9 Best Garmin Swim Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Venu 3S is a versatile smartwatch that stands out for its colorful AMOLED display and comprehensive health tracking features. With a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, it's designed for users who want an extended device life without frequent charging. It includes heart rate monitoring and advanced sleep tracking, providing valuable insights into your overall well-being. One of its notable features is Body Battery energy monitoring, which helps users gauge when they are at their best or need rest based on various personal metrics, enhancing the fitness experience.

For swimming enthusiasts, the watch is equipped with built-in GPS and supports multiple sports modes, including swimming, making it suitable for tracking swim metrics effectively. The ability to take calls and respond to messages directly from the watch is a great addition for those who enjoy smart features. It pairs well with both Android and iOS devices, offering convenience for users across platforms.

While the watch is packed with features, some users may find it a bit overwhelming if they prefer a more straightforward device. Additionally, for users specifically focused on swimming, the lack of detailed swim metrics compared to dedicated swim watches could be a drawback. The Garmin Venu 3S is ideal for fitness enthusiasts who swim and want a multifaceted smartwatch, but those looking for specialized swim tracking may need to consider more swim-focused alternatives.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a versatile GPS smartwatch that stands out for swimmers and runners alike. With a sleek design and a vibrant, always-on display, it’s easy to use even in bright conditions. Its water resistance and swim metrics make it particularly appealing for swimmers, providing essential data like lap counts and stroke efficiency. The heart rate monitoring feature adds a layer of health tracking that can be beneficial during workouts and recovery sessions.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, making it reliable for long training sessions or multi-day events. The device also provides personalized training plans and insights into your overall wellness through features like the morning report and heart rate variability tracking. This can help users stay motivated and better manage their training schedules.

The Forerunner 255 is loaded with features, but it may be a bit overwhelming for someone who isn't tech-savvy. The need for additional accessories, like the Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro monitor for advanced metrics, could also be a drawback for some users. It has a good range of smart features but may lack some of the advanced smartwatch functions found in higher-end models. The Forerunner 255 is an excellent choice for dedicated swimmers and runners looking for a reliable companion that offers a good mix of swim-specific metrics and overall fitness tracking. Potential buyers should consider whether they need the advanced features and if they are comfortable navigating the various functions.

The Garmin Swim 2 is a dedicated swimming smartwatch that caters well to both pool and open water swimmers. It offers extensive swim metrics such as distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type, and SWOLF, making it a valuable tool for swimmers looking to improve their performance. The GPS functionality is a significant advantage for open water swimmers, allowing precise tracking of swims in lakes, oceans, and rivers. Additionally, the underwater heart rate monitoring provides vital data without needing a separate chest strap, enhancing convenience and comfort.

The battery life is also commendable, lasting up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, which includes smart notifications and automatic uploads when paired with a compatible smartphone. In GPS and heart rate mode, it delivers up to 13 hours, and up to 72 hours in pool and heart rate mode, making it reliable for long swim sessions or competitions. However, the 1.04-inch screen might be considered small by some users, and while the display is always-on and full-color, the resolution is relatively low at 208 x 208 pixels.

Comfort-wise, the watch is lightweight at 0.08 pounds and designed to be worn by both men and women, but the button-based interface may not appeal to those accustomed to touchscreens. The Garmin Connect online community adds value by offering free online analysis, custom workout creation, and storage, though some users might find navigating the platform slightly complex. Swimmers seeking a robust, feature-packed watch with excellent swim tracking capabilities will find the Garmin Swim 2 to be a strong contender.