If you’ve ever wondered if your fitness tracker can handle a swim, a sweaty run, or even a rainy hike, you’re in the right place. These days, waterproof fitness trackers aren’t just cool gadgets they’re must-haves for anyone serious about staying healthy and fit.
Picture this: You’re halfway through a tough swim workout, and suddenly, your fitness tracker stops working. Or maybe you’re caught in a rainstorm during your morning run, and your tracker quits on you. It’s frustrating, right? That’s why it’s so important to pick a waterproof fitness tracker that can keep up with you, no matter what.
In this article, we’ll explore the best waterproof fitness trackers of 2024, helping you find the perfect one for your needs.
Quick Overview
Garmin Forerunner 945
★★★★★
4.6/5
- Manufacturer: Garmin
- Compatible Devices: Android and iOS
- Waterproof Rating: up to 50 meters
- Battery life: Up to 2 weeks
Apple Watch Series 9
★★★★★
4.6/5
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Compatible Devices: iOS only
- Waterproof Rating: up to 50 meters
- Battery life: up to 18 hours
Fitbit Charge 6
★★★★★
4.3/5
- Manufacturer: Fitbit
- Compatible Devices: Android and iOS
- Waterproof Rating: up to 50 meters
- Battery life: up to 7 days
Why You Need a Waterproof Fitness Tracker
Before we review the best waterproof fitness trackers, let’s consider why these gadgets are essential for every fitness enthusiast.
1. Durability and Longevity
Waterproof fitness trackers are built to withstand exposure to water, making them more durable and long-lasting. This resilience ensures that your investment is protected, even if you accidentally drop your tracker in water or get caught in an unexpected downpour.
2. Swim Tracking
For swimmers, a waterproof fitness tracker provides detailed analytics on performance, such as stroke count, lap time, and distance covered. This data can be invaluable for improving technique and overall fitness.
3. Sweat and Rain Resistance
As a runner or cyclist, having a tracker that can withstand sweat and sudden weather changes is crucial. Whether you’re running on the road or cycling in the rain, these trackers are built to perform reliably in all conditions.
Our Top Picks for Waterproof Fitness Trackers
1. Garmin Forerunner 945
Overall best fitness tracker
This Fitness Tracker provides advanced performance metrics, full-color mapping, and onboard music storage. It includes GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and VO2 max estimation, making it perfect for serious athletes.
Display Type: Sunlight-visible, memory-in-pixel | Compatible Device: Android and iOS | Waterproof Rating: Up to 50 meters | Battery life: Up to 14 days
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is designed for the dedicated athlete who needs a versatile and powerful fitness tracker. With its advanced GPS capabilities and heart rate monitoring, this device is perfect for triathletes, marathoners, and anyone who demands detailed performance metrics.
It features a built-in maps and navigation system, allowing you to explore new routes confidently. The tracker’s water resistance of up to 50 meters makes it suitable for swimming, while its extensive battery life ensures you won’t run out of power mid-race. The Garmin Forerunner 945 stands out for its robust analytics and tracking capabilities, making it the best fitness tracker for athletes who want to maximize their training and performance.
Product Pros
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2. Apple Watch Series 9
The best fitness tracker for iPhone users
The Apple Watch Series 9 provides precise health metrics, a sleek design, and advanced features like ECG monitoring, blood oxygen measurement, and customizable workout tracking, making it an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Display Type: Always-On Retina display | Compatible Device: iOS only | Waterproof Rating: Up to 50 meters | Battery life: Up to 18 hours
The Apple Watch Series 9 is more than just a smartwatch; it’s a comprehensive fitness tracker that excels in both functionality and style. Its advanced features include an ECG app, blood oxygen monitoring, and an improved heart rate sensor, offering a holistic view of your health.
The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and showering. Its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem ensures that you can track your fitness and stay connected effortlessly. Whether you’re tracking workouts, monitoring sleep, or managing notifications, the Apple Watch Series 9 provides an exceptional blend of smart features and fitness-tracking capabilities.
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3. Fitbit Charge 6
The best everyday fitness tracker
This simple Tracker offers advanced health metrics, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress management. It provides personalized insights, and GPS navigation, and supports over 40 exercise modes, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
Display Type: Always-on display | Compatible Device: Android and iOS | Waterproof Rating: Up to 50 meters | Battery life: Up to 7- days
If you’re looking for a reliable fitness tracker without breaking the bank, the Fitbit Charge 6 is your excellent choice. With a water resistance rating of 50 meters, it’s perfect for swimmers and casual athletes alike.
But the Charge 6 isn’t just about getting wet; it’s also packed with features that help you keep tabs on your overall health. From heart rate monitoring to sleep tracking, and even built-in GPS for running, this smart fitness tracker has you covered. Wondering how Fitbit calculates calories burned? It uses a combination of your heart rate, age, weight, and activity level to give you an accurate estimate.
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4. WHOOP 4.0
The best for continuous health monitoring
This cutting-edge Fitness Tracker provides continuous health monitoring, advanced sleep analysis, and personalized recovery insights. It features a sleek design, adaptive battery, and real-time heart rate tracking to optimize performance.
Display Type: No display | Compatible Device: Android and iOS | Waterproof Rating: Up to 50 meters | Battery life: Up to 5- days
The WHOOP 4.0 is a premium fitness tracker designed for athletes who are focused on optimizing their performance and recovery. This device excels in tracking recovery metrics such as sleep quality and strain, providing personalized insights to help you improve your training routine.
With water resistance up to 50 meters, it’s well-suited for swimming and high-intensity workouts. The WHOOP 4.0 doesn’t have a screen but offers detailed data through its companion app, making it ideal for users who prefer in-depth analytics and a minimalist design.
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5. Polar Grit X
The best outdoor fitness tracker
This fitness tracker boasts advanced GPS, extensive battery life, and real-time weather updates. It provides comprehensive metrics for heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and recovery tracking designed for outdoor adventurers.
Display Type: Memory in Pixel | Compatible Device: Android and iOS | Waterproof Rating: Up to 100 meters | Battery life: Up to 7 days
The Polar Grit X is built for outdoor enthusiasts who need a rugged and reliable fitness watch. It comes with turn-by-turn navigation, a hill splitter, and fuel-wise features that help you plan your long adventures. The Grit X also has military-grade durability, ensuring it can withstand extreme conditions.
With up to 100 hours of battery life in training mode, it’s perfect for long hikes, trail runs, or mountain biking sessions. Its water resistance of up to 100 meters makes it suitable for swimming and other water activities, solidifying its status as a versatile outdoor fitness tracker.
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6. Amazfit T-Rex Pro
The best budget rugged fitness tracker
This Fitness Tracker features a rugged design, 10 ATM water resistance, and built-in GPS, offering accurate tracking for outdoor adventures. It monitors heart rate, sleep, and stress levels.
Display Type: AMOLED | Compatible Device: Android and iOS | Waterproof Rating: Up to 100 meters | Battery life: 1 day
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro is designed for those who need a durable and rugged fitness tracker. It meets military-grade standards for toughness, making it resistant to extreme conditions. The T-Rex Pro offers over 100 sports modes, built-in GPS, and a long battery life of up to 18 days.
It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it one of the most durable options on the market. Despite its rugged build, the T-Rex Pro is still comfortable enough for daily wear, making it a great choice for those who lead an active lifestyle in challenging environments.
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7. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The best smartwatch for Android users
The Galaxy Watch 5 Fitness Tracker provides advanced health monitoring, sleep tracking, and detailed workout metrics. It features a durable design, customizable watch faces, and seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem
Display Type: AMOLED | Compatible Device: Android | Waterproof Rating: Up to 50 meters | Battery life: Up to 18 days
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 combines style with advanced fitness tracking features, making it an excellent choice for Android users. It offers a range of health monitoring features, including ECG, sleep tracking, and body composition analysis.
The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, allowing it to withstand swimming and daily use. Its sleek design and customizable watch faces make it a fashionable accessory that doesn’t compromise on functionality. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is perfect for those who want a stylish, all-around fitness tracker that integrates well with Android devices.
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8. Suunto 9 Baro
The best for ultra-endurance athletes
Equipped with GPS navigation and a built-in barometer, this tracker delivers accurate altitude data. It excels in endurance with customizable battery modes and offers up to 120 hours of continuous tracking for various activities.
Display Type: matrix | Compatible Device: Android and iOS | Waterproof Rating: Up to 100 meters | Battery life: Up to 14 days
The Suunto 9 Baro is engineered for endurance athletes who need a robust and reliable tracker for long-duration activities. With its water resistance up to 100 meters and extended battery life, it’s perfect for ultra-marathoners, long-distance cyclists, and adventure racers.
The tracker includes features such as 120-hour continuous exercise tracking and barometric altitude measurement, providing detailed insights for high-performance training. The Suunto 9 Baro excels in extreme sports and long-distance challenges, making it the best choice for those who push their limits.
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9. Coros Vertix 2
The best for extreme conditions
This fitness tracker ensures precise location tracking and also features offline mapping, music playback, and an impressive 140-hour battery life, making it ideal for outdoor adventures
Display Type: AMOLED | Compatible Device: Android and iOS | Waterproof Rating: Up to 100 meters | Battery life: Up to 60 days
The Coros Vertix 2 is designed for high-altitude explorers and extreme sports enthusiasts. With its unparalleled water resistance of up to 150 meters, this tracker is perfect for diving and other high-pressure activities.
It features dual-frequency GPS for accurate location tracking in challenging environments and a SpO2 sensor to monitor oxygen levels at high altitudes. The Coros Vertix 2 provides the durability and functionality needed for serious outdoor adventures, making it an excellent choice for those who tackle high-altitude or underwater challenges.
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10. Garmin Venu 3
The best stylish all-rounder fitness tracker
The Garmin Venu 3 Fitness Tracker features a stunning AMOLED display, advanced health and fitness insights, 14 days of battery life, GPS, and the ability to make and take calls from your wrist.
Display Type: AMOLED | Compatible Device: Android and iOS | Waterproof Rating: Up to 50 meters | Battery life: Up to 14 days
The Garmin Venu 3 combines a sleek design with powerful fitness tracking features, making it ideal for users who want both style and functionality. It offers an AMOLED display, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and GPS capabilities.
With a water resistance of up to 50 meters, it’s suitable for swimming and daily wear. The Garmin Venu 3 provides a balanced mix of aesthetics and performance, making it a great option for fitness enthusiasts who want a versatile tracker that looks as good as it performs.
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How we chose the Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers
We didn’t just pick any old fitness trackers. The ones on this list were selected based on several key criteria:
- Water Resistance Rating: Every tracker here is built to withstand at least some level of submersion in water.
- Battery Life: We prioritized trackers with long battery life, allowing users to focus on their workouts and adventures without worrying about constant charging.
- Fitness Tracking Features: Beyond just being waterproof, these trackers offer robust fitness tracking features, from heart rate monitoring to GPS tracking.
- User Experience: We considered user reviews and expert opinions to ensure these trackers are not only functional but also enjoyable to use.
- Durability: These trackers are made to last, whether you’re swimming, running, or just going about your daily life.
- Customer Reviews and Research: We extensively researched user reviews and expert opinions to understand the real-world performance and user experience offered by each tracker.
- Research and Expertise: We conducted thorough research, comparing technical specifications and expert reviews to ensure our selections are top-tier.
- Value for Money: Balancing features and price, we chose devices that offer excellent value, catering to various budgets without compromising quality.
Conclusion
When choosing the best waterproof fitness tracker, it’s all about finding what suits your lifestyle and fitness goals. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete, a casual swimmer, or someone just beginning their fitness journey, there’s a tracker out there designed for you.
Think about what features matter most to you whether it’s GPS for accurate tracking, heart rate monitoring to keep you in the zone, or swim tracking to improve your laps. Once you’ve figured that out, pick the tracker that best aligns with your needs.
So, why wait? Take the plunge and start your fitness adventure with one of these top waterproof fitness trackers and make every stroke, step, and splash count.
Frequentely Asked Questions
How Accurate Are Activity Trackers?
The Accuracy depends on the tracker and how you use it. Generally, activity trackers are accurate for tracking steps, distance, and heart rate. However, they may not be as precise when estimating calories burned, as this can vary based on individual factors like metabolism and activity level.
Can I wear my Fitbit in the shower?
Most Fitbit models are safe to wear in the shower. However, it’s always a good idea to rinse and dry your device afterward to prevent soap and shampoo buildup. The Fitbit Charge 6 and Fitbit Inspire 3 are examples of models that can be worn in the shower.
How Does Fitbit Track Calories Burned?
Fitbit uses a combination of your heart rate, age, weight, and activity level to estimate calories burned. While not 100% accurate, it provides a good estimate that can help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
Can I Swim with My Fitbit?
Yes, many Fitbit models, like the Fitbit Charge 6 and Fitbit Sense, are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming. However, always check the specific model’s water resistance before taking it for a swim.
