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.

The 4 Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers of 2023

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

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Best for Runners:

POLAR GPS Running Watch at Amazon

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Best Smartwatch:

Fitbit Versa 2 Fitness Smartwatch at Amazon

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Best for Kids:

Garmin vívofit jr at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ

4.9

Amazon

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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

Amazon

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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

4.3

Amazon

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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

Courtesy of Amazon

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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.

Best Overall

Garmin Forerunner 735XT

Best for Runners

POLAR M430 GPS Running Watch

Best Smartwatch

Fitbit Versa 2 Fitness Smartwatch

Best for Kids

Garmin vívofit jr Kids Fitness/Activity Tracker