A good one fitness monitor Or smart watch can handle a few drops or splashes. But if you’re serious about your swimming or tend to sweat excessively, a regular watch might not survive that moisture. That’s why you might want to buy a waterproof fitness tracker instead. Be aware that you can’t damage your tracker even when you’re swimming laps and to exercise gives you the peace of mind (and accuracy) you’re looking for.
But it’s not always clear whether the device could sink to the bottom of the pool and survive. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite picks for you. Whether you want to go all out with a tracker that can handle intensive water activities like Apple Watch Ultra 2 or you just need something casual like your choice of FitbitThere’s something for everyone here. So get out there and get wet!
Best Waterproof Activity Trackers for 2024
Best waterproof fitness tracker: Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers excellent water resistance, making it a great smartwatch choice for swimmers and just about anyone else who might need to worry about their watch getting wet.
With a WR50 water resistance rating, the Series 9 can be submerged up to 50 meters, meaning it’s safe for swimming in pools and the ocean, so you can safely swim without taking off your watch. You can also wear it in the shower or hot tub without worrying about damaging it.
To track your swim sessions, the Series 9 has dedicated pool and open water training modes. It’s also IP6X-rated for full dust protection, so sand won’t damage it at the beach. Its water resistance makes it a versatile smartwatch choice if you want connectivity on land and in the water.
It’s important to note that while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is outdone in terms of waterproofing depth, it’s the more affordable and versatile option for most users.
Best Waterproof Activity Tracker for Swimming: Fitbit Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge 6 activity tracker offers solid water resistance for swimmers and anyone else active.
With water resistance up to 50 meters, the Charge 6 can handle dips in pools and open waters. It has a dedicated swim training mode in its Workout app and a useful Water Lock feature to prevent accidental screen touches during swims. So you’re covered if you decide to jump in the water and do some laps.
The SmartTrack feature also automatically recognizes and records swim sessions. It’s not really designed for use in the shower or a hot tub, but this Fitbit offers enough protection for swimming or getting caught in the rain.
It should be noted that this watch does not come with dust or sand protection, so it may not be the best choice for beach activities. But for most swimmers who want a fairly affordable tracker, this is a great choice.
Best high-end waterproof fitness tracker: Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 takes water resistance to the extreme, making it our best (and most expensive) pick for waterproof fitness trackers.
With a WR100 rating, it can be submerged up to 100 meters, which is twice as deep as the Series 9. It also meets diving standards, so you can wear it while scuba diving up to 40 meters if you want. The display is large enough to be read underwater, as it is the largest watch in the Apple Watch range, so you get a lot of bang for your buck here.
You can also wear the watch to the beach as it has extreme protection against dust and sand. It can even withstand freezing temperatures if you get caught out.
With better water resistance than most smartwatches, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed for anyone who takes swimming or water-related activities seriously. So you won’t need it if you’re a casual swimmer or if you work up a sweat when you exercise. But if you’re into more demanding workouts, it can be a big help.
Best Budget Waterproof Fitness Tracker: Fitbit Versa 4
The Fitbit Versa 4 has a 50-meter water resistance, making it a great option for anyone who spends most of their time in the water. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or accidentally fall into the pool, it’ll handle it just fine.
The tracker’s Fitbit app has a dedicated swim tracking mode, and its SmartTrack feature can automatically recognize and record each of your pool or open water workouts. Of course, it also has all the other features you’d expect from a smartwatch, with a form factor similar to the Apple Watch.
It may lack some of the more compelling features of some of the more expensive models, but the Fitbit Versa 4 is a capable option when you need to get into the water and go beyond what a normal smartwatch is capable of.
Best Waterproof Activity Tracker for Android Users: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
While iPhone users are covered by Apple Watches and Fitbits work with all devices, Android users can turn to the very capable Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.
This tracker can handle depths of up to 164 feet, making it ideal for pool and regular swimming. It can also withstand dust, dirt, sand, extreme temperatures, vibrations, and shocks in case you find yourself too far away on one of your world travels.
It offers plenty of water sports modes like swimming, kayaking, and aqua aerobics. Plus, its Water Lock feature prevents you from accidentally touching the screen. While it’s not the most rugged in terms of water protection compared to some other watches on the market, it excels at what it does and is an affordable option for Android enthusiasts.