Almost all fitness watches (cheap or expensive) are water-resistant. However, some among them are better than others. Choose your best waterproof smartwatch for 2024 from the list below. They are the best ones to buy in India, as per the recommendations backed by swimmers, athletes, and online reviewers.
What is a waterproof smartwatch and why is it important?
A waterproof smartwatch is a smartwatch that is designed to withstand water exposure and can be worn while swimming, showering, or other water-related activities. The reason it is important is that it allows you to track your fitness and health goals while swimming or doing other water-related activities without worrying about damaging your watch.
It also allows you to stay connected to your phone and receive notifications while doing such activities. So, swimmers or anyone who wants to wear it in any weather condition should look for a waterproof smartwatch.
The criteria for choosing a waterproof smartwatch
When buying a waterproof smartwatch, there are several criteria you should consider. The first is the water resistance rating. The rating indicates how much water pressure the watch can withstand. The higher the rating, the more water-resistant the watch is. For example, IP68 indicates that the watch is dust-resistant and can handle deeper water submersion (typically 1.5 metres or more) for 30 minutes. In ATM rating, 10 ATM is suitable for snorkelling and some watersports.
The second criterion is battery life. It should have a long battery life to ensure that it can last long enough for you. The third criterion is durability. A good waterproof smartwatch should be durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of your daily activities. The last criterion is features. Your watch should have features that are useful for water-related activities, such as swim tracking, heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and other features you need.
Everyone’s aspirations and goals are different. So, the best smartwatch depends on your budget and requirements. Hence, see all those listed below, one by one, to help you select the best one for you. For more details and current prices, click on the link provided.
9 Best Waterproof Smartwatches for 2024
1. Apple Watch Series 9
Price: ₹44,900 | See Amazon offer
Amazon Rating: 4.3/5
The Apple Watch Series 9 has a water resistance rating of 50 metres under ISO standard 22810:2010. So, you can use it while swimming in pools or oceans, showering, and other shallow water activities. However, it is not intended for high-velocity water sports or submersion below shallow depths. To ensure optimal performance, the Apple Watch Series 9 uses sound vibrations to expel water from the speaker.
Key Specifications
- Display: Large, always-on LTPO OLED Retina display with up to 1000 nits’ brightness.
- Health Features:
- Enhanced heart rate monitoring
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Blood oxygen measurement
- Temperature sensing for women’s health tracking
- Advanced sleep monitoring
- Crash detection
- Fall detection
- Fitness Features:
- GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, and BeiDou
- Built-in accelerometer and gyroscope
- Extensive workout tracking
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular (optional), NFC
- Processor: Powerful S9 chip
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours on a single charge with typical use
- Operating System: WatchOS 9
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Price: ₹27,999 | See Amazon offer
Amazon Rating: 4.1/5
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is dustproof and water-resistant. With an IP68 rating, it’s completely sealed against dust particles and can be submerged in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for 30 minutes. The 5ATM rating further ensures that it can handle water pressure up to 50 metres. So, the watch is a great choice for swimming, showering, raining, and even venturing into shallow waters.
Key Specifications
- Display: Bright and clear Super-aMOLED display, always-on.
- Health Features:
- Heart rate tracking
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Body composition analysis
- Fitness Features:
- Built-in GPS
- Wide range of workout tracking modes
- Automatic workout detection
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
- Processor: Exynos W920 Dual-Core processor
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours (standard model) or 50 hours (Pro model)
- Operating System: Wear OS 3.5
3. Fitbit Versa 4
Price: ₹19,980 | See Amazon offer
Amazon Rating: 3.7/5
The Versa 4 carries a water resistance rating of 50 metres. It’s safe for swimming, handling splashes, rain, and showering. However, as with most wearables, it’s not meant for high-impact water activities like water skiing or scuba diving.
Key Specifications
- Display: A colourful AMOLED display, optional always-on
- Health Features:
- 24/7 heart rate tracking
- Sleep tracking with Sleep Stages and Sleep Score
- Daily Readiness Score (Fitbit Premium)
- Built-in GPS
- SpO2 monitoring (blood oxygen)
- Fitness Features:
- 40+ exercise modes
- Active Zone Minutes
- SmartTrack automatic exercise recognition
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, optional NFC for Fitbit Pay
- Battery Life: Up to 6+ days on a single charge with typical use.
- Operating System: Fitbit OS
4. Amazfit GTS 4
Price: ₹15,999 | See Amazon offer
Amazon Rating: 4.1/5
The Amazfit GTS 4 boasts an impressive 5 ATM rating. It protects against submersion in up to 50 metres of water, making it suitable for activities like swimming, showering, and even shallow snorkelling.
Key Specifications
- Display: 1.75-inch HD AMOLED, always-on
- Health Features:
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring
- Blood oxygen level
- Stress tracking
- Sleep tracking (including sleep stages)
- Fitness Features:
- Over 150 sports modes
- PeakBeats workout status algorithm
- Built-in GPS and support for 5 satellite systems
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi
- Battery Life: Up to 8 days with typical use
- Operating System: Zepp OS
5. Samsung Galaxy Fit3
Price: ₹4,999 | See Amazon offer
Amazon Rating: 4.0/5
This new Samsung watch is designed for swimming, showering, and getting caught in the rain thanks to its impressive 5 ATM water resistance rating. This implies that it can be briefly immersed in water up to 50 meters deep. This Galaxy watch is one of the best smartwatches under 5,000.
Key Specifications
- Display: 1.1-inch full-color AMOLED display
- Health Features:
- Heart rate tracking
- Sleep tracking
- Stress monitoring
- SpO2 monitoring (blood oxygen)
- Fitness Features:
- 120+ workout modes
- Automatic workout detection
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery Life: Up to 13 days of typical use
- Operating System: Samsung’s own Realtime OS (RTOS).
6. Titan Smart 3
Price: ₹4,994 | See Amazon offer
Amazon Rating: 3.8/5
The watch is built to withstand the elements. With an IP68 rating, it’s completely sealed against dust and a metre of water for up to 30 minutes. However, it’s important to avoid high-pressure environments or extremely hot water, as these can compromise the watch’s water resistance.
Key Specifications
- Display: 1.96-inch Super AMOLED, 410×502 pixel resolution.
- Health Features
- 24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring
- SpO2 (Blood Oxygen) Monitoring
- Sleep Tracking
- Stress Monitoring
- Fitness Features
- 110+ Sports Modes
- Built-in GPS (may depend on specific model)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (SingleSync BT for calling), Wi-Fi
- Smart Features:
- Fast Charging
- Voice Assistant support (Google Assistant and Siri)
- 200+ Watch Faces
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days on a single charge
- Operating System: Titan OS
7. OnePlus Nord Watch
Price: ₹4,899 | See Amazon offer
Amazon Rating: 3.9/5
With an IP68 rating, the OnePlus Nord Watch is built tough. It’s completely sealed against dust. The water resistance rating of 5 ATM means the watch can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, it’s important to avoid exposing it to high-pressure environments like saunas, hot tubs, or deep dives.
Key Specifications
- Display: 1.78-inch AMOLED
- Health Features:
- Heart rate tracking
- SpO2 monitoring (Blood Oxygen)
- Sleep tracking
- Stress monitoring
- Women’s health tracking
- Fitness Features:
- 105 sports modes
- Automatic workout detection (for certain activities)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery Life: Up to 10 days with typical use, 30 days standby
- Operating System: Proprietary RTOS.
8. Fire-Boltt Elemento
Price: ₹3,349 | See Amazon offer
Amazon Rating: 4.1/5
The Fire-Boltt Elemento boasts an IP68 rating, giving it strong protection against both dust and water. This makes it a suitable companion for swimming, showering, or getting caught in a downpour.
Key Specifications
- Display: 1.95-inch full IPS touch screen
- Health Features:
- 24/7 Heart rate monitoring
- SpO2 monitoring (Blood Oxygen)
- Sleep tracking
- Fitness Features:
- 100+ sports modes
- Built-in GPS (may depend on model)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth calling, Bluetooth connectivity
- Smart Features:
- Voice assistant support
- Notifications
- Weather updates
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days with typical use
- Operating System: Proprietary OS
9. CrossBeats Diva
Price: ₹3,299 | See Amazon offer
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
The Crossbeats Diva features an IP67 water resistance rating. This means it’s fully dustproof and can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 metre deep for approximately 30 minutes. This makes it safe for activities like washing your hands, getting caught in the rain, and even light swimming in a pool. However, it’s not recommended for high-impact water sports or longer periods of submersion.
It is the best waterproof smartwatch designed for women, available at around 3,000.
Key Specifications
- Display: 1.28-inch AMOLED display with stone-studded bezel
- Health Features:
- Heart rate tracking
- SpO2 monitoring (Blood Oxygen)
- Sleep tracking
- Female health tracking
- Fitness Features:
- 100+ sports modes
- Activity tracking
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Smart Features:
- Call and message notifications
- Music controls
- Find my phone
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days with typical use
- Other Features: Wireless Charging.
10. pTron Reflect Callz
Price: ₹1,199 | See Amazon offer
Amazon Rating: 5.0/5
The pTron Reflect Callz features an IP68 water resistance rating. This means it’s completely sealed against dust and can handle submersion in water beyond 1 metre (usually 1.5 metres) for up to 30 minutes.
This is one of the top-rated waterproof smartwatches under 2,000 available on Amazon.
Key Specifications
- Display: 1.85-inch full touch TFT HD Display
- Health Features:
- Heart rate tracking
- SpO2 monitoring (Blood Oxygen)
- Sleep tracking
- Fitness Features:
- Multiple sports modes
- Activity tracking
- Connectivity: Bluetooth calling, Bluetooth connectivity
- Smart Features:
- Call and message notifications
- Music controls
- Find my phone
- 100+ Watch Faces
- Battery Life: Up to 5 days with typical use
- Other Features: Digital crown, metal mesh strap
What is the best water resistance rating for your smartwatch?
The best water resistance rating depends on your use case and scenario. The watches on the list above have an IP68 rating, which is enough for everyday use. Let me explain it.
The first digit ‘6’ in IP68 indicates the highest level of dustproof. The second digit ‘8’ means water protection level that withstands beyond water depth, usually up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes. This means that these smartwatches are suitable for everyday wear and can handle dust, sweat, splashing, and rain. You can even wear them safely when swimming and bathing. But they are not recommended for deep sea diving or extreme hot water.
What are the smartwatches for water sports and sea diving?
Watches specialised for water sports or diving go beyond IP ratings. You have specific depths to determine, such as 100 metres, 200 metres, 300 metres, or more as you need. They are also certified to meet standards like ISO 6425.
If you are looking for a smartwatch with a higher water resistance rating, check out these smartwatches:
- Apple Watch Ultra (100 metres)
- SUUNTO 9 Peak (100 metres)
- Garmin Fenix 6 (100 metres)
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Ibochouba Singh is a content writer and reviewer with a passion for writing about digital marketing and tech gadgets, including software tools and new tech gadgets. He has over 15 years of experience writing for several consumers and clients, including tech startups, marketing agencies, and software companies. He is writing many articles and reviews for many websites, including nigcworld.com, buywin.in, medium.com, and quora.com.