Garmin Swim 2 Review: The Ultimate Swimming Smartwatch
- Lee Stapleton
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Introduction
For swimmers looking for a dedicated swim-tracking smartwatch, the Garmin Swim 2 stands out as one of the best choices. With GPS for open-water tracking, heart rate monitoring in water, and advanced swim metrics, it’s designed specifically to help swimmers improve performance. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in! 🏊♂️
Design: Built for the Water
The Garmin Swim 2 is a lightweight, comfortable smartwatch with a bright always-on display that’s easy to read underwater. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for pool and open-water swimming. The silicone strap ensures a snug fit for long training sessions without discomfort.
Key Features
50m water resistance 🌊
Pool and open-water swim tracking 🏊
GPS for open-water swims 📍
Underwater heart rate monitoring ❤️
Stroke detection & SWOLF score tracking 📊
Advanced pacing alerts and rest timers ⏱️
Up to 7-day battery life (13 hours in GPS mode) 🔋
Smart notifications and fitness tracking beyond swimming 📱
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
Accurate swim tracking for both pools and open water ✅
GPS functionality enhances open-water swim data ✅
Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear ✅
Heart rate monitoring in water (rare feature!) ✅
Great battery life for a dedicated swim watch ✅
❌ Cons:
Lacks smartwatch features like music storage or payments ⚠️
Screen visibility can be tricky in direct sunlight ☀️
Not as stylish for everyday wear ⌚
Should You Buy It?
✅ Buy it if:
You want detailed swim metrics, GPS tracking, and underwater heart rate monitoring.
You train regularly in pools or open water and need advanced swim analytics.
You prefer a lightweight, no-frills smartwatch dedicated to swimming.
❌ Skip it if:
You need smartwatch features like apps, music, or payment options.
You prefer a more stylish, everyday-use smartwatch.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is the Garmin Swim 2 good for swimming?
Yes! It’s designed specifically for swimming, offering pool and open-water tracking, GPS, and advanced swim metrics.
Can the Garmin Swim 2 track open-water swims?
Yes, it features built-in GPS for accurate tracking in lakes, oceans, and open-water environments.
Does it track heart rate while swimming?
Yes! The optical heart rate sensor works underwater, though accuracy may vary.
How long does the battery last?
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 7 days
GPS Mode (Open Water Swimming): Up to 13 hours
Can I wear the Garmin Swim 2 for other sports?
Yes, it has basic fitness tracking, running, and cycling modes, but it’s primarily designed for swimming.
User Reviews: What Are Swimmers Saying?
⭐ 4.8/5 – Amazon Review: “Best swim watch I’ve ever owned! GPS accuracy is fantastic.”
⭐ 4.7/5 – Reddit Review: “Perfect for serious swimmers. Love the pacing alerts and heart rate tracking.”
⭐ 4.9/5 – Triathlete Forum: “A must-have for open-water swimmers. The GPS is spot on, and it’s super lightweight.”
⭐ 4.7/5 – Garmin Store User: “Accurate, reliable, and packed with useful swim metrics. Wouldn’t train without it.”
Full Specs
Feature | Details |
Display | 1.04” Sunlight-Readable Always-On |
Battery Life | 7 Days (Smartwatch Mode), 13 Hours (GPS Mode) |
Water Resistance | 50m Waterproof |
Weight | Ultra-Lightweight |
Swim Tracking | Stroke Count, SWOLF, Distance, Pace |
Heart Rate Tracking | Yes (Works in Water) |
GPS | Yes (Open-Water Tracking) |
Smart Notifications | Yes |
Similar Products: Alternatives to Consider
Swimming Smartwatch | Key Features | Price Range |
Garmin Fenix 8 | GPS, Advanced Swim Metrics, Multisport | 💸💸💸 |
Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Pool & Open-Water Tracking, Smart Features | 💸💸💸 |
Coros Apex Pro | Lightweight, GPS, Long Battery Life | 💸💸💸 |
Suunto 9 Peak Pro | Open-Water GPS, Long Battery Life | 💸💸💸 |
Fitbit Charge 6 | Budget-Friendly, Basic Swim Tracking | 💸 |
Verdict: The Best Swim Watch for Dedicated Swimmers
The Garmin Swim 2 is a must-have for serious swimmers, providing accurate pool and open-water tracking, underwater heart rate monitoring, and detailed swim analytics. If you’re looking for a swim-specific smartwatch that delivers performance-driven insights, this is an excellent choice. 🏆
👉 Final Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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