10 Best Garmin Swim Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a versatile smartwatch with a vibrant AMOLED display and a lightweight design that makes it comfortable to wear, especially during runs. It features built-in GPS for tracking pace and distance and wrist-based heart rate monitoring, which are crucial for fitness enthusiasts. The watch boasts an impressive battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, ensuring long-term usability without frequent charging.

It offers a wide range of activity profiles, including running, cycling, and strength training, but lacks specific swim metrics, which might be a downside for swimmers looking for detailed swim tracking data. The Garmin Coach and personalized workout suggestions make it easy to stay on track with fitness goals, while safety features such as incident detection and Assistance provide peace of mind during outdoor activities.

Smart notifications, Garmin Pay, and connectivity with the Garmin Connect app enhance the user experience by integrating seamlessly with daily life. However, some users might find the 1.2-inch screen size a bit small, and the reliance on Bluetooth connectivity might be a limitation if your phone isn't nearby. Its limited swim-specific features make it more suitable for runners and general fitness enthusiasts rather than dedicated swimmers.

The Garmin Venu 3S is a versatile smartwatch that stands out for its colorful AMOLED display and comprehensive health tracking features. With a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, it's designed for users who want an extended device life without frequent charging. It includes heart rate monitoring and advanced sleep tracking, providing valuable insights into your overall well-being. One of its notable features is Body Battery energy monitoring, which helps users gauge when they are at their best or need rest based on various personal metrics, enhancing the fitness experience.

For swimming enthusiasts, the watch is equipped with built-in GPS and supports multiple sports modes, including swimming, making it suitable for tracking swim metrics effectively. The ability to take calls and respond to messages directly from the watch is a great addition for those who enjoy smart features. It pairs well with both Android and iOS devices, offering convenience for users across platforms.

While the watch is packed with features, some users may find it a bit overwhelming if they prefer a more straightforward device. Additionally, for users specifically focused on swimming, the lack of detailed swim metrics compared to dedicated swim watches could be a drawback. The Garmin Venu 3S is ideal for fitness enthusiasts who swim and want a multifaceted smartwatch, but those looking for specialized swim tracking may need to consider more swim-focused alternatives.

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a premium multisport smartwatch designed for runners and triathletes, including swimmers, due to its strong water resistance and multisport tracking capabilities. It features a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen with button controls, allowing easy navigation even in wet conditions. The watch tracks various swim metrics, though it places less emphasis on swim-specific features like stroke type detection or detailed pool swim data compared to dedicated swim watches. Heart rate monitoring is robust, including advanced ECG functionality to check heart rhythm, but some detailed running metrics require the separate HRM 600 chest strap, which may add complexity for some users.

The GPS is accurate and supports multi-band tracking with full-color maps, beneficial for outdoor training though less critical for pool swimmers. Battery life is strong, offering up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours with GPS, enabling it to last through long training sessions or races. Smart features include call handling, voice assistant integration, and customizable Garmin Coach training plans, providing added convenience and motivation.

With a titanium bezel and sapphire lens for durability, along with a lightweight design and comfortable band, the watch suits long wear. While swimmers focusing primarily on pool or open-water swims might find more specialized options with additional swim-centric metrics, this watch excels for triathletes or multisport athletes seeking a versatile device that supports running, cycling, swimming, and daily smart functions with premium build quality.