Waterproof Archives - Fitness Tracker Central

Waterproof Fitness Watches for Swimmers

There are a lot of fitness options for swimmers these days, with more and more waterproof fitness trackers coming out. But many people don’t like the minimalist, futuristic, or utilitarian look of many fitness bands. If you’re a traditionalist who is used to wearing a wristwatch or you just like the convenience of seeing the time and your current stats on the tracker without syncing to your smartphone, you should consider buying a waterproof fitness watch for swimming.

If you’re a swimmer who needs to track laps and swim times, you definitely need to buy a waterproof watch that’s safe to go in the pool or the ocean. If you do watersports like surfing, you’ll want a waterproof fitness tracker as well. It’s also worth considering a waterproof tracker if you want to be able to go from gym to shower or wash dishes with your tracker on and not worry about destroying it.

Here are a few waterproof fitness watches that are perfect for swimmers.

Swimovate PoolMate2 Swim Waterproof Sports Watch
Whether you swim in a pool or the open water of a river, lake, or ocean, the Swimovate PoolMate2 has all the features you need to track your workout. It tracks laps, counts strokes, and also measures your efficieny and calculated calories burned. This is a simple and easy to use waterproof fitness watch that has the features you need and no extra fluff.

This newer model not only boasts the open water tracking but also double the battery life of the original PoolMate. The only downside is this fitness watch is made specifically for swimmers, so it won’t track other activities like running or cycling.

Available colors: black, blue, gray, purple

Tracks: laps, strokes per lap, speed, rest time, calories, distance (yards or meters), speed, efficiency

Notable features: open water mode with a stroke pedometer, waterproof to 50 meters, 12 or 24 hour clock, alarm, A99 set chrono mode for timing out of the water, stopwatch, backlight

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Mio ALPHA 2 Heart Rate Watch and Activity Tracker

If you’re looking for a waterproof fitness watch that is also an activity tracker, you should consider the Alpha 2. This sport watch is rechargeable and syncs with the Mio Go App to track your workouts and your heart rate, and full customize your watch. The display also gives you all the info you need about your workout, heartrate, and time without needing to sync.

This band tracks your heart rate without an additional chest strap, so you can get all the data you need whether you’re cycling, swimming, or running. It’s waterproof up to 30 meters so you can take it in the pool or in the ocean to surf. This is a good all-around sports watch for fitness buffs who workout in the water and on land.

Available colors: black, black/yellow, black/punch (pink)

Tracks: steps, calories, distance, pace, heart rate

Notable features: water resistant to 30 meters, Bluetooth connectivity to sync to iPhone or Android, holds up to 25 hours of workout data

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Garmin Waterproof Swim Watch

If you want a swimming focused fitness watch that is waterproof but also allows for app syncing, consider the Garmin Swim Watch. This easy to use watch is ready to go as soon as you open the box. All you have to do is swim and Garmin does the rest, auto detecting your swim stroke and tracking length, strokes, distance, and pace. It can also be used to log drills and timed intervals. You can upload your data to Garmin Connect to view detailed metrics and track progress over time.

The Garmin Swim Watch is specifically designed for pool use, so if you need an open water watch, you should buy the Swimovate PoolMate2. It also only features tracking for swimming, so if you have other exercise types you’d like to track, you’ll need a more well-rounded activity tracking watch like the Garmin Fenix 3.

Available colors: Black/blue

Tracks: swim distance, pace, stroke count, pool lengths

Notable features: 12 month battery life, 12 or 24 hour time, daily alarm, logs drills, stopwatch

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Withings Activite Pop Activity and Sleep Tracking Watch

If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that actually looks like a traditional watch, the Withings Activite line will suit you. This is a well-rounded fitness watch that’s meant to track steps and sleep. It has automatic run detection, so it’s perfect for runners who want a discrete fitness tracker. The watch face tells time and also features a dial tracker to show you how close you are to reaching your daily activity goal. Sync with your smartphone to get detail data on distance walked or runner, and sleep data.

The only downside is the Activite Pop does not have specific swim tracking capabilities, even though it’s waterproof up to 150 feet. This watch is more for people who want a general waterproof fitness watch and not for swimmers.

Available colors: black, sand, azure, pink (customizable with additional wristbands)

Tracks: steps, distance, running, calories burned, sleep cycle, steps taken

Notable features: silent alarm, sleep cycle analysis, 8 month battery life, automatic run detection, water resistant to 150 feet

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Garmin Fenix 3 GPS Watch

If you want a lot of features in your waterproof fitness watch, the Garmin Fenix 3 may be the perfect model for you. This multisport GPS watch goes with you wherever you go–water, running, the gym–it will track and coach you through everything. Use the preset sport profiles for accurate fitness tracking and GPS to track distance and navigate outdoors. This watch is rugged too, featuring stainless steel buttons and reinforced housing to stand up to whatever comes your way.

It also uses the same technology as Garmin Swim Watch to track all your swimming stats and laps. The Fenix 3 is also a smartwatch, allowing for customized apps, widgets, watch faces, and more. This is a pricey fitness watch, but the fact that it is waterproof and track almost every fitness activity you can think of makes it worth the investment if you’re serious about exercise and outdoor sports. This watch is perfect for runners, swimmers, and bike riders. (If you want heart rate tracking built into the band, check out the Garmin Fenix 3 HR)

Available colors: gray/black band, silver/red band, sapphire/metal band, rose gold/white band, silver/leather band

Tracks: distance, running dynamics, swimming (distance, pace, stroke count), skiing/snow boarding (speed, distance, vertical drop), and so much more

Notable features: GPS, Swim profile. waterproof up to 100 meters, optional heart rate monitor strap, smart notifications, weather alert, fitness training, works as a remote for VIRB action cameras

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Waterproof Versus Water Resistant Activity Trackers

What’s the difference between waterproof and water resistant activity trackers?

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

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Check out more water resistant activity trackers.

Water Resistant Activity Tracker You Can Shower With

Jawbone UP3 Activity, Heart, and Sleep Tracker
The Jawbone UP3 includes all the basic features of step counting, food and calorie tracking, and multiple exercise modes. It’s also splash and showerproof, so if you forget to take it off when you shower or get caught in a thunderstorm on your afternoon run, you know your UP3 is safe.

It also features Advanced Sleep tracking. Using bioimpedance sensors, the UP3 uses your heart rate to track your sleep phases, including Wake, REM, Light Sleep, and Deep Sleep. This makes the Smart Alarm even more accurate.

If you’re looking for heart rate monitoring, UP3 includes that as well. The same bioimpedance sensors track your resting heart rate and your passive heart rate to give a complete picture of your heart health.

Available colors: black twist, black/gold twist, indigo twist, ruby cross, sand twist, silver cross, teal cross, twilight cross

Tracks: activity, calories burned, sleep, heart rate

Notable features: Smart Coach, sleep tracking, Smart Alarm, Idle Alert (move alerts), automatic sleep detection and advanced sleep tracking, splash-proof and waterproof, LED indicator (notification and status), battery lasts up to 7 days, wireless syncing

Waterproof Fitness Tracker

Garmin Vivosmart 4 Fitness Band

The Garmin Vivosmart is the Vivofit’s cousin, only it features a sleeker, higher end design with a more minimalist display integrated into the band itself. It measures calories burned, steps taken, distance, gives move reminders, and has great battery life. With a touchscreen display and integration with your smartphone, it’s a fitness tracker worth considering if you’re looking for a waterproof option that you can shower and swim with.

Available colors: black, blue, berry, slate, green

Tracks: steps, calories, distances, sleep

Notable features: Waterproof 5 ATM, touchscreen, smart notifications (calls, texts, emails), vibration alerts and move reminders, auto-syncs to mobile devices, time display, alarm clock

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Not seeing what you’re looking for. Check out more waterproof fitness trackers for swimming and waterproof fitness watches.

Remember: You shouldn’t wear your fitness band 24/7. Your skin needs a chance to breathe and reset. Even if your tracker is waterproof, I would recommend taking it off when you shower so you can fully wash your wrist and arm and give it a little break.

Waterproof Fitness Activity Tracker for Swimming

Most fitness trackers aren’t waterproof, and if they are, they’re only “water resistant”; which means they can withstand a splash or two, but aren’t meant for serious water emersion or even the shower (You can read more about the difference between waterproof and water resistant activity trackers).

Luckily, there are some waterproof fitness activity trackers on the market today. Here are several well-reviewed fitness activity trackers for swimming that actually are waterproof in the true sense of the word:

Garmin Vivofit 3 Activity Tracker

The newest offering from the Garmin Vivofit line is an amazing and well-rounded activity tracker. It features Move IQ, which automatically detects what activity you’re doing and records accordingly. When you sync to the Garmin Connect app it helps you set goals and improve your performance over time.

The Vivofit 3 also features basic features like time and step count display on the band. The band is meant to be worn comfortably 24/7, from the gym to the shower and to bed. This waterproof exercise tracker is great for walking, running, biking, swimming, or working out at the gym.

Available colors: black, white (additional colored accessory bands available)

Tracks: steps, calories, distance, intensity minutes, sleep, inactivity

Notable features: 1 year battery life, silicone band, water resistant 5 ATM, auto activity detection, move bar and move reminders, displays time of day, personalized daily goals, Garmin Connect app

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Fitbit Flex 2 Waterproof Activity Tracker

Finally! Fitbit now offers a waterproof activity tracker for swimmers. This fitness wristband comes with an ultra slim design that is easily swapped out with different bands or jewelry so you can wear this tracker in the pool or shower, then out at a party, or in the office. This band is an update to their original Flex, with the big change being the “swimproof” design. You can finally wear your Fitbit in the shower or while swimming in the ocean or pool without destroying your tracker. I have a feeling this one is going to become very popular with swimmers. It also features SmartTrack, which automatically recognizes certain activities (including swimming) and tracks your workout for you automatically. There’s also smartphone notifications in addition to the silent alarms. All these features come without sacrificing the battery life of the original model.

This comfortable and easy to wear activity tracker sacrifices the LCD display for LED lights that show you your progress toward the day’s step goals. But you still have the Fitbit app to easily track your steps, activity, and sleep on your smartphone or tablet. This is a recent update to the original Fitbit Flex that combines the features users loved about the original with some new functionality.

Available colors: black, lavender, magenta, navy

Tracks: steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, sleep quality and quantity

Notable features: silent alarm, swappable wristband, automatic sleep monitoring, 5-day rechargeable battery, syncs wirelessly to computers and smartphones, water resistant, SmartTrack auto exericse tracking, waterproof, move reminders

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Garmin Vivosmart 4 Fitness Band

The Garmin Vivosmart is the Vivofit’s cousin, only it features a sleeker, higher end design with a more minimalist display integrated into the band itself. Like the Vivofit, it measures calories burned, steps taken, distance, “move!” reminders, and has great battery life. The Vivosmart takes it a step further though, providing integration with your phone and a touchscreen display.

Available colors: black, blue, berry, slate, green

Tracks: steps, calories, distances, sleep

Notable features: Waterproof 5 ATM, touchscreen, smart notifications (calls, texts, emails), vibration alerts and move reminders, auto-syncs to mobile devices, time display, alarm clock

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Misfit Wearables Shine 2 Waterproof Activity Tracker

The Misfit Shine 2 is another great waterproof fitness tracker that provides a well rounded tracking system. It automatically tracks all modes of your life: running, swimming, sleeping. The Sleep tracking helps you make the most of your nights, so you’re ready to hit the ground running the next day. Hit the pool with confidence as this waterproof tracker will record your swimming activity.

This is a tough little tracker, it’s made from aircraft grade aluminum and glass-reinforced polycarbonate, which makes it waterproof up to 50 meters. It’s also completely interchangeable with other wristbands, clips ons, or jewelry, so you can wear it wherever and however you want to. The minimalist design makes it match any outfit or occasion so you can truly wear it 24/7.

Available colors: pure silver, carbon black, rose gold (other third party replacement bands are available)

Tracks: steps, calories burned, distance, activity types, sleep quality and duration

Notable features: water resistant up to 50 meters, interchangeable bands, vibration alarm for text and call alerts, move reminders, 6 month replaceable battery

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Polar V800 GPS Sports Watch

If you’re looking for a heavy duty sports watch that is waterproof and tracking swimming, you should considering the Polar V800. This is a heavy duty fitness tracker that hits a lot of the key features shoppers look for: heart rate monitoring, GPS enables, and waterproof for swimming. The multi-sport focus means it’s perfect for triatheletes, tracking running, biking, and swimming.

Check out more waterproof fitness watches for swimmers.

Available colors: black/gray, blue/red

Tracks: heart rate, sleep duration and quality, cycling metrics, swimming metrics, calories, distance

Notable features: rechargeable battery, heart rate monitoring, GPS, waterproof to 100 feet, scratch resistant Gorilla Glass lens, real-time multi-sport guidance, inactivity alert, smartphone notifications, timer, vibration alerts

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Moov NOW Personal Coach & Workout Tracker

The Moov Now is more than just a waterproof fitness tracker. It is a personal coach that literally talks you through your workout with coaching for running, cycling, cardio boxing, and body weights. The tracker advises you on how to get the most out of your workout and motivates you to achieve your fitness goals.

For swimmers specifically, Moov Now tracks your form including your strokes, to give you feedback and lap breakdowns for your swim. This tracker is small and comfortable and a great choice for swimmers looking for a waterproof fitness band.

Available colors: aqua blue, stealth black, blizzard white, fusion red

Tracks: steps, swimming (strokes, lap time, turn time, rests), cycling (power output, cadence, in depth analysis), sleep duration

Notable features: personal audio coach, guided workouts, 6 month battery life, waterproof activity band

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