For most people, waterproof activity trackers don’t matter because their main form of exercise is running or going to the gym. But if you enjoy aquatic activities like swimming, like to vary up your workout, or worry about accidentally killing your fitness tracker by dropping it in the sink or accidentally wearing it in the shower, you may want to consider how waterproof the activity tracker is.
Generally, fitness bands fall into one of three categories: lightly water resistant (able to withstand sweat, splash, and rain), highly water resistant (can be washed in the sink or worn in the shower), and fully waterproof (safe for swimming or any other water related activities).
Does it matter if I buy a water resistant or waterproof fitness tracker?
Whether you buy a waterproof fitness tracker really depends on your lifestyle and what types of exercise you do. The average person may not need to worry about this feature. But if you are concerned about how water will affect a fitness tracker you plan on wearing 24/7, it’s a feature you should pay attention to as you research the best fitness band for you.
You may find it surprising that these tiny little bracelets, with advanced electrical and computer components, can actually be pretty sensitive to water. Unless the band is completely sealed off, they can be damaged easily.
For example, none of the Fitbit activity trackers are waterproof. They are water resistant, which means they are rainproof and splash proof, and no matter how sweaty you get during your workout, you will not harm your fitness band. But since Fitbits are not waterproof, you cannot shower in them or swim with them.
Some fitness trackers are more water resistant than others, meaning you can shower in them or get them wet when you’re washing your hands or washing the dishes, but they shouldn’t be submerged in water for swimming. Some trackers are water resistant enough to wear in the shower, but should not be submerged in liquids, so they can’t be worn for surfing or swimming.
If swimming is your main form of exercise, you need to find a waterproof activity band or waterproof fitness watch to track your exercise (and a lot of them have cool features specific to swimming, like counting laps).
Should I buy a water resistant or waterproof fitness tracker?
If you’re a swimmer, get a waterproof tracker. If you’re a forgetful person who may not remember to remove your fitness tracker before you shower, get a more water-resistant band. For everyone else, get whatever model you want.
Here are a few fitness trackers you may want to consider in each category:
Sweat Proof and Splash Proof Fitness Band
Fitbit Charge (Check reviews and prices)
The Fitbit Charge combines the best features from the Fitbit One with the wristband format of the Fitbit Flex. The same great sleep tracking and silent alarm is still available, but it also includes an OLED screen that includes step count, the current time, and call notifications. When paired with your smartphone, it will display on your wrist who is calling so you don’t have to dig your phone out of your pocket or purse if you don’t want to answer.
It’s advertised as water-resistant, but they really just mean sweat proof and splash proof, so don’t take your Fitbit in the shower or the pool unless you want to brick it.
Available colors: black, slate
Tracks: steps, distance, calories burned, stairs climbed, active minutes, sleep quality and quantity
Notable features: OLED display for steps and time, call notifications, 7 to 10-day rechargeable battery, automatic sleep monitoring, silent alarm, syncs wirelessly to computers and smartphones, water resistant
Check out more water resistant activity trackers.
