OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Garmin Swim 2 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220Screen size:1.04 inchBattery life:7 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Swim 2 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 14 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Technical score

30%

8.2

Review score ( 7 · 7)

Review score 30% · 8.2 · based on 14 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 13 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 52% of smartwatches
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

24%

5.7

Health

21%

7.7

Fitness

16%

4.2

Battery

14%

6.0

Smart features

12%

5.7

Connectivity

9%

6.2

Display & Design

4%

5.5

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 56% of smartwatches
8.2

Review score

Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 80% of models
Grades by review (14)
7 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 7 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 4
✓ explicit
2

10.5%

8.4

220triathlon.com

10.5%

7.0

coachweb.com

≈ estimated
2

10.5%

9.0

yourswimlog.com

10.5%

6.0

techpickstream.com

Video reviews 4

5.3%

9.0

Nadar Bien

5.3%

7.0

Deep Consumer Breakdowns

2.6%

8.0

The Inspect Aspect

2.6%

8.0

Gadget Jungle Pro

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 80% of smartwatches
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Swim 2

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components:

24%

5.7

Health

21%

7.7

Fitness

16%

4.2

Battery

14%

6.0

Smart features

12%

5.7

Connectivity

9%

6.2

Display & Design

4%

5.5

Hardware

6.0
Review score
Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 80% of models
Grades by review (14)
7 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 7 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 4
✓ explicit
2

10.5%

8.4

220triathlon.com

10.5%

7.0

coachweb.com

≈ estimated
2

10.5%

9.0

yourswimlog.com

10.5%

6.0

techpickstream.com

Video reviews 4

5.3%

9.0

Nadar Bien

5.3%

7.0

Deep Consumer Breakdowns

2.6%

8.0

The Inspect Aspect

2.6%

8.0

Gadget Jungle Pro

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 84% of models
Popularity:
Garmin Swim 2 has a popularity of 8.9 points, which is higher than 83.8% of smartwatches.
8.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

9.4

Price

7.5
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
â–² Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
Barometer
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
?
Cadence sensor
no
Cadence sensor
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
7 days
Battery life
7 days
â–¼ Worse than 44% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 7 days which is longer than that of 38.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 17.1% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
12 h
Battery life in training mode
12 h
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 12 h in training mode which is shorter than 62.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.2% of smartwatches.
Up to 12 hours in gps mode.
Battery life with GPS on
13 h
Battery life with GPS on
13 h
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 13 h with GPS on which is shorter than 66.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.3% of smartwatches.
Battery power
158 mAh
Battery power
158 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 158 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 95.1% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.2% of smartwatches.
Charge time
120 min
Charge time
120 min
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 120 min which is faster than 13.1% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 44.2% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
Operating system
Garmin OS
â–² Better than 71% of models
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 71.1% of smartwatches and the same as that in 7.7% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
ended
Software update frequency
ended
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 42.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 57.5% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 67.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
â–² Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
â–² Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.04 inch
Screen size
1.04 inch
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.04 inch which is smaller than the screens of 96.7% of smartwatches and equal to those of 0.3% of smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
Display type
MIP LCD
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This smartwatch uses a MIP LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 60% of smartwatches and the same as that of 5% of smartwatches.
Resolution
208x 208
Resolution
208x 208
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 208x208 which is lower than that of 89.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
283 ppi
Pixel density
283 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 283 ppi which is lower than that of 65.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.7% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
500 nits
Display brightness
500 nits
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 500 nits of display brightness, which is lower than that of 70% of smartwatches and equal to that of 15.6% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
2 GB
RAM
2 GB
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 2 GB of RAM which is larger than the RAM in 77.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 21.4% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
?
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Swim 2 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Supports ANT+
    ANT+ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • 45.4% more popular
    Garmin Swim 2 has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (8.9 vs 6.1).
    8.9 vs 6.12
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
    Water intake tracking may require manual logging in a companion app or widget.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    Perspiration monitoring
    yes
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 14.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    Perspiration tracking may be estimated from activity data in companion apps.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Supports ANT+
    ANT+ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    chemically strengthened glass
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This smartwatch uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    chemically strengthened glass vs mineral glass
  • 9 g lighter weight
    Weight
    36.0 g
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (36 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    36.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • 2 mm narrower band
    Width of band
    20.0 mm
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    20.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • 15 °C higher max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    60.0 °C
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a higher maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    60.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 1 GB more RAM
    RAM
    2 GB
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
    This smartwatch has more RAM than the average smartwatch (2 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch includes 1 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 1 GB
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No multi-sport mode
    Swim sport mode
    no
    â–² Better than 25% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No elevation tracking
    Elevation tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • 69.2% more expensive
    Garmin Swim 2 is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£220 vs £130).
    £220 vs £130
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No multi-sport mode
    Swim sport mode
    no
    â–² Better than 25% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No elevation tracking
    Elevation tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • 75 fewer exercise profiles
    Swim sport mode
    5
    â–² Better than 25% of models
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (5 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    5 vs 80
  • 142 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    158 mAh days
    â–¼ Worse than 44% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (158 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    158 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 7 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    13 h
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (13 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    13 h vs 20 h
  • 7.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    12 h
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (12 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    Up to 12 hours in gps mode.
    12 h vs 19.25 h
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • No ambient light sensor
    Ambient light sensor
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 60.7% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 0.36 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.04 inch
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.04 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    208 x 208
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 208x208, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    208x208 vs 352x430
  • 100 nits lower display brightness
    Display brightness
    500 nits
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has lower display brightness than the average smartwatch (500 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    500 nits vs 600 nits
  • No touchscreen
    Touch screen
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.3% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • 43 ppi lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    283 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (283 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    283 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No call controls
    Call control
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    This smartwatch does not offer call control, the average smartwatch does. 90.9% of smartwatches offer call control.
  • No passcode
    Passcode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 67.8% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No camera remote
    Camera remote control
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.6% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2019
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2019 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 2019
    2019 vs 2021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Deep Consumer Breakdowns
≈ estimated
01/05/2021
Feature review · pool and open water modes, our verdict
Verdict
Garmin Swim 2 is best for dedicated swimmers only, as it lacks standout features for all-round sports use.
9.0
Nadar Bien
≈ estimated
27/07/2020
Hands-on review · pool and open water swim tests
Verdict
Garmin Swim 2 is a very good swim watch with solid data that works fairly well overall.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded

What reviewers agree on

Based on 7 · 7

Swimmers like the open-water GPS and detailed swim stats, but it's weak for other sports and lap counts can slip.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

dcrainmaker.com
15/10/2019
Not graded yet
techradar.com
01/06/2020
Not graded yet
triathlonmagazine.ca
14/08/2020
Not graded yet
7.0
coachweb.com
✓ explicit
03/01/2024
Expert review · Swim-focused watch
Verdict
The Garmin Swim 2 suits swimmers who want detailed pool and open-water data in a small case, though its phone features are basic and its lengths can be over-counted.
8.4
220triathlon.com
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
Full review · Swim tracker
Verdict
The Garmin Swim 2 is an accurate swim tracker with a useful pacing alert, but its bike and run tracking is basic for triathletes.
9.0
yourswimlog.com
≈ estimated
27/02/2026
Hands-on review · Pool swim watch
Verdict
The Garmin Swim 2 is a light, pool-focused watch that logs laps, strokes and SWOLF well, but it doesn't track kick automatically.
wareable.com
20/01/2020
Not graded yet
kathleenbober.com
20/05/2020
Not graded yet
xmix.ch
04/01/2020
Not graded yet
docswim.de
16/01/2020
Not graded yet
9.0
outdoortest.info
≈ estimated
14/12/2021
Hands-on test · Compact swim watch
Verdict
The Garmin Swim 2 suits pool swimmers with narrow wrists who want a light, readable watch with sleep tracking, though lap counts can be off in crowded lanes.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Swim 2

  • Lightweight and comfortable design (only 36-38g) that is unobtrusive in the water
  • Physical button navigation is reliable and easier to use with wet hands than a touchscreen
  • Dedicated swim-specific metrics such as SWOLF, stroke count, and auto-rest intervals
  • Effective underwater heart rate monitoring directly from the wrist
  • Sunlight-readable transflective MIP display that remains clear underwater
  • Support for both pool and open-water swimming with specialized GPS tracking

What we don't like about Garmin Swim 2

  • Occasional inaccuracies in pool lap counting, sometimes adding or missing lengths
  • Significant battery drain when using GPS for open-water swims
  • Limited general smartwatch features compared to competitors (lacks Garmin Pay, music storage, and full app support)
  • Small 1.04-inch screen can make reading detailed phone notifications difficult
  • Basic secondary tracking for running and cycling lacks advanced performance metrics found on Forerunner models
  • GPS signal can be difficult to maintain in open water if the arm stays submerged for too long

Verdict

The Garmin Swim 2 is a specialized GPS swimming smartwatch featuring a 1.04-inch sunlight-readable color display (208 x 208 pixels) and a lightweight 36g design. It is equipped with advanced underwater wrist-based heart rate monitoring and dedicated modes for both pool and open-water swimming, utilizing GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo to track distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF. Key performance metrics include Critical Swim Speed (CSS) for anaerobic threshold estimation, auto-rest intervals, and drill logging for non-standard strokes. Its battery life spans up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours with GPS, and 72 hours in pool mode. Main pros include its industry-leading open-water GPS accuracy, a comfortable fit for active use, and the addition of basic running and cycling profiles. Some reported cons are the lack of a barometric altimeter for tracking stairs, limited smart features such as no Garmin Pay or music storage, and a screen that some users find small for reading detailed notifications.

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