10 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 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.

It offers a wide range of activity profiles, including running, cycling, and strength training, but lacks specific swim metrics, which might be a downside for swimmers looking for detailed swim tracking data. The Garmin Coach and personalized workout suggestions make it easy to stay on track with fitness goals, while safety features such as incident detection and Assistance provide peace of mind during outdoor activities.

Smart notifications, Garmin Pay, and connectivity with the Garmin Connect app enhance the user experience by integrating seamlessly with daily life. However, some users might find the 1.2-inch screen size a bit small, and the reliance on Bluetooth connectivity might be a limitation if your phone isn't nearby. Its limited swim-specific features make it more suitable for runners and general fitness enthusiasts rather than dedicated swimmers.

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.