Is Garmin Vivosmart HR waterproof?
Best answer: Like most fitness trackers, the Garmin Vivosmart HR isn't technically waterproof. Instead, it's water-resistant. In this case, you can use it in a water depth of up to 50 meters without having problems.Amazon: Garmin Vivosmart HR ($80)Amazon: Garmin Vivosmart 4 ($100)
What does being water resistant mean?
Look carefully and you'll notice that wearable devices such as the Garmin Vivosmart HR aren't waterproof, but instead water resistant. For the Garmin Vivosmart HR, this distinction means the product can be worn during surface swimming, shallow snorkeling, and similar activities. You can also wear it in the shower or bath.
With that being said, the Garmin Vivosmart HR can't track swimming activities like other fitness devices such as Garmin's Vivosmart 4, which we recommend below.
Nothing is waterproof
It's important to note that no wearable device is truly waterproof. When you're in the market for fitness devices or smartwatches, look to see how water resistant they are and decide if that's enough for the activities you enjoy the most.
While most (but not all) fitness trackers in 2019 are likely to survive in a shower or swimming pool, some are more durable than others. For example, the Garmin Vivosmart HR has a 5 ATM rating, which means it can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters. Other products, however, include an even better 10 ATM rating. These products can withstand forces equal to a depth of 100 meters. Recommended activities include bathing, swimming, and snorkeling, but not deep water scuba diving and high-speed water sports.
What Garmin says
On its water specification page, Garmin explains how it tests its products for water resistance. The company notes: "We rigorously test our devices to make sure they'll survive the activities for which they were designed. You should note that even if a device is above a depth it is rated for, it might still suffer water ingression if it is subjected to an activity that creates pressure on it that exceeds that depth rating."
Great choice for most users
If you're looking for a water-resistant fitness tracker, you can't go wrong with the Garmin Vivosmart HR. The low-cost band has been designed to track steps, distance, calories, heart rate, floors climbed, and activity intensity.
Get wet
If it's important for you to track your swims and you want to stick with Garmin, go with the Vivosmart 4 instead. This wearable device features dedicated activity timers for walks, runs, strength training, yoga, and yes, pool swims, among others. It's available in five different colors to match your style.
