To stay in shape, certain people prefer to swim or exercise in water, hence the need to get an appropriate waterproof fitness tracker. Are you a swimmer and having doubts about the waterproof fitness tracker or want to know about a high quality, low price waterproof fitness tracker, read this article with the potential fitness tracker in 2024. From top-shelf ones such as the Apple Watch Series 9 to the decent-priced Fitbit Charge 6 – there is something for all.
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1. Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is water-resistant up to 164 feet, making it perfect for swimming in pools or close-to-shore ocean swims. The Workout app provides separate Pool swim mode and Open Water swim. There is a Multisport mode meant for triathletes. However, it’s worth saying that it’s not suitable for active watersport practice and deep water usage. It could vouch for a standard IP6X, so you will not have dust inside the device, which is very handy for beach lovers.
- Price: $399.00 on Apple.com
- Best For: iPhone users who want a versatile fitness tracker that excels in water activities without compromising on connectivity or usability.
- Pros: Powerful processor, bright display, hands-free operation, on-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone 15, carbon-neutral option, familiar design.
- Cons: Not suitable for deep-water sports like scuba diving.
2. Fitbit Charge 6
Fitbit Charge 6
Features such as water resistance and SmartTrack can operate at depths of water up to 164 feet and detect and activate Swim mode automatically. The device also has Water Lock mode to avoid unexpected screen activation while swimming. Hopefully, even when it has great swim-tracking features, you should not use it in the shower or a hot tub as the water resistance features can be ineffective.
- Price: $148.50 on Amazon
- Who It’s For: Casual swimmers looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker with automatic swim detection.
- Pros: Affordable, 40 exercise modes, integrates with Google apps, good mobile app.
- Cons: Some metrics require a Premium subscription, and lack an app store.
3. Polar Grit X
Polar Grit X
The Polar Grit X has a WR100 classification, which means it is protected from water damage up to 100 (333 feet) meters; therefore, you can use it for swimming in a pool and open water. It can record information about swim strokes, underwater heart rate, as well as other variables such as pace, stroke rate, and distance. It is best suited to serious athletes aiming for precision in various outdoor sports.
- Price: $376.51 on Amazon
- Best For: Triathletes and outdoor enthusiasts who need a durable, water-resistant tracker.
- Pros: Tracks swim strokes, long battery life, rugged build, data-rich companion app.
- Cons: Expensive, lacks traditional smartwatch features.
4. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is one of the most water-resistant models available, with a WR100 rating that allows it to withstand depths up to 328 feet. It’s certified for recreational scuba diving and high-velocity water sports, making it perfect for extreme water activities.
- Price: $799.00 on Apple website
- Best For: Outdoor adventurers and scuba divers looking for a durable, feature-packed fitness tracker.
- Pros: 3,000-nit display, rugged build, excellent water resistance, suitable for diving.
- Cons: Expensive, inactive blood oxygen sensor.
5. Garmin Venu Sq 2
Garmin Venu Sq 2
Garmin Venu Sq 2 goes up to 5ATM (up to 50 meters) for water resistance and is fit for pool swimming and water sports. The battery can last up to 9 days, which is excellent for anyone wanting to perform more swimming and less time on a charge.
- Price: $219.99 on Amazon
- Best For: Users looking for a fitness tracker with exceptional battery life and solid swimming tracking.
- Pros: AMOLED touchscreen, long battery life, lightweight design.
- Cons: Does not track open water swimming, lacks animated workouts.
6. Garmin Lily 2 Classic
Garmin Lily 2 Classic
The Garmin Lily 2 has rated 5ATM for water; thus, it is safe up to a depth of 50m. It monitors heart rate, sleep, and SpO2, hence giving well-rounded fitness aspects to swimmers. It is aesthetically pleasing with a feminine design with changeable bands.
- Price: $199.99 on Best Buy
- Best For: Women or anyone with smaller wrists looking for a fitness tracker that merges fashion with function.
- Pros: Slim and chic design, interchangeable bands, good battery life, free Garmin Connect app.
- Cons: Lacks onboard GPS, grayscale display.
Tips to Buy Waterproof Fitness Tracker
A waterproof fitness tracker should be more than durable against water exposure. Here’s what you need to know:
- Waterproof Ratings: When you buy any of these trackers, it will most likely have a water-proofing standard expressed in ATM (Water Resistance Rating). A 5ATM rating means the device is waterproof underwater for up to 164 feet, and the submersion goes as deep as 98 feet with a 3ATM. Others like WR100 and higher allow it to go deeper underwater; however, not all trackers are for diving or high-speed water activities.
- Display Brightness and Clarity: Swimmers who like their progress to register as they train would appreciate the need to have a touchscreen display that gets in touch with your strokes while underwater. Best to the swimmers, OLED and AMOLED screens do perform best in hot outdoor swimming.
- Swim-Focused Features: Swimmers should also care what swim modes the devices support and how accurately and thoroughly they measure their workout parameters – strokes, pace, distance, and so forth if swimming is the main focus of activity.
- Durability: During oceans or outdoor swimming, environmental and dust resistance is of great significance. Look for trackers that are IP68-rated or MIL-STD-810H certified if you want to improve the solutions to potential environmental factors.
- Duration of Battery: If you dive too often into the water – battery life matters. Some trackers can last as long as nine days, which equates to less frequent charging.
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Conclusion
Waterproof fitness trackers have come a long way; they allow one to track their swimming techniques and heart rate underwater. Whether you splash around in the bathtub or are keen on triathlon, you will find something to your liking on the market. The best waterproof fitness tracker for swimmers includes rugged versions like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and budget models like the Fitbit Charge 6.
FAQs
What does 5ATM water resistance mean?
A 5ATM rating means the device is water-resistant up to 164 feet, making it suitable for swimming but not for deep diving.
Can I wear my fitness tracker in the shower?
Most waterproof fitness trackers can be worn in the shower, but hot water can weaken the seals over time.
Which fitness tracker is best for swimming?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Polar Grit X are great choices for swimmers due to their high water resistance and swim tracking features.
What is SmartTrack on Fitbit?
SmartTrack is a feature that automatically detects and records specific exercises, including swimming, without needing to start a workout manually.
Can fitness trackers measure heart rate underwater?
Yes, some fitness trackers like the Polar Grit X can monitor heart rate underwater.
Are waterproof fitness trackers suitable for scuba diving?
Only certain models, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, are certified for recreational scuba diving up to 130 feet.
How long do waterproof fitness trackers last on a charge?
Battery life varies, but models like the Garmin Venu Sq 2 can last up to 9 days on a single charge.
Do waterproof fitness trackers track open water swims?
Yes, devices like the Apple Watch Series 9 and Polar Grit X have modes specifically for open water swimming.
Can I track other water sports with a fitness tracker?
Some models, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, support tracking for high-velocity water sports like wakeboarding and kitesurfing.
What is the best budget waterproof fitness tracker?
The Fitbit Charge 6 offers excellent water resistance and swim tracking at an affordable price.
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