Cardio The 4 Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers of 2023 The Garmin Forerunner 735XT is lightweight, durable, and accurate By Julie Evans Julie Evans Julie Ryan Evans is a writer and editor who has worked with a host of diverse companies. She has a master's degree in Nonfiction Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 14, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp LinkedIn Twitter John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Cara Lustik Fact checked by Cara Lustik LinkedIn Cara Lustik is a fact-checker and copywriter with more than 15 years of experience crafting stories in the branding, licensing, and entertainment industries. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Waterproof fitness trackers are a durable and versatile tool that can help track your progress through a variety of sports and activities. In fact, research shows using fitness trackers may help you become more consistent with your exercise and activity goals. The best waterproof trackers will pair with whatever devices you need, monitor stats specific to your training regimen, and include extra features that match your lifestyle. Fitness trackers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so there's one out there to match anyone's style and needs. However, there are a few other aesthetic and technical specs to consider while shopping, including durability, accuracy, comfortability, an easy-to-use interface, and battery life. We researched popular picks from trusted brands with these features in mind. We also had a certified running coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy around how to use these devices to maintain your fitness routine. Here, we've curated the best waterproof fitness trackers. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 735XT at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Runners: POLAR GPS Running Watch at Amazon Jump to Review Best Smartwatch: Fitbit Versa 2 Fitness Smartwatch at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kids: Garmin vívofit jr at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Best Overall Garmin Forerunner 735XT 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart We named the Garmin Forerunner 735XT our top pick because it has a number of features that will appeal to serious athletes and more casual fitness enthusiasts alike. Lightweight, comfortable, and shock-resistant, it won't get in the way no matter where you're workout takes you. It includes tracking and support for any sport you’re tackling, including running, biking, swimming, and beyond. It has three different modes, all with exceptional battery life; 11 days in SmartWatch mode, 24 hours in UltraTrac mode, and 14 hours in GPS mode. The interface is easy to use and read, and you can add a customized watch face through the brand's Connect IQ store. It monitors your steps, pace, hydration, and sleep and provides 24/7 heart rate monitoring without the need for a strap, though you can also add a chest strap for even more advanced statistics. It also connects wirelessly with your phone to help you save and evaluate your statistics and receive calls, texts, and emails. We also love that it offers training plans for all levels and distances that can be sent to your watch for real-time coaching. Price at time of publication: $350 Best for Runners POLAR M430 GPS Running Watch Amazon View On Amazon This fitness tracker from Polar is a prime pick for runners who don’t want to worry about sweat or rain ruining their fitness tracker or those who love to jump in a pool or the shower after a long, hard run. With integrated GPS, heart-rate monitoring and a running program, it’s everything you need to slay your training goals, indoors or out. The battery life is impressive too, offering up to 30 hours of training time with multiple GPS recording options. Price at time of publication: $249 The 11 Best Fitness Trackers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Smartwatch Fitbit Versa 2 Fitness Smartwatch 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Abt.com If you’d love a smartwatch for activity tracking and beyond, but want a more budget-friendly option, Fitbit’s new Versa 2 is a great choice. You can track distance, steps, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, sleep stages, and swim laps. For a more accurate reading of calories burned, it can be set to different workout modes like swimming and weight lifting. The Fitbit Versa 2 also features Alexa. Just say her name and she can tell you all about the weather, news, and more. An added bonus? The battery lasts for five-plus days. Price at time of publication: $150 for Versa 2 Smartwatch in Black/Carbon Best for Kids Garmin vívofit jr Kids Fitness/Activity Tracker Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Fitness trackers are a great way to get kids motivated to move as they can see just how much progress they’re making on any goals they set. This one is designed for ages 4 to 9, and it comes in several fun prints including flowers and camo that kids will love. Because it’s waterproof, you don’t have to worry about them taking it off before bath time or when they jump in the pool. The battery life lasts up to a year without having to charge it, and it can connect to an app on mom and dad’s phone so you can view your kids’ activity. It also includes fun and useful features like chore management tools and rewards for activity. Made kid-tough and comfortable enough to wear day and night, it also displays the time so it serves as watch too. Price at time of publication: $60 What to Look for in a Waterproof Fitness Tracker Pairing Capabilities Most people using a fitness tracker will want to pair it with their phone using an app. Apps connected to your fitness tracker often provide deeper insights into your progress and fitness level and also help you keep track of your workouts. If this is the case for you, look for trackers that connect wirelessly and effortlessly to your device. Extra Features If you like having access to lots of statistics and information about your training and health, choose a fitness tracker that comes with extra features that matter to you. Some monitor sleep quality, for example. Others multi-task by allowing you to receive email and text notifications. Training Specific Choose a fitness tracker that matches your training needs. For instance, if you are a runner, you may wish to have GPS and the option to add a chest strap for better heart rate monitoring. If you perform a variety of workouts, a tracker that allows you to choose specific exercise tracking could be useful. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using a fitness tracker? Fitness trackers can help you get a better idea of your current habits and fitness level. They can also help you be more consistent. Research shows that those who use fitness trackers increase their activity levels, monitor their exercise habits throughout the day more consistently, and lose more weight. Will a fitness tracker monitor sleep? Many fitness tracker brands and models monitor sleep. Check for sleep monitoring features in the product information for the brands and models you are interested in. Some features include monitoring time spent asleep, waking times, restlessness, and sleep waves using movement and heart rate monitoring. Additionally, there may be extra sleep-tracking features available using a connected app. Some more in-depth features may require a paid subscription. How do I use a fitness tracker to meet fitness goals? Setting attainable goals such as reaching a certain amount of steps each day or exercising a specific number of times per week is an excellent way to motivate yourself. Using a fitness tracker can help you reach those goals by providing you with real-time habit tracking. Many devices also include apps that can track your weight and calories burned or consumed to help you set goals for weight loss or gain. How do I care for my fitness tracker? It’s best to follow the cleaning and care instructions for your specific fitness tracker, but in general, cleaning it with a lightly damp cloth with warm water or rubbing alcohol will do the trick. You should clean the band after you sweat or get it dirty. Remove your fitness tracker when performing exercises that might damage it, such as kettlebells on your wrists that can crack the screen. Wipe off any lotions or sunscreen that get on or underneath your tracker, and avoid using cleaning products or harsh soaps on it. 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lewis ZH, Pritting L, Picazo AL, JeanMarie-Tucker M. The utility of wearable fitness trackers and implications for increased engagement: An exploratory, mixed methods observational study. Digit Health. 2020;6:2055207619900059. doi:10.1177/2055207619900059 Sullivan AN, Lachman ME. Behavior change with fitness technology in sedentary adults: A review of the evidence for increasing physical activity. Front Public Health. 2017;4:289. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2016.00289 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? 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