10 Best Garmin Swim Watches 2026 in the United States

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 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.

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a high-end triathlon smartwatch that suits swimmers who also want an all-around sports watch. It offers solid water resistance and multisport auto-transition, which helps automatically track swim, bike, and run segments—ideal for triathlon training. Garmin watches typically provide reliable tracking for swim distance, stroke count, and pace. The watch has an impressive AMOLED display, making it easy to read even underwater or in bright light, and the titanium bezel and sapphire lens add durability and comfort.