10 Best Swim Watches 2026 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 11 GPS 42mm is a strong contender as a swim-watch thanks to its 50-meter water resistance, making it safe for pool and open-water swimming. It features advanced swim tracking capabilities through its fitness and health apps. The built-in GPS offers accurate outdoor swim route tracking, while heart rate monitoring is supported by both optical and electrical sensors, providing reliable data during workouts.

Battery life supports about 24 hours of typical use, which is sufficient for daily wear including swim sessions, and fast charging means you won’t be tethered to a charger for long. Comfort-wise, the lightweight aluminum case and sport band make it pleasant to wear during extended sessions, including sleep tracking. The always-on Retina display is bright and clear even underwater, enhancing usability during swims.

Beyond swimming, the watch excels with a broad range of health insights such as ECG, blood oxygen, hypertension alerts, and sleep quality scoring, adding value as an all-around health companion. While it may not offer some niche swim analytics and longer battery life preferred by endurance swimmers, it is an excellent choice for casual to moderate swimmers who want a versatile smartwatch with extensive health and fitness features.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a strong choice for swimmers looking for a versatile smartwatch that combines health monitoring and fitness tracking with swim-friendly features. It offers a solid water resistance rating of 50 meters, which means it can handle swimming in pools or open water with confidence. The watch includes a built-in GPS system, so it can track your swim routes and distances without needing your phone nearby. Its heart rate monitoring is advanced and continuous, providing useful data during workouts and also alerting you to irregular heart rhythms or hypertension signs.

Comfort-wise, the Series 11 is thin and lightweight, making it comfortable to wear during long swim sessions and even while sleeping to track recovery and sleep quality. The always-on Retina display is bright and easy to read underwater or in bright sunlight, which is a plus in swim environments. Battery life supports up to 24 hours of normal use, with fast charging available to quickly top up, though heavy GPS use during swimming might reduce that time.

For those seeking a smartwatch that performs well for swimming while also delivering comprehensive health insights and smart features, the Apple Watch Series 11 is a suitable option. However, if deep swim analytics or longer battery life specifically for extended swim sessions are priorities, more specialized swim watches may be better choices.

The Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker is a versatile device that caters well to swimming enthusiasts and general fitness tracking. Its water resistance makes it suitable for swimming, and it includes swim tracking features that can monitor your performance in the pool. The heart rate monitoring is robust, allowing for real-time tracking even during intensive workouts and when using compatible exercise equipment. The tracker also includes built-in GPS for accurate outdoor activity tracking, making it a good companion for runners and cyclists as well.

With a battery life that can last several days, you won't need to charge it frequently, which is convenient for continuous use. Comfort and fit are addressed with the inclusion of both small and large bands, ensuring it fits a wide range of wrist sizes comfortably. The display is clear and functional, providing easy access to various health metrics and notifications. However, the display size is relatively small at 1.04 inches, which might be a drawback for users who prefer larger screens.

While the device excels in many areas, it is worth noting that the comprehensive features may be more than what a casual swimmer might need. The additional functionalities like Google Wallet and YouTube Music controls are great for those looking for more than just a swim watch, but could be seen as extraneous by others. Furthermore, the integration with Google apps and services adds extra convenience but also suggests a learning curve for those unfamiliar with these platforms. In conclusion, the Fitbit Charge 6 is an excellent choice for those who want a well-rounded fitness tracker with strong swim-tracking capabilities and additional smart features.