5 bestSwim Watch Lap Counterof July 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1
FORM Smart Swim 1 - Goggles
FORM
9.8
2
Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE, Premium GPS Running/Triathlon Smartwatch with LTE Connectivity, Whitestone
Garmin
9.6
12% off
3
Garmin 010-02247-00 Swim 2, Slate
Garmin
9.4
4
SC SPORTCOUNT LapCounter and Timer - Waterproof Lap Counter Timer for Swimming, Biking, Running Triathletes - Accurately Tracks Laps and Times to Help You Stay Focused
SportCount, Inc.
9.1
6% off
5
Digital Swimming Diving Wristwatch 10 ATM Waterproof with Multiple Functions of Lap Stopwatch, Alarm Clock, Calendar and Backlight
ILAME
8.8
A Guide to Selecting the Best Swim Watch Lap Counter
Choosing a swim watch with a lap counter can make your swim workouts more effective and enjoyable. These watches help you track your laps, monitor your performance, and keep you motivated. When picking the right swim watch, it's important to consider how you swim, what features you need, and how easy the watch is to use in the water. Understanding the key specifications will help you find a watch that matches your swimming habits and goals.
Water Resistance
Water resistance tells you how well the watch can handle being in water. This is crucial for swim watches, as they need to withstand constant exposure to water and pressure. Water resistance is usually measured in meters (like 30m, 50m, or 100m). Watches rated at 30m are generally splash-proof, 50m can handle swimming in a pool, and 100m or more are suitable for more intense swimming or diving. For most swimmers, a 50m water resistance is enough, but if you swim often or in deeper water, look for higher ratings.
Lap Counting Accuracy
Lap counting accuracy refers to how reliably the watch can detect and count your laps as you swim. Some watches use motion sensors to track your arm movements, while others may use more advanced technology. Basic models might miss laps if your stroke is inconsistent, while higher-end models are better at recognizing different swimming styles and turns. If you swim with a steady rhythm, most watches will work well, but if your technique varies or you do a lot of drills, look for a watch known for high accuracy.
Display Readability
Display readability is about how easy it is to see the information on your watch while swimming. This includes the size of the numbers, the brightness of the screen, and whether the display is clear underwater or in bright light. Some watches have large, high-contrast screens, while others are smaller or less bright. If you want to check your stats during your swim, choose a watch with a big, clear display. If you only check your data after swimming, this may be less important.
Swim Metrics Tracked
Swim metrics are the different types of data the watch can record, such as lap count, distance, stroke type, pace, and calories burned. Basic watches may only count laps, while more advanced ones can track a wide range of metrics. If you just want to know how many laps you’ve done, a simple model is fine. If you want to analyze your performance and improve your technique, look for a watch that tracks more metrics.
Ease of Use
Ease of use covers how simple it is to operate the watch, especially with wet hands or while swimming. Some watches have touchscreens, while others use physical buttons. Touchscreens can be tricky underwater, so many swimmers prefer buttons. Also, consider how easy it is to start, stop, and reset the lap counter. If you want a hassle-free experience, look for a watch with straightforward controls and a user-friendly interface.
Battery Life
Battery life is how long the watch can operate before needing a recharge or new battery. Some swim watches last for weeks, while others need charging every few days, especially if they have advanced features. If you swim often or don’t want to worry about charging, pick a watch with longer battery life. If you only swim occasionally, battery life may be less of a concern.
Compatibility with Apps
Compatibility with apps means whether the watch can sync your swim data to your phone or computer for tracking and analysis. Some watches work with popular fitness apps, while others have their own software. If you like to review your progress, set goals, or share your results, choose a watch that easily connects to your preferred app or device. If you’re not interested in tracking your data outside the pool, this feature may not matter as much.
Best Reviews Guide Newsletter
Get exclusive articles, recommendations, shopping tips, and sales alerts
Sign up for our newsletter to receive weekly recommendations about seasonal and trendy products
Thank you for subscribing!
By submitting your email address you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy