Top Swimming Watches of 2025: Exceptional Timepieces for Pool and Open-Air Swimming Sessions
In the realm of fitness technology, several watches have emerged as standout choices for pool, open water, and triathlon activities. Here are some of the top picks and their key features:
Garmin Swim 2
The Garmin Swim 2 offers a robust suite of features for both pool and open-water swimmers.
- Key Features:
- GPS Accuracy: Highly accurate GPS tracking for open-water swimming.
- Swim Tracking: Provides stroke counting, stroke detection, and SWOLF score analysis.
- Multisport Capabilities: Tracks a wide variety of sports and activities outside of swimming.
- Smartwatch Features: Includes sleep tracking, step tracking, and constant heart rate monitoring.
Ideal for those seeking detailed swim metrics, the Garmin Swim 2 caters to both pool and open-water swimmers.
Garmin Fenix 8
The Garmin Fenix 8 is a versatile watch suitable for running, swimming, and other activities.
- Key Features:
- Versatility: Suitable for running, swimming, and other activities.
- GPS Performance: Offers military-style multi-band GPS for improved accuracy.
- Durability: Rated for serious water depth, making it great for open-water swims.
- Smartwatch Features: Includes smart notifications, contactless payment, and heart rate monitoring.
Ideal for athletes who engage in multiple sports and need a versatile watch, the Garmin Fenix 8 is a reliable choice.
Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra is a robust smartwatch built for extreme conditions.
- Key Features:
- Durability: Built for extreme conditions with a rugged design.
- GPS Tracking: Offers reliable GPS for outdoor activities.
- Smartwatch Features: Includes a wide range of Apple ecosystem features and health tracking.
Suitable for athletes who prefer integration with Apple devices, the Apple Watch Ultra offers a robust smartwatch experience.
Additional Options for Triathletes
For triathletes, other notable options include:
- Garmin Forerunner 970: Known for its comprehensive run tracking features and ability to handle triathlon activities.
- Polar Vantage M3: Offers excellent support for multi-sport activities with a focus on running and cycling metrics.
These watches provide a range of features tailored to different needs, whether you're a casual swimmer or a professional triathlete.
Budget-Friendly Options
- The Coros Pace 3 accurately tracks strokes for butterfly and front crawl, with the option to set up intervals and drills on the watch.
- The Apple Watch SE 2 shares the same operating system as its Ultra sibling, so gets the same settings: you'll still get stroke counts, distances, and SWOLF score estimates.
The Coros Pace 3, with its 25 days' battery life, is a budget-friendly option suitable for beginners to dedicated amateur athletes. The Apple Watch SE 2, while a cheap smartwatch, offers a fantastic entry point into the category, making it an ideal budget-friendly everyday smartwatch for Apple fans.
The Garmin Swim 2, with its swim tracking capabilities and multisport features, extends its utility beyond mere pool swimming towards other gadgets and sports, bridging the gap between smart-home-devices and wearables. The budget-friendly Coros Pace 3, designed for both beginners and dedicated athletes, offers a cost-effective solution for those seeking a reliable wearable technology for swimming and other activities.
