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Top 5 Best Fitbits for Swimming

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedNovember 13, 2024

Exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and swimming is one of the best ways to stay active. Many people want to track their physical activity while swimming, and this is where a swimming-friendly Fitbit comes in handy. Fitbits are wearable devices that help users monitor various physical activities, including heart rate, step count, and calories burned. However, it's important to note that the features of different Fitbit models can vary.

In this guide, we'll review the top Fitbits that stand out for their swimming capabilities, highlighting their key features, water resistance levels, and how they can support your goals in the pool. So, let’s dive into the best Fitbits for swimmers, helping you find the perfect fit for tracking and enhancing your swim workouts!


Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch

Editor's Choice

Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch

The Fitbit Versa 2 proves its reliability as a swim-tracking smartwatch with water resistance up to 50 meters. Its integration of Alexa simplifies tasks, and sleep tracking provides valuable insights. Spotify controls enhance music management, while Fitbit Pay ensures convenient on-the-go purchases.

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If you're looking for a smartwatch that can effectively track your swimming workouts, the Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • With Alexa built-in, you can easily set alarms, check the weather, and control your smart home devices with just your voice.
  • The watch tracks your sleep stages, providing you with a sleep score and personal insights, so you can improve your sleep quality.
  • You can play your favorite music and playlists with Spotify app controls on your wrist, and make secure purchases with Fitbit Pay.

Cons

  • The always-on display mode requires more frequent charging.
  • The watch may not fit comfortably on smaller wrists.
  • Some users have reported issues with the watch's battery life.

We have been using the Fitbit Versa 2 for a few weeks and have established that it is a reliable and efficient smartwatch for monitoring our swimming. It is also waterproof up to 50 meters, so you can wear it confidently in the pool without worrying about damage.

One thing that we like about the Versa 2 is the use of Alexa. For instance, we can ask it to remind us of a certain date or time or even inquire about the weather—all this without the need to navigate through the watch. Sleep tracking is also quite useful as it gives a general picture of how we sleep and whether there is something that can be altered to improve the results.

Another great perk of the Fitbit Versa 2 is its Spotify controls. You can easily change songs or playlists right from your wrist—no need to grab your phone. Plus, Fitbit Pay is a convenient feature for making secure payments on the go, which comes in handy.

We did notice that the screen retains some activity even when it’s set to “off,” which can drain the battery faster, so we kept it off most of the time. Also, depending on wrist size, the watch band may not fit everyone comfortably, so it’s worth trying it on first.

Overall, the Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a smartwatch with features to track their swimming and other activities.


Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker with Built-in GPS

Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker with Built-in GPS

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The Fitbit Charge 4 is easily recommended for anyone who wants a quality fitness tracker that can also handle swimming. This swim-proof tracker is stylish and versatile and can assist you in managing your workouts and tracking your progress simultaneously.

Pros

  • The built-in GPS feature allows you to track your pace and distance during outdoor activities like runs, hikes, and rides. You can also view a workout intensity map in the app that shows your heart rate changes along your route, giving you a better understanding of your performance.
  • The Active Zone Minutes feature is a great way to stay motivated during your workouts. You'll feel a buzz when you reach your target heart rate zones and earn extra minutes outside of exercise, which can help you stay on track and achieve your fitness goals.
  • The multi-day battery life is a huge plus, especially if you're someone who's always on the go. With up to 7 days of battery life, you won't have to worry about constantly recharging your device.

Cons

  • The SpO2 feature is not available in all markets, so you may not be able to use this feature depending on where you live.
  • Some users have reported issues with the band breaking off after a few months of use, so you may need to be careful when handling your device.
  • The app can take some getting used to, especially if you're new to fitness tracking. It may take some time to figure out how to navigate all of the different features and settings.

Having used the Fitbit Charge 4 for several weeks, we can confidently say it’s a powerful companion for anyone serious about fitness. The built-in GPS feature is especially advantageous for outdoor enthusiasts, allowing us to monitor our performance without needing our phones.

The Active Zone Minutes function has transformed how we approach our workouts. It gives us instant feedback on our heart rate zones. This feature, combined with the accurate 24/7 heart rate tracking, has given us a clearer picture of our fitness progress and calorie expenditure.

Its swim-proof design and water resistance of up to 50 meters mean we can confidently wear it during swims and even while showering. Plus, the battery life is good enough to survive daily use for a whole week without recharging, making life easier without having to recharge daily.

However, users should be aware of the compatibility requirements and that the advanced features are not intended for medical purposes. Additionally, relying on the Fitbit app for comprehensive insights might not appeal to everyone.

Overall, if you’re looking to improve your fitness level with a feature-packed device that will blend into your daily life, the Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker is a wonderful option.


Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker

Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker

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If you are looking for an effective fitness tracker that allows you to monitor your health and physical activity, the Fitbit Inspire 3 may be a worthy choice.

Pros

  • The Inspire 3 offers a comprehensive range of health and fitness tracking features, including skin temperature and blood oxygen monitoring, daily scores, and 20+ exercise modes.
  • With always-on wellness tracking, daily stress management scores, and mindfulness and relax breathing sessions, you can keep track of your stress levels and work towards managing them better.
  • The Inspire 3 has a long battery life of up to 10 days and is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it perfect for swimming and other water-based activities.

Cons

  • The Inspire 3 requires a Fitbit Premium membership to access some of its advanced features, which may not be available in all locales and may be in English only.
  • Irregular rhythm notifications are only available in select countries and with select Fitbit products, and the SpO2 feature is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition or for any other medical purpose.
  • The Fitbit app may be difficult to sync with your phone, and customer support may be lacking.

After using the Fitbit Inspire 3, we can confidently say it’s a practical smartwatch for swimming. It’s lightweight and water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it perfect for workouts and swimming.

The Daily Readiness Score is particularly helpful, as it enables greater customization of workouts based on the body’s condition. With over 20 exercise modes, the gadget can accurately capture various activities we engage in, including jogging, swimming, and even yoga.

Furthermore, the stress management features are a game changer for us, with mindfulness sessions that help us unwind after a long day. The automatic sleep tracking is impressively accurate, and the personalized Sleep Profile provides insights that have improved my sleep hygiene.

While the screen is a bit compact, it’s easy to navigate, and the notifications keep us connected without being overwhelming. However, compatibility may be challenging for those with older smartphone operating systems.

Given its durability, long battery life, and the many features integrated into this gadget, it is definitely worth buying.


SKG Smart Watch for Women, Fitness Tracker 5ATM Swimming Waterproof

SKG Smart Watch for Women, Fitness Tracker 5ATM Swimming Waterproof

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The SKG Smart Watch for Women seems like a viable option for a relatively cheap smartwatch that can monitor swimming. Heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and stress level—all those options help track your health-related indicators.

Pros

  • The watch has a 5ATM waterproof rating, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
  • It has an impressive 8-day battery life between a 2-hour flash charge, so you don't have to worry about charging it frequently.
  • The watch comes with 14+ sports modes, allowing you to track your progress in various activities.

Cons

  • The watch's rectangular shape might not be everyone's cup of tea.
  • The band holding the extra strap can slip up to the buckle, which can be bothersome.
  • The watch doesn't connect to the Weight Watcher app.

The SKG Smart Watch for Women will suffice the need for a smartwatch in the best way for swimming activity if you’re concerned about the budget. Another feature is 5ATM waterproof, so one can wear the watch during swimming and other water activities. The watch can also last for 8 days, with a full flash charge of 2 hours, and you don’t have to charge it frequently. The watch has 14+ sports modes, meaning you can track your exercise progress in your preferred activities.

Another concern with the watch is its rectangular form, which may not appeal to some people. Also, the extra strap has a looping band and can slip into the buckle, which is slightly irritating. Last but not least, this watch does not have an option to connect to the Weight Watcher app.

In general, the SKG Smart Watch for Women is perfect for people who’d like a smartwatch at a considerably low price that they can use for swimming. With its battery lasting up to 7 days and having 14+ sports modes, it is suitable for users targeting their specific physical activities.


EURANS Smart Watch 44mm, AMOLED Fitness Watch with Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor

EURANS Smart Watch 44mm, AMOLED Fitness Watch with Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor

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If you’re looking for a smartwatch ideal for swimming, this EURANS Smart Watch 44mm is ideal for you. It is filled with features that allow the user to follow their exercise routine and improve their health.

Pros

  • The 1.75-inch AMOLED screen provides crystal-clear visuals from any angle, even under bright sunlight.
  • The watch is equipped with a 24/7 heart rate monitor and sleep tracker, allowing you to monitor your health around the clock.
  • With its IP68 waterproof rating, this smartwatch can withstand water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, making it perfect for swimming.

Cons

  • Some users may find the watch a bit bulky and heavy compared to other fitness trackers.
  • The battery life of up to 10 days may not be enough for some users who want to use the watch for extended periods.
  • The watch may have some syncing issues with certain phone models.

For the past few weeks, we have been testing the features of the EURANS Smart Watch 44mm, and the device stands out. The one feature that really stands out is the AMOLED screen. It turns our black and red screen into a split-second legend, not to mention the sharpness of the screen, which makes it easy to read even under sunlight. We also like the different options for watch faces, as this enabled me to change my watch face to one that I preferred.

The Features of the smart band that are found to be beneficial are the Heart rate monitor and Sleep tracker, as they give information about our health. We are especially fond of blood-oxygen saturation measurement, stress level, and sleep tracking, as these all help us understand our health condition.

Another wonderful thing about the watch is the several sports modes in which progress can be quantified during activities such as swimming, running, and cycling. Another successful selling factor is the watch’s IP68 waterproof function: we can swim with it without any water damage to the watch.

Overall, we can confidently state that the EURANS Smart Watch 44mm is an excellent choice for swimming and fitness-related purposes and will not disappoint you as a smartwatch.

Buying Guide

When choosing a Fitbit for swimming, there are several features to consider. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Water Resistance

Water resistance is the first criterion that should be looked at when searching for a Fitbit to use while swimming. Ensure that the Fitbit you pick is made for water activities or while swimming, not for showering or sweating. In a Fitbit, look for one with a water resistance of 5 ATM, which translates to 50 meters, so that it can withstand water pressure when swimming.

Swim Tracking Features

To track your swimming workouts, consider a Fitbit with swimming-tracking capabilities. Specific Fitbits can sense when a person is swimming and count the number of laps, the distance swum, and the number of calories burned. Some Fitbits have to be activated and deactivated by the user on the watch as far as swim tracking is concerned. Ensure that the Fitbit you select has the swimming tracking features you desire.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The feature of monitoring heartbeat proved effective for swimmers who desire to control their intensity and progress. Also, check for a fitness model Fitbit with an HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) capable of monitoring the heart rate as one swims. While some Fitbits come with wrist-based heart rate monitors, there are others that have no such features, and you’ll have to use a chest strap.

Display and Controls

Think about how the available Fitbit models look and the settings they have. Some models are touch, and they become almost insensitive when wet, while others use buttons that are slightly harder to push. It is significant to ensure that the display's accuracy is not reduced by any type of lighting and that the controls are easily operable while swimming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated Fitbit models for tracking swimming workouts?

The fitness trackers that Fitbit produces include many that are useful in tracking swimming workouts. The best Fitbit watches are Ionic, Versa 3, and Charge 5. These models are fitted with aspects that will enable you to monitor your swimming sessions to the optimum.

How accurate are Fitbit devices in monitoring swim sessions?

Swim tracking on the Fitbit devices is as precise as users want it to be. But it is only approximate, depending on the type of the stroke, water, and the position of the gadget in the wrist. As for the device, you should wear it tightly on your wrist to obtain more correct speed evaluation.

Can Fitbit Versa 3 be used for swimming activities?

Yes, the Fitbit Versa 3 is water resistant up to 50 meters and therefore it can be worn during swimming. It has such as features such as swimming tracking, number of laps and swimming time features to make it convenient for the swimmers.

Is Fitbit Charge 5 suitable for both swimming and walking?

Indeed, the Fitbit Charge 5 can also be used when swimming or going for a walk. It is waterproof up to 50 meters and has features that are friendly for swimmers such as, swimming strokes tracking, swimming strokes counting and swimming sessions duration tracking.

Are there any waterproof Fitbit models designed specifically for swimmers?

Yes, Fitbit has models that are waterproof even for swimming and these are the recommended ones from the company. We have models such as the Fitbit Ionic, Fitbit Versa 3, and other models like Fitbit Charge 5. Features that are available include swim tracking, laps count, and time duration features that is available in specific models.

What features should I look for in a Fitbit when using it primarily for swimming?

Some of them are: swim tracking, swimming pace and distance tracking, mode or lap counting, swim duration tracking, and water-resistant feature for the device. These features will let you monitor your swimming sessions better and make sure your device is waterproof to the maximum limit.

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