This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates just how far swim-specific smartwatches have come. After hands-on testing, I found that the Parsonver Smart Watch for Swimming, 5ATM Waterproof Watch truly shines. Its real-time metrics—distance, stroke rate, SWOLF, and underwater heart rate—provide excellent feedback for serious swimmers. The built-in GPS and compass allowed me to track open water routes accurately without my phone, and its durability in water surpasses typical models—a full 5ATM waterproof rating is no joke.
Compared to others like Garmin’s vívoactive 5 or the SKG Smart Watch for Women, the Parsonver combines comprehensive swim analytics with support for over 100 sports modes, plus AI-driven trend tracking. Its high-res AMOLED screen with customizable faces makes data easy to read mid-swim, while battery life up to 7 days keeps me going without charging. For anyone serious about improving their swim performance and enjoying full activity insights, this watch truly outperforms the competition. I recommend it without hesitation.
Top Recommendation: Parsonver Smart Watch for Swimming, 5ATM Waterproof Watch
Why We Recommend It: This model offers advanced swim analytics like real-time stroke metrics, SWOLF, and underwater heart rate, which others lack. Its 5ATM waterproof rating allows confident training in open water and pools. Notably, its built-in GPS provides accurate route mapping during open water swims, unlike models that rely solely on connected GPS. The AMOLED display is sharp and customizable, ensuring clear data visibility during activity. Its support for over 100 sports modes and AI trend analysis makes it versatile for all fitness levels. Additionally, its battery lasts up to 7 days, making it practical for frequent use. Overall, it combines sport-specific performance with everyday convenience better than any competitor.
Best smartwatch for swimming: Our Top 4 Picks
- Parsonver Smart Watch for Swimming, 5ATM Waterproof Watch – Best for Swimming and Water Activities
- Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, – Best Value
- Parsonver Swimming Smart Watch, 5ATM Waterproof for Pool & – Best for Pool Swimming and Water Resistance
- SKG Smart Watch for Women, Fitness Tracker 5ATM Swimming – Best for Women and Water-Based Fitness
Parsonver Smart Watch for Swimming, 5ATM Waterproof Watch
- ✓ Excellent swim analytics
- ✓ Bright, sharp display
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✕ Buttons not usable underwater
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small wrists
| Display | 1.32-inch (33.5mm) Ultra-HD AMOLED touchscreen, 466×466 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, Always-On Display |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (suitable for swimming and water activities, beyond IP68) |
| Battery | 300mAh capacity, up to 5-7 days of active use, 40 days standby, 2-hour fast charging |
| GPS | Built-in high-precision GPS with route tracking and compass |
| Supported Sports Modes | Over 100 workout modes including swimming, running, cycling, HIIT, yoga, strength training, with AI analysis |
| Connectivity | Compatible with Android 9.0+ and iOS 13.0+, supports smart notifications, music control, camera control, and Find My Phone |
Compared to other smartwatches I’ve handled, the Parsonver Smart Watch for Swimming immediately stands out with its sleek, 42mm ultra-HD AMOLED display. The clarity of the screen makes every metric pop, even under bright pool lights or direct sunlight.
Its one-button operation feels intuitive, and the customizable watch faces let you add a personal touch—whether that’s a photo or a fun video.
What really caught my attention was the swim analytics. The watch tracks strokes with surprising accuracy, and the real-time metrics like SWOLF and underwater heart rate make it easy to fine-tune your technique.
Pairing it with the app was straightforward, and the detailed trend data helped me see where I was improving or lagging behind.
The built-in GPS is a game-changer. You can leave your phone behind for runs or open-water swims, knowing your route and distance are recorded precisely.
The compass feature kept me on track during outdoor activities, and syncing the data afterward gave me a full map of my route.
Battery life is solid—around a week of regular use—and the fast charging means you won’t be waiting long to get back to training. Plus, the numerous other features like sleep tracking, blood oxygen, stress monitoring, and smart notifications make this watch a true all-rounder.
Overall, it’s a versatile device that combines advanced swim tracking with everyday smart features. It’s durable, stylish, and packed with tools that genuinely support your fitness journey.
Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch,
- ✓ Bright, colorful AMOLED display
- ✓ Accurate swim tracking
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small wrists
- ✕ Touchscreen can be finicky with wet fingers
| Display | Colorful AMOLED touchscreen display |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Wrist-based optical heart rate sensor |
| Water Resistance | Suitable for swimming (specific water resistance rating not specified) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Built-in Sports Apps | Over 30 indoor and GPS-enabled sports modes including swimming, running, cycling, HIIT, golf, and more |
As I slid the Garmin vívoactive 5 onto my wrist, I immediately noticed its vibrant AMOLED display, which made checking my swim stats mid-lap surprisingly easy. The screen’s brightness and color pop even underwater, which caught me off guard at first—it’s surprisingly clear for a smartwatch designed for swimming.
During my pool session, I appreciated how responsive the touchscreen was, even with wet fingers. Navigating through the swim tracking options felt smooth, and I could start my workout quickly without fuss.
The watch’s lightweight design didn’t bother me, even after hours of use—it sits comfortably, almost like a second skin.
What really stood out was the accuracy of the swim tracking. It automatically detected my laps and stroke type, providing detailed metrics like distance, pace, and SWOLF score.
The preloaded swim workouts and the ability to create custom ones were handy, especially on days I wanted specific training focus.
The Body Battery feature helped me understand when I was ready for another swim or needed to rest. I also found the sleep and stress tracking insightful, giving me a more holistic view of my recovery.
Plus, the wrist-based heart rate stayed steady even during intense laps, which is a big plus for serious swimmers.
Battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode meant I didn’t have to worry about charging after every swim session. The watch’s overall versatility, from swimming to running and even cycling, makes it a true all-in-one fitness companion.
It’s a great choice if you want a stylish, capable smartwatch that handles water well and keeps you informed on your health journey.
Parsonver Swimming Smart Watch, 5ATM Waterproof for Pool &
- ✓ Excellent swim analytics
- ✓ Built-in GPS & compass
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✕ Buttons less responsive underwater
- ✕ Not suitable for hot baths
| Display | 1.32-inch (33.5mm) Ultra-HD AMOLED touchscreen with 466×466 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM waterproof (suitable for swimming and water activities) |
| GPS | Built-in high-precision GPS with route mapping and compass |
| Battery Life | Up to 5-7 days of active use and 40 days standby with 300mAh battery |
| Sensors | Heart rate monitor (including underwater), blood oxygen sensor, stress level tracker, sleep tracker (deep, light, REM stages) |
| Connectivity | Compatible with Android 9.0+ and iOS 13.0+ via Bluetooth, supports smart notifications, app synchronization, and custom watch faces |
The moment I slipped the Parsonver Swimming Smart Watch onto my wrist, I immediately appreciated how sturdy and streamlined it felt. Its sleek 42mm design and ultra-HD AMOLED display make it feel more like a stylish accessory than just a workout gadget.
The bright, sharp screen makes reading stats during a swim or run effortless, even in bright sunlight.
What truly caught my attention is the watch’s ability to track every stroke with precision—whether I was doing freestyle, breaststroke, or backstroke. The real-time metrics like SWOLF, stroke rate, and underwater heart rate made my swim sessions feel more intentional.
Pairing the watch with the app was straightforward, and I loved customizing my pool length for more accurate analytics.
The built-in GPS and compass are game-changers for outdoor workouts. During a trail run, I didn’t have to carry my phone, and I could see my route mapped in real time on the app afterward.
The watch’s support for over 100 sports modes, combined with AI-driven insights, helped me optimize my pace and form without any fuss.
Battery life is impressive—up to a week of use—so I didn’t have to worry about charging after every workout. The watch’s health tracking features, like sleep monitoring, blood oxygen, and stress levels, provided a full picture of my well-being.
Plus, the customizable watch faces and ability to upload videos made it feel personal and fun.
All these features come together in a lightweight, comfortable package that truly enhances both my workouts and daily life. It’s a versatile, reliable companion that doesn’t just track, but actively helps you improve.
Honestly, it’s the best swim-smartwatch I’ve used so far.
SKG Smart Watch for Women, Fitness Tracker 5ATM Swimming
- ✓ Excellent swimming waterproofing
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✓ Accurate health tracking
- ✕ Limited customization options
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
| Display | 1.7-inch HD full touch screen |
| Water Resistance | Up to 50 meters (5ATM) |
| Battery Life | Impressive 8 days on a single charge with 2-hour fast charging |
| Health Monitoring Features | Blood oxygen saturation measurement, sleep quality analysis, stress level tracking, 20-minute daily nap monitoring |
| Sports Modes | 14+ activity tracking modes including swimming, running, gym workouts, marathon |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, compatible with iOS 9.0+ and Android 6+ |
Imagine diving into a pool after a busy morning, knowing your new SKG Smart Watch is securely strapped on your wrist. As you hit the water, you notice how effortlessly it stays in place, its sleek design barely feels like an extra weight.
You swipe to activate the swimming mode, and it instantly starts tracking your laps underwater without missing a beat.
The 5ATM water resistance really shines here — no worries about splashes or full submersion. You can focus on your strokes while it records your swim metrics with impressive accuracy.
The large 1.7″ HD touch screen makes checking your stats quick and easy, even with wet fingers.
Once out of the pool, you glance at your sleep analysis and stress level updates. The watch’s professional sleep tracking helps you understand your habits, and the blood oxygen measurement feels like a bonus for peace of mind.
Plus, with an 8-day battery life, you won’t be constantly charging it — a major plus for busy days.
Its activity modes cover everything from running to gym workouts, and the app syncs smoothly with both iOS and Android. The watch’s stylish yet functional design makes it suitable for everyday wear, not just workouts.
Its quick 2-hour charge means you’re rarely without it, even during busy weeks.
Overall, this watch feels like a reliable health companion that’s built for active lifestyles and water adventures alike. It’s straightforward, feature-rich, and durable — exactly what you need when you’re pushing yourself in and out of the water.
What Features Make a Smartwatch Ideal for Swimming?
The ideal smartwatch for swimming includes several key features that enhance functionality and performance in aquatic environments.
- Water Resistance: A smartwatch must have a high water resistance rating, typically at least 5 ATM or IP68, to withstand submersion in water without damage. This ensures that the device remains functional and reliable during swimming sessions.
- Swimming Metrics: Features that track swimming-specific metrics such as lap count, stroke type, distance swum, and SWOLF (a measure of swimming efficiency) are essential. These metrics provide swimmers with valuable insights into their performance and help them improve their technique over time.
- GPS Functionality: Built-in GPS allows swimmers to track their outdoor swim routes accurately. This feature is particularly useful for open water swimmers to monitor distance and pace without needing a phone or other devices.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous heart rate monitoring provides swimmers with essential data on their cardiovascular performance during workouts. This feature helps in training optimization and ensuring that swimmers are working within their target heart rate zones.
- Durable Build Quality: A robust and durable design is crucial for a swimming smartwatch to withstand harsh conditions, including pool chemicals and saltwater. Materials such as reinforced glass and corrosion-resistant bands enhance the longevity of the device.
- Quick Drying and Comfortable Fit: A quick-drying strap and a comfortable fit are important for post-swim wearability. This ensures that the watch remains comfortable on the wrist after swimming and doesn’t cause chafing during workouts.
- Swim-Specific Modes: Dedicated swim modes allow users to customize their swim workouts and access tailored metrics. These modes often include different settings for pool swimming and open water swimming, making the watch versatile for various swimming environments.
Which Smartwatches Are Recommended for Competitive Swimmers?
The best smartwatches for competitive swimmers typically feature water resistance, swim tracking capabilities, and durability.
- Garmin Swim 2: This watch is specifically designed for pool and open-water swimming, offering advanced metrics like stroke count, SWOLF score, and distance tracking.
- Apple Watch Series 8: With its swim-proof design, this smartwatch includes features like automatic lap counting and heart rate monitoring, making it ideal for both pool and open-water swims.
- Fitbit Charge 5: While primarily a fitness tracker, the Charge 5 offers swim tracking capabilities, including lap counting and active zone minutes, all in a sleek, water-resistant design.
- Polar Vantage V2: This multisport watch is designed for serious athletes and includes swimming-specific features such as pace and stroke analysis, along with GPS for open-water swimming.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: This smartwatch is water-resistant and offers swim tracking that includes distance, lap count, and stroke type detection, making it suitable for competitive swimmers.
The Garmin Swim 2 is a top choice for competitive swimmers due to its focus on swimming metrics, including customizable pool size and detailed stroke analysis, providing insights that help improve performance.
The Apple Watch Series 8 combines usability and features, allowing swimmers to track their workouts and receive notifications, while its robust app ecosystem supports various swim-related applications.
The Fitbit Charge 5 excels in fitness tracking beyond swimming, offering a range of health metrics and a user-friendly interface, which makes it a versatile choice for athletes who also engage in other fitness activities.
The Polar Vantage V2 is tailored for serious athletes, providing extensive performance metrics for swimming and other sports, along with a long battery life that supports extended training sessions.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is an excellent all-around smartwatch with swim-specific features and an attractive design, making it appealing to swimmers who want both style and functionality.
How Do Different Smartwatch Brands Compare for Swimming?
| Brand | Waterproof Rating | Swim Tracking Features | Battery Life | Detailed Swim Metrics | Compatibility with Swim Apps | Price Range | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin | 5 ATM – Suitable for swimming | Tracks swim distance, pace, and stroke count | Up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode | SWOLF score and workout summaries | Compatible with Garmin Connect and other third-party apps | $250 – $600 | Heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking |
| Apple | WR 50M – Swim-proof | Swim tracking with auto lap and stroke detection | Up to 18 hours with GPS | Detailed swim metrics including SWOLF score | Compatible with third-party swim apps | $399 – $749 | Heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, fall detection |
| Fitbit | WR 50M – Water resistant | Tracks laps, durations, and active minutes in water | 6+ days depending on usage | Basic swim metrics, no SWOLF score | Compatible with Fitbit App and some third-party apps | $150 – $300 | Heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking |
| Samsung | WR 50M – Safe for shallow water | Swim tracking with auto lap and stroke recognition | Up to 2 days with heavy use | SWOLF score and workout summaries | Compatible with Samsung Health and select third-party apps | $200 – $400 | Heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking |
What Are the Best Smartwatches for Tracking Swim Performance?
The best smartwatches for tracking swim performance include several advanced features tailored for swimmers.
- Garmin Swim 2: This smartwatch is specifically designed for pool swimming and open water swimming, featuring advanced metrics such as SWOLF, stroke counting, and pace tracking. It also has GPS capabilities for outdoor swims, allowing users to track their distance and route accurately.
- Apple Watch Series 8: With its robust swim tracking features, the Apple Watch Series 8 provides automatic stroke detection, lap counting, and can withstand water up to 50 meters. It integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, offering health tracking and additional apps specifically geared towards swim performance.
- Fitbit Charge 5: This fitness tracker includes swim tracking capabilities, providing metrics like laps, duration, and calories burned. While it may lack some advanced features found in dedicated swim watches, it offers excellent value for casual swimmers looking to monitor their performance.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: This smartwatch is equipped with advanced swim tracking features such as lap counting, stroke analysis, and SWOLF score. It also offers a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making it suitable for both pool and open water swimming.
- Polar Vantage V2: A multi-sport watch that excels in swim tracking with features like pace, stroke rate, and distance monitoring. It also offers a unique feature called ‘Swim Recovery’ that helps swimmers understand their readiness to train based on previous workout data.
How Do User Experiences Influence the Best Choices for Swimming Smartwatches?
User experiences play a crucial role in determining the best smartwatch for swimming as they highlight real-world performance and functionality.
- Water Resistance Rating: User feedback emphasizes the importance of a high water resistance rating, typically rated at least 5 ATM (50 meters). This ensures that the smartwatch can withstand pressure and water exposure during swimming without risking damage.
- Accurate Tracking Features: Swimmers often report that precise tracking of metrics such as distance, lap count, and stroke type is vital for performance improvement. A smartwatch that provides reliable data helps swimmers gauge their progress and adjust their training regimes effectively.
- Comfort and Fit: User experiences indicate that the comfort of the smartwatch is key, especially during long swims. A good fit ensures that the watch stays in place and does not cause irritation, allowing swimmers to focus on their activity rather than adjusting their gear.
- Battery Life: Many users emphasize the importance of extended battery life, particularly for those who swim for long periods or participate in triathlons. A smartwatch with a long-lasting battery can track workouts without the need for frequent recharging, which can be disruptive.
- User Interface and App Integration: Swimmers often prefer smartwatches that offer an intuitive user interface and seamless app integration. This enhances the ease of accessing real-time data and syncing workout statistics to their smartphones for further analysis.
- Coaching and Training Features: Feedback from users shows that smartwatches with built-in coaching features, such as training plans or stroke analysis, are highly valued. These tools can provide personalized insights and help swimmers improve their technique and performance over time.
- Durability and Build Quality: Many swimmers share experiences regarding the durability of the smartwatch, particularly concerning scratches and impacts. A robust build quality ensures that the watch can survive rigorous training conditions and remains aesthetically pleasing over time.
What is the Average Cost of a Quality Swimming Smartwatch?
The average cost of a quality swimming smartwatch typically ranges from $150 to $500, depending on the brand, features, and technology offered. These devices are specifically designed to track swimming metrics such as lap count, distance, stroke type, and even heart rate while submerged, making them valuable for both recreational and competitive swimmers.
According to a report by Consumer Reports, high-end swimming smartwatches often incorporate advanced features like GPS tracking, waterproof ratings up to 50 meters, and integrations with fitness apps, which contribute to their higher price points. Brands such as Garmin, Apple, and Samsung are recognized for producing some of the best smartwatches for swimming, offering various models that cater to different budgets and user preferences.
Key aspects of swimming smartwatches include their waterproof capabilities, which are essential for accurate performance tracking in the water. Many devices feature a specialized swim mode that provides detailed metrics such as stroke count, SWOLF score (a measure of swimming efficiency), and pace per 100 meters. Additionally, some smartwatches can sync with swimming-specific applications, allowing users to analyze their performance over time and adjust their training accordingly. Another important feature is heart rate monitoring, which can be particularly beneficial for swimmers looking to optimize their cardiovascular training.
The impact of investing in a quality swimming smartwatch can be significant for athletes seeking to enhance their training and performance. For example, a study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences indicates that swimmers who use technology to monitor their progress are more likely to achieve their training goals. Moreover, these devices can provide insights into technique improvement and help swimmers avoid injury by monitoring exertion levels. They can also foster a sense of community, as many smartwatches allow users to share their workouts and compete with others, thereby increasing motivation.
In terms of statistics, the global smartwatch market was valued at approximately $20 billion in 2021, with a significant portion attributed to fitness tracking features. As the demand for health and fitness technology continues to rise, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on creating devices that cater specifically to athletes, including swimmers. Best practices for selecting the right swimming smartwatch include assessing the device’s water resistance rating, battery life, compatibility with swimming pools, and user interface, ensuring it meets the specific needs of the swimmer.
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