Looking for the most stable waterproof heart sensor monitors for swimming? Most people want to know what the best heart rate monitor for swimming is.
If you're an improved swimmer or triathlete, or someone who's just begun to regularly hit the gym pool, you know how valuable heart rate monitors can be.
If you can keep your heart rate at your target zone while swimming, you'll notice a big difference.
After comparing all the important specifications of today's best swim heart rate monitors I have picked a few to recommend.
I've compared price, accuracy, size and features.
I've also included an in-depth comparison chart so you can see each model side-by-side.
This article will save you time and frustration.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor | Best Overall |  |
| SUUNTO Ambit3 Peak/Sport Smart Heart Rate Sensor | Budget Pick |  |
| POLAR H10 Heart Rate Monitor | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor
Pros:
- Long Battery Life
- Great Tracking Capabilities
The Garmin HRM-Swim is designed specifically for use in the water, allowing you to seamlessly transition from pool to road. The product comes with a separate transmitter, so you can pair it with chest straps, bike, and speed attachments for other fitness activities.
One of my favorite features of this product is that it beeps when you are out of the water, as well as when your lap time is up.
2. POLAR H10 Heart Rate Monitor
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Some have complained that it is not "very" easy to use
- Update
I’d have never been able to get out of bed everyday at 5 am without this watch. Between heart rate training, and being able to focus on my overall fat burning, I’ve been able to ditch the baggy gym clothes over the last several years. While a calorie monitor would be nice, I can’t imagine the accuracy would be as accurate as a heart rate monitor.
The Polar H10 is a tiny device which you can attach to your chest and see your heart rate. It can be difficult to set up when you first start using the device, but I know once you get it set up, you will not want to use a heart rate monitor that is not waterproof.
You don’t have to worry about rusting with this product like you would have with other heart rate monitors for swimming. You would not even need to worry about it getting wet and damaged. That is why it is one of the best waterproof heart rate monitors for swimming available today.
3. SUUNTO Ambit3 Peak/Sport Smart Heart Rate Sensor
Pros:
- Better than most chest strap HRMs in outdoor environments
- Easy to use, low profile, no chest strap
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Only tested in running so far so not sure yet how it will perform in open water
- There is a potential for interference with attached aluminum arm bands
The SUUNTO Ambit3 Pace/Sport Smart Heart Rate Sensor is a comfortable and accurate heart rate monitor that you can use for running, walking, and cycling. It’s a sensor that is placed into a pocket and connects to a chest strap wirelessly by ANT+. SUUNTO originally designed this for use with its Ambit3 sports watches, but you can also use it without one.
The chest strap wirelessly sends your heart rate to the sensor that is in your pocket. The sensor then sends that information wirelessly to the watch. It can also be paired with Bluetooth-equipped watches, including several Android Wear watches, like the Polar M400. Good news is that it can be paired with other apps that are not made by SUUNTO. That’s a great feature that we don’t see offered by other brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best waterproof heart rate monitor?
Do you want a waterproof heart rate monitor that will work for all the different ways you take it on your journey through the latest and greatest in the world of fitness?
The new Polar Vantage V provides training insights for every athlete. A versatile heart rate sensor lets you stay in the zone whether you're running, biking, swimming, or training at the gym.
It offers all the advanced heart rate training features like Intensity Target, which helps monitor workout intensity and encourages you to stay focused during training. It offers you real-time feedback on your heart rate, zone, and your fitness level … so you always know that you're getting the most out of your workout.
Are heart rate monitors waterproof?
Will they work under water?
The simple answer to the first question is yes. This generally applies to any heart rate monitor that you might consider sporting to the beach.
However, the slightly more complicated answer breaks down like this:
Any self-respecting water-friendly heart rate monitor will usually be advertised as such. You wonʼt see too many manufacturers bragging about how thoroughly water-resistant their product is. Keep your eyes peeled for a “water resistant” stamp on the product.
As a general rule, any water-friendly heart rate monitor is going to be made of rubber or some kind of plastic. It will also usually be advertised as waterproof.
What should my heart rate be when swimming?
To find out the optimum heart rate for swimming, you can set up a test. First, use a heart rate strap or a heart rate base on your chest and go out and swim at a moderately fast intensity for about 50m. Stay in the middle of the pool to simulate a set up for open water swimming. The peak heart rate reading you achieve is your theoretical maximum.
There is one major factor with swimming that you must take into account when trying to determine your desired heart rate. Unlike other endurance events, where the action is restricted to a single plane, swimming involves moving in three planes. This means you are somewhat less likely to be moving at a consistent pace. If you are ever unsure of where you are at during swimming, the typical solution is to pick a point out in front of you and focus your gaze on it as you stroke.
What Fitbit is waterproof for swimming?
To clarify, the Charge 2, Flex 2, Ionic, Versa, and the Fitbit Zip are the only Fitbit models that are safe for getting wet.
However, the Fitbit’s MAJOR discomfort lies in how it records your data. Since it is tracking you while submerged in water, it cannot accurately record your heart rate. The Charge 2, Flex 2, Ionic, Versa, and Zip contain sensors that track your heart rate across your three main workouts (running, cycling, and yoga); however, if you are doing any kind of swimming, the Charge 2, Flex 2, Ionic, Versa, and Zip will only be applicable for tracking your total distance. You will not be able to record your heart rate, accurate distance, calories, or pace.
Conclusion
When it is important to know your heart rate while in the water, the best waterproof heart rate monitor for swimming is the one that can sync with your phone and provide you with accurate information while you're behind the water resistance.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor | Best Overall | |
| SUUNTO Ambit3 Peak/Sport Smart Heart Rate Sensor | Budget Pick | |
| POLAR H10 Heart Rate Monitor | Upgrade Pick | |