The best smartwatches you can swim with, featuring at least 50-meter (5 ATM) water resistance…
Waterproof smartwatches are still mostly niche products, but that is starting to change with the introduction of more models that are water-resistant to 50-meters and beyond. Most mainstream smartwatches have an Ingress Protection rating of IP68. These smartwatches have been tested to survive submersion in shallow water for a short period of time. The reality is that you should avoid regularly exposing them to water, and you should definitely not swim with them. IP68-rated watches are designed to withstand accidental water exposure and the occasional dunking but they are not intended for regular wear underwater or for water-based activities. If you plan to expose your smartwatch to water regularly or want to swim with it, see the models below with better water protection.
Note: “Waterproof” is used as a descriptive marketing term when it comes to electronics and should not be taken literally (as increasing depth, pressure, and time will eventually overcome most waterproof devices). “Water-resistant” is the more accurate term and commonly used when referring to traditional watches. This list focuses on smartwatches that are at least water-resistant to 50 meters. A 50-meter (or 5 ATM) water resistance rating is suitable for swimming. For activities like surfing or shallow water diving, a watch with 100-meter water-resistance is recommended. Those with active lifestyles who want the best water-resistance currently available should look into the following smartwatch models for 2018.
Samsung Gear Sport
The Samsung Gear Sport features 50-meter water resistance, making it the lone Samsung Gear smartwatch (other than the Gear Fit2 Pro fitness band) that is suitable for swimming. As the name implies this smartwatch is designed for fitness with a built-in heart rate monitor, GPS, and a large selection of training and tracking apps available. Along with the 1.2″ Gorilla Glass 3 color touchscreen, a rotating bezel and side buttons make navigation easy. The NFC capability (a feature lacking in most other rugged smartwatches) enables Samsung Pay cashless transactions. Though it’s not a Wear OS by Google smartwatch, the Tizen OS has thousands of apps available. The Gear Sport is available in black or blue with silicone straps.
Buy Samsung Gear Sport at Amazon
Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch with 50-Meter Water-Resistance
Fitbit is widely known for its fitness trackers and recently entered the smartwatch market with the Ionic, a color touchscreen model with a wrist-based heart rate monitor that runs the Fitbit OS. The Ionic has 50-meter water resistance and can track swim workouts with lap counting, duration, and calories burned. As a Fitbit product it has all the multi-sport fitness and all-day tracking features you would expect, including built-in GPS. It also has the ability to store 300 songs and play them through Bluetooth-connected headphones. Other smartwatch features include smartphone notifications for call, text, and calendar, as well as push notifications from smartphone apps. Other non-fitness smartwatch apps are also available.
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Smartwatch with 50-Meter Water-Resistance
Garmin’s new Vivoactive 3 adopts a more stylish round design that makes it more attractive than previous models for all-day wear. Like the other Vivoactive models it is water-resistant to 50 meters and includes swim tracking. Equipped with an optical heart rate monitor and built-in GPS, the Vivoactive 3 is a solid choice for those who are serious about their fitness and training. Features like the well-stocked Connect IQ app store, text message writing, social media updates, and music playback control will also appeal to more mainstream users. The new Garmin Pay feature allows payments to be made with the watch wherever a tap-to-pay card would work. The Vivoactive 3 has impressive battery life of up to 7 days.
Buy Garmin Vivoactive 3 at Amazon
Fitbit Versa Smartwatch with 50-Meter Water-Resistance
The Versa is Fitbit’s most recent smartwatch offering and takes some design cues from the Apple Watch, with more rounded and curved edges than the Fitbit Ionic. Like the Ionic, the Versa has 50-meter water resistance and is suitable for swimming. As a more affordable model than the Ionic, the Versa is lacking a few features. The Versa doesn’t have built-in GPS, although you can still use the GPS features if you carry a connected smartphone with you. The Versa also lacks NFC (except in special editions). Also, the Ionic gets slightly better battery life with up to 5 days, while the Versa is rated for about 4+ days. Those who don’t depend on built-in GPS for their fitness tracking may prefer the lower price and more fashionable design of the Versa.
Casio Pro Trek WSD-F20 Smart Outdoor Watch:
Rugged Google Wear OS Smartwatch with GPS & 50-Meter Water-Resistance
The Pro Trek WSD-F20 is the newest model in Casio’s Smart Outdoor Watch line. It is now under the Pro Trek brand, runs Wear OS by Google (formerly known as Android Wear 2.0), and has built-in GPS which the previous WSD-F10 lacked. This gives the WSD-F20 better outdoor capabilities with the ability to use GPS with offline color maps without a connected smartphone. The WSD-F20 is also 0.8mm thinner than the WSD-F10 and has the same rugged MIL-STD-810-compliant environmental resistance. Other features carried over from the previous generation include the dual-layer TFT color and monochrome LCD display, altimeter-barometer-compass sensors, vibration alerts, and microphone.
Update: Casio recently released the lower-priced Pro Trek WSD-F20A which has the same specs with the exception of a resin buckle (versus stainless steel) and non-textured side buttons.
Buy Casio Pro Trek WSD-F20A at Amazon
Nixon Mission Wear OS Smartwatch with 100-Meter Water-Resistance
The Nixon Mission is one of the most rugged and water-resistant Wear OS smartwatches. Boasting 100-meter water-resistance, shock resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass, and built-in GPS, the Mission is the ideal smartwatch for outdoor and watersport enthusiasts. With its raised stainless steel bezel and rugged design, the Mission is likely the toughest Wear OS smartwatch on the market as well as the most waterproof. The Mission was specifically designed for activities like surfing and snowboarding and runs the Surfline and Snocountry apps to monitor ocean and mountain conditions. The Mission also has Google Fit activity tracking and access to the Google Play app store. Another unique feature to the Mission is the customization option when ordering direct from Nixon. Buyers can choose from 20 silicon bands and 15 bezels to create their own personalized smartwatch.
Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire:
Rugged GPS Fitness Smartwatch with 100-Meter Water-Resistance
The Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire is the latest ruggedized version of the popular Fenix series of GPS fitness smartwatches. It features 100-meter water resistance, a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, a PVD-coated stainless steel bezel and buttons, and a reinforced housing. It is also the first Fenix watch with full-color TOPO U.S. mapping and has all the GPS and fitness features expected from a high-end Garmin GPS smartwatch, including a wrist-based heart rate monitor. It is available in silicone and metal band versions, with the metal band version including a swappable silicone band. While the advanced GPS and fitness tracking features may not appeal to the casual user, the Fenix 5X Sapphire is recommended for serious outdoor athletes and adventurers.
Buy Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire at Amazon
Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 3 with 50-Meter Water-Resistance
Proper water-resistance is becoming mainstream as Apple revealed that the new Apple Watch Series 2 has a “swimproof” shell that is water-resistant to 50 meters. As is the case with other 50-meter water-resistant watches, Apple says it can be used for shallow water activities such as swimming in a pool or the ocean, but should not be used in activities involving high-velocity water or deep submersion such as scuba diving or water-skiing.
The Apple Watch Series 2 retains the same rectangular shape as before and will also have a built-in GPS chip for improved outdoor and fitness features. The Apple Watch Series 2 has a new dual-core processor and a new GPU which will provide double the performance of the original Apple Watch. There is also now an Apple Watch Series 1 with the upgraded CPU and GPU but without the waterproofing and GPS.
As the original Apple Watch was the leading smartwatch on the market and the Series 2 will most likely take its place, we expect other flagship smartwatches to follow suit with more advanced water-resistance features in the future.
Update: Apple released the Apple Watch Series 3 which also has 50-meter water resistance. New additions for the Series 3 include a more powerful and battery-efficient S3 processor, a barometric altimeter to measure air pressure and altitude, and a cellular LTE-enabled e-SIM option that can use the same phone number as your iPhone and provides connectivity without a tethered phone.
Buy Apple Watch Series 3 at Amazon
Garmin Vivoactive HR: New Design with Heart Rate Monitor and 50-Meter Water-Resistance
The Garmin Vivoactive HR has the same features as the original GPS-equipped Vivoactive with a more streamlined design that resembles a large fitness band more than a typical smartwatch. It also has a wrist-based heart rate monitor built in to provide additional fitness tracking data. The Vivoactive HR features 50-meter water-resistance like the original and also adds an altimeter, barometer, and compass sensor for outdoor activities. The Vivoactive HR is available in two sizes and fits wrists from 5.39″ to 8.86″. Read more about it here.
Buy Garmin Vivoactive HR at Amazon
Garmin Fenix 3: Advanced Fitness GPS Smartwatch with 100-Meter Water-Resistance
The Fenix 3 is Garmin’s flagship multi-sport and outdoor GPS smartwatch. It is water-resistant to 100 meters with a 218 x 218 1.2” color screen. With its advanced tracking metrics and training features for running, cycling, and swimming, some may consider the Fenix 3 to be more of a hardcore fitness watch than an everyday smartwatch. It works with Garmin accessories like heart rate monitors and bicycle speed and cadence sensors to optimize training and recovery. It has smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth for music playback control and smart notifications for calls, emails, texts, and social media. Like the Vivoactive it also has a daily activity tracker with a step counter. Outdoor features include navigation, altimeter/baromter/compass sensors, and GLONASS support for superior GPS reception. Additional apps are available via the Connect IQ appstore.
The Garmin Fenix 3 is pricey and non-athletes may not take advantage of its full potential, but it is one of the most rugged smartwatches currently available. It is also available with a sapphire crystal (Fenix 3 Sapphire) and a wrist-based heart rate monitor (Fenix 3 HR). Read more about the Fenix 3 in our Best Garmin GPS Watches feature.
Suunto Ambit3 Line:
Advanced Fitness GPS Smartwatches with 50-meter and 100-Meter Water-Resistance
The Ambit3 line is Suunto’s first Bluetooth Smart compatible watch line and is designed for fitness tracking and outdoor use. Like the Fenix 3 the Ambit3 is a GPS watch with advanced tracking and training features for running, cycling, and swimming. The Ambit3 Sport and Ambit3 Run are water-resistant to 50 meters and the Ambit3 Peak and Ambit3 Vertical are water-resistant to 100 meters.
The Ambit3 Peak and Vertical models have a steel bezel while the Sport is steel and polyamide and the Run is polyamide. The Ambit3 line has GPS reception for distance measuring, outdoor trekking, and navigation, and the watch also has GPS timekeeping. The Ambit3 has an altimeter (GPS-based for Sport and Run models), barometer on the Peak and Vertical models, and digital compass. Bluetooth smartphone connectivity along with the Suunto Movescount App provide phone notifications, the ability to use the phone as a secondary display, and photos with watch data overlays. Additional Suunto Apps are available to download.
The Ambit3 has a 128 x 128 monochrome display with an impressive battery life of up to 14 days in time mode (30 for Ambit3 Peak). Those who want the toughest model and the most features for outdoor use should go with the Ambit3 Peak or Vertical models. The Peak is heavier (89g versus 74g) but has longer battery life (30 days in time mode versus 14). The Vertical is the latest model and adds vibration alert, GLONASS support, and some additional software features (show current versus route elevation, ascent graphs, 3D distance).
Suunto Ambit3 watches are available in a variety of colors and also available with sapphire crystals for better scratch-resistance.
This was very helpful. Though, I don’t understand why they don’t make these watches more feminine looking.
I found some that did look more feminine.
I just google image searched “rugged smart watch”, I then used the images as a shopping tool..I got hundreds of photo’s, I then either clicked visit page or just googled that watch name in another open tab.
Hope that helps.,
Added the Fitbit Versa which has a more female-friendly design.
I love my Garmin products but recently had a terrible experience with my newly acquired Vivoactive hr watch.
After only 3 – 4 weeks use the screen cracked for no good reason even though I had a toughened glass screen protector on it.
I immediately contacted Garmin, sent photographic evidence of the cracked screen & they replied saying it must have been damaged by an impact on my behalf, which was most certainly not the case.
This prompted me to research online, low & behold even though the watch has only been released 10 months prior to December 2016, there are several people who have contacted Garmin via their UK Facebook page with the very same fault.
Unfortunately a cracked screen is not covered under their 1 year warranty from purchase & you will be charged a cool £105 to replace the screen plus postage costs.
The Garmin vivoactive hr screen is not toughened glass & you are heading for a whole world of pain if purchasing especially for such an expensive watch, which is marketed as robust & active!!!!!!!!
My opinion, stay well clear or you will end up with an expensive time piece as the touch screen scrolling also fails when the screen gets cracked.
Tom
Ah at least in the old days you could say that a broke watch is still right twice a day. Like the look of the Mission watch though. Wonder if anyone has made a hybrid watch with traditional hands but a transparent screen over top.
Yes, there is a model, out is on kick starter I think.
Thx a lot Tom. I was about to buy one of the Garmin series but changed my mind now. Nixon it will be.
i loved the garmain watches too because it doesnt die so quickly. but my recent garmain vivoactive HR keeps changing the time. if my phone is not near it. it just turns off and change the time. that annoys me.
I had exactly the same experience after wearing it for 2 days (having received it as a gift over the holidays the month before). I’d even paid for and applied the sticker screen protecter! I contacted Garmin and they said I’d have to pay over £100 for a replacement screen, which would not be any more durable (so that seemed like a pointless re-investment). I’ve since seen Garmin do watch screen case protectors, which seems like a strange sticky plaster/band aid move, rather than simply using glass for the screen that’s fit for purpose (eg toughened glass).
The bigger question: who will provide the first Water Resistant smart watch WITH a Depth Sensor?
I’d “thumb up” this question if I could. I immediately went to look at dive watches to see if any had other smartwatch features… not really, not yet!
Pebble has been bought by fitbit. they don’t support the watches anymore. Their appstore is still active but the software and some apps don’t work anymore
Don’t buy any of the Garmin watches. The screens are not durable. The screen breaks easy, you don’t have to do anything to it. As the previous person mentioned the warranty does not cover, $100.00 U.S to fix and shipping. For that price you can buy another watch.
I don’t think the smart watch I want exists yet. If anyone knows if such a watch exists, please let me know.
It is for my 9 year old so must have gps tracking
It must work on Australian 3g networks
It must have voice calling features that are limited to parents and friends
It must only receive calls from parents or parental approved numbers
It must be water resistant so can be used while swimming.
https://www.thespystore.com.au/3g-australian-kids-smart-watch-with-gps-tracker-so
http://www.smartwatches4u.com/news/Top-Kids-GPS-Tracking-Smartwatches
I had 3 different Jawbone devices that all died due to water that got inside just from washing my hands or dishes. I returned the waterproof Jawbone as it just was not comfortable. I then moved onto the Vivoactive by Garmin. I see a lot of people having problems but luckily I have not had any problems with mine. I’ve had it for 1 1/2 years and I am still happy with it. I wear it day and night and only take it off to charge it which is every couple weeks. Love that it’s waterproof and mine came with a heart monitor. Great prices through Amazon.
Nixon, would be the best one, if a speaker will build in and a larger band, original too small and no answering from support, so my Gear S wont be exchanged,….
Polar M600 is IPX8 rated. I own one. It is fantastic. Never taken it off swimming or showering.
I’m using Garmin Feix3 more than 1,5 year a totally love it. I’m not so accurate and several times hit the screen to the door and walls. Sapphire glass is amazing and no scratches on it at all or other serious damage. There is only 1 thing I’m not happy about – its quite heavy. Its not like a Fitbit HR, you just wear it and can forget it cuz its very lite. I killed my fitbit in pool and choose the garmin .
Hey there, I love Garmin watches. I had fitness band of Garmin.
But now i want water resistance smartwatch of Garmin. My budget is $100.
Can you suggest me best smartwatch or fitness band of Garmin under 100 USD? You can also suggest me other best brand’s watch which i can easily afford.
You can get the Garmin Vivoactive for close to $100 now.
3g watch that is water resistant enough to swim that’s what I need
After trying several watches for swimming I settled on a Tom Tom spark 3. The physical button controller is very easy to use underwater and the screen is easily visible whilst swimming (a shame Tom Tom seem to have stopped supporting it). However, I wasn’t so keen on it for all day use. After loking at lots of watches I went for a Garmin active 3. It’s excellent. It’s light, unobtrusive and sems pretty tough. Lasts several days without a charge (especially if you don’t have it connected to your phone! I got mine to last over a week that way). For swimming it’s not as good as the Tom Tom spark. It needs a couple of presses and pauses to get going and a couple of presses and pauses to save the swimming details. I can see distance and time swum when I’m in the water but it’s not as clear as the Tom Tom spark under water. The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is also great for steps, flights, exercises in general. And for notifications, music controls and a few other things. It doesn’t try to be a very smart smartwatch, it’s a fitness based smartwatch. If I had an iPhone I’d have been tempted by the Apple watch 3 which is also light and does heart rate monitoring underwater (unlike many smart watches).
I went for the chrome bezel rather than black as I’ve heard reports of some black smart watches showing scratches more clearly.