10 Best Swim Watch Lap Counter 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 55 offers robust features that make it a versatile choice, not just for running but also as a swim-watch-lap-counter. Its water resistance is sufficient for pool swimming, ensuring it can handle typical swim workouts. The lap counting accuracy is reliable, benefiting from its GPS capabilities, though it primarily shines in running scenarios.

The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, meaning you won't need to charge it frequently. Display visibility is good, with a screen size of 1.04 inches that is clear enough to read underwater, although it lacks a color display which might be a minor drawback for some users. In terms of comfort, it is lightweight and can be worn comfortably for long periods.

The strap is adjustable to fit various wrist sizes, adding to its comfort and usability. Additional features like heart rate monitoring, multiple sport profiles, training tools, and wellness tracking add significant value for those looking for an all-rounded fitness watch. However, it does not have advanced swimming metrics or specialized swim features found in dedicated swim watches. If you're primarily a runner who occasionally swims, this watch offers a good balance of features and tracking capabilities. For dedicated swimmers, though, the lack of specialized swim features might be a limitation.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a versatile smartwatch that offers a variety of features for swimmers and runners alike. In terms of water resistance, it is designed to handle aquatic activities, making it suitable for swimming. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode, ensuring it won’t frequently need recharging. The display is always-on and full-color, readable even in direct sunlight, which is beneficial for outdoor use.

Comfort and fit are well-addressed with its slim design and light weight, making it easy to wear for extended periods. Additional features include the ability to store up to 500 songs and connect wirelessly to headphones, which can enhance your workout experience with music. The watch also offers comprehensive health and training insights, such as morning reports on sleep and heart rate variability, adaptive training plans, and daily workout suggestions. These features are particularly useful for advanced athletes looking to optimize their performance.

The Garmin Coach and customized training plans cater to a variety of running goals, from 5K to half-marathons. A potential drawback is the need for additional accessories like the Running Dynamics Pod for some performance metrics. This smartwatch is a strong contender for those who need a multi-purpose fitness watch with advanced features, though lap swimmers might want to verify its specific performance in the pool.

The COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch is a lightweight and comfortable watch with a slim, featherweight design, making it easy to wear for long periods, including during swimming sessions. It has a solid water resistance rating suitable for swimming and supports swim activity tracking, which is important for lap counting. Its accurate GPS and dual-frequency chipset ensure precise tracking outdoors, but GPS is less useful in pools, so lap counting relies on built-in sensors that perform reasonably well but might not be as flawless as specialized swim watches.

The 1.2-inch always-on transflective touchscreen is clear and visible in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight and underwater. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 17 days with regular use or 38 hours with continuous GPS, so frequent recharging is not necessary even during intense training periods. Comfort is a strong point thanks to the ultra-slim profile and lightweight design, making it suitable for daily wear and sports. Additional features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and multiple sport modes add versatility beyond swimming.

Since the watch's lap counting is more generalized for multisport use rather than specialized swim lap counting, those needing precise swim lap counts with advanced pool-specific metrics might find better options. For runners, cyclists, and triathletes who want a reliable, comfortable watch with good swim tracking as part of a broader range of features, the COROS PACE 3 is a strong candidate.