Garmin Swim 2 GPS Swimming Smartwatch - Track Pool & Open Water

In this review of the Garmin Swim 2 the bottom line is simple: this is a focused swim training tool for swimmers who want reliable lap and open-water metrics without bulky multisport features. The watch shines when used in the pool or open water because it records distance, pace, stroke count and type, and provides an estimated wrist-based heart rate underwater. For swimmers who prioritize swim-specific feedback, timed sets and drill logging, the Swim 2 delivers practical data in a slim, wearable package.

Key Features

• Pool swim mode: Records distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type and SWOLF so pool training sessions are logged with useful efficiency metrics.
• Open-water GPS: Built-in GPS tracks swims in lakes, oceans or rivers and logs distance, pace and stroke distance for outdoor sessions.
• Underwater heart rate: Provides estimated wrist-based heart rate during swims so users can monitor effort without a chest strap.
• Advanced training tools: Offers timed sets, drill logging and an Auto rest feature to simplify interval work and structured swim workouts.
• Garmin Connect integration: Free online analysis, custom workout creation and automatic uploads keep swim history organized in the Garmin Connect community.
• All-day wearability: Slim profile for wearing outside the pool while tracking steps, sleep and daily activity between swims.

Who It's For

The Garmin Swim 2 is best for regular pool swimmers and open-water enthusiasts who want swim-specific metrics in a compact smartwatch. Triathletes who prefer a swim-first device or swimmers who want structured workouts and drill logging will appreciate the focused feature set and Garmin Connect support.

Those who want a do-it-all multisport smartwatch with extensive third-party apps or strongly prefer chest-strap heart rate for perfect accuracy may want to look elsewhere; the Swim 2 concentrates on swim tracking and offers estimated wrist-based HR and straightforward connected features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong pool and open-water tracking with distance, pace, stroke count and SWOLF for training insight.
• Built-in GPS for open-water swims removes the need for a paired phone during outdoor sessions.
• Underwater wrist-based heart rate monitoring provides effort data without extra sensors.
• Simple, slim design that can be worn all day for activity and sleep tracking.

Cons

• Some users report mixed GPS and heart rate accuracy in certain conditions, so elite athletes may notice occasional discrepancies.
• Battery life impressions vary among users; heavy GPS use will shorten time between charges compared with smartwatch-only use.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Garmin Swim 2 is a smart, swim-focused watch that gives swimmers the essential metrics they need for structured training and open-water navigation. It represents good value for anyone who spends time in the pool or open water and wants clear swim analytics without a bulky device, though those seeking absolute HR or GPS perfection may encounter occasional variance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it track open-water swims accurately?
Yes, the built-in GPS records open-water distance and pace, though some users report occasional GPS variance in challenging conditions.

Can it measure heart rate while swimming?
It provides an estimated wrist-based underwater heart rate so you can monitor effort without a chest strap.

How long does the battery last during swim use?
Battery life varies by mode: up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, about 13 hours with GPS and optical HR, and roughly 72 hours in pool with OHR mode.