11 Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers for an Active Lifestyle

Written by Shebna V, Health & Fitness Coach
Updated on Feb 21, 2024
Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers
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Whether you are a runner, a track star, a cyclist, a swimmer, or a lover of an active lifestyle,  fitness trackers are incredibly good devices for monitoring all your physical activities. However, with the best waterproof fitness trackers, you can take your fitness game to the next level. Based on our observations, these trackers introduce you to a whole new world of possibilities, allowing you to seamlessly transition from dry and ground-based activities to water-based ones. According to a study published in The Lancet, fitness trackers can also motivate people to become more physically active. 

Waterproof fitness trackers can withstand some sweat here, a little splash there, and a lot of getting submerged in the water while swimming, depending on their water-resistant rating. They are typically more versatile as they can track many metrics continuously, from the steps and calories to heart rate and sleep. These trackers are also more resilient and durable. You can find them in a variety of shapes, styles, and sizes.

Our research indicates that with new designs and operating systems in the market, you can self-monitor your physical health along with your mental health with metrics like stress and sleep trackers that are useful for people suffering from chronic conditions that require them to keep tabs on their blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. 

So, here we are with our expertly curated selection of top-rated waterproof fitness trackers.  Our team tested them based on their style, comfort, accuracy, metrics, compatibility, water resistance level, ease of use, durability, and customer reviews. Keep reading to learn more about our handpicked recommendations and why they made it to our list.

11 Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers

This brand has been the OG when it comes to fitness trackers and now with a lot of competitors to face, it continues to deliver functionality, performance, and durability. The Fitbit waterproof watch, with its slim and sleek design, will not take much to become your favorite. It is loaded with features that make it a very reliable companion for your fitness journey. A 10-day battery life after a single charge and the 24x7 heart rate monitoring ensure you stay on track to achieve all your fitness goals. Other features include built-in GPS, stress tracker, blood glucose tracking, and menstrual health tracking, to name a few. Our team discovered through using this product that it accurately alerts you when your heart rate goes low or high.

Specifications:

  • Display Type: Backlit OLED
  • Compatibility: iOS 14+ and Android 9.0+
  • Dimensions: 1.47 x 0.66 x 0.51 inches
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Long battery life
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Excellent sleep tracking
  • Tracks heart rate variability
  • Compatible with both iOS and Android
  • Water-resistant up to 50m
  • Different activity modes
Cons
  • Step counter may be a tad bit inaccurate
  • Best Overall

    Samsung Galaxy Watch Active

    Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
  • This waterproof fitness watch took its job seriously as a watch. This particular model is a convenient combo of an analog watch and a fitness tracker that tracks your active minutes. It shows you the time, date, and day while also indicating the number of steps you took and your current heart rate. The straps are soft and feel comfortable against the wrist, making sure you can wear this tracker all day every day without any issues. This watch can automatically track 7 different exercises and up to 39 more. That’s not all. Its upgraded versions offer an excellent sleep-tracking feature that can track the different sleep cycles, including REM sleep. Its versatility is beyond compare thanks to its compatibility with almost every smartphone. After putting it to the test, we can confidently say it takes care of all your tracking needs.

    Specifications:

    • Display Type: AMOLED
    • Compatibility: Android 5.0+ and iOS 9.0+
    • Dimensions: 1.56 x 1.56 x 0.41 inches
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    Pros
    • Super responsive touchscreen display
    • Real-time heart rate alerts
    • Premium build quality
    • Scratch-resistant
    • Can choose multiple watch faces
    • Accurate sleep tracking
    • Water resistant up to 50m
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Battery life is not impressive
  • Best for Runners

    Polar M430 GPS Running Watch

    Polar M430 GPS Running Watch
  • A must-have for the runners and the track stars, this waterproof activity tracker is designed to take your performance to the next level. You can choose from four running options, 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon to get a professionally assessed training plan. This is a feature that you may not find in other training-specific fitness trackers. Apart from guidance, you can expect detailed feedback on your performance. You can also set training targets for your next workout session and your device will alert you when you need to move more or slow down. Our investigation demonstrated that you will love the app more than you love the watch, because of its user-friendliness and added features.

    Specifications:

    • Display Type: LCD
    • Compatibility: Android
    • Dimensions: 1.46 x 1.70 x 0.47 inches
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Easy to set up
    • Readable display
    • Integrated GPS
    • Automatic tracking 24x7
    • Water-resistant up to 30m
    • Back to start feature
    Cons
    • Heart rate tracking may be inaccurate at times
  • Best Features

    AMAZTIM M2 Rugged Military Smart Watch

    AMAZTIM M2 Rugged Military Smart Watch
  • Get your hands on this military-grade waterproof activity tracker with heart rate for an experience like no other. It has rugged looks and a sturdy construction that can take on the rigors of various activities and sports you may throw its way. It is often used as a tracking watch for hiking. Its full metal body design gets marks for being stylish while the Bluetooth calling adds to its functionality. It has up to 70 sports modes and smart recognition, which can automatically track 6 activities. You can take it to your pool workouts without giving it a second thought. The color display is bright and easy to read with multiple data displays, including heart rate, blood pressure, calories spent, steps walked, and the date and time among other data. Our findings show that the best feature is the AI algorithm of this watch, which is ahead of its time and helps optimize the watch for better performance.

    Specifications:

    • Display Type: HD
    • Compatibility: Android 5.0+ and iOS 12.0+
    • Dimensions: 7.87 x 4.33 x 0.75 inches
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    Pros
    • Good battery life
    • 5ATM & IP69K waterproof
    • Accurate sleep tracking
    • Large HD display
    • Extra long battery life
    • AI voice assistant
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Durable

    Polar Grit X Outdoor Watch

    Polar Grit X Outdoor Watch
  • Let your search for the best waterproof smartwatch end here with the Polar Grit X Outdoor Watch. From running and hiking to pool swimming and cycling, it will become the perfect partner for all your outdoor adventures. It has the power and ability to withstand the rigors of weather and weather. The built-in GPS, altimeter, and compass will guide you throughout the way, whether you take the roads or the rough trails. You can also plan your route and this device will offer you step-by-step guidance. Its Hill Splitter feature automatically detects uphill and downhill, ultimately offering you detailed analytics and feedback on your performance. After trying out this product, we have fallen for its FuelWise fueling assistant which alerts you when you need to take some carbs and how much. There is a drink alert too for all those who forget to drink water.

    Specifications:

    • Display Type: MIP
    • Compatibility: Android and iOS
    • Dimensions: 1.85 x 1.85 x 0.51 inches
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes  
    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Sturdy build
    • Long battery life
    • Easy to use
    • Accurate GPS tracking
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Sleek Design

    Amazfit GTR Mini Smart Watch

    Amazfit GTR Mini Smart Watch
  • This waterproof GPS watch from Amazfit has a uniquely stylish design that will attract you in just one glance. And when your sights have been set on it, you can keep getting mesmerized by the tons of features it has to offer. With more than 120 sports modes and 5ATM water resistance, it performs exceptionally well as a tracker for multiple outdoor activities. With more than eighty watch faces, you can customize the screen to your liking. Thanks to the rich app ecosystem, this fitness tracker comes with quite a lot of fitness apps and fun games. Hop on to the sleep mode, and this watch will also take care of your rest as much as it did for your physical activities.

    Specifications:

    • Display Type: HD AMOLED Always-on display
    • Compatibility: iOS 12.0+ and Android 7.0+
    • Dimensions: 1.69 x 1.69 x 0.35 inches
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Sleek design
    • Easy-to-navigate features
    • Customizable data fields
    • Bright display
    • Gives sleep score
    • Good battery life
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Size discrepancy
  • Best for Swimmers

    Garmin Swim 2 Swimming Smartwatch

    Garmin Swim 2 Swimming Smartwatch
  • Specifically designed for swimmers, this waterproof Garmin watch is a popular choice. It monitors your heart rate in real time and comes with two different swim modes, pool mode and open water swim mode. You can easily monitor your stroke count, stroke rate, and stroke distance. The SWOLF feature helps monitor swimming efficiency for open water swimmers and helps them take their game to the next level. Beyond swimming, this fitness tracker also helps monitor your overall fitness levels. The all-day stress tracking and sleep monitor allows you to keep tabs on your health. Through our practical knowledge, we suggest it for adventure seekers who spend a lot of time with water-based activities.

    Specifications:

    • Display Type: Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
    • Compatibility: iOS 15.0+ and Android 7.0+
    • Dimensions: 1.69 x 1.69 x 0.45 inches
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    Pros
    • Accurate built-in GPS
    • Exceptional battery life
    • Stylish
    • Lightweight design
    • Offers multiple connected features
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Lap counter may not be accurate at times
  • Best Versatile

    Apple Watch Ultra

    Apple Watch Ultra
  • A must-have for those with Apple smartphones, this watch is unlike any other. From its build to its performance, everything screams premium quality. It may have a battery life of only 36 hours, but it can withstand the rigors of several outdoor activities. Whether you are an athlete or a professional swimmer, its 49mm corrosion-resistant titanium case and very accessible buttons are all you need. Considering how it has a water-resistant rating of 100m, it is by far the best waterproof fitness tracker for swimming. From calling and texting to streaming your favorite music and Siri, you can do almost everything with this watch on your wrist.

    Specifications:

    • Display Type: Always-on retina OLED
    • Compatibility: iOS
    • Dimensions: 1.93 x 1.73 x 0.57 inches
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    Pros
    • Has alpine loop straps
    • Vibrant screen
    • Offers adequate brightness
    • Accurate tracking
    • Interchangeable bands
    • Emergency SOS feature
    • Can connect with smart goggles
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Display

    anyloop Watch Ultra

    anyloop Watch Ultra
  • The anyloop Watch Ultra comes with an attractive design that takes it up quite high on the aesthetic matter. But it is not just about looks and has so much more to offer. With its AMOLED screen and sturdy construction it stands out amongst other waterproof fitness watches. Thanks to the built-in GPS, you can accurately track your movements, whether you go for a jog, running, or cycling. You can choose from more than a hundred watch faces and change the style depending on your moods and preferences. After conducting experiments with it, we can say that it brings a newfound convenience to your life, where you don't have to take out your phone to see if the notification is worthwhile or not.

    Specifications:

    • Display Type: AMOLED
    • Compatibility: iOS and Android
    • Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.65 x 0.55 inches
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    Pros
    • Sleek design
    • Good battery life
    • Silicone straps
    • 3ATM waterproof
    • Monitors heart rate and sleep
    • Comes with 30+ sports modes
    • Budget-friendly
    Cons
    • Some functions may not give an accurate reading
  • Best in Budget

    Gydom LW92 Smart Watch

    Gydom LW92 Smart Watch
  • Gydom may not be a brand as famous as Samsung, Apple, or Fitbit, but it gets the job done. Its waterproof smartwatch for Android and iOS has a typical watch-like design and comes loaded with many smart features. Remember, how Power Rangers could talk into their watch and stay connected to their team? Well, that's a reality now. You can easily connect it with Bluetooth to enjoy hands-free calling wherever you are. Its advanced sensors allow you to monitor your heart rate, sleep, and stress levels apart from the basic step counter so that you can monitor your overall health. When we trialed this product, we truly liked its high-resolution display and the different vibrantly colored icons. Thanks to its high IP rating, you can also carry this fitness tracker on you along with your swim goggles and other gear.

    Specifications:

    • Display Type: HD
    • Compatibility: iOS 12.0+ and Android 6.0+
    • Dimensions: 6.18 x 2.8 x 0.94 inches
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    Pros
    • IP68 water-resistance rating
    • Smart touch
    • Offers control via app
    • Music control feature
    • Blood oxygen monitoring
    • Has find your phone feature
    • Good for gifting
    • Available in different colors
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Some may find it bulky
  • SOUYIE P99 Sport Smart Watch

    SOUYIE P99 Sport Smart Watch
  • Trust the SOUYIE P99 Sport Smart Watch when it comes to doing it all. From answering calls to recording your workouts, you can do it all with this one device on your wrist. It is the best waterproof fitness tracker with a water-resistant rating of IP68, which means it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, making it an ideal companion to your swim workouts. You can confidently wear this basic fitness tracker with its many health features, whether you go surfing, swimming, or kayaking. Since it is drop-resistant, it offers more durability than other sports watches in the same segment. A knock here or a bump there won't affect it. It smartly tracks your blood pressure, heart rate, steps taken, blood oxygen levels, distance covered, and sleep, to name a few metrics. Based on our firsthand experience, the battery can easily last 5 days after a full charge.

    Specifications:

    • Display Type: LCD
    • Compatibility: Android 5.0+ and iOS 9.0+
    • Dimensions: 5.51 x 3.86 x 1.1 inches
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    Pros
    • Customizable watch face
    • Comfortable to wear
    • Lightweight
    • Scratch-resistant glass
    • Sleek fit Easy to use
    • Budget-friendly
    • Good value for money
    Cons
    • Blood pressure function may not be as accurate

    Fitness is a lifestyle and nothing should come in the way of it. That’s why there are multiple waterproof options to track your daily physical activity and steps. Here’s the cheat sheet to buy the best from the rest. 

     

    How to Buy the Best Waterproof Fitness Tracker

    Buying the best waterproof fitness tracker may seem easy peasy lemon squeezy, but many things require careful consideration. Here are a few factors that you must keep in mind as you go shopping for your new waterproof workout partner:

    • Determine Your Needs
      Consider your fitness goals along with the various activities you usually take part in or plan to take part in, whether you are a swimmer, runner, or cyclist. It is ideal to make a list of features essential to help you meet your fitness goals and benchmarks for everything you will be doing. You may also opt for a training-specific watch like the Garmin Forerunner 965 watch for runners or the Garmin Swim 2 for competitive swimmers.
       
    • Set a Budget
      Waterproof fitness trackers are available at varying price ranges. That's why you must set a budget based on how much you are willing to spend on a fitness tracker. This will help you narrow down your options immensely.
       
    • Water Resistance Rating
      Ensure that the waterproof fitness tracker is completely waterproof, not just water-resistant.  If you are a swimmer, ensure the tracker has an effective Ingress Protection (IP), allowing you to immerse the tracker in water without any difficulties.
       
    • Pairing and App Support
      Look for waterproof fitness trackers that can pair with your phone using an app for the ultimate convenience. Ensure that the tracker is compatible with the operating system of your current phone, whether iOS or Android. You will be able to use your phone, particularly the workout app to have in-depth monitoring and analysis of your fitness data. Apps offer multiple features that can elevate your fitness journey to the next level. Make sure to read the reviews for the apps w.r.t. their interface, ease of pairing with tracker, and extra features.
       
    • Battery Life
      You will be wearing your tracker throughout the day and night. You must make sure that it has a long-lasting battery life which allows it to go several days between charges. A fast-charging feature is a great add-on feature.
       
    • GPS and Connectivity
      Pick a fitness tracker with an accurate and built-in GPS tracker. If not, then it must at least be able to connect to your smartphone and use its GPS for tracking. This feature is essential for runners and cyclists who need to keep track of the distance they moved, the time taken to go that distance, and their speed.
       
    • Trackable Metrics
      Look out for a tracker that monitors a wide range of metrics, including steps, calories burned, distance, duration of activity, heart rate, respiratory rate, sleep quality, and other activity-specific metrics. Make sure the watch tracks these metrics even on your rest day and not just when you are active.
       
    • Durability
      Make sure the waterproof fitness tracker that you are interested in aligns with your fitness journey. It must have an appropriate water-resistance rating and a sturdy build. Its straps must have reinforced seams and be resilient against daily wear so the tracker lasts long.
       
    • Extra Features
      Everyone loves having some additional features on their devices. You must look for a few in your choice of fitness tracker too, such as smartphone notifications, music control, stress tracking, altimeter, VO2 Max and SpO2 monitoring, body temperature monitoring, and fitness challenges, to name a few. Look for an optical heart rate monitor for accurate tracking.
       
    • Reputed Brands and Retailers
      Purchase from a reputed brand as this will ensure that you are getting high-quality devices that track with accuracy. They will also offer a warranty, an adequate return period, and good customer service. It is advised to buy directly from the brand's official website or other trusted platforms to ensure you are getting the genuine product.
       
    • Read Reviews
      Don't forget to read customer reviews and feedback on various online platforms, forums, and blogs. You must also go through expert opinions to get a better understanding of the functionality and real-life performance of the fitness tracker that interests you.

    Benefits of Using a Waterproof Fitness Tracker

    There are several benefits to using a waterproof fitness tracker, and we have listed the major ones here:

    All-weather Use

    Thanks to their water resistance properties, you can use a waterproof fitness tracker in all kinds of weather, whether sunny or rainy. These trackers offer sweat resistance and take things to the next level by surviving through rain, swimming, showers, a splash here and a splash there. They become your truly reliable companions for all kinds of outdoor activities.

    Continuous Wear

    Since they are waterproof, you can wear this fitness tracker through all activities. You no longer have to take it off for fear of the device getting wet, and worse, destroyed. It means you can track your daily activity uninterrupted with waterproof fitness trackers.

    Versatility

    Waterproof fitness trackers are incredibly versatile as they can help monitor all your activities, including water-based ones. From under water swimming, and snorkeling to paddleboarding and kayaking, you can track it all. 

    Motivation

    Because your fitness tracker is water-resistant, it will keep you motivated to stay active even when the weather conditions change, thus, bringing a newfound consistency to your workout routine.

    Improved Sleep Tracking

    Many waterproof fitness trackers offer the option of sleep-tracking. Some trackers can also help monitor different sleep stages, and sleep patterns, which can ultimately help you improve your sleep quality.

    Heart Rate Monitoring

    Most waterproof fitness trackers come with heart rate monitors, allowing you to track, record, and later analyze your heart rate during various activities, especially water-based ones. It shines a light on your cardiovascular health. It can help you understand your fitness levels and optimize your workouts.

    Durability

    These trackers are more resilient and can withstand the daily rigors of an active lifestyle, which makes them more durable and long-lasting, despite the exposure to sweat, moisture, and humidity.

    Conclusion

    Fitness trackers are a great way to monitor your activity levels and overall health, however, not all fitness trackers are built the same. If you find yourself in or near water more than frequently, it is time for you to invest in the best waterproof fitness trackers available in the market today. They will help you track your movements, come what may. Now you no longer have to think twice before jumping into the pool for a few quick laps or letting your activities go unmonitored every time you go kayaking or paddleboarding. With the best waterproof fitness tracker on your wrist, you can easily push your limits in the great outdoors. So, go where your adventures take you with your trusty fitness tracker, be it the popular Fitbit Inspire 2 or the swimming-friendly Garmin Smartwatch.

    FAQ's

    Will a fitness tracker monitor sleep?
    Yes, a fitness tracker will monitor sleep.
    How do I use a fitness tracker to meet fitness goals?
    Choose the right kind of fitness tracker. Wear it regularly. Set up clear goals that align with your lifestyle. Monitor your activities and workouts. You can set alarms to remind you to take breaks and to exercise. Consult a professional for better guidance and most importantly, listen to your body.
    How do I care for my fitness tracker?
    Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean your fitness tracker regularly. Avoid too much exposure to moisture, don’t overcharge, don’t expose it to extreme temperatures, and keep the fitness tracker up to date with the recent models.
    Are all waterproof fitness trackers suitable for swimming?
    No, not all waterproof fitness trackers are suitable for swimming. Just because it is waterproof, doesn’t mean it will work underwater as well.
    Do waterproof fitness trackers accurately track heart rate in water?
    Waterproof fitness trackers track heart rate in water but it might not be very accurate.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Shebna V, the author, is a fitness enthusiast who is always on the lookout for new trends and innovations that can take your health and fitness journey to the next level. She knows the importance of working out regularly but also understands how important it is to monitor the activity level. She prefers waterproof fitness trackers and decided to curate this selection with her top favorites.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Shebna V
    Health & Fitness Coach

    Shebna is a content creator with an experience of over 6 years and likes to delve into all things health and fit More