Best Swimming Heart Rate Monitor for Accurate Tracking (2025 Edition)

 

 

 

If you're serious about tracking your performance in the pool, you already know that not all heart rate monitors are created equal. From lap-focused swimmers to open-water triathletes, tracking your heart rate while swimming is one of the most effective ways to gauge training intensity, monitor recovery, and optimize endurance.

 

But here’s the catch: most smartwatches and wearables struggle with accurate readings underwater. In 2025, however, new advancements in optical and electrode sensors are changing the game.

 

Let’s dive into the top swimming heart rate monitors this year—and why one might just change how you train in the water.

 

 

 

 

🥇 1. Polar Verity Sense – Best Overall for Swimmers

 

Why it’s great:


This optical armband heart rate monitor was made for swimmers. It straps securely to your temple under your swim cap, where it gets reliable pulse readings with minimal movement interference.

 

Key Features:

 

  • Waterproof up to 50m
     

  • Memory for offline tracking (up to 600 hours)
     

  • Syncs with Polar Flow and third-party apps
     

  • No need to carry your phone while swimming
     

Best For: Pool swimmers and triathletes who want precision and freedom.

 

 

 

 

🆓 2. Impulse Heart Rate Monitor (App) – Best Free Solution for Casual Swimmers

 

Why it’s great:


While Impulse is not a wearable, it’s a perfect companion before and after your swim. You can take accurate heart rate and HRV snapshots to measure how your body is preparing for—or recovering from—a swim session. Available on the Apple App Store, it's the best free app-based solution for tracking your heart wellness without extra gear.

 

Key Features:

 

  • Instant readings via camera
     

  • HRV and stress insights
     

  • No wearables needed
     

  • Ideal for cooldowns and pre-swim checks
     

Best For: Swimmers looking for no-cost, no-fuss heart rate monitoring outside the pool.

 

 

 

 

🥈 3. Garmin HRM-Swim – Best for Competitive Pool Swimmers

 

Why it’s great:


Engineered specifically for swimming, this chest strap stores heart rate data while submerged and transmits it after the workout.

 

Key Features:
 

  • Non-slip design
     

  • Offline storage during swim sets
     

  • Syncs with Garmin watches
     

  • ANT+ and Bluetooth support
     

Best For: Lap swimmers who already use a Garmin ecosystem.

 

 

 

 

🥉 4. Form Smart Swim Goggles + Polar Sensor – Most Innovative Combo

 

Why it’s great:
 

Imagine seeing your heart rate displayed right inside your goggles while you swim. That’s exactly what Form delivers when paired with a Polar sensor.

 

Key Features:

 

  • Real-time HR in goggles
     

  • Metrics like stroke rate and splits
     

  • Polar OH1 compatibility
     

  • Open water and pool use
     

Best For: Data-driven swimmers who want live feedback mid-lap.

 

 

 

 

🏅 5. FINIS Smart Goggle with Ciye™ Sensor – Best for Swim Technique + HR Trends

 

Why it’s great:
 

While not a traditional heart rate monitor, this smart goggle tracks swim data and integrates with compatible health platforms for trend-based HR insights.

 

Key Features:

 

  • Swim time, splits, pace in goggles
     

  • Integrates with Apple Health
     

  • Works for lap swimming only
     

Best For: Recreational swimmers who want motivation + post-swim analysis.

 

 

 

 

🧠 Why Heart Rate Tracking Matters in Swimming

 

Unlike running or cycling, swimming is a full-body workout in a low-gravity environment. Without sweat cues or visible exhaustion, it’s easy to overtrain without realizing it. Tracking your heart rate helps:

 

  • Avoid burnout and monitor overexertion
     

  • Improve aerobic vs. anaerobic zone training
     

  • Track recovery and optimize rest days
     

  • Detect fatigue and dehydration early
     

 

 

🏁 Final Lap: Which One Should You Choose?

 

Monitor Best For Price
Polar Verity Sense All-around accuracy + comfort $$
Impulse App Free HR tracking pre/post swim Free
Garmin HRM-Swim Chest-strap precision for pools $$$
Form + Polar Sensor Real-time HR in goggles $$$$
FINIS Smart Goggles Swim analytics + heart health trends $$$

 

 

 

 

 

🧘‍♀️ Bonus Tip:

 

Use the Impulse Heart Rate Monitor App before and after your swim to track resting HR, stress level, and recovery status. It’s a simple (and free) way to round out your swimming data—even if your in-pool device doesn’t support HRV.

 

Whether you're perfecting your freestyle or just floating to de-stress, swimming smart starts with knowing your heart. Find the right monitor, and make every lap count.

 

Download Impulse Heart Rate Monitor Today. 

 

Take control of your heart health with our free, easy-to-use app. 

 

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