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10 Best Swim Watches 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Waterfall Blue/Platinum, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a versatile fitness smartwatch that fits well for swimmers and general fitness enthusiasts. It offers solid water resistance up to 50 meters, making it safe for swimming and other water activities. Its swim tracking features include automatic exercise detection and over 40 exercise modes, which provide useful data on your workouts, though it’s not exclusively designed as a swim-specific watch with advanced stroke analysis. The built-in GPS helps track outdoor swims and other exercises accurately without needing a phone. Heart rate monitoring is continuous throughout the day and during activity, supporting health insights and workout intensity tracking.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,483
Battery Life
Water Resistance
Display

Most important from
18206 reviews

Battery Life
The watch offers improved battery life, lasting several days on a single charge, reducing the need for frequent recharging even with regular use.
Water Resistance
Water resistance up to 50 meters makes it reliable for swimming and showering without worry about damaging the device.
Display
The clear 1.58-inch touchscreen is easy to read mid-swim or during workouts, enhancing usability in various conditions.
GPS
Built-in GPS accurately tracks outdoor swims and other exercises without requiring a phone, supporting independent activity monitoring.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Continuous heart rate monitoring provides valuable insights into workout intensity and overall health throughout the day.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is enhanced by including both small and large bands, but the default silicone band may cause skin irritation for some users, requiring replacement.
Swim Tracking Features
Automatic exercise detection and over 40 workout modes provide versatile tracking options, though the swim metrics lack the depth of dedicated swim watches.
#2
10.0 score

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a strong choice for swimmers looking for a versatile smartwatch that combines health monitoring and fitness tracking with swim-friendly features. It offers a solid water resistance rating of 50 meters, which means it can handle swimming in pools or open water with confidence. The watch includes a built-in GPS system, so it can track your swim routes and distances without needing your phone nearby. Its heart rate monitoring is advanced and continuous, providing useful data during workouts and also alerting you to irregular heart rhythms or hypertension signs.

Rating
10.0
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
2458 reviews

Comfort and Fit
The watch offers a sleek design and comfortable fit, making it enjoyable to wear throughout the day and during workouts.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeds expectations, lasting over 24 hours even with regular use, and charging is quick and hassle-free.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Advanced health monitoring features provide continuous heart rate tracking and useful insights, which can be easily shared with healthcare providers.
Display
The always-on display is bright and clear, enhancing usability in various lighting conditions including underwater and bright sunlight.
#3
9.4 score

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - M/L. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

The Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 44mm) is a solid choice if you’re looking for a smartwatch that can handle swimming along with general fitness tracking. It is water resistant, which means you can comfortably wear it in the pool without worrying about damage. While it doesn’t specifically highlight advanced swim tracking features like detailed lap counting or stroke analysis, its fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring are reliable and can give you useful swimming workout insights. The watch includes an optical heart sensor with notifications for irregular or unusual heart rates, which is great for keeping tabs on your health during exercise.

Rating
9.4
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
1528 reviews

Comfort and Fit
The 40mm size offers a perfect fit for slimmer wrists, combining comfort with easy readability thanks to customizable text size and boldness.
Battery Life
Battery life reliably lasts around 16 hours with regular use, and a full charge completes in under two hours, supporting daily activities including swim sessions.
Display
The bright and clear OLED display makes checking stats effortless, even during workouts, enhancing overall usability.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Versatile features extend beyond swimming, including advanced sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and health notifications.

Top 10 Best Swim Watches 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Waterfall Blue/Platinum, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Water Resistance: up to 50 meters
Swim Tracking Features: auto exercise detection, 40+ modes
Heart Rate Monitoring: continuous all day and activity
Battery Life: about six days
GPS: built-in GPS
Comfort and Fit: small and large bands included
Display: 1.58-inch touchscreen

Chosen by 1483 this week

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - M/L. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

Water Resistance: Water resistant
Swim Tracking Features: Basic swim metrics, no advanced analysis
Heart Rate Monitoring: Optical sensor with irregular rate alerts
Battery Life: 18 hours use, 15 min charge
GPS: Built-in GPS
Comfort and Fit: 44mm, fits 140–245mm wrists
Display: Always-On Retina OLED display

Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Black Ocean Band. Satellite Communications, Advanced Health & Fitness Tracking

Water Resistance: 100m under ISO 22810:2010
Swim Tracking Features: multisport, precise dual-frequency GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: advanced, alerts for irregular rhythms
Battery Life: 42h normal, 20h GPS+HR monitoring
GPS: Precision dual-frequency GPS
Comfort and Fit: titanium case, various band styles
Display: Always-On Retina, sapphire, 3000 nits

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

Water Resistance: Yes, suitable for swimming
Swim Tracking Features: No advanced swim metrics
Heart Rate Monitoring: Heart rate and irregular rhythm alerts
Battery Life: About 18 hours normal use
GPS: Built-in GPS with multiple systems
Comfort and Fit: 40mm, lightweight, fits 130–200mm wrists
Display: Always-On Retina OLED, 1000 nits brightness

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

Water Resistance: 50m
Swim Tracking Features: advanced swim tracking via apps
Heart Rate Monitoring: optical and electrical sensors
Battery Life: about 24 hours typical use
GPS: Built-in GPS
Comfort and Fit: lightweight aluminum case, sport band
Display: Always-On Retina display

Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black

Heart Rate Monitoring: Wrist-based heart rate monitoring
Battery Life: 11 days smartwatch, 19 hours GPS
GPS: Built-in GPS
Comfort and Fit: Lightweight, 43 mm size
Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm case] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

Water Resistance: 50m
Swim Tracking Features: Depth gauge, Water temp sensor
Heart Rate Monitoring: High/low heart rate notifications, ECG app
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours, 36 hours in Low Power
GPS: Built-in GPS
Comfort and Fit: Comfortable, lightweight, Customizable bands
Display: Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, 2,000 nits

Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Orange Ocean Band One Size. Fitness Tracker, Precision GPS, Action Button, Extra-Long Battery Life

Water Resistance: 100m water resistance, dive certified 40m
Swim Tracking Features: auto stroke detection, lap counting, splits
Heart Rate Monitoring: heart rate monitoring during workouts
Battery Life: 36h regular, 72h low power mode
GPS: built-in, precision dual-frequency GPS
Comfort and Fit: Orange Ocean band, comfortable secure fit
Display: bright Always-On Retina display
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Buying Guide for the Best Swim Watches

Choosing the right swim watch can greatly enhance your swimming experience by providing valuable data and insights. When selecting a swim watch, it's important to consider various features that will help you track your performance, monitor your health, and improve your training. Here are some key specifications to look for and how to choose the best fit for your needs.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is a crucial spec for swim watches as it determines how well the watch can withstand being submerged in water. This is typically measured in meters or ATM (atmospheres). Watches with a water resistance of 50 meters or 5 ATM are suitable for swimming in pools, while those with 100 meters or 10 ATM can handle more intense water activities like snorkeling. For serious swimmers or divers, a watch with 200 meters or 20 ATM is recommended. Choose a water resistance level based on the type of swimming or water activities you plan to engage in.
Swim Tracking FeaturesSwim tracking features include metrics like lap counting, stroke recognition, distance, pace, and SWOLF (a measure of swimming efficiency). These features help you monitor your performance and progress. Basic swim watches may offer lap counting and distance tracking, while more advanced models provide detailed stroke analysis and SWOLF scores. If you're a casual swimmer, basic tracking might suffice, but competitive swimmers or those looking to improve their technique should opt for watches with comprehensive swim tracking capabilities.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring allows you to track your heart rate during swimming, providing insights into your cardiovascular health and workout intensity. Some swim watches use optical sensors to measure heart rate from the wrist, while others may require a chest strap for more accurate readings. If heart rate data is important for your training or health monitoring, choose a watch with reliable heart rate monitoring features. Casual swimmers might not need this feature, but it's beneficial for those focused on fitness and performance.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your swim watch can operate before needing a recharge. Swim watches can have varying battery life, from a few days to several weeks, depending on usage and features. Watches with GPS and heart rate monitoring typically have shorter battery life due to higher power consumption. If you swim frequently or for extended periods, a watch with longer battery life is preferable to avoid frequent recharging. Consider your swimming habits and choose a watch that aligns with your usage patterns.
GPSGPS functionality allows you to track your swimming route in open water, providing accurate distance and pace measurements. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor swimmers who want to map their swims and analyze their performance. Basic swim watches may not include GPS, while advanced models offer built-in GPS for precise tracking. If you primarily swim in pools, GPS might not be necessary, but it's essential for open water swimmers who need detailed route information.
Comfort and FitComfort and fit are important for ensuring that your swim watch stays securely on your wrist and doesn't cause discomfort during long swims. Swim watches come in various sizes and strap materials, such as silicone, rubber, or metal. A comfortable, adjustable strap is crucial for a secure fit. Try on different models to find one that feels comfortable and stays in place during your swim sessions. Prioritize comfort and fit to ensure an enjoyable swimming experience.
DisplayThe display of a swim watch should be easy to read, even underwater and in bright sunlight. Look for watches with clear, high-contrast screens and adjustable brightness settings. Some models offer touchscreen functionality, while others use physical buttons for navigation. Choose a display type that suits your preferences and ensures you can easily view your swim data during your workouts. A clear, readable display enhances usability and helps you stay focused on your performance.

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