Here’s a splash of good news: 2025’s best waterproof fitness trackers laugh at your pool parties. These aquatic champions don’t just survive water; they thrive in it. Forget those flimsy “water-resistant” promises that crumble faster than your New Year’s resolutions.
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Picture this: You’re crushing laps in the pool, getting ambushed by surprise rain during your morning jog, or — let’s be honest — completely spacing out during your shower. These digital companions keep counting, tracking, and cheering you on without missing a single data point. They’re basically the Navy SEALs of the wearable world.
Our team dove deep — literally and figuratively — testing everything from FORM smart goggles so advanced they could probably navigate you through the Bermuda Triangle.
Ready to meet the devices that make water damage look like yesterday’s news? Let’s splash into our top picks — they’re wetter, better, and smarter than ever! 🏊♂️
Fitbit Sense 2
Meet the Fitbit Sense 2 — your potential new swimming companion that moonlights as a meditation master. Though fair warning: this relationship comes with some interesting quirks!
Fitbit Sense 2 ![]() | Why I love it
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Sporting a svelte new figure at $249.95, this tracker has clearly been hitting the gym. Picture your high school friend at the 10-year reunion — 10% thinner, 15% lighter, and somehow looking better than ever.
This fitness tracker is rated water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for a variety of aquatic activities. However, while it can track your swimming duration, it falls short when it comes to advanced metrics like stroke count, lap efficiency, or detailed swim analysis. If you’re looking for a device that goes beyond basic tracking, you may need to explore other options that offer more comprehensive swim-focused features.
Let’s peek under the hood of this tech marvel:
- Waterproof capabilities (up to 50 meters)
- A stress sensor
- Heart rhythm tracking
- Plays nice with both iPhone and Android
- A physical button
Feature | Details |
Water Resistance | 50 meters |
Battery Life | 6 days typical use |
Display | 1.58-inch AMOLED |
Weight | 15% lighter than previous gen |
Price | $249.95 |
When it comes to swimming features, the Sense 2 has its limitations. Unlike its predecessor, it doesn’t support lap counting, which may disappoint serious swimmers looking for detailed performance metrics. For those who prioritize advanced swim tracking, this device may feel more like an expensive stopwatch than a comprehensive training tool.
Where the Sense 2 truly shines is in its stress management capabilities. The EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor is highly responsive, detecting stress levels with impressive accuracy. It’s a standout feature for users who value mindfulness and wellness alongside their fitness goals.
This device is ideal for multi-sport enthusiasts who engage in a variety of activities, from swimming and yoga to hiking. Its automatic activity recognition is fast and reliable, seamlessly tracking your workouts without requiring manual input.
However, it’s important to note that while the Sense 2 performs well in water, it’s not designed for high-temperature environments like saunas or hot tubs. To ensure its longevity, it’s best to avoid exposing it to extreme heat.
Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 is a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts, especially those who prioritize water-based activities. This isn’t just another water-resistant smartwatch—it’s a sophisticated aquatic companion designed to elevate your swimming and underwater experiences. With its advanced features, the Series 10 transforms your wrist into a powerful tool for tracking and optimising your performance in the water.
Apple Watch Series 10 ![]() | Why I love it
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Rated for depths of up to 50 meters, the Series 10 is built to handle swimming and other moderate water activities with ease. However, it’s not recommended for high-impact water sports like water skiing or diving, as it’s optimised for more controlled environments.
Powered by the next-generation S10 chip, this device delivers faster processing speeds and smoother performance, making previous models feel outdated by comparison. The display is equally impressive, offering up to 2,000 nits of brightness, ensuring crystal-clear visibility even in direct sunlight.
For swimmers, the Series 10 introduces a suite of advanced features:
- Intelligent Stroke Detection: Accurately identifies and tracks your swimming strokes, providing insights comparable to a professional coach.
- Pool and Open Water Modes: Whether you’re swimming laps in a chlorinated pool or exploring open water, the Series 10 adapts to your environment.
- Sets and Splits Tracking: Offers detailed metrics for each segment of your swim, perfect for analyzing performance.
- Water Lock Feature: Prevents accidental screen touches and expels water from the speaker after your swim.
- Comprehensive Post-Swim Stats: Delivers in-depth data to help you refine your technique and track progress.
The Series 10 also excels in battery life, offering up to 18 hours of regular use. With Low Power Mode enabled, you can extend this to 36 hours, ensuring the watch keeps up with your active lifestyle. After a full day of workouts, you’ll still have around 35% battery remaining.
On the health and wellness front, the Series 10’s sensors have been upgraded for unparalleled precision. From heart rate monitoring to advanced workout tracking, this device eliminates the inconsistencies of older models, providing reliable data you can trust.
Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported, which means we earn commissions from links on this page. Commissions do not affect our editorial evaluations or opinions. Click here for more information.
A quick tip: Rinse your watch with fresh water after swimming to maintain its longevity. Avoid exposing it to soaps or shower products, as these can compromise its water seals.
The Series 10 is available in a variety of finishes to suit your style:
- Aluminum: Pink, Midnight, Starlight, Silver, (PRODUCT)RED
- Stainless Steel: Gold, Silver, Graphite
While it’s perfect for swimming and everyday fitness tracking, it’s not designed for extreme activities like deep-sea diving. For most users, however, the Series 10 strikes an ideal balance of performance, durability, and style.
Key Specifications:
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Water Resistance | Up to 50 meters |
Battery Life | 18 hours (36 in Low Power) |
Display Brightness | Up to 2,000 nits |
Storage | 64GB |
Charging Speed | 80% in 45 minutes |
Garmin Forerunner 265
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a standout choice for swimmers and multi-sport athletes who demand more from their fitness tracker. With a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (up to 50 meters), it’s built to handle swimming with ease, making it a versatile companion for both land and water workouts.
Garmin Forerunner 265 ![]() | Why I love it
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The stunning AMOLED display isn’t just visually impressive — it’s highly functional, even underwater. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, it’s durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily use, including accidental bumps and scrapes. Whether you’re tracking laps or checking metrics mid-swim, this display ensures clarity and reliability.
Battery life is another strong suit of the Forerunner 265. It lasts up to 13 days on a single charge in smartwatch mode, or 4 days with the always-on display enabled. While the latter reduces battery life, it’s a trade-off worth considering for those who prioritize real-time data visibility.
For swimmers, the Forerunner 265 offers a suite of advanced features:
- Accurate Underwater Heart Rate Tracking: Delivers reliable heart rate data even in water, outperforming many other devices.
- Chest Strap Compatibility: Perfect for athletes seeking precision during high-intensity training sessions.
- Detailed Swimming Metrics: Tracks stroke count, pace, and distance, providing insights that rival professional coaching.
- Automatic Interval Detection: Saves you the hassle of manually counting laps, allowing you to focus on your performance.
The Forerunner 265 also excels in health and wellness tracking. Its comprehensive monitoring system includes:
- Body Battery Energy Monitoring: Tracks your energy levels throughout the day, helping you optimize rest and activity.
- Advanced Health Metrics: Measures heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns with precision.
Available in three stylish color options — Arctic White with Blue, Midnight Black with Gray, and Teal with Black — the Forerunner 265 combines functionality with aesthetics. Priced at USD 450.00, it’s an investment, but one that delivers exceptional value for serious athletes.
While it’s perfect for swimming and everyday fitness tracking, the Forerunner 265 isn’t designed for deep-sea diving or extreme water sports. For most users, however, it strikes an ideal balance of durability, performance, and style.
Key Specifications:
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
Display | 1.3″ AMOLED Touchscreen |
Battery Life | Up to 13 days |
Size | 46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9 mm |
Price | USD 450.00 |
FORM Smart Swim Goggles
TThe FORM Smart Swim 2 Goggles are a revolutionary piece of swim technology, transforming your pool sessions into a high-tech experience. These aren’t just ordinary goggles—they’re an advanced wearable device designed to elevate your swimming performance with real-time data and augmented reality (AR) features. Think of them as your personal swim coach, navigator, and fitness tracker, all integrated into a sleek, fog-free design.
Form Smart Swim 2—Goggles ![]() | Why I love it
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At the heart of the Smart Swim 2 is its patented Waveguide AR display, which projects essential metrics directly into your field of vision. This allows you to monitor your performance without interrupting your swim. The hardware has been streamlined, with a 15% reduction in size compared to its predecessor, making it more comfortable and less intrusive.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Metrics: Displays critical data like pace, distance, and stroke rate in real time.
- Advanced Stroke Detection: Tracks and analyses your stroke technique with precision.
- Seamless Data Syncing: Syncs effortlessly with the FORM app and other compatible devices.
- Comprehensive App Integration: Connects with a wide range of fitness apps for detailed post-swim analysis.
Specifications:
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Battery Life | Up to 14 hours |
Display Type | AR Waveguide |
Water Resistance | Pool-proof to ocean-ready |
Price | $279.00 |
The Smart Swim 2 tracks nine different metrics, from basic lap counting to advanced stroke analysis. It also includes a built-in heart rate sensor, eliminating the need for a chest strap. The goggles are designed for comfort, with silicone eye seals that feel soft and secure, and advanced anti-fog technology ensures clear vision throughout your swim.
For open water swimmers, the Smart Swim 2 pairs seamlessly with Garmin or Apple Watch devices, offering enhanced navigation features. It’s like having a GPS system tailored specifically for swimmers, ensuring you stay on course during your workouts.
The FORM app complements the goggles perfectly, providing in-depth analysis of your swim data. Premium subscribers gain access to additional features like HeadCoach™, a 24/7 digital swim coach, and SwimStraight™, the world’s first in-goggle compass for open water navigation.
Priced at $249.00, the Smart Swim 2 is an investment, but one that delivers exceptional value for serious swimmers. It includes a month of FORM Premium, giving you access to advanced features and analytics. Recognized with the 2024 Sports Technology Award for Best Mechanical, Engineered, and Wearable Technology, these goggles are a testament to innovation and performance.
Whether you’re training for a competition or simply looking to improve your swimming, the FORM Smart Swim 2 Goggles are a game-changer. They combine cutting-edge technology with practical design, making them an essential tool for swimmers of all levels.
Oura Ring Gen 3
The Oura Ring Gen 3 is a discreet yet powerful fitness tracker that combines cutting-edge technology with elegant design. Resembling a sleek piece of jewelry, this ring is packed with advanced features that make it a standout choice for health and fitness enthusiasts. Whether you’re swimming laps, tracking sleep, or monitoring your overall wellness, the Oura Ring Gen 3 delivers precision and style in one compact package.
Oura Ring Gen 3 Horizon ![]() | Why I love it
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With a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters, the Oura Ring Gen 3 is built to handle a variety of water-based activities, from swimming and snorkeling to relaxing baths. While it’s not designed for deep-sea diving, it’s more than capable of keeping up with your aquatic adventures.
Design Options:
- Heritage: A classic, timeless design that exudes sophistication.
- Horizon: A modern, streamlined look that’s worth the additional $50.
Both versions are crafted from durable titanium, ensuring longevity and comfort. Available in a range of finishes — silver, black, stealth, gold, and rose gold — the Oura Ring Gen 3 is as stylish as it is functional.
Key Features:
- Advanced Health Tracking: Monitors resting heart rate (99.6% accuracy) and heart rate variability (98% accuracy compared to medical ECGs).
- Comprehensive Sleep Analysis: Tracks sleep stages with 79% agreement with lab-based sleep studies.
- Automatic Activity Recognition: Detects and records over 40 activities, from swimming to yoga.
- Long Battery Life: Lasts up to 7 days on a single charge, with quick and convenient recharging.
Specifications:
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Water Resistance | Up to 100m/330ft |
Battery Life | Up to 7 days |
Heart Rate Accuracy | 99.6% for RHR |
HRV Accuracy | 98% compared to ECG |
Sleep Tracking | 79% agreement with labs |
Priced between $299 and $349, depending on the design, the Oura Ring Gen 3 offers exceptional value for its capabilities. A $5.99 monthly membership (after the first free month) unlocks additional insights and features, making it a cost-effective investment in your health and wellness.
While the ring performs well in temperatures ranging from -10°C to 52°C, it’s best to avoid exposing it to extreme heat, such as saunas or hot tubs. This ensures the device remains in optimal condition for years to come.
The Oura Ring Gen 3 is more than just a fitness tracker — it’s a comprehensive wellness tool that seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or someone simply looking to improve their health, this ring is a discreet and powerful companion.
Editors Pick
Our team tested every waterproof fitness tracker that claimed to be “swim-ready.” We spent hours in pools and oceans, pushing these devices to their limits. While some struggled, one stood out: the Fitbit Charge 6.
Fitbit Charge 6 ![]() | Why I love it
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This tracker surprised us all. It’s simple, reliable, and packed with features that make it a top choice for swimmers and fitness lovers.
Why We Love It:
- Works Well with Other Devices: Connects easily with your phone and apps.
- Reliable Activity Tracking: Keeps track of your workouts without fail.
- Long Battery Life: Lasts longer than many other trackers.
- Bright Screen: Easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
- Accurate Data: Provides stats you can trust.
Key Stats:
Feature | Performance |
---|---|
Step Accuracy | 99.7% |
Heart Rate Monitoring | 98.5% |
Sleep Tracking | 96.8% |
Water Resistance | 50 meters |
The Fitbit Charge 6 automatically recognizes swimming workouts. No buttons to press or settings to adjust — just start swimming, and it does the rest.
It’s also affordable, offering premium features without a high price tag. It’s perfect for swimmers, whether you’re in a pool or the ocean.
During testing, it handled everything — rain, aqua aerobics, and early morning swims. It’s reliable, consistent, and always ready to go.
While other trackers have flashy features, the Charge 6 focuses on performance. It’s not just good in the water — it’s great.
Comparison Table
Ready for the ultimate waterproof tracker showdown? We’ve lined up these aquatic champions like swimmers at the Olympics — except instead of medals, they’re competing for your wrist (or finger, or face, depending on your style).
Device | Water Resistance | Battery Life | Price | Display | Key Features |
Fitbit Sense 2 | 50 meters | 5 days | $249.95 | 1.58-inch AMOLED | • Continuous EDA sensor for stress tracking• ECG app• Physical button control |
Apple Watch Series 10 | 50 meters | 18 hours (36 in Low Power) | $399.00 | Up to 2,000 nits brightness | • Automatic stroke detection• SWOLF score tracking• Water Lock feature |
Garmin Forerunner 265 | 5 ATM (50m) | Up to 13 days | $450.00 | 1.3″ AMOLED touchscreen | • Wrist-based heart rate for swimming• Automatic swim interval tracking• Body Battery score |
FORM Smart Swim Goggles | Pool & open water | Up to 14 hours | $279.00 | AR Waveguide | • Real-time metrics display• Automatic stroke detection• GPS integration capability |
Oura Ring Gen 3 | 100 meters | Up to 7 days | $299-$349 | N/A but has Oura App | • 99.6% accurate heart rate tracking• Sleep tracking• 40+ activity detection |
Fitbit Charge 6 (Editor’s Pick) | 50 meters | Not mentioned | $155.00 | Bright, responsive | • Auto workout recognition• Cross-platform compatibility• 99.7% step accuracy |
There you have it — more numbers than a pool thermometer convention! Whether you’re looking for something that could survive a deep-sea expedition (hello, Oura Ring) or a device that turns your goggles into a heads-up display worthy of Iron Man (looking at you, FORM), there’s a perfect swimming companion waiting to make a splash in your workout routine.
Remember, folks — these aren’t just random digits we pulled from the deep end. Each spec has been tested, verified, and occasionally questioned about its life choices. Choose wisely, and may the water resistance be with you! 🏊♂️
FAQs
Q1. What is the best waterproof fitness tracker for swimming in 2025?
Based on our testing, the Fitbit Charge 6 stands out as the top waterproof fitness tracker for swimming. It offers excellent water resistance up to 50 meters, automatic swim tracking, and accurate metrics, making it ideal for both casual and serious swimmers.
Q2. How long do modern best waterproof fitness trackers typically last?
Most current fitness trackers have a lifespan of 2 to 5 years, depending on the brand, model, and usage. However, some high-end models are designed to last even longer with proper care and maintenance.
Q3. Which features should I look for in a best waterproof fitness tracker?
Key features to consider include water resistance rating (at least 5 ATM or 50 meters), automatic swim tracking, stroke detection, lap counting, and the ability to display real-time metrics while swimming. Battery life and display visibility underwater are also important factors.
Q4. Are there any innovative waterproof fitness trackers for swimmers?
Yes, the FORM Smart Swim Goggles offer a unique approach with their augmented reality display that shows real-time metrics directly in your field of vision while swimming. They’re designed specifically for swimmers and offer advanced features like automatic stroke detection and GPS integration.
Q5. How accurate are waterproof fitness trackers for swimming activities?
The accuracy of waterproof fitness trackers has improved significantly in recent years. Top models like the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Forerunner 265 offer high accuracy for metrics such as lap counting, stroke detection, and heart rate monitoring during swim activities. However, accuracy can vary between devices and may depend on factors like swimming style and pool conditions.
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