Rita El Khoury from Android Authority recently tested the swim tracking capabilities of the Fitbit and Pixel Watch. While the Fitbit has been known to be lacking in swim tracking features for years, she was hopeful that the Pixel Watch would offer a better experience. Unfortunately, she was disappointed to find that both devices fell short when it came to tracking her swims.
When tracking a walk or hike with the Pixel Watch, Khoury was able to see a variety of stats on the screen, such as distance, steps, heart rate, pace, calories, and more. However, when it came to swimming, all she could see was the elapsed time. There were no stats for laps, distance, pace, heart rate, or any other relevant data. Even a basic $10 digital watch could provide the same level of swim tracking.
Syncing her exercise with her Pixel 7 Pro did not improve the situation. The Fitbit app only displayed the number of lengths swum and the total distance, which are basic stats that any seasoned swimmer can easily calculate. Khoury believes that swimmers need more detailed stats, such as pace, average duration per pool length, break duration, splits, SWOLF score, and organization by swim stroke type. These additional stats would allow swimmers to compare their performance, track their progress, and learn more about their swimming abilities.
While Fitbit does offer other stats for swimmers, such as calories burned and heart rate zones, Khoury found them to be less relevant and not as accurate as she expected. The heart rate data was completely missing during swims, and the active minutes were consistently categorized as “fat burn,” even during intense swimming sessions. Khoury compared the heart rate data from her Pixel Watch to an Apple Watch and found discrepancies between the two devices. The Apple Watch recorded a higher heart rate, indicating a more intense workout, while the Fitbit remained in the “fat burn” zone.
Overall, Khoury suggests looking for alternative fitness trackers if swimming is your preferred form of exercise. Garmin trackers are highly recommended for swimming, with the Garmin Forerunner 55 being a basic but effective option. Apple Watches have also improved their swim tracking capabilities, although they may still have some limitations. For those who want a more futuristic experience, FORM swim goggles can overlay stats directly inside the goggles as you swim.
In conclusion, Fitbit’s swim tracking features have not improved over the years, and swimmers should consider other options for accurate and detailed swim tracking.
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