Best waterproof watches for swimming are essential for anyone looking to track performance, stay motivated, and enjoy their time in the water without worry. Whether you’re a professional swimmer, a triathlete, or someone who enjoys regular laps in the pool, investing in a reliable waterproof watch can elevate your swim sessions.
In 2025, the market will offer a wide variety of swim-friendly smartwatches and fitness trackers equipped with advanced features like lap counting, heart rate monitoring, and GPS tracking. Leading brands such as Apple, Garmin, Samsung, and Fitbit have designed waterproof watches tailored to meet different user needs, from casual swimmers to competitive athletes.
When it comes to enjoying a good swim, whether you’re a casual dipper or a competitive swimmer, the right gear makes all the difference. Among the most crucial accessories is a waterproof watch for swimming. Not only do these watches help you track time and performance, but they also offer features like lap counters, heart rate monitoring, and even GPS tracking. But with so many options available, how do you know which is the best waterproof watches for swimming.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best waterproof watches for swimming, compare features, and even highlight waterproof headphones for swimming to complement your underwater experience. Whether you’re eyeing a premium Apple Watch or a dedicated swim tracker, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Waterproof Watch for Swimming?
A regular watch won’t survive more than a few splashes in the pool. That’s where waterproof watches for swimming come in. Designed with superior sealing, corrosion-resistant materials, and swim-specific tracking features, these watches are built to endure the challenges of underwater environments.
Whether you swim in a chlorinated pool, the ocean, or a freshwater lake, a waterproof watch ensures you can track your progress without risking damage to your gear.
Key Features to Look for
When selecting the best waterproof watch for swimming, here are some important features to consider:
- Water Resistance Rating: Look for watches rated at least 5 ATM (50 meters) for pool use, and 10 ATM (100 meters) or more for open water.
- Swim Tracking: Features like lap counting, stroke detection, and SWOLF (Swim Golf) scores.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Especially useful if you want to optimize your cardiovascular workout.
- Battery Life: A long-lasting battery ensures your watch won’t die mid-swim.
- Compatibility: Seamless syncing with your smartphone or fitness apps.
Best Waterproof Watches for Swimming
Let’s dive into the top contenders in 2025 for the best waterproof watches for swimming.
1. Apple Watch Series 9
If you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch is a no-brainer. With a 50-meter water resistance rating, swim tracking features, and automatic stroke recognition, it’s one of the most versatile options available.
Key Features:
- Swim-proof (50m WR)
- Pool and open-water workout tracking
- ECG and blood oxygen monitoring
- Integration with Apple Fitness+
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Excellent display
- Rich app ecosystem
Cons:
- Expensive
- Battery life could be better
2. Garmin Swim 2
The Garmin Swim 2 is engineered specifically for swimmers. It excels in both pool and open-water conditions, offering advanced metrics like stroke type detection, pace alerts, and SWOLF scores.
Key Features:
- GPS-enabled for open water
- Heart rate monitoring even underwater
- Customizable swim workouts
Pros:
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- Limited smart features compared to Apple or Samsung
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch6
Another strong contender in the smartwatch category, the Galaxy Watch6 is water-resistant up to 50 meters and provides full swim tracking. It’s perfect for Android users who want both fitness and functionality.
Key Features:
- 5ATM + IP68 water resistance
- VO2 Max and heart rate tracking
- Sleep monitoring and body composition analysis
Pros:
- Excellent display
- Great app integration
- Strong fitness tracking
Cons:
- The battery drains fast with GPS on
- Works best with Samsung phones
4. Fitbit Charge 6
For those seeking a budget-friendly and minimalist option, the Fitbit Charge 6 delivers solid performance. While not a full smartwatch, it offers swim tracking and water resistance suitable for pool use.
Key Features:
- Water-resistant up to 50 meters
- Tracks laps and duration
- Excellent battery life (up to 7 days)
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Integrates with Google services
Cons:
- Limited display functionality
- No open-water GPS
Waterproof Headphones for Swimming: Enhance Your Swim
No swim session is complete without a motivating playlist. That’s where waterproof headphones for swimming come in. Designed to stay secure and functional underwater, these devices let you enjoy music, podcasts, or even swim coaching.
Top Picks:
- Sony NW-WS623: Built-in MP3 and water resistance up to 2 meters. Perfect for lap swimming.
- Shokz OpenSwim: Bone conduction headphones that don’t go inside your ear—ideal for comfort and safety.
- Finis Duo: Bone conduction with MP3 playback; great for long swim sessions.
Final Thoughts: Which Is the Best Waterproof Watch for Swimming?
Choosing the best waterproof watch for swimming depends on your needs and budget. If you want a full-featured smartwatch with swim capabilities, the Apple Watch Series 9 or Samsung Galaxy Watch6 are stellar choices. For a swim-specific, no-nonsense tracker, Garmin Swim 2 is the gold standard. Budget-conscious swimmers will appreciate the Fitbit Charge 6.
Pair any of these with waterproof headphones for swimming to transform your laps into a performance-focused, enjoyable experience.
Upgrade your swim gear with top Academy swimming shoes for power and comfort. Pair them with the best waterproof watches for swimming to track performance, laps, and time with precision. Train smarter and swim stronger with this ultimate combination for serious swimmers.
