Waterproof fitness trackers are essential tools for fitness enthusiasts, swimmers, runners, and anyone looking to maintain an active lifestyle, rain or shine. However, finding an affordable tracker that performs well in wet conditions can be challenging. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune. In this guide, we’ll explore the best waterproof fitness trackers that deliver on performance, features, and affordability in 2025.
Why Waterproofing Matters in a Fitness Tracker
Water-resistance vs. Waterproofing: While some devices claim to be water-resistant, only waterproof trackers can handle full submersion, making them ideal for swimming and high-intensity workouts in wet conditions.
Year-Round Durability: Whether it’s an unexpected rainstorm or a sweaty gym session, a waterproof tracker ensures uninterrupted health monitoring without fear of damage.
Top Budget-Friendly Waterproof Fitness Trackers in 2025
1. Xiaomi Mi Band 8
- Waterproof Rating: 5ATM (up to 50 meters)
- Battery Life: Up to 16 days
- Best Features:
- AMOLED display
- SpO2 and heart rate monitoring
- Sports modes, including swimming
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight, stylish, and extremely affordable, the Mi Band 8 offers exceptional value.
2. Amazfit Bip 5
- Waterproof Rating: IP68
- Battery Life: Up to 10 days
- Best Features:
- GPS tracking
- Sleep and stress monitoring
- Alexa built-in
- Why It’s Great: A smartwatch hybrid that doesn’t compromise on fitness tracking, even in the pool.
3. Fitbit Inspire 3
- Waterproof Rating: Swimproof (50 meters)
- Battery Life: Up to 10 days
- Best Features:
- Active Zone Minutes
- Continuous heart rate monitoring
- Sleep Score and guided breathing
- Why It’s Great: With Fitbit’s ecosystem, users benefit from deep health insights at a moderate price.
4. Huawei Band 9
- Waterproof Rating: 5ATM
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days
- Best Features:
- TruSleep 4.0
- Accurate swimming data
- Sleek and customizable design
- Why It’s Great: A strong contender with robust health tracking capabilities tailored for swimmers.
5. Realme Band 2
- Waterproof Rating: IP68
- Battery Life: Up to 12 days
- Best Features:
- Large display
- Real-time heart rate monitoring
- 90 sport modes
- Why It’s Great: A fitness-focused band that balances aesthetics and utility, even on a tight budget.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a waterproof fitness tracker, ensure it includes:
- Waterproof rating (at least 5ATM or IP68)
- Battery life exceeding 7 days
- Heart rate and SpO2 monitoring
- Swim tracking or multiple sport modes
- App compatibility for detailed analytics
Tips to Extend Your Tracker’s Life
- Always dry after exposure to water: Even waterproof devices can degrade over time if not maintained.
- Avoid saltwater unless rated for it: Chlorinated or freshwater swimming is usually fine, but salt can be corrosive.
- Charge only when completely dry: Moisture in charging ports can damage the device.
FAQs: Affordable Waterproof Fitness Trackers
Are budget waterproof fitness trackers reliable?
Yes, many affordable trackers today offer accurate health metrics and durable designs. Brands like Xiaomi, Amazfit, and Fitbit deliver consistent quality without premium pricing.
Can I swim with all waterproof fitness trackers?
Only trackers with a 5ATM rating or higher are suitable for swimming. Devices rated IP67/IP68 can resist splashes and short submersion but are not ideal for swim workouts.
Is there a difference between IP68 and 5ATM?
Yes. IP68 typically covers short submersion in shallow water, while 5ATM covers up to 50 meters, making 5ATM preferable for swimming.
Do waterproof trackers measure swim strokes?
Some models (e.g., Fitbit Inspire 3 and Huawei Band 9) include swim stroke recognition and detailed swim tracking, but this is not universal across all budget devices.
Can I shower with my waterproof tracker?
Generally, yes, but avoid exposing your tracker to soaps, shampoos, or high-temperature water, as these can damage seals over time.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend hundreds to get a capable, waterproof fitness tracker in 2025. The latest affordable options offer impressive feature sets that rival premium models. Whether you’re swimming laps, hiking in the rain, or just need a device that can survive your sweat sessions, there’s a reliable, budget-friendly tracker out there for you.
Choose based on your specific needs—be it battery life, health tracking accuracy, or app support—and enjoy a worry-free, active lifestyle without the extra cost.
