The Garmin Swim 2 and Google Fitbit Sense 2 are popular smartwatches for swimmers. Both offer features to track swim workouts, but they have key differences that may make one better suited for your needs.
For dedicated swim training, the Garmin Swim 2 is the superior choice due to its specialised swimming features. It provides detailed metrics like stroke count, pace, and distance for pool and open water swimming. The watch is designed specifically for swimmers, with a water resistance rating of 50 metres.
The Fitbit Sense 2 is a more versatile smartwatch that includes swim tracking alongside many other health and fitness features. It tracks basic swim metrics like laps and calories burned. While not as swim-focused as the Garmin, it offers a wider range of functions for daily use beyond the pool. Your choice depends on whether you want a dedicated swim watch or a multipurpose fitness tracker.
Key Considerations for Swim Training Devices
When choosing a swim training device, several important factors come into play. These include waterproof capabilities, durability, and comfort. Each aspect significantly impacts the device’s performance and user experience in the water.
Waterproof Capabilities and ATM Rating
A swim training device must be truly waterproof, not just water-resistant. The ATM (atmospheres) rating is crucial. Most swimming smartwatches have a 5 ATM rating, which means they can withstand pressure equivalent to 50 metres depth.
Higher ATM ratings offer better protection. For serious swimmers, a 10 ATM rating is ideal. This ensures the device can handle the pressure of diving and intense strokes.
The device should also have a dedicated swim tracking mode. This allows for accurate stroke recognition and lap counting.
Durability and Material Quality
Swim training devices face harsh conditions. Chlorine, salt water, and constant moisture can take their toll.
High-quality materials are essential. Look for devices with corrosion-resistant metals or robust plastics. Damage-resistant glass is also crucial to protect the screen from accidental impacts.
The buttons or touch screen should work well when wet. Some devices offer both touch and button controls for versatility.
A temperature sensor can be a valuable feature. It helps swimmers track water conditions and adjust their training accordingly.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is key for long training sessions. The device should be lightweight and streamlined to reduce drag in the water.
Adjustable straps are important for a secure fit. Silicone straps often work well as they’re comfortable and dry quickly.
A large, easy-to-read display is crucial. Swimmers need to see their stats at a glance without interrupting their rhythm.
Wrist-based heart rate monitors are common in swim training devices. They provide valuable data on effort levels during workouts.
Some devices offer interchangeable bands. This allows swimmers to switch to a more stylish option when out of the pool.
Specific Features for Swimming
The Garmin Swim 2 and Fitbit Sense 2 offer distinct features for swim training. Both devices track key metrics and support different swimming environments, but they have unique capabilities that set them apart.
Swimming Metrics Tracking
The Garmin Swim 2 excels in swim-specific metrics. It tracks stroke count, stroke type, and SWOLF score, which measures swimming efficiency. The device automatically detects stroke types, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
The Fitbit Sense 2 also tracks swim metrics but with less detail. It counts laps, duration, and calories burned. While it doesn’t offer SWOLF scoring, it does provide a general assessment of your swim workout intensity.
Both watches are water-resistant and can be worn while swimming. They use built-in accelerometers to detect movement in the water and calculate distance travelled.
Open Water Versus Pool Training
For open water swimming, the Garmin Swim 2 shines with its GPS capabilities. It accurately tracks your route and distance in lakes, rivers, and oceans. The watch also provides real-time pace information during open water swims.
The Fitbit Sense 2 is primarily designed for pool swimming. While it can be used in open water, it lacks built-in GPS for accurate distance tracking in these environments. For open water swims, it relies on connected GPS from your smartphone.
In pool settings, both devices allow you to set pool length for accurate lap counting. They can detect turns and provide split times for each lap.
Swimming Profiles and Modes
The Garmin Swim 2 offers dedicated swimming profiles. It includes modes for pool swimming, open water swimming, and drill logging. The drill log mode is particularly useful for tracking specific swimming drills or kick sets.
The Fitbit Sense 2 has a general swim mode that works for both pool and open water swimming. It supports up to 40 different training modes, including swimming, but doesn’t offer swim-specific profiles like the Garmin.
Both watches allow for interval training. The Garmin Swim 2 has more advanced features for creating custom swim workouts and setting alerts for pace or distance targets.
Connectivity and Integration
The Garmin Swim 2 and Fitbit Sense 2 offer various connectivity features to enhance swim training. Both devices provide smartphone pairing, device compatibility, and navigation tools to support swimmers.
Smartphone Pairing and Notifications
The Garmin Swim 2 pairs with smartphones using Bluetooth technology. It connects to the Garmin Connect app, allowing users to sync swim data and receive notifications.
The Fitbit Sense 2 also uses Bluetooth for smartphone pairing. It syncs with the Fitbit app and displays notifications on the watch face.
Both devices offer vibrating alerts for incoming calls and messages. The Fitbit Sense 2 allows users to answer calls directly from the watch when paired with a compatible smartphone.
Compatibility with Other Devices
The Garmin Swim 2 supports ANT+ connectivity, enabling it to connect with various fitness sensors and equipment.
The Fitbit Sense 2 lacks ANT+ but offers NFC technology for contactless payments through Fitbit Pay. This feature is not available on the Garmin Swim 2.
Both watches are compatible with iOS and Android smartphones, ensuring broad device support for most users.
GPS and Navigation Tools
The Garmin Swim 2 and Fitbit Sense 2 both feature built-in GPS for accurate tracking of outdoor swims and other activities.
The Garmin Swim 2 uses a combination of GPS and Galileo for improved location accuracy. It offers basic navigation features but lacks detailed maps.
The Fitbit Sense 2 includes GPS for tracking swim routes and distances. It provides a compass for basic direction-finding but does not offer advanced mapping capabilities.
Neither device supports cellular technology or Wi-Fi connectivity, as these features are less crucial for swim-specific training.
Health and Fitness Tracking Capabilities
The Garmin Swim 2 and Google Fitbit Sense 2 offer a range of health and fitness tracking features. Both devices provide comprehensive monitoring for swimmers and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Heart Rate and Cardio Metrics
The Fitbit Sense tracks heart rate continuously throughout the day and during workouts. It measures resting heart rate and heart rate variability to assess overall cardiovascular health. The device also calculates a Cardio Fitness Score based on VO2 max estimates.
Garmin Swim 2 offers similar heart rate tracking capabilities. It monitors heart rate during swims and other activities. The watch provides real-time heart rate data and zones to help users train at the right intensity.
Both devices track active minutes and estimate calories burned based on heart rate and movement data.
Wellness and Activity Monitoring
The Fitbit Sense 2 includes stress tracking through an EDA sensor that measures electrodermal activity. It also offers menstrual cycle tracking for women’s health.
Garmin Swim 2 tracks stress levels using heart rate variability data. It monitors sleep quality and provides a Body Battery score to indicate energy levels.
Both watches count steps, track sleep stages, and measure blood oxygen levels. They also track breathing rate throughout the day and night.
Advanced Sensor Technology
The Fitbit Sense features an ECG sensor for detecting irregular heart rhythms. It also has a skin temperature sensor to spot potential signs of illness.
Garmin Swim 2 includes a barometric altimeter for tracking elevation changes. Its accelerometer and gyroscope enable accurate swim stroke detection and lap counting.
Both devices use GPS for outdoor activity tracking. They also feature water resistance suitable for swimming.
The Sense 2 includes more advanced health sensors overall, while the Swim 2 offers more swimming-specific metrics.
Battery Life and Charging Options
The Garmin Swim 2 and Google Fitbit Sense 2 offer different battery performance and charging features. These factors can greatly impact their usefulness for swim training sessions.
Battery Longevity
The Garmin Swim 2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 365 days in smartwatch mode. This long-lasting power makes it ideal for extended swim training periods without frequent charging.
In contrast, the Fitbit Sense 2 has a shorter battery life of about 6 days. While this is less than the Garmin, it’s still sufficient for most weekly swim routines.
Both devices feature Auto-Pause and Auto-Lap functions. These help conserve battery during swim sessions by pausing tracking when you stop and automatically marking laps.
Charging Methods
The Garmin Swim 2 uses a proprietary charging clip. It attaches securely to the watch, ensuring a stable connection even when wet from swimming.
Fitbit Sense 2 employs a magnetic charger. This design allows for easy attachment and detachment, which can be handy when you’re in a hurry to get to the pool.
Neither watch supports wireless charging. The Fitbit Sense 2 charges relatively quickly, often reaching full battery in about 1-2 hours.
The Garmin Swim 2 doesn’t offer solar charging. However, its exceptionally long battery life often negates the need for frequent charging.
User Experience and Interface
The Garmin Swim 2 and Fitbit Sense 2 offer distinct user experiences tailored to different needs. Both devices provide useful features for swim training, but their interfaces and capabilities vary in important ways.
Display and Screen Features
The Fitbit Sense 2 boasts a vibrant OLED display with crisp colours and sharp text. Its touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, even with wet fingers. The screen size is generous, allowing for clear visibility of stats during swims.
The Garmin Swim 2 uses a more basic LCD display. While not as visually striking, it’s highly readable in bright sunlight and underwater. The screen is smaller but optimised for showing key swim metrics at a glance.
Both watches offer always-on display options, though this impacts battery life. The Sense 2’s higher resolution makes text and icons appear smoother.
Ease of Use
The Fitbit Sense 2 has a user-friendly interface with intuitive menus and controls. Its touchscreen allows for quick swipes and taps to access different features. The side button provides an easy way to start and stop workouts.
Garmin’s Swim 2 relies on physical buttons for navigation. While this may seem less modern, many swimmers prefer buttons when operating the watch in water. The menu structure is straightforward and focused on swimming functions.
Both devices offer customisable watch faces and quick access to frequently used features. The Sense 2 provides more options for personalisation.
Smartwatch Features
The Fitbit Sense 2 functions as a full-featured smartwatch. It offers notifications, mobile payments, and a wide range of apps. The EDA sensor for stress management is a standout feature.
Users can track heart health with ECG capabilities and built-in GPS for outdoor activities. Music control and storage are available, though limited compared to some competitors.
The Garmin Swim 2 is more focused on swimming. It offers basic smartwatch features like notifications but lacks more advanced functions. Its strength lies in comprehensive swim tracking, including drill logging and pacing alerts.
Both devices provide sleep tracking and general activity monitoring. The Sense 2 offers a broader range of health insights, while the Swim 2 excels in swim-specific metrics.
Comprehensive Comparison
The Garmin Swim 2 and Fitbit Sense 2 offer distinct features for swim training. Each device has unique strengths in tracking performance and providing valuable data for swimmers.
Garmin Swim 2 versus Fitbit Sense 2
The Garmin Swim 2 is specifically designed for swimming, while the Fitbit Sense 2 is a more general fitness tracker. The Swim 2 offers detailed swim metrics like stroke count and SWOLF score. It also has an open-water swimming mode.
The Fitbit Sense 2 has a broader range of health features, including stress tracking and an ECG app. It can track swimming but lacks some of the advanced swim-specific features of the Garmin.
Both devices are water-resistant and can track basic swim data like laps and distance.
Performance in Swim Training
For serious swimmers, the Garmin Swim 2 excels. It provides accurate lap counting, stroke detection, and pace tracking. The device can even detect the type of stroke you’re using.
The Fitbit Sense 2 offers basic swim tracking but lacks the depth of swim-specific metrics. It does provide heart rate monitoring during swims, which can be useful for training intensity.
The Garmin’s dedicated swim features, like drill logging and critical swim speed, give it an edge for focused swim training.
Overall Value and Investment
The Garmin Swim 2 is the better choice for dedicated swimmers. Its specialised features justify the investment for those who spend a lot of time in the pool or open water.
The Fitbit Sense 2 offers more versatility. It’s a good option for casual swimmers who also want comprehensive health tracking outside the pool.
Consider your primary fitness goals when choosing. If swimming is your main focus, the Garmin Swim 2 provides more value. For a balanced approach to fitness with some swim tracking, the Fitbit Sense 2 might be the better investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swimmers have many questions about choosing the right smartwatch for their training. These FAQs address key concerns about the Fitbit Sense 2 and Garmin Swim 2 for swim tracking.
Can the Fitbit Sense 2 reliably track swimming metrics?
The Fitbit Sense 2 can track basic swimming metrics like laps, distance, and calories burned. It’s water-resistant up to 50 metres and offers swim tracking features.
However, its accuracy may not match specialized swim watches. The Sense 2 is better suited for casual swimmers who want general activity tracking.
What are the advantages of the Garmin Swim 2 for swim training?
The Garmin Swim 2 is designed specifically for swimmers. It offers advanced swim metrics like stroke detection, SWOLF scores, and drill logging.
The watch also provides open-water swim tracking with GPS. Its specialised features make it ideal for serious swimmers and triathletes.
How do Garmin and Fitbit devices compare in terms of accuracy for swim tracking?
Garmin devices, especially the Swim 2, tend to offer more accurate swim tracking. They use advanced algorithms and sensors designed for swimming.
Fitbit devices provide decent accuracy for casual swimmers. However, they may not match Garmin’s precision for stroke detection and lap counting.
Which features are most important in a smartwatch for swimmers?
Key features for swimmers include water resistance, accurate lap counting, and stroke detection. GPS for open-water swimming is crucial for triathletes.
Advanced metrics like SWOLF scores and drill logging are important for competitive swimmers. Battery life and comfort during long swims are also essential.
What distinguishes the Fitbit Sense 2 from other swimming tracking devices?
The Fitbit Sense 2 stands out with its comprehensive health tracking features. It offers stress monitoring, ECG, and sleep tracking alongside basic swim metrics.
Its smartwatch capabilities, like notifications and apps, make it versatile for daily use beyond the pool.
Are there specific models recommended for professional swimmers seeking detailed data?
For professional swimmers, the Garmin Swim 2 is highly recommended. It provides detailed swim metrics and is designed for serious training.
Other high-end options include the Garmin Fenix series or the MARQ. These watches offer advanced features for multiple sports, including swimming.
