Swim Watch Buying Guide: Garmin Swim 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra Swim Features In-Depth Review

Introduction

For serious swimmers, a watch with proper swim-tracking capability can turn training from “swimming by feel” into “swimming by data.” There are plenty of swim watches on the market, but few actually work accurately in the pool. The Garmin Swim 2 is an entry-level competitive watch built specifically for swimming, while the Apple Watch Ultra is the all-around sports watch that has generated enormous buzz in recent years. The two sit at similar price points, yet take very different approaches to functionality.

Core Specs Comparison

Garmin Swim 2 In-Depth Review

Pool Swim Tracking Strengths

The Garmin Swim 2’s core strength lies in its swim-optimized algorithms. Paired with LENS (Garmin’s swim-specific sport algorithm), it can precisely identify:

• Automatic lap counting: Laps are counted automatically after a pool-wall flip turn, and it still tracks correctly even for swimmers with imperfect turn technique
• SWOLF score: A combined efficiency metric of stroke count and time, used to quantify technical improvement over time
• Rest detection: Automatically pauses timing when resting at the wall, and resumes automatically once you push off again
• Stroke Rate (SR): Real-time monitoring of strokes per minute

Open Water Tracking

• GPS track logging, with post-swim route review available in the Garmin Connect app
• Distance Per Stroke tracking
• Water temperature sensor (optional Tempe sensor)

Weaknesses

• Lower screen resolution than the Apple Watch, with a plainer interface
• Ecosystem is limited to Garmin Connect, with limited iPhone integration
• App extensibility falls short of the Apple Watch

Apple Watch Ultra 2 In-Depth Review

Swim Feature Strengths

• Large, easy-to-read screen: A 49 mm titanium case paired with a high-brightness OLED display stays legible even underwater
• WatchOS ecosystem: A rich selection of third-party swim apps (such as MySwimPro and Swimtopia)
• Deep-water mode: 100 m water resistance rating, suitable for freediving enthusiasts
• Blood oxygen and ECG: Comprehensive health-monitoring features

Swim Accuracy Analysis

The Apple Watch Ultra’s swim-counting accuracy has improved significantly in recent years, but errors can still occur in the following situations:

• For swimmers with asymmetric strokes or still-developing technique, the stroke-type misidentification rate is roughly 5-10%
• Lap counts can occasionally be over- or under-counted at turns (mainly in short 25 m pools)
• Swimmers with a one-sided breathing habit sometimes see undercounted stroke totals

Weaknesses

• Relatively weak battery life: The Apple Watch’s daily battery life is shorter than Garmin’s, and heavy users may need to charge it every day
• Less swim-specialized than Garmin: SWOLF display is less intuitive, and it lacks some of Garmin’s more advanced swim metrics
• Large price gap: For comparable functionality, the Ultra 2 costs roughly 3 times as much as the Swim 2

How to Choose

Choose the Garmin Swim 2 if you:

• Swim as your primary sport and want the most accurate pool tracking available
• Have a limited budget but still need reliable swim data
• Are already in the Garmin ecosystem (already using the Garmin phone app)
• Do triathlon and need full swim + run + bike tracking (paired with the HRM-Tri)

Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if you:

• Swimming is just one of several sports you do, and you want a true all-around watch
• Are deeply invested in the iPhone ecosystem and want your health data integrated into Apple Health
• Need water resistance for diving or deep-water activities
• Have a generous budget and value a feature-rich watch face

Interpreting Practical Training Data

Regardless of which watch you use, the following metrics are the core indicators for swim training:

• SWOLF: Stroke count + time — the lower the number, the more efficient your swimming; a drop in SWOLF over the same distance indicates technical improvement
• Distance Per Stroke (DPS): The longer this is, the more distance you cover per stroke
• Stroke Rate (SR): Combined with DPS, this lets you calculate speed: V = DPS x SR

Conclusion

For those whose training is primarily swimming, the Garmin Swim 2 has the edge in swim accuracy and specialized features, and it’s reasonably priced. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the ideal choice for all-around athletes, but to get the most out of its swim tracking, you’ll want to pair it with a dedicated app. Ultimately, the right choice comes down to your phone ecosystem, how varied your training is, and your budget.

Related Reading

• Comprehensive Comparison of Smart Swim Watches: Garmin vs. Apple Watch Swim Tracking Features
• Apple Watch vs Garmin Running Features Head-to-Head: Which Watch Suits Taiwan Runners Best?
• Choosing a Swim Training Watch: Garmin vs SUUNTO Swim Mode Comparison
• Lap Counters and Pool Stopwatches: A Feature Comparison and Buying Guide