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 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 Forerunner 970 is a high-end triathlon smartwatch that suits swimmers who also want an all-around sports watch. It offers solid water resistance and multisport auto-transition, which helps automatically track swim, bike, and run segments—ideal for triathlon training. Garmin watches typically provide reliable tracking for swim distance, stroke count, and pace. The watch has an impressive AMOLED display, making it easy to read even underwater or in bright light, and the titanium bezel and sapphire lens add durability and comfort.

Heart rate monitoring is advanced, with options for measuring running economy and even an ECG app. GPS is built-in with multi-band support, providing accurate positioning for open water swimming and outdoor runs. Battery life is strong, lasting up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours with GPS active, which is helpful for long training sessions or races.

Smart features include phone call handling and voice assistant support right from your wrist, which adds convenience but might be less useful during swims. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, though the product weight listed as 2 grams seems unusually low, possibly a typo—usually, these watches weigh around 50-60 grams. If you want a versatile triathlon watch with excellent battery, GPS, and smart features, the Forerunner 970 represents a strong choice, but if swimming is your sole focus, you might consider a model with more specialized swim tracking.