10 Best Heart Rate Monitor For Swimming 2026 in the United States

The WHOOP Life is a sleek, screenless fitness tracker designed to offer detailed heart rate and health insights, including during swimming sessions, thanks to its waterproof design. It stands out with a long battery life of up to 14 days, allowing continuous 24/7 tracking without frequent recharging — a big plus for swimmers who want uninterrupted monitoring. Its heart rate tracking uses advanced sensors that provide continuous data, combined with additional measurements like ECG and blood pressure estimates, which can be very useful for users keen on comprehensive heart health monitoring. The comfort of the SuperKnit Luxe band is generally well-regarded, helping it stay secure and comfortable on the wrist during water activities. Connectivity with popular platforms like Apple Health and Strava helps swimmers integrate their data easily with training logs and health apps.

Since the device lacks a display, users won't get immediate on-screen feedback; all data must be reviewed later through the app, which might not suit those wanting real-time pace or heart rate info during swimming workouts. While the device is waterproof, it’s designed more as an all-day health tracker than a dedicated swim-specific monitor, so it may not offer specialized swim metrics like stroke count or lap tracking. The personalized coaching and AI-driven insights add value for users focused on improving overall fitness and recovery, but competitive swimmers seeking detailed swim analytics might find it limited.

In summary, WHOOP Life suits swimmers who want a robust, health-focused heart rate monitor with excellent battery life and deep analytics but are comfortable reviewing their swim data after workouts rather than during.

The WHOOP Peak is a solid choice for swimmers looking for a heart rate monitor that works 24/7, including in the water. It comes with a waterproof band and a waterproof wireless power pack, making it suitable for swimming sessions. The device has optical sensors that track your heart rate continuously, offering detailed insights on sleep, recovery, stress, and more. Its data accuracy is supported by dedicated research and use by professional athletes, which is reassuring for serious users. Comfort-wise, the SuperKnit nylon band is lightweight and designed to be worn all day without irritation.

Battery life is impressive at around 14 days, much longer than typical fitness trackers, so you won’t need to charge it often. The WHOOP is screenless, which means no distractions during workouts but also no instant feedback on the device itself—you’ll need to check the app for your stats. It syncs easily with popular health apps like Apple Health and Strava, letting you consolidate your fitness data. On the downside, the WHOOP requires a 12-month membership for full features, which could be a commitment some might hesitate about. Also, without a screen, casual users wanting quick feedback during swims might find this less convenient. While it tracks many health metrics, it doesn’t display real-time heart rate on the device during swimming, which some swimmers prefer for pacing.

The WHOOP Peak is best suited for swimmers who prioritize detailed health insights and long-term performance tracking, especially those comfortable using an app to view their data. It appeals to users who value battery life and comfort in a waterproof design.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is mainly designed as a running smartwatch but offers some features that could be useful for swimmers, especially those wanting to track heart rate. It has a water resistance rating of 50 meters (IPX7), which means it can handle swimming and shallow water exposure without damage, though it’s not specialized for deep or prolonged underwater use. The watch uses wrist-based heart rate tracking, which works well during many activities, but accuracy might drop slightly during swimming due to wrist movements and water interference common in optical sensors. Its colorful AMOLED display is bright and easy to read, though visibility underwater can be less reliable compared to higher-end swim-focused devices.

Comfort-wise, the lightweight 43 mm design with a silicone band should fit most wrists comfortably for extended use. Battery life is solid, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours with GPS active, so it won’t require frequent charging between workouts. Connectivity with Android and iOS devices is strong, allowing for smart notifications, data syncing, and access to Garmin’s training tools through the app. Extra features like personalized training plans and recovery insights add value for fitness-focused users, but it lacks specialized swimming metrics such as stroke count or swim efficiency analysis.

The Forerunner 165 can serve casual swimmers who want reliable heart rate data in a versatile fitness watch, but those needing detailed swim tracking and maximum underwater accuracy might want to explore swim-specific models.