10 Best Waterproof Swim Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a versatile GPS smartwatch that, while primarily designed for running, also suits swimmers thanks to its water resistance and durable build. It features a slim, lightweight design that sits comfortably on the wrist, making it easy to wear during swims and daily activities. The always-on, full-color 1.3-inch display is bright and readable even in sunlight, which helps you check your stats quickly while training. Battery life is impressive—lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours with GPS active—so you won’t need to recharge often, even with frequent swim workouts.

Garmin’s multisport profiles usually include swim metrics like distance and stroke count, making it suitable for those who want basic swim monitoring alongside running and other activities. Music storage and playback without a phone is a nice plus for motivation during workouts. On the downside, the watch doesn’t highlight advanced swimming metrics like open-water GPS swim tracking or detailed stroke analysis, which some dedicated swim watches offer.

For swimmers who value a durable, comfortable, and multi-use watch that supports swim tracking along with running and everyday wear, the Forerunner 255 Music represents a strong option.

The Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch is a feature-rich device suitable for those interested in tracking their swim workouts and overall fitness. With a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters, it can comfortably handle swimming activities without any issues. The watch is built to be durable and operate in a wide range of temperatures, ensuring it can withstand various conditions during your exercises. Its swim tracking capabilities are robust, including 40+ exercise modes and automatic exercise tracking, which can be very beneficial for swimmers who want detailed insights into their performance.

Additionally, the built-in GPS and workout intensity map add value for those who swim in open water or want to track their routes accurately. The display is a square 1.58-inch touchscreen, which is clear and readable, albeit slightly smaller compared to some other models. This could be a minor issue for those who prefer larger screens for better visibility underwater. Battery life is one of its strong points, offering more than 6 days of usage, so frequent charging won’t be a concern.

Comfort and fit are well-addressed with the inclusion of both small and large bands, ensuring a good fit for various wrist sizes. However, some users may find the watch slightly bulky, especially if they are not accustomed to wearing smartwatches. Beyond swim-specific features, it includes a variety of health and fitness tracking tools such as 24/7 heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress management, and more. It also supports on-wrist calls, texts, and notifications, which can be convenient, although the reliance on Bluetooth for these features means your phone needs to be nearby. Those looking for a comprehensive fitness and swim tracking device will appreciate the Fitbit Versa 4, though they should consider the screen size and bulk for personal comfort.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar - Tactical Edition is a rugged GPS smartwatch that fits well for swimmers who want a tough, reliable device. It meets high durability standards with water resistance that suits swimming and other outdoor activities, thanks to its military-grade build. The 1.27-inch round display is solar-powered, helping extend battery life significantly—enough to run indefinitely in smartwatch mode with enough sunlight. This means less worry about charging during long swim sessions or outdoor adventures.

Swim tracking is included among various sports apps, providing solid tracking for swimming metrics. The display remains readable in bright conditions, and the built-in LED flashlight adds convenience for low-light environments, which is unusual but handy. Comfort-wise, the 50 mm polymer case is robust but might feel a bit bulky for smaller wrists during long wear. Battery life stands out as a major plus, especially with solar charging that boosts usage time significantly.

While it tracks health metrics around the clock, it is not a dedicated swim watch, so swimmers looking for highly specialized swim data might find it somewhat basic in that area. The device's strengths are its durability, extended battery life, and versatile outdoor features, making it a great choice for swimmers who want a tough smartwatch capable of handling more than just swim workouts.