9 BEST GARMIN WATCHES FOR SWIMMING AND RUNNING IN 2022

Garmin has a variety of watches to suit the demands of any runner, swimmer, cyclist, or fitness enthusiast. Its GPS watches have earned a reputation for their durability, usability, and precision in monitoring physical activity and sports.

There is no shortage of Garmin timepieces that would be at home on the wrists of Triathletes, but for this article, we will be focusing on those that meet the criteria of “best watch for running and swimming.” Some are designed for more advanced swimmers and runners, while others are polished for use by serious competitors.

Garmins which have contactless payment, music storage, and color displays have been our favorites, in addition to the usual sports functions. It is also widely known that the aspiration to become great athletes isn’t exclusive to men, thus consideration is also given to those Garmin watches that are available in smaller sizes.

We won’t waste any time, so let’s go right into our summary.

Top Garmin Watches for Swimming & Running:

The durability and reliability of Garmin timepieces are well-known. They have a sizable selection available to suit a wide range of customers’ needs. Garmin caters to everyone, from those interested in a simple smartwatch to dedicated fitness enthusiasts. We’ve compiled a list of 9 of the best Garmin watches for runners and swimmers.

Garmin Forerunner 55:

Key Features & Specs:

The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is an affordable smartwatch that can be used for both running and general-purpose tracking.

How is it good for runners?

The Garmin Forerunner 55 was made with the needs of competitive runners in the lower price range in mind. All the extras, like a race time predictor and an estimated finish time, in addition to the standard features like PacePro, Virtual Run mode, and Track mode.

This watch is compatible with a wide variety of third-party sensors, including chest straps and cadence sensors, via Bluetooth and ANT+ pairing. The watch is also ideal for treadmill workouts or when the weather outside is less than ideal. You can track your heart rate, cadence, pace, and steps in the comfort of your own home with the Virtual Run mode.

One useful function is the ability to set and monitor a target pace for one’s run. You tell Garmin your target time and speed for a certain race on a given course, and it will assist you to get there. It calculates the optimal running pace for you based on the track’s terrain and conditions.

As its name suggests, the Estimated time finish is a breeze to use. You tell your watch how far you plan to run in total, and it tells you how much time you’ll need to complete the run. If you don’t care to invest in the watch’s more advanced capabilities, it serves its purpose well for running.

How is it good for Swimmers?

When it comes down to it, Forerunner 55 is more of a runner’s companion than a swimmer’s. However, much of the required tracking may be accomplished with little difficulty. It has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and diving up to 50 meters. FR55 can monitor your heart rate and detect your strokes automatically as you swim.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery…	$199.99	Check Amazon Price

Garmin Vivoactive 4/4S:

Key Features & Specs:

As expected of a watch in this class, Vivoactive serves runners well. The 4GB of internal storage is perfect for storing all of your music and podcasts, adding even more convenience to the experience. When it comes down to it, running is a pretty straightforward activity.

Your runs can be supported by the watch’s internal GPS, which works with GLONASS and GALILEO, and any other external sensors you have associated with it. Essentially any sensor with Bluetooth or ANT+ support can be linked. Having quick access to the vast majority of Garmin’s stats is a huge benefit for runners. Along with the HR gauge, you can personalize up to three screens with any four parameters you like.

The touchscreen on the Vivoactive can be difficult to use if your hands are wet or if it’s cold outside and you’re wearing gloves. When you’re thirsty in the middle of a run, just pull out your Garmin and pay for a drink with Garmin Pay.

How is it good for runners?

The FR945 is, in my opinion, one of the most feature-rich watches now available for runners because of its ability to store and use maps even when connected to a mobile network is unavailable. The Pace Pro function is at your disposal, allowing you to customize your pace throughout a range of distances on the tracks of your choice.

There are new temperature and altitude measurements included in FR 945. These two measures are increasingly commonplace for assessing the challenge of a run. Your body is put under stress whenever there is an increase in either temperature or altitude. Because of this, Garmin can alert you when you need to slow down or increase your effort.

The music storage is also large, with room for up to a thousand tracks. While jogging, you may also track your respiratory rate to get an idea of how effectively you are breathing.

How is it good for swimmers?

With 5ATM of waterproofing, it’s the ideal companion for any aquatic pursuits. When it comes to tracking your swimming, it does a great job. In addition, the sophisticated swimming routines and pace reminders are really helpful. With the exception of an optical HR sensor, the gleaned information is just as reliable as that obtained during terrestrial pursuits.

Incorrectly, the weak contact between the sensor and the wrist makes the HR readings underwater less precise than they are on dry land. Because of this, a chest band is suggested for more accurate HR measurements. Aside from that, the watch is great for keeping track of laps. If you neglect to pick rest while you’re on the rest, the laps will keep adding up and you could get an error message.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Garmin Forerunner 945, Premium GPS Running/Triathlon Smartwatch with Music, Black	$420.00	Check Amazon Price

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro:

Key Features & Specs:

The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Pro, one of the most costly watches made by Garmin, is also the most feature-packed option available.

How is it good for runners?

The first noticeable change is the ability to monitor six separate metrics on a single screen, which is a huge time saver from a runner’s perspective. People who don’t want to swipe back and forth to see their cadence, steps, calories burned, etc. on the other screen will find this to be a significant benefit. The centerpiece of Fenix 6 was Garmin’s pace.

It analyses the course’s elevation changes (which may be established using the offline maps) and your desired pace/distance, and then divides the course into segments of varying lengths, each of which specifies the pace at which you should run. The perfect fit for serious runners.

Effectiveness at different temperatures and altitudes is another area of study in Fenix 6. This information is then used to make recommendations for how you might enhance or maintain your current levels of success.

How is it good for swimmers?

The swimming abilities of the Fenix 6 pro are vastly superior to those of the Fenix 5. The previously existing 5 ATM of waterproofing has been upgraded to 10 ATM. The watch keeps tabs on every conceivable metric. You can track your pace, strokes, laps, heart rate, distance, and SWOLF all from the convenience of your wrist.

Underwater, heart rate readings are likewise far more accurate. In order to get accurate lap times, you must be sure to push the lap button once you come to a complete stop. Drill Logging is a one-of-a-kind tool that allows you to keep track of strokes other than the standard 4. You can track your kick sets and even one-arm swimming repetitions with this. However, you may only use this at indoor pools.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace…	$459.96	Check Amazon Price

Garmin Forerunner 745:

Key Features & Specs:

With roughly a hundred dollars to spare, you can get a watch with capabilities that improve your swimming and running experience that is essentially a Garmin Forerunner 745 without the offline maps.

How is it good for runners?

You can rely on the watch to accurately record all of your vital running statistics. Supporting runners in all conditions is a lightning-fast multi-satellite GPS system. If you use a suitable graphing program, the Optic Heartbeat sensor performs faultlessly and returns the bearing just as it should.

In the event of an unexpectedly intense burst of exercise, however, you may choose to utilize a less covert chest strap; this is feasible thanks to the included Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. Automatic training plans, suggested workouts, workout coaches, and a mid-run analysis of your performance are just some of the features included.

The post-run analysis is also rather comprehensive, providing you with vital information like cadence, calories burned, distance covered, pace, and so on. Additionally, FR745’s built-in temperature and altitude sensor provide a comprehensive evaluation of your core body temperature and altitude. Additionally, the Garmin PacePro and ClimbPro are useful accessories for speed and elevation-focused runs, respectively.

How is it good for swimmers?

The FR745 may be used to monitor swimming both in and out of pools. The heart rate sensor is used by FR745 both in open water and in the pool. Since the wrist is actively engaged and the watch may not remain connected effectively during your strokes, wrist-based heart rate sensors cannot be relied upon to provide reliable results.

Use a chest-based strap like the HRM-TRI or HRM-SWIM to get superior data that you can then transfer to your watch after swimming. Regarding metrics, you can present all the relevant data that can be formatted in any way you like.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Garmin Forerunner 745, GPS Running Watch, Detailed Training Stats and On-Device Workouts, Essential…	$405.99	Check Amazon Price

Garmin Venu 2/2S:

Swimming Features	Garmin Venu 2/2S	Running Features	Garmin Venu 2/2S
AVAILABLE SWIM PROFILES	Pool Swimming	AVAILABLE RUN PROFILES	Running, Indoor Track Running, Treadmill Running
OPEN-WATER SWIM METRICS (DISTANCE, PACE, STROKE COUNT/RATE, STROKE DISTANCE, SWIM EFFICIENCY (SWOLF), CALORIES)	No	GROUND CONTACT TIME AND BALANCE	No
POOL SWIM METRICS (LENGTHS, DISTANCE, PACE, STROKE COUNT, SWIM EFFICIENCY (SWOLF), CALORIES)	Yes	GPS-BASED DISTANCE, TIME, AND PACE	Yes
STROKE TYPE DETECTION	Yes	CADENCE (PROVIDES REAL-TIME NUMBER OF STEPS PER MINUTE)	Yes
DRILL LOGGING (POOL SWIM ONLY)	No	PACEPRO™ PACING STRATEGIES	NO
BASIC REST TIMER (UP FROM 0) (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	RUN WORKOUTS	Yes
REPEAT ON” REST TIMER (POOL SWIM ONLY)	No	RACE PREDICTOR	No
AUTO REST (POOL SWIM ONLY)	No	FOOT POD CAPABLE	Yes
TIME AND DISTANCE ALERTS	Yes	STRIDE LENGTH (REAL-TIME)	No
COUNTDOWN START (POOL SWIM ONLY)	No	PERFORMANCE CONDITION	No
UNDERWATER WRIST-BASED HEART RATE	Yes	RUNNING DYNAMICS	No

The Garmin Venu 2 is the most feature-packed and sophisticated smartwatch currently available, but is it adequate for runners? What is it?

How is it good for runners?

The most compelling argument for purchasing a Venu 2 is the device’s low price compared to market leaders like the Fenix 6 Pro and the FR945. Venu 2 includes the majority of the functions present in the company’s flagship product. Plus, it has an AMOLED display, can play music without an internet connection, and can use Garmin Pay.

Runners will find that Venu 2 has all the extras and eccentricities they could want. Positioning using a constellation of satellites Venu 2 has all the bells and whistles that runners might want. Plan and monitor your runs at any height with the help of a multi-satellite positioning system and a barometric altimeter.

This watch also features the Garmin Coach integration found in more expensive models, granting you access to an array of exercise routines. This is a great option for runners who want HIIT as well as those who prefer interval training. Offline map tracking is one of many advanced features that is missing from the free version. Other advanced features such as training load or pre-workout performance indicators are also not there.

How is it good for swimmers?

The AMOLED screen benefits swimmers by being more legible and clear underwater. When it comes to analytics, it shows you everything you need to know, such as how far you’ve gone, how fast you’ve been going, and how well you’ve done on the SWOLF test. Recently introduced technology in the sport of swimming provides an extra breakdown of the most taxing segments of your swim.

To find out whether your swim was mild, moderate, or intense, download the Garmin Connect app. When compared to a popular pair of Form Swim Goggles, there is not much of a difference in precision between the two. Everything from speed to distance to average speed to stroke detection to calories burnt is accurate. So it’s totally fine for swimming and other water sports.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Garmin Venu 2S, Smaller-sized GPS Smartwatch with Advanced Health Monitoring and Fitness Features,…	$359.99	Check Amazon P

Key Features & Specs:

Swimming Features	Garmin Swim 2	Running Features	Garmin Swim 2
AVAILABLE SWIM PROFILES	Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming	AVAILABLE RUN PROFILES	Outdoor Running
OPEN-WATER SWIM METRICS (DISTANCE, PACE, STROKE COUNT/RATE, STROKE DISTANCE, SWIM EFFICIENCY (SWOLF), CALORIES)	No	GROUND CONTACT TIME AND BALANCE	No
POOL SWIM METRICS (LENGTHS, DISTANCE, PACE, STROKE COUNT, SWIM EFFICIENCY (SWOLF), CALORIES)	Yes	GPS-BASED DISTANCE, TIME AND PACE	Yes
STROKE TYPE DETECTION	Yes	CADENCE (PROVIDES REAL-TIME NUMBER OF STEPS PER MINUTE)	No
DRILL LOGGING (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	PACEPRO™ PACING STRATEGIES	No
BASIC REST TIMER (UP FROM 0) (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	RUN WORKOUTS	No
REPEAT ON” REST TIMER (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	RACE PREDICTOR	No
AUTO REST (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	FOOT POD CAPABLE	No
TIME AND DISTANCE ALERTS	Yes	STRIDE LENGTH (REAL-TIME)	No
COUNTDOWN START (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	PERFORMANCE CONDITION	No
UNDERWATER WRIST-BASED HEART RATE	Yes	RUNNING DYNAMICS	No

The name alone suggests that the Garmin Swim 2 is a swimming-specific timepiece that outperforms its multisport competitors.

How is it good for runners?

This swim-focused timepiece may not be useful for runners. Lightweight, at just 36 grams, this is the first benefit a runner may notice. Standard measures including calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled, and time spent running at a high intensity are among the most likely to be implemented in the future.

Of course, it lacks the high-end capabilities seen in watches like the PacePro, but it has pretty much everything a casual runner could want.

How is it good for swimmers?

To get started, Swim 2 keeps tabs on the fundamentals, such as your length, distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF. Not only may different types of strokes be identified by the system’s intelligence, but tempo alerts can also be set off. While real-time data analysis is available, a more thorough analysis may be performed on the Garmin Connect app.

Not even the most expensive timepieces have an automatic rest function, where pressing the lap button initiates the resting countdown. The essential swim speed test is yet another rather reliable analysis. Essentially, it’s a measurement of how fast you can swim for an extended period of time without tiring. Useful for seeing how much faster you’re becoming after consistent exercise.

You may set up reminders to get you started on your swim, to give you a break, etc. For those who like to swim inside, there is also the option to tailor the pool size, which will have a direct impact on the lap totals. If you’re looking for a waterproof smartwatch, this is one of the best budget options.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Garmin Swim 2, GPS Swimming Smartwatch for Pool and Open Water, Underwater Heart Rate, Records…	$249.00	Check Amazon Price

Garmin Enduro:

Key Features & Specs:

Swimming Features	Garmin Enduro	Running Features	Garmin Enduro
AVAILABLE SWIM PROFILES	Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Swimrun	AVAILABLE RUN PROFILES	Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Trail Running, Ultra Running, Virtual Running
OPEN-WATER SWIM METRICS (DISTANCE, PACE, STROKE COUNT/RATE, STROKE DISTANCE, SWIM EFFICIENCY (SWOLF), CALORIES)	Yes	GROUND CONTACT TIME AND BALANCE	Yes (with compatible accessory)
POOL SWIM METRICS (LENGTHS, DISTANCE, PACE, STROKE COUNT, SWIM EFFICIENCY (SWOLF), CALORIES)	Yes	GPS-BASED DISTANCE, TIME AND PACE	Yes
STROKE TYPE DETECTION	Yes	CADENCE (PROVIDES REAL-TIME NUMBER OF STEPS PER MINUTE)	Yes
DRILL LOGGING (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	PACEPRO™ PACING STRATEGIES	Yes (with preloaded course)
BASIC REST TIMER (UP FROM 0) (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	RUN WORKOUTS	Yes
REPEAT ON” REST TIMER (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	RACE PREDICTOR	Yes
AUTO REST (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	FOOT POD CAPABLE	Yes
TIME AND DISTANCE ALERTS	Yes	STRIDE LENGTH (REAL TIME)	No
COUNTDOWN START (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	PERFORMANCE CONDITION	Yes
UNDERWATER WRIST-BASED HEART RATE	Yes	RUNNING DYNAMICS	yes (with compatible accessory)

The Garmin Enduro is a high-end watch that stands out due to its infinite battery life and novel charging system.

How is it good for runners?

This solar-powered watch is ideal for athletes. As a result of its long battery life, it is an excellent choice for outdoor activities like running marathons and trekking. It has a GPS that can compete with the best of them thanks to its multi-satellite system.

Utilizing the included ClimbPro, you may keep track of the track’s height and altitude, which will allow you to more efficiently apply your energy. Depending on the terrain you’re running on, the Trail Run Vo2 feature can provide you with useful feedback about your aerobic fitness. With the help of the run/walk recognition feature, you can keep track of how much of the trail you travelled.

Numerous run profiles, such as “Running,” “Treadmill Running,” “Indoor Track Running,” “Trail Running,” “Ultra Running,” and “Virtual Running,” are available. Comparing your current condition after a 6-to-20-minute run to your typical fitness level, via an analysis similar to performance circumstances, is a very cool feature to have. It reveals whether or not there is room for development.

How is it good for swimmers?

The swimming features included in Enduro by Garmin are ridiculous. Different swim profiles are available, each with its own set of data displays. The lap counter can be set to automatically increase every time the pool is filled, or you can manually specify the lap’s beginning and end times.

Here you can also see the auto pause feature, which prevents annoying pauses when using a Forerunner 945 or 745. You can also choose when you want to begin and end a lap by setting a rest timer. A chest strap is preferable for HR-based bearings, however the Garmin Elevate Sensor works just as well.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Garmin Enduro, Ultraperformance Multisport GPS Watch with Solar Charging Capabilities, Battery Life…	$697.74	Check Amazon Price

Garmin Descent MK2S:

Key Features & Specs:

Swimming Features	Garmin Descent MK2S	Running Features	Garmin Descent MK2S
AVAILABLE SWIM PROFILES	Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Swimming/Running	AVAILABLE RUN PROFILES	Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Trail Running
OPEN-WATER SWIM METRICS (DISTANCE, PACE, STROKE COUNT/RATE, STROKE DISTANCE, SWIM EFFICIENCY (SWOLF), CALORIES)	Yes	GROUND CONTACT TIME AND BALANCE	Yes (with compatible accessory)
POOL SWIM METRICS (LENGTHS, DISTANCE, PACE, STROKE COUNT, SWIM EFFICIENCY (SWOLF), CALORIES)	Yes	GPS-BASED DISTANCE, TIME AND PACE	Yes
STROKE TYPE DETECTION	Yes	CADENCE (PROVIDES REAL-TIME NUMBER OF STEPS PER MINUTE)	Yes (with compatible accessory)
DRILL LOGGING (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	PACEPRO™ PACING STRATEGIES	Yes
BASIC REST TIMER (UP FROM 0) (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	RUN WORKOUTS	Yes
REPEAT ON” REST TIMER (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	RACE PREDICTOR	Yes
AUTO REST (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	FOOT POD CAPABLE	Yes
TIME AND DISTANCE ALERTS	Yes	STRIDE LENGTH (REAL TIME)	Yes
COUNTDOWN START (POOL SWIM ONLY)	Yes	PERFORMANCE CONDITION	Yes
UNDERWATER WRIST-BASED HEART RATE	Yes	RUNNING DYNAMICS	yes (with compatible accessory)

As it is not your typical smartwatch, the Garmin Descent MK2S has the potential to be every diver’s best friend. Full of scuba gear, I’m curious to see how it does in the sprinting and swimming events.

How is it good for runners?

Given its intended use, the watch is not ideal for long distance jogging. Nonetheless, it would be wrong to say that it has no value for a runner. There are measurements for everything that matters. MK2S can provide you with detailed information on your calorie burn, step count, pace, number of floors climbed, and more.

In addition, the modern intensity minute feature is there, which divides your entire run into intervals so you can see exactly when you have to exert more effort. PacePro timing methods also support your runs.

The Trail Run VO2 Max test is useful since it can tell you how to fit your heart is for trail running. It’s a proxy for how much oxygen your body can consume during aerobic exercise and takes into account the effects of altitude. The barometric altimeter ensures this as well.

How is it good for swimmers?

This watch is designed for divers, so it naturally includes a number of functions that are useful for swimmers as well. Lengths, distance, pace, stroke count, swim efficiency (SWOLF), calories, etc. are all included, as are automatic lap counting (pool size is specified) and manual lap counting (you hit the lap button). The Descent MK2S shares the Swim 2’s auto-pause function.

The Auto Multisport function makes it a desirable alternative for triathletes as well. It can seamlessly transition between different types of movement, such as running, cycling, and swimming. You can also use the available critical swim speed to gauge your progress.

Focusing on the primary function of the watch, scuba diving, we find a fully functional dive computer. Numerous well-known styles are available. There are several different diving modes, the most well-known being single-gas, multi-gas, gauge, and apnea hunt. An automated dive start and stop function is also available, along with a full dive plan that specifies where to enter and depart the water.

 

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Garmin Descent Mk2S, Smaller-Sized Watch-Style Dive Computer, Multisport Training/Smart Features,…	$935.95	Check Amazon Price

How to Find Which Garmin Watch Is Best For Swimming And Running?

You won’t have a hard time discovering basic running and swimming tracking functions on a Garmin Watch. Another shared characteristic is a sturdy build that holds up well in the great outdoors, a substantial weight that makes them resemble conventional timepieces, and reliable GPS navigation capabilities.

The water resistance of 5 ATM is good for a depth of 50 meters, thus it’s included in the standard swimming amenities. If you swim in a pool or open water, you shouldn’t worry too much about your watch getting damaged. For competitive swimmers, however, a 5 ATM rating may not be sufficient; they may want to look for a watch with a rating of 10 ATMs or up to 100m. It’s crucial that you prioritize precise data collection and advanced swimming measures like SWOLF.

By contrast, when it comes to features specifically designed for runners, things like reliable GPS tracking, ample music storage, and lengthy battery life seem to come up over and over again. The ability to measure speed, cadence, distance, and calories burned is a standard feature of Garmin watches. The Garmin coach for a detailed training programme, multiple running workout support, and a quick data transfer with your smartphone are all features that belong on a high-end running watch.

You shouldn’t just focus on the characteristics that make it stand out in its unique area; you should also search for smart features like NFC payment, third-party apps, and a sharper display. Having the best of both worlds is not necessarily a bad thing.

Verdict:

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is, albeit marginally, the most costly smartwatch that is suitable for running and swimming. The Vivoactive 4 and the Venu 2 are cheaper options, but they are not specialized sports watches. However, they serve the purposes of people who are only casually interested in sports tracking.

Garmin Fenix 6 is an excellent all-around multi-sports watch with all the advanced running and swimming features, provided you can do without a touchscreen display. We don’t think it’s worth spending around $1000 on a watch unless you’re a committed athlete, and the other Garmin watches on our list have price tags that should deter you.

Final Lines

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