There’s something beautifully simple about swimming. No phones. No distractions. Just calm waters, a steady rhythm, and focused breathing – so relaxing, right? However, if you have that competitive edge, or simply want to understand how you’re performing in the water, a little tech backup can do you a lot of good so lets look at swimming wearables 2025.
That’s where swimming wearables come in. These smart devices track your strokes, log your laps, measure your heart rate, and even calculate your SWOLF score – all while staying waterproof and unobtrusive. Whether you’re doing gentle laps or training for a triathlon, they make a splash (pun very intended) when it comes to progress tracking.
As we explore the advancements in technology, it’s evident that swimming wearables 2025 will play a significant role in enhancing our aquatic experiences.
Let’s dive into why they’re essential, how to pick one, and which models are worth your time – and your wrist space, so we can turn that click into a pick.
The Future of Swimming Wearables 2025
Sure, you can count laps in your head. But why bother when a waterproof fitness tracker can do it better, and give you so much more? Today’s swim-friendly wearables go far beyond step counts and calories. They’re built for life underwater, with features designed to help you train smarter, not harder.
With a swim watch with GPS and stroke recognition, you can monitor:
- Lap count and split times
- Stroke type and stroke count
- Distance covered
- SWOLF score (a measure of swimming efficiency)
- Underwater heart rate tracking
- Pool vs. open water progress
- Swim pace, rest intervals, and even form
The result? Real-time data you can use to set goals, track improvement, and fine-tune your technique. All this is valuable, whether you’re new to the sport or pushing personal bests.
What to Look for in a Swimming Wearable
Not all fitness trackers for swimming are created equal. Some just survive the water, while others thrive in it. If you take tracking very seriously, here’s what really matters:
- Water Resistance: At least 5 ATM (50m)
- Swim Modes: Pool and open water support
- Stroke Recognition: Can it tell your breaststroke from your freestyle?
- SWOLF Tracking: A must-have for efficiency analysis
- Heart Rate Tracking: Can it track underwater?
- GPS: Crucial for open water swim smartwatches
- Display Visibility: Easy to read mid-lap
- Battery Life: The longer, the better
A great tracker should also sync with your favourite apps – whether that’s Garmin Connect, Apple Health, or Strava.
The Best Swimming Wearables in 2025
Looking to upgrade your swim sessions? Here are three of the best fitness trackers for swimming this year – packed with performance, style, and swim-ready smarts.
Garmin Swim 2
Key Features
- Pool and open water tracking
- Optical heart rate sensor for swimming
- Advanced stroke, pace, and SWOLF tracker tools
Details
As it’s created with swimmers in mind, the Garmin Swim 2 is purpose-built for both pool and open water. It’s lightweight and does not hinder movements. It also pairs with Garmin Connect for in-depth and accurate post-swim stats.
With GPS, wrist-based heart rate, and easy lap tracking, this Garmin Swim 2 review hits all the marks for a dedicated swim companion — especially if data matters to you.
Pros
- Swim-specific features and reliable accuracy
- Tracks heart rate underwater
- Syncs smoothly with Garmin’s app ecosystem
Cons
- Button-based interface only
- Less functionality outside of swimming
Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Swimming-smartwatch-Slate-Grey/dp/B07VXRN8TF/
Apple Watch Series 10
Key Features
- Water resistant up to 50m
- Tracks strokes, laps, pace, and SWOLF score
- Syncs perfectly with MySwimPro, Apple Health, and Swim.com
Details
While it’s a powerhouse for daily life, Apple Watch swim tracking is seriously impressive too. It’s complete with automatic stroke detection, lap timing, and third-party app support – what else would you need? For sure, the Series 10 is great for swimmers who want a wearable that does it all.
Not only that, but its vibrant display is also easy to read mid-swim. Plus, the device is waterproof and rugged enough for regular use in the pool.
Pros
- Accurate swim tracking + premium smartwatch perks
- Works with Apple Health and fitness apps
- Crisp, colourful display in and out of water
Cons
- Battery life can be limiting
- GPS for open water needs a cellular model or a nearby iPhone
Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-Watch-Smartwatch-Aluminium-Always/dp/B0DGHY8S9D/
Coros Pace 3
Key Features
- Dual-frequency GPS
- Coros Pace 3 swimming modes for pool and open water
- Long battery life and lightweight build
Details
The Coros Pace 3 is built for athletes who split their time between swim, run, and bike workouts. It’s one of the best open water swim smartwatches, thanks to its ultra-accurate GPS and endurance-friendly battery.
With dedicated swim tracking modes and detailed analytics through the Coros app, it’s ideal for triathletes or anyone training beyond the pool.
Pros
- Excellent GPS performance
- Light on the wrist, heavy on the features
- Great for multi-sport use
Cons
- App UI isn’t as intuitive as competitors
- Limited integrations with third-party swim apps
Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/COROS-PACE-Lightweight-Dual-Frequency-Navigation/dp/B0CFQQ9FDL/
How to Choose the Right Swimming Wearable
Shopping for a swimming wearable? You don’t need to be a tech whiz or pro athlete — just know what features will help you in the water. Here’s how to make a smart, swimmer-friendly choice:
- Where You Swim Matters
Pool swimmers benefit from accurate lap counts, stroke detection, and turn tracking. Open water swimmers need strong GPS and waterproofing that goes the distance.
- The Data You Want
Love performance insights? Look for features like stroke type, pace, split times, and SWOLF score tracking. Prefer simple summaries? A basic tracker will do.
- Heart Rate Accuracy
Not all wearables measure heart rate underwater. If that’s important to your training, make sure it’s built for it, or compatible with external sensors.
- Comfort Counts
A good swim wearable should be snug but not bulky. You don’t want to notice it mid-lap.
- Battery Life & Ease of Use
Long battery life is key for open water swims and extended sessions. Bonus if the app is easy to navigate after your workout.
Bottom Line: Swim Smarter With a Wearable That Works
Whether you’re a pool newbie or building up to your next triathlon, the right swimming wearable can turn every lap into measurable progress. These gadgets aren’t just waterproof – they’re packed with insight.
From stroke recognition to GPS-enabled open water swim smartwatches, today’s devices give swimmers tools that used to be reserved for pros. With data on your wrist, you’re not just moving, but also improving so don’t drown in choices! Turn your click into a pick.
