Waterproof Smartwatches for Water Sports or Swimming

Posted by Sarah James on September 17th, 2021

Waterproof smartwatches have become the norm because most prominent manufacturers now offer models with 50-meter (a.k.a. 5 bars or 5 ATM) water resistance. In the past, smartwatches came with ingress protection (IP) score of IP68. They also could withstand submersion in the shallows of water for a limited duration, but they weren\\'t designed to be utilized for water sports or swimming. Sports.

IP68-rated watches are made to resist accidental exposure to water and the occasional splash. However, they aren\'t designed to be regularly used underwater or for aquatic activities such as swimming. If you intend to expose your watch to water often or take it swimming, you must have at least 50 meters of water resistance.

Be aware that \"Waterproof\" refers to describe an advertising term for electronic devices and should not be taken as literal (since an increase in pressure, depth and time eventually overpower the majority of waterproof devices). \"Water-resistant\" can be a more precise word that is often used to describe traditional watches.

Top smartwatches that have a minimum water-resistance of 50 meters. A rating of 50 meters water resistance is ideal for swimming. For more intense activities such as surfing and snorkeling in the ocean, a watch that has 100 meters of water resistance is suggested. To get the most water resistance available, take a look at the below smartwatch models.

Which fitness trackers are Waterproof?

You can anticipate fitness trackers to be a little more robust than the average smartwatch, capable of handling the shakes, bumps, and, perhaps most importantly, sweat that happens during an exercise. Every fitness tracker worth looking at is impervious to moisture and splashes. However, this doesn\'t mean every fitness device is waterproof. Many of them aren\'t.

If you\\'re able to wear an exercise tracker in the shower doesn\'t mean that you should put it on the subsequent time you go for a handful of laps around the water. It\'s better to have an exercise tracker that is sealed and submersible and can withstand an ongoing soaking in the pool.

To aid you, we’ve created an inventory of the top waterproof smartwatch that we\'ve tested. Be assured that each of them can be used in the water and remain functional after you dry.

What to look for?

It\'s not necessary to choose a waterproof. Seals that stop water from destroying the electronics of fitness trackers designed for swimming also shield them from water pressure. The majority of waterproof fitness trackers are designed to withstand a specific distance, which is useful when you plan to dive. Most of them come with a 5ATM rating, meaning that you can submerge them up to 164 feet underwater. Some have a lower 3ATM rating which means they can be submerged up to 98 feet.

Check how we test fitness trackers.

It would help if you considered the things you want your tracker to accomplish. Would you instead be looking at your information during or after training? If you\'re looking to keep track of your laps as you swim swimming, consider a tracker with large, bright screens. It\'s also essential to ensure that it\'s capable of responding to swipes from underwater.

Another essential thing to consider is how focused on swimming you\'d like the device you purchase to become. If swimming is your primary means of exercising, then you\'ll need to ensure whether your tracker is compatible with different aquatic activities. For instance, the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch SE, and Coros Apex have separate pool swimming, and open-water swims.

Smartwatches to Swimmers

The distinction between smartwatches and fitness trackers has become increasingly blurred. Today, many large smartwatches come with heart rate monitors as well as GPS similar to fitness trackers. Include a waterproof case, and a lot of them are suitable for swimming.

There are four models: Apple Watch Series 6, Watch SE, Fitbit Versa 3, and Moto 360 are our favorite smartwatches for swimming. A bonus is that they are more fashionable than their fitness-oriented models; they\'re also able to swap a strap designed for swimming for something more sophisticated after toweling off.

The Series 6 and Watch SE are suitable for swimming in pools or the ocean while wearing showers or a hot tub. However, Apple advises against wearing the watches while diving, waterskiing, or engaging in \"other activities that require high-velocity water or submersion to a depth of less than shallow.\"

Which Fitbits are Waterproof?

The positive side is the fact that Fitbit smartwatches and trackers are waterproof. They can withstand sweat, rain, or cleaning the dishes. However, none of the Fitbits are safe to swim with. The kid-friendly Ace is one example. It is only water-resistant. However, the more recent Ace 2 is water-proof to 164 feet.

The Charge 4, Ionic, The Charge 4, Ionic, Versa 3 are also swim-proof up to 164 feet. Wear them in the pool, and they\\'ll keep track of the swimming statistics like lap count and pace, and total duration.

What is the best way to choose a Smartwatch?

Smartwatches differ in cost and features, so you should consider the features you\'ll need before spending money on a watch. Specific models can keep track of 100 different kinds of exercise, while others limit you to 20, but that may be plenty. Every smartwatch we\\'ve reviewed records swimming time, but we\'re able to use only a few to record laps in the pool, which won\'t be appealing to those who prefer open water swimming.

For statistics, all of the below smartwatches monitor distance covered, calories burned, and the number of strokes taken when you swim. They\'re all water-proof to an approximate depth of 50 meters. Swimmers need to know that only Garmin and Apple models will automatically recognize which strokes you\'re performing. Only the Garmin, Samsung, and Huawei devices will calculate a SWOLF efficiency measurement by analyzing your stroke count time.

If you\'d like to keep in close watch over your overall health and fitness levels, you should consider an electronic clock that monitors your blood oxygen levels and record an ECG. The heart rate monitor built into the watch is nowadays the norm.

What is a Smartwatch the same thing as a Fit Tracker?

Fitness trackers and smartwatches are part of the same technology family. However, they each have their distinct characteristics. Who can use both to track and analyze various exercises that can help you reach your fitness goals? However, fitness trackers are better at this because it\'s what they are designed to do.

Smartwatches also serve as mini-extensions of your smartphone, making and taking calls, check and respond to WhatsApp messages and emails, stream music, and much more. The most popular smartwatches compete with the top fitness trackers; therefore, you\'ll know what you need to do if you have the money.