Whether you’re training for the Olympics or simply trying to stay fit, swimming is an excellent choice for any exercise routine!
Not only is it great at burning body fat and toning your muscles; it is also very therapeutic!
But, one thing is for sure: if you hope to make any kind of progress, you’re going to need a heart rate monitor. And I’m sure by now, you’ve figured that part out since you’re reading this article!
So, we’ve searched through every wristband and chest strap on the market, looking for the top trackers and monitors so you don’t have to. We found the 10 best you can purchase in 2021!
- First, we thought we’d show you the Top 5 out of the 10 best trackers to make your decision even easier!
- Then, we’ll go through the pros and cons of each of our top 10 picks.
- And finally, we’ve provided you with an ultimate buyer’s guide, filled with important information and
- Frequently Asked Questions so you know you’ll make the right choice!
If that sounds good to you, let’s get started!
Best of the Best: The Top 5 HRMs for Swimmers
Best Overall: POLAR H9 Heart Rate Sensor Strap
Runner Up: FitBit Versa 2 Band
Best Budget: QOOGOT Waterproof Tracker Band
Best Premium: Garmin Swim 2 with GPS Band
Best Multifunctional: MOOV 3D Fitness Tracker Strap
Top 10 Best Waterproof Heart Rate Monitors for Swimmers
1 –Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
2 – Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch with Heart Rate
3 – Garmin HRM-Swim, w/Non-Slip Strap
4 – Garmin Swim 2, GPS Swimming Smartwatch for Pool/Open Water
5 – Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor
6 – Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate and Fitness Tracker
7 – Suunto Smart Heart Rate Sensor Belt – Bluetooth, Waterproof Chest Strap
8 – POLAR H9 Heart Rate Sensor – ANT + / Bluetooth – Waterproof HR Monitor
9 – MOOV NOW – 3D Fitness Tracker & Real Time Audio Coach, Swimming Running Water Resistant
10 – QOOGOT Waterproof Tracker and Heart Rate Monitor
Comparison Table For Best Heart Rate Monitor for Swimmers
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1. POLAR H10 Chest Strap: Best for All Climates
Whether you’re a summer swimmer or a polar bear, the waterproof, smooth POLAR H10 is great for tracking your hottest, or coldest, aquatic exercises. This chest strap works below freezing all the way up to 122!
Plus, you can connect it to any of your favorite fitness apps, even Peloton! Its new and improved electrodes are sure to get an accurate reading every time, allowing you to track an entire session!
And, no need to worry about size or colors. The POLAR H10 will adjust to any body type and it comes in a variety of colors, so you can get the most out of your workout!
Pros
- Waterproof
- Sweatproof
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Variety of Sizes and Colors
- Perfect for Men and Women
- Comfortable, Durable Fabric
- Versatile, Works Well for Any Sport
- Improved Electrodes for Top Accuracy
- Can Operate in Virtually Any Temperature (14- 122)
Cons
- Only has Memory for 1 Training Session
POLAR App Connectivity Issues
2. FitBit Versa 2 Wristband: Best for Style
If you’re a swimmer looking for a sleek, stylish fitness tracker that also tracks your heart rate, look no further than the FitBut Versa 2. We love this one for its contemporary design and wide variety of colors!
But, that’s not all we love about it. With the FitBit Versa 2, you don’t have to worry about switching bands when you’re ready to get out of the pool. Simple dry it off and get moving! You can use the Versa 2 for all of your fitness activities!
Want to play some tunes as you do your laps? No problem! Just ask the built-in Alexa to play your favorite songs from Spotify or Pandora! For all of the FitBit Versa 2’s awesome features, we’re satisfied with its higher price point. With the FitBit brand, you know you’re getting a quality product!
Pros
- Waterproof
- Built-In Alexa
- 6 Day Battery Life
- Great Color Variety
- 2 Band Sizes Included
- Payment Plan Available
- Sleek Fit and Durable Band
- Spotify and Pandora Compatible
- 2 or 3 Year Protection Plan Available
- Tracks Heart Rate 24/7, Calories, Steps, Distance, and Hourly Activity
Cons
- Spotify and Pandora Require Additional Subscription
- Not as Affordable as Other Options
3. Garmin HRM-Swim Chest Strap: Best for Divers
If you’re planning on booking your first or five hundredth scuba diving excursion, you can’t go wrong with the Garmin HRM swim strap. Operational at up to 5 ATM, feel free to dive 50 meters beneath the surface while still being able to save your heart rate data.
The Garmin HRM Swim Strap is affordable and comfortable, sitting painlessly on your skin while accurately measuring your heart rate with every stroke.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Non-Slip Strap
- 18 Months of Battery Life
- Operates at up to 5 ATM
- Comfortable and Adjustable
- Saves Heart Rate Data to Your Device
Cons
- Only Comes in 1 Color
- Only Compatible with Garmin Apps
4. Garmin Swim 2 Wristband with GPS: Best for Safety
If you enjoy swimming outside of the pool, the Garmin Swim 2 might be for you. It’s made with a GPS tracker, offering you the security and peace of mind you want when swimming in oceans, lakes, and bays.
The Garmin Swim 2 is the premium heart rate monitor for all swimmers, making its price the most affordable on the market for its top-notch quality. Plus, it comes in two stylish colors, pure white and slate gray.
The Garmin Swim 2 is sure to exceed any swimmer’s expectations, tracking not just laps and strokes in the water, but recording distance and offering drills and free custom workouts to fit your needs!
Pros
- Device Connectivity
- Two Sleek, Stylish Colors
- GPS Tracker for Ultimate Safety
- Waterproof for Pools and Ocean
- SWOLF Tracking for Ultimate Progress
- Records Strokes and Laps in Addition to Heart Rate
- Includes Free Analysis and Custom Workout Creation
Cons
- A Bit Pricey
- Only Lasts 13 Hours when on GPS Mode
5. Garmin HRM-Swim 1 Chest Strap: Best for Battery Life
If swimming is your go-to exercise, you know you need a heart rate monitor to track and make progress. Well, with the Garmin HRM Swim 1 Strap, you can do that for up to 18 months without changing the battery!
This state of the art, non-slip strap will let you track your heart rate with every stroke. And no need to worry about its size or weight getting in the way of your best laps. The Garmin HRM Swim 1 Strap is the smallest and lightest heart rate strap made by Garmin!
Pros
- Waterproof
- Non-Slip Strap
- Stores Up to 20 Hours of Data
- Battery Lasts Up to 18 Months
- Sleek and Comfortable for Minimal Water Drag
Cons
- A Bit Pricey
- Only Connects to Garmin Device to Save Data
6. FitBit Inspire HRM and Fitness Wristband: Best for Comfort
If you want a wrist heart rate monitor and fitness tracker you’ll barely even feel, look no further than the FitBit Inspire! Its sleek, lightweight design is perfect for swimmers as well as joggers or bikers.
And don’t worry about comfort while asleep; this tracker will record your heart rate as you sleep, along with your sleep patterns, without causing pain as you get the rest your body needs.
Plus, its user-friendly digital screen displays all your progress, as well as the time so you can wear it as a watch, as well!
Pros
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 24/7 Heart Rate Tracking
- Lightweight and Comfortable
- Water Resistant Up to 50 Meters
- Celebrates Every Goal Completion
- Automatically Records All Workouts
- Comes in a Variety of Modern Colors
Cons
- A Bit Pricey
- Only 5 Days of Battery Life
7. SUUNTO Smart Heart Rate Chest Belt: Best for Bluetooth
As an active swimmer, you know how important it is to use only the sleekest, smallest tools while taking your laps. If something you wear is too big of bulky, your speed and distance may be compromised.
That’s why the SUUNTO Smart Heart Rate Belt may be the option for you! It promises to accurately track your heart rate without getting in the way. The SUUNTO contains the smallest bluetooth disk on the market, so your data will be saved without the worry of inaccuracies!
Pros
- Waterproof
- Long-Lasting Battery
- Adjustable and Comfortable
- Works with a Variety of Fitness Apps
- Smallest Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor Out There!
Cons
- Strap Could Be Slippery
8. POLAR H9 Heart Rate Sensor Chest Strap: Best Chest Strap for Your Wallet
For the most part, heart rate monitoring chest straps are going to be on the pricier side. But, with the POLAR H9, you can get the same awesome benefits of other chest straps at nearly half the cost!
The POLAR H9 is Bluetooth and ANT+ connective, so you can feel secure knowing your heart rate will be monitored accurately and effectively with every stroke. You can even hook it up to your smartphone to use the Polar App!
Plus, the POLAR H9 Heart Rate Sensor is perfect for all body types and activities. It will even track your calories burned in addition to your heart rate!
Pros
- Waterproof
- Machine Washable
- 400 Hours of Battery Life
- Most Affordable Chest Strap
- Bluetooth and ANT+ Connectivity
- Tracks Heart Rate and Calories Burned
- Compatible with a Wide Range of Fitness Apps
Cons
- Strap Connects with Just a Small Hook in the Back
9. MOOV 3D Fitness Tracker Wristband: Best for Motivation
The MOOV 3D Fitness Tracker is by far the best tracker for motivating you through your workouts With MOOV’s Real-Time Coaching, you don’t have to worry about motivating yourself to keep burning those calories!
Not only is its waterproof construction perfect for all of your aquatic activities. The MOOV 3D Tracker is also great for running, walking, cardio kickboxing, and cycling! Its comfortable, sleek fit promises total ease of motion, even while performing the most difficult of workouts.
Plus, you can even track your sleep and activity with this baby for up to 6 months with one battery! No need to worry about charging yet another device!
And, the MOOV 3D Tracker comes in three sleek, modern colors: Aqua Blue, Fusion Red, and Stealth Black!
Pros
- Waterproof
- Variety of Colors
- 6 Month Battery Life
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Includes Wrist and Ankle Band
- Tracks Activity, Calories, and Sleep
- Perfect for Swimmers, Runners, Cyclers, and Boxers
Cons
- Tracker Core and Band Come Apart, Prone to Falling Out
- One Size Fits All
10. QOOGOT Waterproof Tracker Wristband: Best Wristband for Your Wallet
If you’re just starting your swimming routine, you can’t go wrong with the QOOGOT Tracker. It’s by far the most bang for your buck on this list, holding a great deal of helpful features for a very low price!
The QOOGOT’s sleek, modest design is perfect for your workout days and your _work _days. The clear, bright screen will display your heart rate, the time and date, calories burned, distance, and steps! Plus, you can even hook it up to your favorite devices to view all of your progress!
Not to mention, the QOOGOT’s lightweight build won’t hold you back from making the most of your workouts. It also comes in three cool colors for all atmospheres: stylish silver, smart black, or elegant gold,
Pros
- Stopwatch
- Waterproof
- GPS Tracker
- 5-7 Days of Charge
- Phone Call Display
- USB Charging Port
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Reminders to Get Moving
Cons
- Not Tablet-Connective
- A Bit Small for Some Wrists
Buyers Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying A Heart Rate Monitor
If you’re an avid swimmer, or just beginning to explore the world of aquatic sports, you definitely need a fitness tracker. There’s very little progress you can actually make without one.
A fitness and heart rate tracker will provide you with all of the statistics you’ll need to make the most out of your workouts, lose body fat, and gain the healthy, toned body you’ve always wanted.
Each of our top 10 Heart Rate Monitors for Swimmers are all high quality, affordable options for anyone’s tracking needs.
Price
Today’s fitness market is stuffed with trackers claiming to be right for everyone, but soon proving to be completely not worth their prices. If you’re a swimmer, you have to be even more careful when purchasing a tracker; if a product claims to be waterproof and isn’t, your hard-earned money just went down the drain.
But, with our picks for Heart Rate Monitors and Fitness Trackers, you can rest assured that each is worth their price. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate tracker, containing every feature you can dream of, or a more simple, affordable option, you’re sure to find one on our list that matches your price point.
Comfort
Since you’ll be wearing your tracker all day long while you work out (and sometimes, even through the night), comfort is going to be one of your top priorities.
If a band is going to be too tight, or a chest strap will dig into your skin, you’re not going to get the best possible workout. But, with our picks, comfort was one of our top priorities, too. We made sure each tracker was lightweight and adjustable so you can focus on fitness!
Battery Life
While you’re pushing your body to its limits, performing stroke after stroke, lap after lap, you do _not _want to think about your tracker’s battery dying. If that happens, you’ll lose all your day’s data, and your workout will become moot.
That’s why we’ve scoured the market for the trackers with the longest lasting batteries! All of our top picks will last anywhere from 5 days to 18 months with just one charge!
Durability
If you’re a swimmer, your tracker is going to get wet; there’s no way around it. And outside the pool, jogging, biking, and other cardio activities are bound to make you sweat. So, you want a fitness tracker that can stand up to chlorine, salt, and sweat without cracking or snapping.
That’s why we made sure each of our picks are waterproof! You won’t have to stress about your strap or band getting eaten away by your hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use my Heart Rate Monitor in fresh, salt, and chlorinated water?
Yes! As long as you make sure to clean your band or strap with fresh water after use, it’s sure to last you a lifetime!
Can I connect my Heart Rate Monitor to an app on my phone?
Yes! All of our top picks are Bluetooth connective!
Will my Heart Rate Monitor come with a warranty?
Yes, you can request a warranty for most of our top picks. A few also offer protection plans for an additional charge.
Are the chest straps comfortable for women?
Yes, they all stay in place and provide the ultimate level of comfort for women as well as men.
Will I be able to find a band or strap in my size and color preference?
Absolutely! Most of our top picks come in a range of colors and all are size adjustable for the perfect fit every time!
Are chest straps better than wristbands for tracking your heart rate?
Only slightly, and that’s because the chest strap is attached more tightly to your body. However, wristbands tend to be more versatile and convenient, so you could wear them for any workout all day and night.
Conclusion
If you’re dedicated to your workouts and your health, you know how important a heart rate monitor really is. You know how detrimental it can be not to track your heart rate and progress each time you jump into the water.
That’s why you came here. And we’re certain you found at least one monitor that fits your needs and price point. Our Top 10 Picks are all waterproof, so you know you’ll purchase something that won’t break as soon as it’s submerged. Plus, they can all connect to your devices, securing your data and allowing your workouts to improve over time!
So don’t waste any more days in the pool because you haven’t been able to track your progress. Take control of your workouts NOW and swim all the way to the healthy body you’ve always wanted!
Happy Fitnessing!