Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers in 2022 – Reviewed
Whether you are working up a sweat or worry about getting your new gadget wet, a waterproof fitness tracker can inspire you to go further or just be practical and help you keep track of time. When able to track times and keep on top of those goals that were set a while ago, they seem more achievable. Some people want a waterproof fitness tracker so they can shower off after strenuous exercise whilst others want to be able to swim properly.
The good news is that technology has come a long way in a short time so there are plenty of great products available. The hard part is finding the best brands that are both reliable, and offer all the features needed for a swimmer to make the most out of it. To help make this purchase easier, we have created a list of the best waterproof fitness trackers available.
Quick Summary of Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Garmin Forerunner 735XT, Multisport GPS Running Watch with Heart Rate, Black/Gray
A serious waterproof fitness tracker that does just about everything one could hope for. Not only does it track heart rate but it uses GPS to monitor a runner’s progress and is waterproof enough to be worn during swimming. The multisport features are what make it stand out from the crowd as they can monitor different aspects of a swim, cycle, or run.When used with a chest strap it can monitor other elements including lactate threshold but otherwise, it can also estimate VO2 max. As a smartwatch alone it lasts up to 11 days without needing a charge, but also 14 hours on. GPS mode. The Garmin Forerunner can also send smart notifications and allows the user to customize watch faces, apps, and a lot more. With recovery advisor and other smart features, this is as good as a waterproof fitness tracker gets.
- GPS monitor
- Multisport features including swimming
- Heart monitor
- 11-day smartwatch battery life
Best Fitbit For Swimming: Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate and Fitness Tracker
One of the most complete Fitbits for swimming and a product that can monitor heart rate all day long to give daily readings. There are all sorts of stats available such as hourly activity, steps, distance and that is all before the sleep-related features. Waterproof up to 50 meters, it doesn’t have swim stats which is a shame but it is one of the more affordable Fitbits available.Still, it does have smart track capability so it can record swims and provide some stats and has up to 5 days of battery life. It synchs to plenty of smartphones and although it doesn’t have GPS, it can connect to a phones’.
- Waterproof up to 50 meters
- Smart track features
- Sleep monitoring
- All-day heart monitoring
- Other products have a longer battery life
Best Value: Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker
A lot of people immediately think of Fitbit when it comes to a fitness tracker and this is one of their best waterproof options. For the price, it is hard to better and has a battery life of up to 7 days. It measures calories burnt and has a constant heart rate monitor. Because it is waterproof up to 50 meters it is swim-proof and can be connected to a smartphone.Although they do not advise wearing in a spa or sauna, it is robust and can also record sleep patterns including REM stages so once you have swum, it is easy to see how this impacts sleep quality. It has all the usual apps for the likes of weather and social notifications, also providing real-time stats during a workout.
- Waterproof up to 50 meters
- 7-day battery life
- Great value
- Lots of additional features
- Step counts could be more accurate
Best Affordable: Huawei Band 3 Pro All-in-One Fitness Activity Tracker
An excellent option for anyone on a budget, Huawei Band 3 has tonnes of fitness-related features and includes built-in GPS. With up to 50 meters of water resistance, it is fine to take into the pool so you can monitor the progress and the sensor is a 6-axis imu which means it can give all sorts of statistics for swimming including stroke style detection, distance, laps, number of strokes, calories, and a lot more.There are also real-time heart rate data and sleep pattern recording features to make this an attractive option, especially for the price. To top it all off, it also works as a remote for a smartphone camera, making it easier to capture the moment or snap yourself in the pool as you go.
- 50 meters of water resistance
- Lots of swimming features such as stroke style detection
- Real-time heart monitor
- Great value
- Limited colors on the screen
Best For Fitness Estimates: Garmin vívosport, Fitness/Activity Tracker with GPS and Heart Rate Monitoring
For the price, you might not expect much from a waterproof fitness tracker, but Garmin manages to pack a lot into a reasonably priced product. To start with, there is a heart rate monitor as well as a step and calorie counter. There is also sleep quality data that gives accurate readings and helps the user to make adjustments to their lifestyle for a better night’s rest.In terms of swimming, it features Garmins ‘swim’ rating meaning it is fine to wear whilst you get those strokes on the go. We like that it also monitors stress levels and the slim design makes it one of the more attractive waterproof fitness trackers available. With a battery life of up to 7 days, there is plenty to like about this product.
- Heart rate monitor
- Stress monitor
- 7-day battery life
- Swim rated waterproof
- Wrist strap not as durable
Best Budget: Docooler Honor Band 5 Smart Bracelet 5ATM Waterproof Swim Stroke Recognition
With stroke recognition features, this is one of the best bargains on the list. At a reasonable price, it offers a lot of features on the more expensive products and has enough waterproofing to be worn for a lengthy swim whilst monitoring the progress. There are also 8 different watch faces to choose from and the ability to receive calls, messages, and other notifications.It also boasts sleep monitoring and recording as well as ten different sports modes that make it seem as though there is a personal trainer on the user’s wrist. A full-color display and a comfortable strap make it an excellent option for anyone on a restrictive budget.
- Swim stroke recognition
- Ten different sports modes
- Heart rate tracker
- Waterproof up to 50 meters
- Battery not as long as other products
Waterproof Fitness Tracker Guide
We all want to stay on top of our health and if you are an ardent swimmer, a waterproof fitness tracker can be an excellent purchase. When you buy a reputable product, you can record and store all your swims to help you reach your fitness goals. This can be a motivator when you’re trying to push out extra lengths but it is also good to be able to see how long you have been going for conveniently.
This is only possible when you know what the best products are capable of. To help make this purchase an easy one, we have created the following buyer’s guide.
What To Look For In a Waterproof Fitness Tracker?
Adequate Waterproofing
Some products are better than others at this whilst certain brands are better described as splashproof. Most people don’t need the product to be submersible to 100 meters but it can help if you like to dive.
Only buy a waterproof fitness tracker that has a waterproof rating of IPX7 and above. Some are suitable for certain waters whilst others. are universal and can be used in the sea, a pool, a lake, or wherever.
Large Screen
Not everyone wants this as there is something to be said for a streamlined design but a larger screen can make it easy to track your progress on the go. Also, it makes switching between settings easier and taking readings. Color screens are also better for usability should you want one.
Heart Rate Tracker
This can be great for your fitness goals and since they are strapped to your wrist, a lot of modern waterproof fitness trackers feature a heart monitor. Some work better than others in the water but not every product will offer this feature so keep an eye out for it if it’s important to you.
Comfort
Because you are looking to use the waterproof fitness tracker in the poll, it is going to rub against your wrist and cause some discomfort if the strap is not made form the right materials. Also, it has to fit well to make sure it doesn;lt move around as you swim.
The better products are made with a rubber-type band that stays in place.
Battery Life
You don’t want to lose half of your swim information without knowing it because the battery of your waterproof fitness tracker has died. The best products give you an indication as to how much battery life you have but the premium models will also last a long time between charges.
Some products seem like they need to be plugged in every day whilst others can give you over a week’s worth of battery.
Features
Not only should these products come with a heart tracker and waterproofing, but the better models are packed with useful features. You might love to swim, but a lot of them can tell you the incline and distance per hour for your runs and swims. Look for a product that gives you sleep tracking, GPS mode, and others including a smartwatch function.
Some also have access to apps where you can upload all your information, perfect for keeping tabs on your progress.
Music Compatability
The greater the amount of GB these products have in storage, the more features you can unlock. Some of them are even capable of being plugged in so you can listen to your tunes. If you can double up with waterproof headphones you might be able to wear them splashing around the pool.
Bluetooth
The Bluetooth connectivity of the device will either drain the battery if it is not up to date or it won’t be compatible. This is why it is important to find a product that wasn’t made 6 or 7 years ago.
Warranty
as with any piece of technology you are taking into the water, it is always a good idea to protect your purchase with a warranty. A standard length seems to be 12- 24 months but some do not come with any type of coverage.
If this is important to you, make sure the product you are considering has a decent warranty.
How Deep Can A Waterproof Fitness tracker Go?
Although they are designed to give you the confidence of being able to get it wet without breaking it, some are just better than others for deeper swims.
If you want to test the limits a little more then look for a product that can go at least 50 meters which seems to be the standard depth for most.
What Other Activities Can A Fitness Tracker Be Used For?
There are plenty of great options out there that are packed full of features but some are better for certain activities than others. If you are a keen cyclist then make sure it is fine for use when you take the bike out.
Most of them are ideal for running and some can go on your wrist or ankle comfortably. A popular activity that these products can track is also your sleep. When you make the most of a sleep monitor you can make adjustments to ensure you get better quality rest between exercise.
Is A Waterproof Fitness Tracker Compatible With Apps?
A lot of brands can be synched with certain fitness apps with most of the popular options covered. If you have made strides with a certain app that you want to continue using, make sure the waterproof fitness tracker you are considering is compatible before you buy.
If you want to sync it to your phone then be careful because not all products are designed to be used with certain types of phones.
How Reliable Are Waterproof Fitness Trackers?
When you purchase a product from a reputable brand then these gadgets can be very reliable. An accelerometer tracker will keep tabs on your progress so if this, and the other features are up to date (including a reliable GPS or Bluetooth connection), you should get a lot of joy from using the tracker.
