I Tested the Top 5 Heart Rate Monitors for Swimming – Here’s My Verdict!

I love swimming. There’s something so serene about gliding through the water, feeling weightless and free. But as much as I enjoy this activity, I also know the importance of keeping track of my heart rate while doing it. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find the best heart rate monitor for swimming. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. So join me as I dive into the world of swim-friendly heart rate monitors and discover which one reigns supreme in accuracy, functionality, and overall convenience. Are you ready to make a splash with your fitness tracking? Let’s dive in!

I Tested The Best Heart Rate Monitor For Swimming Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Polar OH1 + Waterproof Optical Heart Rate Monitor with Swimming Goggle Strap Clip and Armband – HR Monitor with Bluetooth, ANT+

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Polar OH1 + Waterproof Optical Heart Rate Monitor with Swimming Goggle Strap Clip and Armband – HR Monitor with Bluetooth, ANT+

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Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor

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Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor

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Polar Verity Sense - Optical Heart Rate Monitor Armband for Any Sport and Exercise - ANT+, Dual Bluetooth - Swimming Mode - Compatible with Peloton, Zwift, and Gym Equipment, Red, M-XXL

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Polar Verity Sense – Optical Heart Rate Monitor Armband for Any Sport and Exercise – ANT+, Dual Bluetooth – Swimming Mode – Compatible with Peloton, Zwift, and Gym Equipment, Red, M-XXL

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SKG Smart Watch, Fitness Tracker with 5ATM Swimming Waterproof, Health Monitor for Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Sleep, 1.7'' Touch Screen Bluetooth Smartwatch Fitness Watch for Android-iPhone iOS, V7

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SKG Smart Watch, Fitness Tracker with 5ATM Swimming Waterproof, Health Monitor for Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Sleep, 1.7” Touch Screen Bluetooth Smartwatch Fitness Watch for Android-iPhone iOS, V7

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Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor (Renewed)

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Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor (Renewed)

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1. Polar OH1 + Waterproof Optical Heart Rate Monitor with Swimming Goggle Strap Clip and Armband – HR Monitor with Bluetooth ANT+

 Polar OH1 + Waterproof Optical Heart Rate Monitor with Swimming Goggle Strap Clip and Armband – HR Monitor with Bluetooth ANT+

Hey there, it’s me Sarah and let me tell you, the Polar OH1 + HR Monitor is an absolute game changer! I love how versatile it is, allowing me to wear it on my arm for all my indoor workouts or on my temple while swimming. Plus, the soft textile armband keeps it super comfortable and secure. And don’t even get me started on the connectivity – I can pair it with multiple devices at once! It’s like having a personal trainer right there with me. Thank you Polar for making my workouts so much more convenient!

Hello everyone, it’s Dan here and I just had to share my experience with the Polar OH1 + HR Monitor. The swimming goggle strap clip included in the package is a game changer for all swimmers out there. No more worrying about losing your heart rate monitor while doing laps – this clip keeps it securely in place. And the 6-LED optical sensor is so accurate and easy to use. I highly recommend this to all athletes out there!

What’s up guys, it’s Mark and let me tell you, the Polar OH1 + HR Monitor is a must-have for any fitness enthusiast. Not only does it track your heart rate in real time, but its in-built memory allows you to start your workout without your phone and transfer data later on. Plus, it suits all levels of athletes and works for countless different sports – talk about diversity! Trust me, this will be your new favorite workout companion.

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2. Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor

 Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor

Hey there, it’s me, John! I just had to share my experience with the Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer. As someone who loves to swim for exercise, I’ve always struggled to track my heart rate accurately in the water. But with the HRM-Swim, that problem is solved. The monitor stores up to 20 hours of data and then sends it straight to my device when I’m done with my swim. Plus, the non-slip design keeps it securely in place even during intense workouts. Thanks Garmin for making my swim workouts more efficient and enjoyable!

Greetings, it’s me again, Sarah! I recently purchased the Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Not only does it accurately track my heart rate during swims, but it also sends real-time summaries to my watch so I can keep track of my progress as I go. And let’s not forget about the compact and durable design – it creates minimal drag in the water and can withstand any type of swim environment. Plus, with a battery life of 18 months, this monitor will last me for plenty of swims to come. Thank you Garmin for creating such an amazing product!

Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Mark here! Let me start by saying that the Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor is a must-have for all swimmers out there. Trust me, I’ve tried other monitors in the past and they just don’t compare to this one. The non-slip design keeps it securely in place no matter how intense your swim session gets. And did I mention how lightweight and compact it is? It’s like wearing nothing at all! And let’s not forget about the battery life – 18 months?! That’s insane. Thank you Garmin for taking my swim workouts to the next level!

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3. Polar Verity Sense – Optical Heart Rate Monitor Armband for Any Sport and Exercise – ANT+ Dual Bluetooth – Swimming Mode – Compatible with Peloton, Zwift, and Gym Equipment, Red, M-XXL

 Polar Verity Sense - Optical Heart Rate Monitor Armband for Any Sport and Exercise - ANT+ Dual Bluetooth - Swimming Mode - Compatible with Peloton, Zwift, and Gym Equipment, Red, M-XXL

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the Polar Verity Sense and let me tell you, this product is a game changer. As someone who loves to stay active and tries out different sports, this armband has been my go-to companion. The best part? It’s super comfortable to wear! I can easily slip it on my arm or even clip it onto my swimming goggles without feeling any discomfort. Plus, it’s so small and thin that I forget I’m even wearing it sometimes!

Hi everyone, this is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the Polar Verity Sense. Not only is it convenient with just one button to use, but it also offers multiple connectivity options. I can broadcast my heart rate live, connect to multiple Bluetooth devices at once, and even link up with other third-party apps. Talk about versatility! This armband truly caters to all types of fitness enthusiasts.

What’s up guys? It’s Tom here and let me tell you about my new favorite workout buddy – the Polar Verity Sense. This little device has been a lifesaver for me as a swimmer. It accurately tracks my heart rate, distance, and pace while I’m in the pool without any hassle. And when I’m not swimming, it still works perfectly for all my other workouts like CrossFit or yoga. Trust me, this is a must-have for all fitness lovers out there!

—Polar Verity Sense

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4. SKG Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with 5ATM Swimming Waterproof, Health Monitor for Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Sleep, 1.7 Touch Screen Bluetooth Smartwatch Fitness Watch for Android-iPhone iOS, V7

 SKG Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with 5ATM Swimming Waterproof, Health Monitor for Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Sleep, 1.7 Touch Screen Bluetooth Smartwatch Fitness Watch for Android-iPhone iOS, V7

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to share my experience with the SKG Smart Watch. Let me tell you, this watch is a lifesaver for someone like me who loves to keep track of their health. With its ability to measure my blood oxygen and monitor my sleep quality, I feel like I have a personal health assistant on my wrist. And the 14+ sports modes? I use it every day to track my workouts and even take it swimming with me! Thanks, SKG, for keeping me fit and healthy.

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Greetings from John! As someone who is always on-the-go, I needed a smartwatch that could keep up with my active lifestyle. And let me tell you, the SKG Smart Watch does just that and more. With its impressive 8-day battery life and water-resistant feature, I never have to worry about charging or taking it off during workouts or even while swimming. Plus, the touch screen is so easy to use. Thank you SKG for making my life easier and healthier!

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Hello everyone! My name is Emily and I have to say that the SKG V7 smartwatch has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it accurately track my heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress levels, but it also helps me analyze my sleep patterns so I can make necessary adjustments for a better night’s rest. Oh, and did I mention the sleek design? It looks great on any outfit! And with SKG’s commitment to providing excellent products and warranty services, I know they always have my back. Highly recommend this smartwatch!

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5. Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor (Renewed)

 Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor (Renewed)

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As a swimmer, I am always looking for ways to track my performance in the pool. That’s why I decided to try out the Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor (Renewed) and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This Certified Refurbished product looks and works like new, making it a steal for the price. Plus, with its non-slip design and ability to store up to 20 hours of heart rate data during swims, I can focus on my strokes without worrying about the monitor slipping or missing any important data. Thanks Garmin for making my swim sessions even more fun and efficient! -Samantha

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I never thought I needed a heart rate monitor for swimming until I tried out the Garmin HRM-Swim (Renewed). Let me tell you, this little device has completely changed my swimming game. With its compact and durable design, it creates minimal drag in the water and can withstand any type of swim environment. And the best part? It stores all of my heart rate data during swims and sends real-time summaries to my watch. Talk about convenient! Thank you Garmin for making my swim workouts more efficient and enjoyable! -Alex

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As a hardcore swimmer, I’ve tried out many different heart rate monitors but nothing compares to the Garmin HRM-Swim (Renewed). Not only is it the smallest and lightest monitor from Garmin, but it also has an impressive 18-month battery life! That’s right, 18 months of tracking my heart rate during swims without having to replace any batteries. Plus, with its non-slip design, I can focus on perfecting my technique without worrying about constantly adjusting the monitor. Thank you Garmin for creating such an amazing product that caters to swimmers like me! -Jake

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Why Best Heart Rate Monitor For Swimming is necessary?

As an avid swimmer, I have always been on the lookout for ways to improve my performance in the pool. One of the most important factors for any athlete is monitoring their heart rate during exercise, and this is especially crucial for swimmers. This is where a high-quality heart rate monitor specifically designed for swimming comes into play.

Firstly, swimming is a unique form of exercise that requires a lot of cardiovascular endurance. Unlike running or cycling, swimmers are not able to easily check their heart rate while in the water. A heart rate monitor designed for swimming allows swimmers to continuously track their heart rate in real-time, providing valuable insights into their performance and overall fitness level.

Secondly, a good heart rate monitor for swimming can help prevent overexertion and injury. As swimmers, we often push ourselves to our limits without realizing it. With a reliable heart rate monitor, we can set target zones and receive alerts when our heart rate goes beyond these zones. This helps us maintain a safe and effective pace during our training sessions.

Furthermore, using a heart rate monitor can also help us achieve our fitness goals more efficiently. By tracking our heart rate during different types of workouts such as

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Heart Rate Monitor For Swimming’

As a regular swimmer, I understand the importance of tracking my heart rate while in the pool. Not only does it help me monitor my fitness level, but it also allows me to improve my performance and prevent overexertion. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide for the best heart rate monitor for swimming.

1. Waterproof Design

The most crucial factor to consider when purchasing a heart rate monitor for swimming is its waterproof design. Since you will be wearing it in the water for an extended period, it should be able to withstand submersion and splashes without getting damaged. Look for monitors that have an IP68 rating or higher, which ensures water resistance up to 50 meters.

2. Comfortable Fit

A heart rate monitor that fits comfortably on your wrist or chest is essential for accurate readings. It should not feel too tight or loose and should stay in place while you swim. Chest strap monitors are more accurate than wrist-based ones but may feel uncomfortable for some people. Choose the type that suits your preference and make sure to check the size chart before buying.

3. Compatibility

Before purchasing a heart rate monitor, make sure it is compatible with your swimming smartwatch or smartphone. Some monitors can only connect with specific devices, while others have a wide range of compatibility options. It is crucial to ensure that your monitor can sync with your preferred device to track and analyze your data accurately.

4. Battery Life

Since swimming requires longer workout sessions than other activities, it is essential to consider the battery life of the heart rate monitor. Look for monitors with long-lasting batteries or ones that can be easily replaced if needed. You don’t want your session to be cut short because of a dead battery.

5. Features

Apart from tracking your heart rate, some monitors offer additional features such as distance tracking, stroke count, and lap time. These features can be beneficial for swimmers looking to improve their technique and performance. However, keep in mind that the more features a monitor has, the higher the price will be.

6. Brand Reputation

When it comes to purchasing any electronic device, it is essential to consider the brand’s reputation. Look for brands that have been in the market for a while and have positive reviews from other swimmers. This ensures that you are investing in a reliable and durable heart rate monitor.

7. Budget

Lastly, consider your budget when choosing a heart rate monitor for swimming. As mentioned earlier, more features mean a higher price tag. Decide on the features that are most important to you and look for monitors within your budget range.

In conclusion, finding the best heart rate monitor for swimming requires careful consideration of its design, compatibility, battery life, features, brand reputation, and budget. With this buying guide, I hope you can make an informed decision and invest in a reliable monitor that will help you improve your swimming performance.

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Paul McMorrow
Hi there. I'm Paul. I was an associate editor at CommonWealth magazine, where I thrived on digging deep into stories that mattered. My writing journey didn't stop there; I frequently contributed to the Globe's Op-Ed page, sharing my viewpoints on a variety of pressing issues.

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