled with usual features like a reliable heart-rate monitor and more.

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts a cushion design with titanium, an MIL-STD 810H certification, and an ingress protection rating of up to 10ATM. As per the brand, the rugged smartwatch is suitable for ocean adventures or coral reefs. It is capable of tracking heart rate underwater. There is a water lock mode that easily tracks various activities like water skiing, kayaking, or windsurfing in the water. 

This makes it ideal for those involved in serious water-based activities. Apart from this, the Galaxy Watch Ultra packs many other notable health-tracking options and convenient features such as a blood pressure monitor, body composition, Galaxy AI, and more.

3. OnePlus Watch 2

If you’re a recreational swimmer and don’t want to go for expensive options, then the OnePlus Watch 2 is perfect for your needs. It has military-grade durability along with a 5ATM certification making it submersible up to 50 meters. The smartwatch can be used for swimming but is not ideal for deep-sea diving. 

The Watch 2 runs on WearOS with efficient processing power and a battery backup rated up to 100 hours. It offers heart rate, SpO2, VO2 Max, sleep, and stress tracking. There is support for various workout modes with detailed parameters for running, badminton, and skiing activities.

4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is another solid option for Android users. This one also has the same durability and IP rating as the Galaxy Watch Ultra but the water resistance is up to 50 meters. It is capable of tracking swimming techniques with stroke analysis and SWOLF scores. The wearable device does not compromise on other features like sleep apnea detection, blood pressure monitoring, skin temperature, and more.

5. Amazfit Active

The Amazfit Active is a budget smartwatch under Rs 15,000. It has a 5ATM water resistance rating. The device comes with heart rate, SpO2, stress, sleep, and menstrual cycle trackers. There is special guidance for women that offers nutrition suggestions pertaining to their hormones and cycles. The wearable device also features a readiness score, GPS tracking, 14-day battery life, and runs ZeppOS. It has a sharp 1.75-inch AMOLED display.

Swim-friendly smartwatches promote safer and more efficient swimming practices. Choosing the right one depends on your needs and budget. Premium offerings cater to professional swimmers and those engaged in water sports. On the other hand, budget options are ideal for those who are getting started with their swimming journey.