7 Best Heart Rate Monitor For Swimming

The Polar Verity Sense is a versatile and lightweight optical heart rate monitor designed to work well for swimming and many other sports. Its water resistance and swimming mode make it a good companion in the pool. It measures heart rate using optical sensors, which means it doesn’t require a chest strap. This offers more comfort and freedom of movement, especially since it can be worn on the arm or attached to goggles. The device automatically tracks heart rate, distance, and pace while swimming, which covers key swim-specific needs.

Comfort is one of its strong points due to its compact size and choice of wearing options, including an armband and goggle clip. It also supports multiple connectivity methods like Bluetooth and ANT+, allowing live heart rate streaming to compatible devices and apps such as Peloton and Zwift. This makes transferring or viewing your workout data convenient. Battery life is decent with a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, and it comes with a charging unit.

A minor drawback is that optical sensors, while convenient, can sometimes be less accurate compared to chest straps during vigorous or prolonged activity, especially underwater. Although the device is water-resistant, no specific water resistance rating is provided. The Polar Verity Sense serves as a comfortable, easy-to-use option for swimmers seeking to monitor heart rate and swim metrics without the fuss of straps. It is particularly suited for those who want a multipurpose device for swimming and other sports.

The Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor is a solid choice for swimmers who want highly accurate heart rate data. It offers top-notch ECG measurement, making it one of the most precise sensors available, trusted even by professional athletes. Fully waterproof, it’s designed to work well during swims without worry about water damage. The chest strap is comfortable and secure, with silicone dots and a good buckle system that stays in place even during active movement in the water.

A standout feature is its broad connectivity options—Bluetooth, ANT+, and a 5 kHz transmission—allowing it to connect simultaneously to multiple devices like smartphones, fitness apps, and cycling computers. This makes tracking your swim data and syncing it afterward easy and flexible. The H10 also has built-in memory to store one training session if you don’t want to carry your phone or watch while swimming. Software updates through the Polar Flow app help keep the device current with the latest features and compatibility.

While it excels at swim heart rate monitoring, it lacks some advanced swim-specific metrics like stroke count or swim efficiency tracking found in dedicated swim watches. The battery life is decent but not exceptional, so regular charging is advisable to avoid interruptions. Additionally, some users may find putting on a chest strap less convenient compared to wrist-based monitors. For those prioritizing highly accurate and reliable heart rate monitoring during swims with solid comfort and good data connectivity, the Polar H10 is a dependable option, especially if you don’t mind wearing a chest strap.

The COROS Heart Rate Sensor is a comfortable, easy-to-wear armband designed mainly for tracking heart rate during sports activities. Its soft, breathable nylon fabric and adjustable elastic cuff make it more comfortable than traditional chest straps, sitting snugly without slipping. The advanced sensor inside delivers accurate heart rate data, which is great for swimmers who want reliable monitoring during workouts.

The monitor stores data and transfers it via Bluetooth to compatible smartphones, allowing easy access and analysis of your workout stats. Its battery life is impressive, lasting up to 38 hours of active use and up to 80 days on standby, with quick 2-hour charging. While it’s lightweight and comfortable, it is better suited for casual swimmers or those who primarily swim in pools rather than open water or intense conditions.

If you want a simple, accurate heart-rate monitor that’s comfortable to wear and easy to use with your phone, the COROS sensor is a solid choice. Just keep in mind it might not have specialized swimming features or guaranteed waterproofing for heavy aquatic use.