10 Best Garmin Swim Watches 2025 in the United States

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 multisport smartwatch that offers strong features for swimmers and triathletes. It has a durable design with a titanium bezel and sapphire lens, ensuring good comfort and protection during swimming. The watch features built-in GPS and advanced swim metrics to track swim distance and performance accurately. Heart rate monitoring is included, with the option to use an additional sensor for more detailed running metrics, which is helpful for triathletes who want to monitor all aspects of their training.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours with GPS active, so charging is infrequent even during long training sessions or races. The AMOLED touchscreen is bright and easy to read, and button controls make it usable even when wet. Smart features like phone call handling, voice assistant support, and built-in maps add convenience beyond basic swim tracking.

This watch is well suited for athletes seeking an all-around triathlon device with solid swim capabilities, long battery life, and smart features. It provides a comprehensive package that supports multi-sport training effectively.

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.