Having a waterproof watch is great for practicality, not having to think about removing your watch when it rains or taking a shower is definitely an advantage.
We’ve compiled our 25 best waterproof watches for 2023 list below, however not all waterproof watches are the best at tracking swimming activities. If you are looking specifically for swimming watches, please check out our article here. This list includes both smart and traditional watches. If you’re looking for waterproof smartwatches and fitness trackers – see this guide.
1. Garmin Swim 2
Apparent from the name, the Garmin Swim 2 is designed specifically for swimming and open water use and is a great choice if this is what you require from your smartwatch.
You can get the Garmin Swim 2 on eBay, Amazon or Garmin directly. See more Garmin Swim 2 deals.
Design
One of the best waterproof watches, the design is very much in line with other Garmin products; however, at a smaller 42mm, it is ideal as a unisex watch, and at just 36g it is light on the wrist, ideal for when you are in the pool.
The display is transflective MIP (memory in pixel) makes it clear to read the screen underwater whilst not using additional battery life. Although this isn’t a touchscreen watch, it is easy to navigate, and the silicone strap is well secured with two loops, so you don’t have to worry about the watch coming loose as you swim.
Features
As a swimming watch, it has all the features you would expect, such as GPS for open-water swimming and the ability to track pace, stroke count, and SWOLF, ideal for pool swimming.
Furthermore, it will let you know when you need to slow down or speed up with Critical Swim mode. Garmin has also added an excellent heart rate tracker monitored from the wrist rather than needing a chest strap. You can monitor your heart rate as your swim and rest, and further analysis is available on the Garmin Connect App.
The Garmin Swim 2 does not have a great range of other smartwatch features as it is predominantly a swim watch; however, it does offer smartphone notifications, calendar, weather and sleep tracking.
Unfortunately, the bigger features such as Garmin Pay and music are missing from the Swim 2.
Battery Life
The Garmin Swim 2 claims to give 7 days between charges when in smartwatch mode, 72 hours in pool mode and 13 hours in GPS mode.
Pros
- Excellent for serious swimmers
- Accurate heart rate tracking
- Lightweight and secure on the wrist
- Advanced swimming features
Cons
- Limited smartwatch features
- Battery life is not as long as the Garmin Swim 1
2. Fitbit Charge 5
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a fantastic gadget that combines the greatest elements of Fitbit’s current portfolio into a single device. You get an EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor for measuring stress reactions, contactless payments, sleep tracking, superb heart rate monitoring, and sleep monitoring – all displayed in a nice UI that’s straightforward and easy to use, even if you’ve never bought a Fitbit gadget before.
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a sophisticated fitness tracker that takes the greatest features from all of Fitbit’s earlier devices and combines them into one gadget. It features the Fitbit Versa 3’s inbuilt GPS, the Fitbit Luxe’s thin form and vivid AMOLED screen, and the Fitbit Sense’s stress-measuring software.
It’s a significant increase over the Charge 4, and it’s a good choice if you’re becoming serious about your workouts (whether jogging, gym training, or a mix of the two). Its heart rate tracking is especially strong, making it an excellent pick for anybody interested in high-intensity interval training or spinning.
When you’re not working out, you’ll have access to smartphone notifications that you can read, open on your phone, or ignore with a single touch, as well as easy call alerts to ensure that nothing crucial goes to voicemail. Fitbit Pay allows you to make contactless payments, and you’ll get frequent reminders to get up and stretch, as well as reflect on the previous day’s accomplishments.
Compare prices and choose your favorite merchant on the table below.
| Product | Supplier | |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Amazon | View Offer |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | eBay | View Offer |
| Fitbit Charge 4 | eBay | View Offer |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Fitbit | View Offer |
Pros
- GPS onboard
- Heart rate monitoring is excellent
- The user interface is basic and clean
- Payments made without using a credit card
Cons
- There are no controls for music
- On-screen exercise data is limited
- At the time of debut, certain functionalities were lacking
3. Garmin Venu 2
The Garmin Venu 2 is now one of the greatest Garmin watches available. It amazingly effectively crosses the smartwatch-running-watch divide, blending complex exercise tracking capabilities with necessary daily applications to produce a wristwatch for all situations.
The Venu 2 places a strong focus on wellness, as do many current wearables, with all-day stress monitoring and a running Body Battery energy score reminding you to look after your mental health. You may also track your daily steps, stairs climbed, and calories burnt, as well as keep track of your sleeping habits.
The Venu 2 isn’t just another fitness tracker; it’s loaded with significant features for tracking a variety of activities. Runners are given special attention. The onboard GPS is exceptionally precise, offering measurements with a minuscule margin of error and building highly detailed maps that illustrate your shifting speed during your training session, as you’d expect from Garmin, a firm that established its reputation in reliable satellite navigation.
Advanced options like Garmin Coach (which works with training programmes downloaded through the Garmin Connect app), leaderboards for any challenges you’re participating in, and a full summary of your most recent workouts are available in the watch’s built-in applications, just as they are with the Venu Sq. The Challenges app is also available for Venu Sq customers to download, although it is not pre-loaded.
Venu 2 users will also benefit from auto-pause, split recording, and elevation monitoring thanks to the onboard altimeter during training. It’s not quite as complex as the Fenix 6 or Forerunner 945, which give more extensive options for controlling training as well as live navigation, but it’s a really good deal.
Pros
- AMOLED display with high resolution
- GPS with high accuracy and a wide variety of wellness tools
- Advanced fitness tracking
Cons
- Third-party app selection is limited.
- Upgrades to the design
4. Fitbit Versa 4
The Fitbit Versa 4 addresses our main complaint about the Versa smartwatch series. If you want to leave your phone at home, the Versa 4 now includes embedded GPS to measure the speed and distance of your walks, runs, bike rides, or hikes in real-time, earning it the top place in our list of the best Fitbits.
The Versa 4 is a strong candidate for the finest fitness wearable on the market, particularly considering its low price and extensive fitness tracking features, which include a SpO2 sensor for monitoring blood oxygen levels while sleeping.
All in all, the Versa 4 is a lovely wearable that can perform a lot of the same things like the Fitbit Sense, with the exception of stress management and advanced heart monitoring. It is, therefore, less costly than the Sense. However, the somewhat higher launch price of around $160 is more than justified by built-in GPS, a bigger 1.58-inch AMOLED display (the same as the Sense), and a SpO2 sensor.
The Versa 4 also has a lot more fitness tracking tools than the Versa 3, which makes the on-device interface a lot busier than it was at launch. There are methods for managing them all, but they take some getting accustomed to.
Performance is outstanding. On a dim screen, the battery lasts roughly six days, but it’s cut in half if the display is set to always-on. The GPS isn’t as precise as it is on some of the other bands we’ve looked at, but for the ordinary user, that won’t be an issue. The heart rate monitor is somewhat more accurate than the Versa 3, but without a chest strap to compare it against, it’s difficult to say how accurate it is.
Of course, Alexa is on board to assist you to answer some of the questions presented on the gadget, and thanks to Google’s acquisition of Fitbit, a software upgrade will bring Google Assistant to the wearable at some point in the future.
Pros
- Stunning exhibition
- GPS built-in
- Lightweight and pleasant to wear
Cons
- Side button with a poor design
- To access advanced features, you’ll need a Fitbit Premium membership
- There isn’t any offline Spotify support
5. Invicta Pro Diver
Invicta’s history extends back to the nineteenth century, and the company has an interesting horological past that includes providing clocks for the Soviet Navy at one point.
The Invicta Pro Diver, which was introduced in the 1990s, is one of numerous Rolex Submariner tribute watches available. The automated version of the Invicta Pro Diver has generally priced around or around $100.
The casing is made of stainless steel and has a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, both of which are of high quality for the price. This is made with almost similar dimensions as the submariner, whose size is typically praised as being quite adaptable for a wide range of wrists.
Mineral crystal glass protects the dial, which, although not as scratch-resistant as sapphire, is to be anticipated at this price range.
This Pro Diver Invicta might be precisely what you’re searching for if you’re seeking a low-cost watch that looks like a Rolex while yet maintaining a reasonable level of craftsmanship. The Pro Diver 8926’s steadily growing prices indicate that this model provides excellent value for money, and it’s gaining in popularity online. While this brand does offer some truly bizarre timepieces, it’s unsurprising that the Pro Diver is still selling well, thanks to its Seiko movement and excellent build quality for the price.
Pros
- Case and bracelet of excellent quality
- Size is adaptable.
- Price seems to be for a more costly watch
Cons
- The design is unoriginal
- Engraving Invicta
- Polishing has the potential to split people’s perspectives
6. Stuhrling Depthmaster
The Stuhrling Depthmaster has a sophisticated appearance and a tasteful finish. It comes with a stainless steel band with a push-button deployment clasp and is encased in a stainless steel case. When it comes to telling the time, this gadget not only makes it simple to read, but it also has outstanding timekeeping capabilities, ensuring that the time you receive is correct. The casing is a typical 44mm in diameter, so putting it on should be no different from putting on any other watch you own.
The watch face is black and has luminous hour and minute hands and hour and minute markings. A second hand and a date window are also included on the face for accurate timekeeping. The Stuhrling emblem, which is situated under the 12 o’clock marker, is also seen on the face.
The bracelet is fully adjustable to provide a secure fit. To get the ideal size, just add or delete the connections. Overall, it’s easy to read and attractive to look at, making it a great pick for both work and pleasure.
This watch is water-resistant to 100 metres and has a diving clasp as well as a screw-down crown to ensure the watch’s integrity when submerged. It’s a little disappointing that the watch can only dive to a depth of 100 metres; we’d expect at least 200 metres to make it competitive with diving enthusiasts.
It’s a very inexpensive watch that any diver looking for a reliable gadget may easily ignore. Still, the price is reasonable for what you get — a very dependable and simple-to-use watch.
Pros
- Style
- Quality
- Reliability
Cons
- The design is unoriginal
- Engraving Invicta
- Polishing has the potential to split people’s perspectives
7. Apple Watch 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 is the newest version of the company’s flagship wearable. It has all of the same health, safety, and lifestyle features as its predecessor, but with a bigger, easier-to-read display, increased dust and crack resistance, and a revamped charging method that takes less time to charge.
The seventh generation’s advancements make an already excellent smartwatch more useful for daily tasks like reading and replying to messages, checking the time while your wrist is down, tracking your outdoor activities, and monitoring your sleep, despite being a slight upgrade from the Series 7. The Series 8 is Apple’s most appealing and long-lasting wearable to date.
![Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS + Cellular 45mm] Smart Watch w/Graphite Stainless Steel Case...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51C4yJ9ccqL._SL160_.jpg)
The Series 8 is available in 41mm and 45mm case sizes (up from 40mm and 44mm), and is made of 100% recyclable aluminium, polished stainless steel, or brushed titanium.
Pros
- Display is larger than prior generations
- Chargers that charge faster
- Durability has improved.
- New watch faces and colours
- Faster charging
Cons
- There are no significant changes from the previous generation
- The battery’s one-day life is the same
8. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Samsung’s newest wristwatch, the Galaxy Watch 5, is a significant software upgrade over the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch Active 2. It’s powered by Google’s Wear OS 3, which gives you access to Google services like the Play Store and the ability to download Google applications.
In terms of sports tracking, it still seems very Samsung from that perspective, which means you can anticipate identical swim tracking in the pool and open water. Like the Watch 3 and the Watch Active 2, it’s also waterproof to a depth of 50 metres.
| Product | Supplier | |
| Galaxy Watch 5 | Amazon | Check Price |
| Galaxy Watch 5 | eBay | Check Price |
| Watch 4 Classic | eBay | Check Price |
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Target | Check Price |
It’s a smartwatch with a Super AMOLED display that displays parameters like distance, strokes, lap time, and SWOLF (to quantify swimming efficiency). With Wear OS installed, you may use third-party applications to monitor your swims in addition to Samsung’s own Health companion app.
The Watch 5 is exclusively compatible with Android phones, unlike prior smartwatches. It provides high overall accuracy in the water and is also quite pleasant to wear in the water.
This is the smartwatch to have if you want a Wear OS smartwatch with the most up-to-date software and swim tracking.
Pros
- Great looking piece
- Sturdy build
- Bright screen
- Accurate health tracking
- Google Play store support
Cons
- No ECG or Blood Pressure for those in India
- Average battery life
- No iOS support for iPhone users
9. Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar
When the Swiss become engaged in the production of digital watches, this is what happens. Tissot has created a watch that is probably more analog than digital, rather than just putting an LED display in a military-grade rubber casing. Silicone, leather, and titanium are all choices for the strap.
A Swiss quartz movement keeps time, while a solar watch face keeps the battery charge. The sapphire crystal protects the 43mm case, and the wristwatch itself is water-resistant to 100m.
Over 20 functions are included in the titanium-bodied watch, including various time zones and weather predictions, as well as an altimeter and compass.
Pros
- Durable materials
- Many, many functions
- Reliable and accurate
Cons
- Can a famous Swiss brand make a good waterproof digital sports watch?
10. Suunto 3 Fitness
The Suunto 3 is a modern and trustworthy tracker. It’s as stylish as it is functional. It will generate a simple weekly training plan based on your basic information, such as height, weight, and age. This is a combination of training and days off. When you set this watch to Personal Training mode, you’ll be able to see a summary of your workouts as well as when your rest days are.
This tracker will make changes to your plan based on your VO2 Max data and resting heart rate to keep your fitness level growing over time. This could mean increasing the intensity or scheduling a rest day over the weekend so you can catch up on sleep.
After your workouts, you can review them and swipe through the fundamentals like distance travelled and recovery time required.
The Suunto 3 is waterproof up to 30 metres, so you don’t have to take it off before washing or swimming.
You can compare all other Suunto models here.
Pros
- Accurate heart rate measurement
- A lot of information is available on your wrist without the need for an app
Cons
- Unfortunately, there is no onboard GPS
11. Timex Expedition
This Timex Men’s Expedition Vibration Alarm Watch is water-resistant and can be used as an introduction to the world of digital watches. Simple design, solid construction, and a one-year warranty make this watch well worth its already low price.
100m water resistance.
With a PU rubber strap and a resin case, it measures 43mm by 42.9mm. There’s nothing stopping your adventures, particularly with scratch-resistant mineral glass, an Indiglo backlight, and a battery around to 10 years.
Pros
- There’s a chronograph feature that lets you keep track of your best times
- You can wake up quickly with an audible alarm and a vibration mode
- A trusted brand that is well-known for its long-lasting timepieces
Cons
- The design isn’t contemporary
- The weight is substantial
If you like Analog style you could opt for the Timex Expedition Scout or Acacia Solar version (image below)
12. Garmin Fenix 7
Garmin’s outdoor watch is available in a variety of sizes. The 7S, 7 and 7X are the three models available, with the 7X being the slimmest of the bunch. You may also customize your watch with features like music, solar charging, Wi-Fi, and sapphire glass. These addons allow you to customize your watch to meet your specific needs. Depending on the type of outdoor activity you plan to engage in, sapphire glass or music may be required. Compare and contrast the Garmin Fenix 7 range here.
On the Garmin Fenix 7, the precision of the integrated maps and GPS system is impressive. Garmin is recognized for producing high-end GPS watches, so if you need this feature in your outdoor watch, it could be the best choice.
The altimeter on the smartwatch is equally as accurate as the navigation through forested areas. The more expensive Fenix 6 versions also come with high-resolution topographic maps. You’ll be able to utilise pre-loaded ski maps as well!
This watch also has an excellent battery life and a highly accurate wrist-based heart rate monitor. Its LCD display is optimised for outdoor visibility while consuming the least amount of battery power.
It will last around 10 days before needing to be recharged, similar to the Suunto Peak model. It’s also worth noting that the Solar Fenix model is an alternative you could consider. On this model, the battery will last up to 24 days!
Pros
- The best sportswatch Garmin has to offer
- Long battery life (longer if you opt for Solar)
Cons
- The design, for some, is chunky
| Garmin Product | Supplier | |
| Fenix 7 | Amazon | View Offer |
| Fenix 7 | eBay | View Offer |
| Fenix 7 | Garmin | View Offer |
| Fenix 7 | Target | View Offer |
13. Garmin Vivoactive 4
Garmin is great at producing waterproof watches. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is the follow up to the Vivoactive 3 and whilst not a swimming watch specifically it does offer great features and at 5 ATM is suitable for pool swimming. It is a great watch for runners, hikers, swimmers and generally anyone who loves to be outdoors, and all at a great price.
Design
Apart from size, there has been very little change to the design and display since the Vivoactive 3. The Vivoactive 4 now comes in 45mm with a 1.3-inch display and 40mm with a 1.1-inch display. The two sizes make the watch ideal for all wrist sizes. The display is always-on, sunlight-readable, and housed under Corning Gorilla Glass.
Features
Packed full of features, it is hard to know where to start. This is a multisports watch and offers more than 20 preloaded sports including walking, running, golf, cycling, swimming, and using the Garmin Connect app, you can also design and download your own custom workouts. Furthermore, you can access the Garmin Coach and animated on-screen workouts such as Yoga and Strength training.
With more and more emphasis on tracking our own health, the Vivoactive 4 offers several features such as stress, hydration and respiration tracking, and menstrual tracking for female users.
There are also all the standard smartphone features you would expect including notifications, music and Garmin Pay,
Battery Life
Garmin claims up to 8 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 6 hours in GPS mode.
Pros
- Feature-packed
- Good battery life in smartwatch mode
- Sleep tracking
- Accurate health and fitness tracking
Cons
- Only Android users can respond to notifications
- Limited third-party app support
14. Fossil Quartz Stainless Steel Watch
This Fossil offering is a complete steal from (almost) every angle, making it a perfect budgetary alternative to high-end watches. It has a stylish style, as well as the advantages of a high-quality quartz movement and a chronograph function.
All for under $100.
Furthermore, the excellent combination of size and weight ensures that it fits like a glove.
Stainless Steel and metal case measuring 44mm. Water Resistance to 50m.
Pros
- When you’re in the mood for a change, interchangeable watch bands come in handy
- The quartz movement incorporates a special quartz crystal that oscillates when a current is applied to it
Cons
- For snorkelling or diving, the water resistance is insufficient though pool swimming is fine
- Scratch resistance is not featured, which is a shame
15. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a great all-around smartwatch, particularly for Andriod users, and whilst not a specific swimming watch, is still suitable for use in the pool.
Design
The watch is available in stainless steel or aluminium and in two sizes. The 40mm weighs 37g in stainless steel or 26g in aluminium with a 1.2-inch display and the 44mm weighs 42g in stainless steel or 30g in aluminium with a 1.4-inch display. All designs are circular super AMOLED and feature full-colour always-on display. There are also various colours and watch faces to choose to truly make your watch your own.
Features
The Samsung Galaxy Active Watch 2 offers some great fitness features. It can track seven different activities including walking, running, cycling, swimming and rowing and the running coach gives you performance improvement advice in real-time.
Health features include stress tracking and guided breathing exercises for those times you need some peace of mind, and the heart rate tracking will send you an alert if your heart rate goes above or below normal levels. The watch will also track your sleep, hydration, caffeine intake and menstrual cycle.
Whilst you can receive notifications, you cannot respond to calls, messages, or emails with the Galaxy Active 2.
Battery Life
With any watch, the battery life depends on usage; however, you can expect around 2 days of battery life with typical use. Furthermore, the watch charges wirelessly so no need for charging jacks or wires.
Pros
- Slim, lightweight design
- Automatic workout tracking
- Good battery life
Cons
- Poor contactless payment support
- Limited use with iPhone
- Limited third-party app support
16. Orient Ray II
This Orient Ray II Japanese Automatic Stainless Steel Watch has an incredible price to quality ratio. With a scratch-resistant mineral window on the dial and a high-calibre Japanese quartz mechanism, there’s every chance this watch could last at least a few years.
It features a date window, a simple clasp, and a trademark crown, in addition to an elegant design. Doesn’t it appear like a Rolex lookalike? Not bad for less than $140.
200m water resistance with a 41mm stainless steel case and rubber band.
Pros
- Resistance to water at a high degree
- The scratch-resistant mineral window adds to the watch’s durability
- In terms of functionality, the Japanese quartz movement is very reliable
Cons
- Calibration is easily lost
17. Guess 45MM Stainless Steel Watch
With this beautiful Guess watch, you can embody a sense of decadence! The casing is made of stainless steel. The bracelet comes in gold-tone stainless steel with a fold-over clasp and double push-button release.
Next, the face has a rounded shape. With a quartz movement inside, this analog display has three hands. The dial is decorated with gold-tone hands and hour markers, two subdials, a date display window, a minute track, and Guess logo.
Water-resistant to a depth of 100m. F
inally, the case is 45mm in height, 45 mm in width, and 12 mm in depth with a band width of 21mm.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Fashion brand name
Cons
- We don’t think this one is meant for sports or the outdoors
18. Amazfit T-Rex Pro
In terms of toughness, this 47mm case watch is pretty much military approved. It is designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and can dive to a depth of 100 metres. It’s the ideal cross between a sports watch and an outdoor adventure watch.
It does, in fact, have a hundred distinct sports modes. It uses its BioTracker sensor to monitor your heart rate and blood oxygen levels as you exercise.
Not only that, but the Amazfit T-Rex Pro also has an onboard GPS for accurate positioning, which is supported by satellite systems. It also has a built-in barometer to keep track of your elevation.
For typical use, the T-Rex outdoor watch will last 18 days, and for heavy GPS and sports mode use, it will last 9 days.
Pros
- A very tough watch
- Great for those on a budget
- 100 sport modes
Cons
- For the price, you can get a better known brand
19. Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 arrived in 2022, and it’s been giving the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE a run for its money.
This is a smart fitness watch with huge ambitions for your health and well-being. It is just as concerned about your emotional health as it is with your bodily health. It features an ECG sensor to identify anomalies in your heart rate, and stress monitoring, which includes mindfulness and meditation exercises, is where it really shines. Although they are only available to Fitbit Premium users, you can test it out for six months for free.
As it’s a Fitbit, naturally you’ll get excellent fitness tracking, with a particular note given to the heart rate zones. There are many sport modes to choose from, lots of tracking options and great stats available via the app once you’re finished. Fitbit is also currently studying blood pressure monitoring for the Sense.
A nice touch is that it’s compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.
The Fitbit Sense has a waterproof rating of 5ATM.
For the full list of Fitbit models – go here.
Compare prices and choose your favorite supplier from this list:
| Product | Supplier | |||
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Amazon | View offer | ||
| Fitbit Sense 2 | eBay | View offer | ||
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Fitbit | View offer | ||
| Fitbit Sense | Target | View offer |
Pros
- Onboard GPS
- Premium look
Cons
- A great smartwatch offering from a fitness brand
If you’re confused about which Fitbit is best for you, our comparison article will help.
20. Fitbit Ionic
Fitbit are another great brand for creating waterproof watches. Although there are newer models available, the Fitbit Ionic is still a great watch for 2021 and because it is not the latest model it is suitable for most budgets.
Design
With an aluminium build, the Fitbit Ionic is extremely light compared to most other smartwatches, so it is great for all-day wear, which is needed to get the most accurate readings.
It comes in three different colours and has a unique square design, for those that prefer a softer look or round watch may want to consider a different model. Furthermore, the full-colour touch screen is protected by Gorilla Glass.
Features
The Fitbit Ionic is suitable for tracking running, cycling, swimming and more and comes with built-in workouts that you can follow on the watch. With onboard GPS and an accurate heart rate tracker, this is a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts.
The watch does lack a little in smart features. Fitbit Pay still works very well, and you can receive notifications; however, once you have received them, you can’t do very much, and longer messages or emails can not be read.
Battery Life
Fitbit claims to have up to 5 days of battery life but, as always, this depends on usage.
Pros
- Good fitness features
- Battery life
- Fitbit Pay
Cons
- Limited smart features
- The design is not for everyone
- Limited Apps
21. Casio G-Shock Solar
Casio’s watch lineup is remarkable, and the G-Shock Solar Quartz is noteworthy for a variety of reasons. To begin with, this waterproof smartwatch includes never-before-seen features such as moon details, a tide map, and atomic timekeeping. Secondly, it’s solar-powered.
Water resistance of up to 200 metres. In a stainless steel 53.8mm case with a bezel that matches.
Pros
- Moon data and a tide map are also highly useful functions
- Solar energy was able to eliminate the need for inefficient batteries
- Shock and water tolerance are at the maximum possible levels
- Made of a long-lasting stainless steel bezel
Cons
- The number of features can make the display difficult to read
- When it comes to repairs, certain proprietary parts are difficult to come by
- The price (around $350)
22. Apple Watch 8
Because of its excellent performance, unrivalled app range, and abundant health and fitness tracking features, the Apple Watch range has been a favourite of ours for a long time. The Series 8 (around $400) adds a blood oxygen saturation monitor to Apple’s flagship smartwatch, which measures your SpO2 level on demand and takes periodic background measurements while you’re sleeping or inactive.
Design
The Series 8 has Apple Watch’s signature squarish look with rounded corners remains. The 40mm model has dimensions of 1.56 by 1.35 by 0.42 inches while the larger 44mm version has dimensions of 1.73 by 1.48 by 0.42 inches
Apart from the case color and band, it’s difficult to tell the difference between the Series 6 and the Series 5. In fact, not even the display size and resolution have changed, according to Apple.
See a comparison of all Apple watch models here.
Features
The Series 6 is 50m water-resistant. It’s safe for surface water activities like swimming, (in a pool or in the ocean). It’s also suitable for use in the shower and hot tub. Apple warns against wearing it while scuba diving, though.
The Apple Watch becomes even more invaluable with powerful new features, such as a Blood Oxygen sensor to provide additional insight into general well-being.
Other new health and fitness features such as low-range VO2 Max, sleep monitoring, automatic handwashing recognition, and new exercise styles can help users gain a better understanding of their overall health.
Maps contain cycling directions and Siri provides language translation, all of which are easily accessible on the wrist.
Battery life
Sadly, the one letdown when it comes to Apple Watches is the sad battery life. You kind of have to forgo tracking your sleep as the 17 hours of battery life can’t quite stretch to a full day.
Pros
- Measures blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) on demand
- The new processor is lightning fast.
- Apps from third parties that we think are the best
- Colours and band options for the watch have been updated to make it more appealing.
Cons
- Expensive
- Only slightly improves battery life from S7
- Same design as before
23. Polar Vantage V2
If you’re a runner, you already know how useful a waterproof tracker can be. The Polar Vantage V2 offers the best-in-class Polar Flow platform for training. It offers particular measures for running that are broken down into usable data that you can apply to your training to increase performance.
You can even do a performance test with the Polar, which will guide you through the twenty-minute session and help you increase your speed over time.
After you’ve completed this, the V2 will calculate your VO2 Max, as well as your maximum heart rate and training zones. It will even go into great depth regarding the best recuperation times.
The watch may be worn all day, which is beneficial because it gives precise sleep tracking, which is essential for your recuperation. Popular programmes like Strava and TrainingPeaks can instantly sync all of this data.
We’ve left the greatest for last since this watch can go 100 metres, making it the best on this list for triathletes. It’s also worth noting that it’s the most expensive of the four.
Pros
- Long 40-hour battery life
- Incredible level of data about your performance and recovery needs
Cons
- Expensive option
- No contactless payment or music storage, which you can get on cheaper alternatives
Read the full Vantage V2 review, here.
24. Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Watch
The Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Watch is an enticing choice for those looking for an all-inclusive watch. With features such as the robust Swiss Quartz Movement. It has an anti-scratch coating on the mineral dial window as well as a carbon-reinforced shell, ensuring a worry-free dive or snorkel. Its slim design lets divers forget they’re wearing anything at all-around their wrist.
Water resistance of up to 200m. The 44mm case is made of polymer, with a rubber band.
Pros
- Divers and snorkelers enjoy this timepiece a lot
- The date window comes in handy.
- Despite its bulky appearance, it barely weighs down on your wrist
Cons
- When moving, the unidirectional bezel can become stuck
- The case is made of plastic, which isn’t the most durable material
25. Huawei Watch GT 2e
You might wonder why we’ve gone for the GT 2e over the Huawei Watch 3. That’s because whilst it does function well in the water, the tracking experience, on the other hand, is similar to that of the Huawei Watch GT2. Which has a more swim-friendly band and is an excellent, inexpensive choice to consider.
Huawei’s Mate 20 Pro has a bright, clear touchscreen AMOLED display wrapped into a 47mm stainless steel casing that gives it a watch-like feel.
It can monitor both open water and pool swimming, with metrics like as laps, calories, distance, speed, SWOLF, swim stroke rate, and frequency available. You may anticipate to observe distance, average SWOLF, swimming duration, swimming strokes, and swim stroke rate when you go outside.
The disadvantage is that data is primarily contained inside Huawei’s own companion app, and there is no third-party app support for swimmers. Huawei has made its platform available to developers, and the Huawei Watch 3 already has access to Huawei’s AppGallery marketplace, which should have several swim-related applications.
If you can live with it, you’ll still receive a great swimming watch with a lot of useful stats. Another compelling reason to consider it is its amazing 2-week battery life.
Pros
- Gorgeous display
- Superb battery life
- Plethora of sport modes
- Decent HRM
Cons
- Doesn’t support NFC
- Doesn’t support third-party apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about waterproof watches? Here are the most common questions!
Can I shower with my watch?
While many smartwatches are now water-resistant, it’s not always advisable to shower with them on. This may sound confusing as you can swim with a waterproof smartwatch, but some shampoos and soaps have the potential to damage your watch. You may not notice immediate damage to an Apple Watch or a Fitbit, but over time detergents start to slowly break the device – it’s not worth the risk!
What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
When shopping for watches, you’ll see the terms “waterproof” and “water-resistant” often, but what do they mean? Though these terms are used interchangeably, they actually have different meanings. A “waterproof” watch should be impenetrable to water and a “water-resistant” watch should be able to withstand water for a specific amount of time.
How long can a waterproof watch be underwater?
Though many watches are labelled as waterproof or water-resistant, their ability to withstand water will always differ. Some more durable watches will survive being submerged for longer, and others will only be able to withstand splashes. Always read the fine print when buying a waterproof watch to know for sure how long it can be underwater!
What do ATM ratings mean?
Most smartwatches, waterproof or not, now come with an ATM rating but do you know what this means?
Water Resistance
Your watch can withstand splashes and rain but is not suitable for swimming, showering or prolonged time in the water.
3 ATM
Your watch can withstand the same as above, but you can also keep it on during a shower.
5 ATM
Again, your watch can withstand all of the above and a time in the swimming pool; however, it is not suitable for water sports or diving.
10 ATM
These watches are suitable for all of the above as well as snorkelling but not diving.
20 ATM and above
At this level, watches are suitable for all aspects of water sports, including high-impact sports and diving.
Waterproof Watches Conclusion
If you have enjoyed our article about waterproof watches then have a look at our article about great swimming apps to go with your watch. We have tried to cover both classical and smart in this review so that you can have a choice of both worlds. You may also want to explore diving watches that give you that extra depth when needed – here.
Last Updated on August 1, 2024
Emma brings over a decade of freelance copy and content writing experience and is our Editor, Social Media Manager, and regular contributor. Specializing in long-form content such as blogs, articles, lead magnets, and white papers, Emma also provides businesses with email marketing, website copy, and landing pages.