The best sports watch for swimming and running is more than just a modern-looking timepiece.
Instead, it needs to have all of the high-tech features you would expect from a top-of-the-line watch to keep track of your performance.
With the right watch, you can quickly achieve your fitness goals while improving your overall performance.
Comparison Chart
Best Sports Watch for Swimming and Running: Brief Reviews
1. Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker
Fitbit has been one of the top manufacturers when it comes to sports-friendly watches.
As one of its best creations, the Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker has plenty of user-friendly functions for a smartwatch.
Review
There are several key features in this sports watch that you will want to consider to improve your daily activities.
- Built-In GPS
The importance of GPS in sports watches cannot be understated, especially when it comes to tracking your runs accurately.
With the integrated GPS, you can see your pace on the watch’s screen and review your trip on your smart device or computer.
This feature is fantastic for runners who like to map out new routes, share routes with friends, or explore new areas.
- Active Zone Minutes
Setting activity targets is a fantastic way to ensure you are meeting your physical goals daily.
The Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker features Active Zone Minutes, which track your exercise targets.
Once you have reached your target heart rate zone, the device buzzes and lets you know when your exercise is complete.
If you feel like pushing yourself a little bit further, you also get a little celebration once you’ve finished.
The watch will track any extra minutes outside of your Activity Zone Minutes as well.
- 24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring
One feature that entices fitness enthusiasts the most is the Fitbit Charge 4’s heart rate monitoring.
With this, you can track your heart rate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Using this technology can provide more accurate resting heart rate measurements as well as better tracking of calories burned.
- Wide Compatibility
Reviewing your daily activity is half of tracking your fitness progress.
Fortunately, this device is compatible with an assortment of devices.
With its built-in Bluetooth technology, you can quickly sync it with Mac OSX, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
- Nightly Oxygen Saturation
This feature is not recommended for medical use but is incredibly useful for sleep tracking.
Basically, when wearing your Fitbit at night, it tracks your nightly average oxygen saturation.
You can also track your weekly trends to keep an eye on your quality of sleep.
- Exercise Modes
This feature is perfect for multi-sport athletes who want to track performance accurately across different activities.
There are over 20 goal-based modes that you can choose from when exercising.
You can easily track swimming, running, cycling, generic exercises, walking, and more.
- Water-Resistant
Another significant feature, especially for swimmers, is that the Charge 4 is water-resistant.
It is protected up to 50 meters, making it able to withstand being submerged in pools, showers, and handwashing.
Pros:
- Comfortable band
- Charges quickly
- Reliable GPS
- Quickly pairs with devices
Cons:
- Lacks battery life
- Challenging setup
2. DoSmarter Fitness Tracker
Finding the right fitness tracker often means spending a lot of money on innovative devices.
However, the DoSmarter Fitness Tracker makes it easier to have high-tech features at an affordable cost.
With a thin and low-profile design, it is a fantastic addition to your collection of workout gear.
Review
Let’s take a look at some of the most impressive features of the DoSmarter Fitness Tracker.
- Activity Tracking
As expected, this device is capable of tracking an assortment of activities and sports.
It helps measure your steps and tracks specific exercises, such as running, swimming, cycling, and walking.
You will also have the ability to keep track of your total distance traveled and your active minutes throughout the day.
- Heart Rate Monitor
An upgraded component of the DoSmarter Fitness Tracker is the heart rate monitor.
It tracks your heart rate throughout the day and alerts you to any significant variations within 30 minutes of scanning.
If your heart rate is either higher or lower, a visual alarm will appear on the tracker.
- Blood Pressure Monitor
One of the more unique aspects of this fitness tracker is that it monitors your blood pressure.
Like the heart rate tracker, it monitors your blood pressure 24/7 and tracks it on a chart for future review.
Thanks to this, you will have a clear idea of your physical state throughout the day.
- Smartphone Pairing
Fortunately, this device is one of the more useful to have paired with your smartphone.
You can easily connect the tracker with your phone, allowing you to review real-time notifications and reminders.
All you have to do is look at the tracker when a notification comes through on your phone.
- Full Sleep Tracking
Getting a better understanding of your sleep can significantly improve your quality of life.
In line with this, the DoSmarter Fitness Tracker reviews and analyzes your sleep quality with comprehensive tracking.
You can also set silent alarms to gently vibrate you awake in the morning so that you can adjust to healthier sleep/wake cycles.
- Female Health Tracking
Another unique feature of this tracker, which is especially beneficial for women, is the female health tracking.
With this, you can stay up-to-date with your menstrual cycle and get period reminders, cycle updates, and more.
As long as you download the fitness tracker’s app, you will be able to log any symptoms to know when your cycle is about to start.
- Stopwatch
To add to the device’s functionality similar compared to standard watches, you will also have access to a stopwatch.
This feature is iconic for foot races as well as tracking improvements in your swimming over time.
- Camera Control
When paired with your smartphone, you will be able to boost the functionality of your camera from your wrist.
All you have to do is shake your wrist to capture your favorite moments in a second.
As you can imagine, it is a phenomenal option for travel, taking selfies, and more.
- IP68 Waterproof
It is crucial to find a fitness tracker that protects itself against water, especially for swimmers.
Fortunately, this device is IP68 waterproof, making it perfect for use in pools, showering, washing your hands, and more.
Pros:
- Very clear display
- Plenty of useful functions
- Reliably waterproof
- Seamless smartphone app
Cons:
- Blood pressure lacks accuracy
- Not useful for nap tracking
3. Timex Ironman Essential 10 Mid-Size Watch
One name synonymous with physical activity is Ironman, which is why this fitness tracker is iconic.
The Timex Ironman Essential 10 Mid-Size Watch is packed with useful, straightforward features for all-day activity.
Although it’s not as flashy and technologically advanced, it has everything you need for fitness tracking.
Review
Let’s take a look at some of the most impressive features of the Timex Ironman Essential 10 Mid-Size Watch.
- Adjustable Resin Strap
Resin straps are incredibly comfortable for fitness trackers, as they sit comfortably against the skin.
With it, you won’t have to worry about chafing, and the material shapes to the contours of your wrist.
Aside from that, you will find that it’s ideal for waterproofing.
- 10-Lap Memory
The memory function built into this watch is one of its best features, especially for runners and swimmers.
You will be able to keep track of your last 10 records so that you can push yourself further and achieve more complex goals.
This feature is also paired with a 24-hour countdown timer to track your exercise.
- Watch Features
The Timex Ironman Essential 10 Mid-Size Watch is an excellent option if you want a watch paired with a fitness tracker.
You’ll have many standard functions, including 24-hour military time, two time zones, date and month displays, and more.
- Indigo Backlight
Adding a backlight to your fitness tracker is essential for seeing your metrics in all lights.
More than anything, you will love the indigo backlight, which allows you to read the numbers on the screen clearly.
Likely, this feature can also help add visibility to the watch face while underwater.
- Water Resistance
Another impressive feature of this device is that it’s designed for swimming and snorkeling.
It is rated for up to 100 meters of water resistance or 330 feet.
Pros:
- Basic functions
- Good backlight
- Easy-to-read display
- Low-profile design
Cons:
- Low-quality bands
- Cannot use buttons underwater
4. EZON Digital Sport Watch
A separate low-profile sports watch with similar functions to the Timex model is the EZON Digital Sport Watch.
If you are more interested in essentials for fitness tracking than high-tech features, this watch is what you’re looking for.
Review
Let’s explore some of the most innovative features built into the EZON Digital Sport Watch.
- Plastic and Stainless-Steel Construction
Plastic is an excellent material for active watch wearers because it is a flexible material that withstands plenty of use.
When paired with stainless steel, you get the sleek and high-quality appeal you expect from a luxury watch.
This timepiece features stainless steel buttons with a metal case back and a plastic casing.
- 100-Hour Stopwatch
The 100-hour stopwatch is one of the primary features that make this watch a great option.
Basically, it allows you to track up to 10 laps’ worth of data on the watch.
This feature is fantastic for keeping an eye on your past and current performances.
- Lights-Up Display
When it comes to visibility, this watch has a unique lights-up display that will prove helpful.
The backlight automatically engages when you lift your wrist to help you see in dark and light environments.
You can also manually engage the light using the top left-hand button if needed.
- Button Lock
When dealing with high-impact exercise, you won’t want your watch’s functions to be accidentally adjusted.
To address this issue, the button lock feature ensures you do not accidentally press any buttons.
You can also turn this feature on or off as needed.
- Water Resistance
Another essential feature of the EZON Digital Sport Watch is its water resistance.
It is safe to use underwater up to 50 meters, which is excellent for most swimming activities and light snorkeling.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Bright night illumination
- Easy to read
- Access to two time zones
Cons:
- Doesn’t fasten easily
- Allows steam penetration
5. Casio Women’s Runner Quartz Running Watch
The Casio Women’s Runner is a fantastic option for a running watch with a sleek and stylish feel.
It focuses primarily on the features you need so that you can keep track of your physical activity.
Review
There are several great features the Casio Women’s Runner Quartz Running Watch brings to the table.
- 200-Lap Memory
Because it has plenty of memory, there’s no doubt that this watch is an excellent addition to your running wardrobe.
You can quickly track up to 200 laps, allowing you to monitor and manage your performance over time.
More than anything, having access to these metrics can help you see how far you’ve come.
- LED Light
Viewing the screen on your new watch has never been simpler than with this model.
It features an LED light that is easy to read in the dark as well as in bright conditions.
All of the numbers are adequately sized, making the data easy to see at a glance.
- Five Alarms
There are five integrated alarms for you to use to boost the functionality of this timepiece.
With this, you can set individual alarms to keep you on track throughout the day.
- Full Auto-Calendar
Having an auto-calendar on your watch is a handy feature that everyone should take advantage of.
The Casio Women’s Runner has a full auto-calendar featuring the month and day.
This feature also automatically adjusts throughout the year.
- Water-Resistant
As expected, the Casio Women’s Runner is also designed for swimmers.
Its water-resistant build keeps the inner workings protected when running in rain or shine.
Also, you will be able to submerge the watch in up to 100 meters, making it ideal for marine activities.
Pros:
- Doesn’t require charging
- Very water-resistant
- Bright LCD screen
- Clearly labeled buttons
Cons:
- Uncomfortable strap
- Pedometer lacks accuracy
Final Verdict
Our choice for the best sports watch for swimming and running is the Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker.
Although it is expensive, it is packed with powerful features to track the most important aspects of your workout.
Also, there are over 20 specific exercise modes to choose from for the most accurate tracking possible.