10 Best Garmin Swim Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a premium multisport smartwatch designed for athletes who need robust features both in and out of the water. It has a solid 40-meter dive rating and leakproof metal buttons, making it reliable for swimming and even scuba diving. The large, bright 1.4-inch AMOLED screen with a sapphire lens ensures excellent visibility underwater and durability against scratches. Garmin’s multisport watches typically offer detailed swim tracking, including stroke count and distance, which should be expected here. Heart rate monitoring is available 24/7 with advanced sensors, though wrist-based heart rate accuracy can sometimes be less precise in water compared to chest straps. GPS tracking is highly accurate with multi-band SatIQ technology, helpful for open water swims or triathlons.

The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 84 hours in GPS mode, so it can handle long training sessions or adventures without frequent charging. Comfort-wise, the titanium case and pebble gray band provide a durable yet lightweight feel, though the watch’s 51 mm size and 102-gram weight may feel bulky for smaller wrists. Smart features like phone call handling, voice commands, and health monitoring add convenience outside the pool.

For those seeking a top-tier multisport watch that includes swim capabilities among many other functions, the fēnix 8 is a strong choice. Swimmers looking for a more swim-focused, lightweight device might find this model a bit large and packed with extras they may not need.

The Garmin vívoactive 6 is a versatile fitness smartwatch that offers a solid range of health and activity tracking features, including built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate monitoring. Its bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen makes it easy to read underwater and in bright sunlight. With a battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, it can keep up with long swim sessions and everyday use without frequent charging. The watch supports over 80 sports apps, including swimming, which is handy for tracking various workouts.

While it includes swim tracking, the device provides more general swim metrics rather than advanced swim-specific analytics such as stroke count or swim efficiency found in some dedicated swim watches. The water resistance makes it suitable for pool and open water swimming but may not cater to deep or professional diving. The lightweight design and bone band contribute to comfort during extended wear.

The vívoactive 6 offers extensive health insights like Body Battery energy levels, stress tracking, sleep quality, and personalized workout suggestions, making it ideal for users who want more than just swim tracking. GPS works well for outdoor activities, although its functionality in swimming is limited to open water swims since GPS signals do not work underwater. This smartwatch is a strong all-around fitness device with swim capabilities for casual to moderately serious swimmers seeking a multipurpose watch with excellent battery life and health monitoring.

The Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire is a rugged multisport GPS smartwatch well-suited for swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts. With a strong water resistance rating allowing dives up to 40 meters, it’s safe for pool and open-water swimming. It offers detailed swim metrics and advanced heart rate monitoring, helping you track performance and recovery effectively. The built-in GPS and topo maps support navigation during outdoor swims or triathlons, which is a plus beyond typical swim watches.

One standout feature is the solar charging option, extending battery life significantly, so you won’t need frequent recharges even on long adventures. The bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen is easy to read underwater and in sunlight, protected by a durable sapphire lens that resists scratches. This robustness is balanced with a comfortable titanium design that feels solid yet light enough for daily wear.

Smart features like phone calls, music storage, Garmin Pay, and notifications keep you connected without needing your phone nearby. Additionally, the included portable charger and screen protectors add value, ensuring your watch stays powered and protected. The watch’s advanced features and size may be more than what casual swimmers need, and the price tends to be on the higher side compared to simpler swim-focused models. Also, while the touchscreen works well, some users might prefer physical buttons for easier operation during swims. For serious swimmers or triathletes who want a durable, feature-rich watch that doubles as an all-around outdoor companion, the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire is a strong choice. Those mainly focused on swimming and looking for simplicity or budget options might find more straightforward watches to consider.