The 12 Best Garmin Watches For Swimming and Running: (2024 Expert Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on December 13, 2023 by Luis Cooper

You must have heard about Garmin watches.

It’s a well-known brand when it comes to purchasing watches.

Suppose you are looking for the best watch for swimming and running.

You are at the right spot to find the best watches. 

Most people face problems with their health while swimming and running.

These watches make sure to keep the user’s health updated with their unique and updated features. 

So let’s dig into the article to know more about the best Garmin watches for running and swimming.

I have figured out the following.

Which are the Best Garmin Watches For Swimming and Running?

Here are my recommended top 12 Best Garmin Watches For Swimming and Running:-

Garmin 735XT: (Best Multisport GPS Running Watch)

Last month I participated in a swimming competition.

I needed a watch according to my teacher’s instructions. 

I bought this Garmin Forerunner watch which is the best watch for swimming. 

With its unique features, it was straightforward to win the swimming competition.

It’s a lightweight and waterproof watch which makes it perfect for swimming. 

This watch has Advanced dynamics and multifunctional features that monitor all my activities during my swimming. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE?

Measuring Heart Rate:

This is the feature why I chose the Garmin Forerunner watch. 

It measures my heart rate right from the wrist.

Why is this measuring heart rate featured?

It’s featured so the runner can run freely on race day. 

When I wear this fantastic watch, it keeps me updated with my heart rate on my wrist so that I don’t overdo running and my heart rate might go above. 

Advanced Dynamics:

This high-quality, impressive watch features advanced dynamics, amazingly used for running, cycling, and swimming.

It doesn’t include only these features; there are some other features that this fantastic watch features. 

It also includes surface contact time balance, stride length, vertical ratio, and many other unique features.

I love this multifunctional watch. 

Features:

This Garmin watch offers VO2 with max estimation, lactate threshold, a predictor for race tracks, and an advisor for recovery.

With the help of these features, I can maintain my running easily.

It’s the best watch for running. 

Connectivity Features:

It also gives us connectivity features.

This Garmin watch always makes sure to provide me with all the notifications.

It automatically uploads all my required data on the Garmin Connect application, which helps me store the information safely, and I can review it whenever I need it. 

Moreover, this watch tracks my live routine, motivating me to do better the next day.

There are a lot more features of this watch. 

Customization: 

I got customization for watch faces, another of the best options in this watch.

Applications can also be customized, even though I have done some customization for applications and watch faces.

If more customization is still required, I get it from Connect IQ store, which is convenient. 

Conclusion:

I recommend using this Garmin forerunner watch for swimming and running.

This works best for these two activities. 

Its GPS feature always helps me track wherever I’m going and in which spot I’m at that time.

I loved using this unique watch. 

Specifications: 

Dimension of the watch: 0.47 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches 

Weight of the product: 1.6 ounces 

The model number of the product: Is 010-01614-01 

Other display features: Wireless 

Type of the screen: 215 x 180, color screen 

Does it include batteries? Yes 

Garmin Swim 2: (Best GPS Swimming Smartwatch)

Last year after I got a heart attack, my doctor strictly recommended that I walk and run daily. 

He asked me to give him my daily heart rate and activity monitoring.

I asked him the procedure to provide this. 

The doctor suggested I buy these Garmin Swim two watches, which are fantastic for swimming and running. 

Its unique GPS always helped me track where I was standing and where I must go. 

I have also used this Garmin watch for swimming, which did wonders for me.

Its unique GPS also works underwater and provides me with information about the GPS.

It’s the best Garmin watch for swimming and running.

I love using it. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE? 

Impressive GPS:

This high-quality swimming smartwatch has a GPS installed in it for tracking.

It helps me track where I’m going and at which place I’m at that time. 

Its GPS tracks everything in the swimming pool and the open water. 

Battery Life:

The battery life of this fantastic watch is long-lasting.

For around seven days, this watch works in ordinary watch mode.

In the GPS and optical heart rate OHR, the battery of this watch can stand for up to 13 hours. 

With the tracking in the pool and OHR mode, the battery of this watch can stand for 72 hours.

I love the battery timing of this watch which impresses me. 

Pool Swimming Mode:

In pool swimming mode, the GPS installed helps me track distance underwater, the pace underwater, counts stroke, determines the types of strokes, and swimming efficiency calimers monitored.

The GPS tracking system is my favorite feature of this watch. 

Open Water Swimming Mode:

Here again, we’ll talk about the GPS of this watch. Its built-in GPS helps me swim in lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Even Underwater, this watch tracks my distance, pace, etc. 

This watch also records the distance covered and the pace covered, counts strokes, and determines stroke rate and length.

Using this watch has always made swimming easy for me. 

Advanced Features:

This Garmin watch offers advanced features to track pace, registry drills, and much more.

These features provide me with information about the rate I have covered. 

It includes free online analysis with customized training creation. With this unique feature, I can get free analysis with personalized training.

This watch also gives ample space for storage, and I can share it with Garmin to connect to my online community. 

Connectivity:

It has connected features that are compatible with all smartphones.

This watch also has intelligent notifications, and I can automatically upload my data to the Garmin Connect app for my online community. 

Moreover, it also monitors my heart rate underwater during my swimming activities.

This is the feature that makes this watch a unique masterpiece. 

Conclusion:

I recommend using this authentic watch if you are a swimmer or a runner. For both sports activities, this watch is perfect. 

With its fantastic suite of features for swimming, I had a perfect time swimming underwater.

This watch is never going to annoy you in any case.

I loved using this fantastic masterpiece.

Specifications: 

Dimensions of the watch: 7 x 3 x 5 inches 

Weight of the watch: 1.28 ounces 

The model number of the product: is 010-02247-00 

Batteries installed: 1 lithium polymer installed in the product.

Wireless communications technology: Bluetooth

Connectivity technology: GPS 

Scanner resolution: 208 x 208 pixels

Garmin 010-02064-00: (Best Garmin Watch For Swimming and Running)

I started using this Garmin Instinct watch for swimming and running.

It did wonders for me. 

After my knee injury, my doctor suggested I keep walking and running to keep my knee working. 

So I considered using this one watch, which helped me a lot with running and swimming. 

It tracks all my activities and gives me a report at the end of the day, so I can improve it the next day. 

Its excellent GPS always allows me to stand in harsh weather and track areas wherever I go. 

It’s the best Garmin watch for running and swimming that I have come across. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE? 

Excellent GPS/Resistance: 

This Garmin watch has rugged GPS to withstand harsh environments.

I love its GPS, which tracks areas wherever I go.

While swimming, it tracks everything underwater. 

This watch is made according to the US military standard of thermal resistance to shock and water.

This watch can stand in water for up to 328.1 feet, so it’s perfect for swimming. 

The Navigation System And Monitoring: 

It has an integrated three-axis compass and a barometric altimeter with different global satellite navigation systems.

These navigation systems allow me to track the harshest weather conditions with GPS alone. 

Furthermore, it monitors my heart rate with all my activities and stress.

It trains the user with preloaded activity profiles.

However, its silicone strap doesn’t make the user’s wrist feel sweaty as it’s waterproof, so it doesn’t harm the watch. 

Connectivity And Tracking:

The watch helps me stay connected with everything happening around me through intelligent notifications, which are compatible with all smartphones.

The data stored is automatically uploaded to Garmin to connect the application with the online fitness community. 

On the other hand, its trackback-detecting function allows me to determine the exact route to the starting point.

I usually use the Garmin Explore website and application to arrange my tours quickly. 

Amazing Battery Life: 

It has excellent battery life.

For around 14 days, this watch can standby in watch mode; in GPS mode, it can work for 16 hours, and up to 40 hours, it can work in ultra-trace battery saving mode. 

Conclusion:

I recommend using this unique Garmin Instinct watch if you prefer swimming and running. 

This watch did wonders for me.

Its lightweight and classy design allows me to carry it anywhere.

Specifications: 

Dimensions of the product: 1.8 x 0.6 x 1.8 inches

Weight of the product: 1.76 ounces 

Batteries installed: 1 lithium metal is required to be installed.

The model number of the product: Is 010-02064-00 

Forerunner 935: (Best Affordable Garmin Watch for Running)

Last year I had a running competition at my college.

The practice for this day started two weeks ago. 

My teacher recommended that we get a watch that determines my running schedule and lets me know where I must improve in running. 

I asked my teacher about the watch, and she suggested I buy this Garmin Forerunner watch which is perfect for running. 

This watch is best for running and swimming.

I loved using it for both sports activities. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE? 

GPS/Additional Watch Bands:

This Garmin forerunner watch has a premium version installed for running, triathlon, and detecting heart rate.

It always helps me monitor my heart rate at any time. 

This watch is specially made for athletes, and it fits them comfortably.

It includes interchangeable bands for flexibility and makes the watch resistant with silicone straps with black stainless steel bands.

If I ever get bored with the straps, I change them instantly using an easy-fit connector.

It helps me choose the belt that compliments my outfit. 

How could you exchange the bands with compatible quick-release straps:

Firstly I use screwdrivers to make it relax.

I removed the pin band and the original and installed quick-release bars.

Lastly, I ensure the crew is protected from closing on the pin clock. 

Multiple Colors: 

I chose my favorite color combination with different variations; you can choose yours.

Colors can be customized, which is a fantastic feature of this watch. 

Conclusion:

This Garmin forerunner is the best watch for running and swimming.

This watch worked amazingly for me.

Its lightweight design helps me use this watch daily.

Specifications: 

Dimensions of the product: 0.5 x 1.8 x 2.1 inches 

Weight of the product: 1.76 ounces 

Batteries installed: 1 lithium metal installed.

Display features: Wireless 

Compatibility: Smartphones 

Garmin Forerunner 55: (Best GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts)

I have used this Garmin Forerunner watch for running and swimming.

It helped me a lot with determining my routine for running. 

After I got my ankle twisted last week, I started using this.

It did a fantastic job of monitoring my heart rate.

This activity profile allows me to improve my running. 

I loved using this unique watch for running and swimming from the Garmin collection. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE?

Excellent Monitoring And Battery Life:

This fantastic running watch detects my heart rate right from the watch and uses a GPS to track how fast I run and where I have to go. 

Its battery life is around two weeks if I’m using it in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours if I’m using it in GPS mode.

I love its battery timing. 

GPS And Training Tools:

With the pace function, I can plan my schedule for the running day.

It’s not compatible with routes on the devices.

This watch offers a GPS-based guide to determine the user’s pace for a selected path and distance. 

I use its valuable and unique tools to run with the best of my strategy, which includes time predictions and estimation for arrival time. 

Tracking Activities with Advanced Features:

The built-in activity profile is featured for tracking movements, including running, cycling, running on a specific track, virtual running, swimming, Pilates, etc. 

I have tuned my body with its advanced technology for wellness, including minutes of intensity, fitness age, breathing for the day, and much more. 

Customization And Elimination:

Customization for watch faces, data fields, applications, and widgets is available with the IQ to connect the app when attached to a smartphone. 

According to my training history, fitness level, and recovery time, I eliminate training with suggested exercises of different intensities. 

Conclusion:

I recommend using this Garmin watch for running and swimming.

Its bright display helps me see the watch.

This watch also has a fantastic battery life, keeping it going throughout the day.

This is my favorite watch from the Garmin watch collection.

Specifications: 

Dimensions of the product: 1.65 x 1.65 x 0.46 inches

Mass of the product: 1.31 ounces 

Product’s Model number: 010-02562-01 

Batteries: 1 lithium polymer is required 

GPS: Enabled 

Display feature: Wireless 

Garmin 745: (Best Lightweight Watch for Running & Swimming)

This Garmin Forerunner on-device watch worked amazingly for me in running and swimming. 

It’s special monitoring also provided me with training sessions on my wrist so I could quickly improve my running speed. 

The guidance provided me with motivates me to improve my running and swimming.

With this watch’s help, I have always been on top of swimming and running. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE? 

Satellite System And Training Routine:

I can do everything with this all-in-one smartwatch which uses several satellite systems to track all my workouts perfectly. 

Also, I can change my training routine whenever I want to with its preloaded activity profiles for running, triathlon, multi-sport, cycling, swimming underwater, running on the track, etc. 

Activity Suggestion And Training Guidance:

For running and cycling, I receive daily training suggestions on my device based on the current training load and vo2 max. 

With synchronization structured, I get training guidance for indoor and outdoor exercise with my device from Garmin to connect or any other application that is compatible with all smartphones.

It includes training peaks and trainer roads. 

Analyzing Data and Synchronization: 

With the help of this device, I can analyze more data to help me reach my potential, which includes running, cycling, and swimming. 

I use its music streaming services with synchronization to take music for every mile.

For this premium subscription is a must.

I can store my music on Amazon, Deezer, Spotify, and other stores to easily store around 500 songs on my wrist. 

Conclusion:

I recommend using this fantastic Garmin watch for swimming and running.

Its lightweight and comfortable design allows me to carry this watch every time I go out swimming and running.

I’m a sports lover, so this watch is the best for me.

Specifications: 

Dimensions of the product: 1.69 x 0.51 x 1.69 inches 

Mass of the product: 1.6 ounces 

Product’s Model number: 010-02445-00 

Batteries: 1 lithium polymer is required

Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+ 

Display features: Wireless 

Garmin 45s: (Best Cheap Smartwatch with GPS)

 

One of my friends suggested I buy this Garmin Forerunner easy-to-use watch for running.

As I’m a sports enthusiast, I love to run and swim. 

So this watch was the best decision.

I can improve my running and swimming daily with its free training program. 

It’s the best watch for running and swimming that I have come across. 

As a girl, it also did wonders for me to improve my menstrual cycle.

It keeps me updated with all my menstrual cycle improvements. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE?

GPS And Training Plans:

This GPS running watch offers support for the Garmin coach training plan.

It’s small in size and has easy-to-use features.

The functions of this watch estimate my heart rate right from my wrist and have GPS to track the distance I cover. 

This watch usually works with adaptive and free training plans, which offer expert and professional training to my wrist. 

Connected Features And Tracking Features:

The unique features of this watch include fantastic notifications for messages and calls received with uploads to Garmin to connect online people.

Also, live monitoring and controls play music on my paired compatible mobile phone. 

Its security and monitoring features include incident detection with selected activities and sending my location for emergency contacts through my compatible smartphone. 

Conclusion:

I recommend using this excellent watch for running and swimming.

If you are a sports lover, this watch is the best choice.

I loved using this to improve my menstrual cycle as well.

Specifications: 

Dimensions of the product: 1.56 x 1.56 x 0.45 inches

Mass of the product: 1.12 ounces

Product’s Model number: 010-02156-01

Batteries: 1 lithium polymer is required 

Wireless communications technology: Bluetooth

Connectivity: GPS

Unique features: Tracks run in GPS mode, heart rate monitoring, records distance, sleep, stress, etc. 

Garmin LilyTM: (Best Touchscreen Smartwatch for Women)

I started using this Garmin lily™ smartwatch which is the best for running and swimming, in my opinion. 

This was the best decision I took for running and swimming.

Its unique style and design always complement the outfit I wear.

It looked perfect with all my dresses. 

Moreover, this watch monitored my breathing condition while running and swimming and gave me an activity profile. 

It’s the best watch I have come across for swimming and running. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE?

Impressive Style And Design:

This small and elegant watch style always compliments my look with its decorative lens, which reveals a bright touchable screen.

I’m impressed with its unique style. 

Moreover, I can choose between classic and sports designs with different colors and strap options, including leather and silicone style, so I can wear a perfect watch that compliments my outfit. 

Monitoring And Compatibility:

It always understands my body by monitoring my breathing condition, pulse rate which is a medical device, energy levels, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, water needed, stress all day, and sleep ups and downs, compared with a compatible mobile phone. 

When paired with a compatible mobile phone, I stay connected with smart notifications for calls, messages, calendar reminders, and much more. 

Furthermore, when the watch is connected to a smartphone, the assistance functions can send my designated contacts a message with your location in real-time.

The live track function tracks outdoor activities when I’m away. 

Tracking Activities:

With its fitness application, this watch tracks all my activities, including yoga, pilates, cardio, breathing, and much more.

It connects to the GPS of my compatible smartphone to perfectly track outdoors, running, etc. 

I can determine how active I’m throughout the day with a step counter, calories burned, minutes of intensity, etc. 

Conclusion:

I recommend buying this Garmin lily™ watch if you are a swimmer or a runner.

It will always help you determine your breathing and body condition while doing the activity.

I loved using this watch.

Specifications: 

Dimensions of the product: 5.51 x 0.2 x 1.36 inches 

Mass of the product: 0.847 ounces

Product’s Model number: 010-02384-02 

Batteries: 1 CR123A required

Garmin fēnix 5S: (Best Premium and Rugged Multisport Smartwatch)

My sister gifted me this Garmin Fenix 5S watch on my birthday.

It’s the best watch I have come across for running and swimming. 

With its GPS and effects, I can track the areas I’m currently running.

A performance widget shows the impact and progress of my workout. 

I love every feature of this watch as it keeps me updated with the changes made in my body. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE? 

GPS And Activity Profiles:

This multi-sport watch is small in size with a fantastic GPS.

It also detects heart rate with high heart technology.

I love its advanced technology. 

It also gives preloaded activity profiles for all my sports and adventures.

This feature keeps me updated on all my activities. 

Effects And Design:

It has a performance widget that shows the effects and progress of my workouts.

This watch shows my key statistics right at my fingertips. 

Furthermore, this watch has a compact and comfortable design.

HRM-Tri is installed for this watch, which is Garmin’s smallest and lightest heart rate monitor.

This watch is designed with round edges and has no exposed seams.

The straps are comfortable for long hours of training. 

Compatibility:

During swimming, it stores my heart rate for 20 hours,s and then it’s forwarded to a compatible smartphone at the end of my session.

This watch also sends a real-time heart rate to the watch when the detector is out of water. 

Conclusion:

This Garmin Fenix 5S is the best watch for swimming and running.

With its long battery life, I can keep my health updated and improve my running.

This watch has a unique design that compliments all my dresses.

Specifications: 

Product dimensions: 1.7 x 0.6 x 1.7 inches

Weight of the product: 4 ounces

Model number: 010-01685-12 

Batteries: 1 CR2 required

Display features: Wireless

Color: Light golden with gray straps

Garmin Vívoactive 3: (Best Smartwatch with Built-In Sports Apps)

I bought this Garmin vivoactive smartwatch for my sports activities.

This helped me maintain all my activities with its preloaded GPS and monitoring. 

This watch is worth buying because of its long battery life and connected features.

I love using this watch for swimming. 

Even if I’m running, it detects my heart rate for the whole day and gives my activity profile throughout the day. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE?

Contactless Payment And Personalization: 

This garmin pay contactless payment method always helps me pay for purchases with my watch.

I love this feature as I don’t have to pay Every Time from my smartphone.

The best part of this watch is I can personalize my watch with various free watch faces, applications, and widgets from its connected IQ store. 

Preloaded GPS And Monitoring:

It has more than 15 newly launched GPS and applications for sports played inside, which includes yoga, running, swimming, and much more. 

This watch also helps me monitor my fitness level with VO2 max and fitness age estimation.

I can also keep an eye on how I have handled my stress level. 

Connected Features And Battery Life:

This amazing watch has connected features like smart notifications, automatically uploads my activity profiles to garmin connect, live track, and more.

The battery life it features is for up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS mode.

I prefer using it in GPS mode as it offers more battery life in GPS mode. 

Conclusion:

I recommend using this garmin vivoactive watch if you are a sports lover.

It will help you improve your sports activities and will allow you to improve your health.

It’s the best watch I came across. 

Specifications: 

Dimensions of the product: 1.7 x 0.5 x 1.7 inches

Weight of the product: 4.8 ounces 

Model number: 010-01769-11

Batteries: 1CR2 required 

Communication technology: Bluetooth

Other display features: Wireless 

Scanner resolution: 240 x 240 pixels 

Fenix 6: (Best Garmin Watch For Swimming and Running)

My mother used these Garmin Fenix 6 smartwatches for swimming and running. 

This watch is the best decision my mother made to maintain her sports.

She can also adjust her performance with a sleek design and paired screen. 

This watch also helped her maintain her heart rate right from her wrist.

With this watch, her sleep also got better. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE?

Performance Adjustment and Heart Rate Estimation:

It provides a steady and sleek design with an always-on 1.3-inch screen paired with stainless steel, titanium, or diamond-like carbon bezels.

This watch also shows improved heart rate from my wrist and press ox to support advanced sleep detection and altitude acclimatization at high altitudes. 

Training Features And Navigation:

It has unique training features, including a pacepro function for level-adjusted pace guidance throughout my activity and environmental adjusted just maximum VO2 and training status estimation. 

For outdoors, navigation is provided with preloaded TOPO maps, and ski maps for more than 2000 ski resorts worldwide are provided.

It also supports several global satellite navigation systems and an integrated sensor for a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometer altimeter. 

Garmin Pay And Battery Life: 

This watch also supports Garmin pay contactless payments with music storage and a premium streaming service subscription.

Smart notifications are also provided with these features. 

Its battery life is up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 10 hours in GPS and music mode, 28 days in GPS activity mode, and 48 days in battery saving mode.

I love its battery timing. 

Conclusion:

I recommend using this garmin Fenix 6 smartwatch for swimming and running. With its map navigation, the user will know where you are at that time.

I love its fantastic sensor with great battery life.

Specifications: 

Dimensions of the product: 1.85 x 1.85 x 0.58 inches

Mass of the product: 2.93 ounces 

Product’s Model number: 010-02158-10 

Batteries: 1 lithium polymer required

Communication technology: Bluetooth

Display features: Wireless

Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2: (Best Fitness/Activity Tracker for Kids)

I gifted this Garmin Vivofit watch to my sister as she’s a sports enthusiast.

It’s the best watch for kids who love Disney cartoons. 

With this watch, kids get motivated to achieve operational goals, which encourages the children to do adventures and play games. 

She uses this watch for swimming and running.

It’s the best decision to choose a watch. 

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THESE?

Fitness Tracking and Unique Features:

It has a fitness tracker installed in it with an interactive application experience.

This watch has swim-friendly straps, and the color of the straps is customizable and has a user-replaceable battery. 

Chore Management And Motivation:

The best feature of this watch is parents can access chore management and reward tools on the parent-controlled application. 

It motivates kids to get active minute goals that unlock adventures, games, and icons.

Estimation and Reminders: 

This watch estimates steps, sleep, and one hour of daily activity.

It gives reminder alerts and task timers for kids on top of chores such as homework, practice time, and brushing their teeth. 

Conclusion:

I recommend buying this Garmin vivofit smartwatch if your kid is a sports lover.

It has various features to encourage kids to experience unique games.

This watch is easy to use for kids.

Specifications: 

Dimensions of the product: 2.3 x 0.9 x 1.6 inches

Mass of the product: 0.64 ounces 

Model number: 010-010909-34 

Display features: Wireless

Scanner resolution: 88 x 88 pixels

Color: Disney princess purple 

Can I use a Garmin swim watch for running?

Though this unit does support five sports in total.

Which includes pool swimming, open-water swimming, running, bike, and cardio.

But if you want hiking or walk you can just use it for running.

There’s no difference in terms of data field or anything else. 

Which Garmin is best for multi-sport?

The Garmin Fenix 7 is the best multi-sport watch and they come in a range of sizes but its price tag doesn’t suit everyone. 

Can I wear a garmin forerunner in the pool? 

If your watch gets wet it must be wiped off before changing the settings or modes.

If you are wearing a garmin watch for swimming make sure to rinse it with fresh water after each use. 

Conclusion Paragraph: 

We have finalized our discussion about the best garmin watches for swimming and running. 

Do you guys have experience with the best garmin watches for swimming and running?

What are your thoughts on them?

Is there any garmin watches you love to use for swimming and running that I haven’t highlighted in this article?

Kindly drop your comments below.

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