Runplaygo

Swim Tech: Wearables and Smart Gear for Swimmers

Tech meets the water – and it’s changing the way we train. From tracking your lap splits to correcting your stroke mechanics in real-time, swim tech is redefining how athletes and casual swimmers approach progress. At Runplaygo, we dive into the best tools shaping this evolution, with firsthand reviews and insights from our community and swim tech experts. This guide is written by the RunPlayGo content team.

Swimming is often a solo sport, which makes feedback and measurement harder compared to land-based workouts. But swim-specific technology bridges that gap by offering real-time data, post-swim analytics, and even virtual coaching. Runplaygo works with coaches and athletes to test the latest gear – from wearables to AI-based trackers – and help you choose what adds the most value to your pool sessions.

Top swim tech categories and what they do
  • Smartwatches
    Track heart rate, pace, stroke count, lap splits, and SWOLF score (swimming efficiency)
  • Smart goggles
    Project lap time, distance, and stroke rate right into your field of vision
  • Audio-enabled devices
    Provide live coaching feedback or play music underwater during your swim
  • Underwater video tools
    Offer frame-by-frame stroke analysis for technique improvement
  • Swim apps
    Sync with wearables or let you log workouts manually, then visualize trends over time
    Common concerns and how to solve them
  • “Will the screen distract me?”
    Most smart goggles use a heads-up display that’s minimal and placed in your peripheral vision.
  • “What if I don’t swim in a straight line?”
    GPS watches like Garmin Swim 2 have open-water tracking that accounts for curved paths.
  • “How waterproof is this gear?”
    All devices listed are water-resistant up to typical pool depths and tested under lap-swimming conditions.

Best swim wearables to consider right now

Device

Key Features

Ideal For

Garmin Swim 2

Heart rate, auto stroke detection, GPS

Intermediate to advanced swimmers

FORM Smart Swim Goggles

Heads-up display for metrics in real-time

Lap swimmers & triathletes

FINIS Smart Goggles

Replaceable smart module, app sync

All-level swimmers

Zygo Solo

Bone conduction audio for coaching/music

Pool users wanting live feedback

MySwimPro App

Customized workouts, progress tracking

Anyone needing structured plans

Benefits of swim tech

  • Instant feedback: See pace, strokes, or heart rate live without pausing.
  • Structured training: Pre-loaded sets eliminate guesswork.
  • Data-driven insights: Trends reveal progress or weak spots.
  • Motivation boost: Tech gamifies solo sessions.
  • Coach coordination: Remote feedback becomes possible with synced videos or shared analytics.

The future of swimming meets technology
We’re already seeing AI-enabled swim tools that detect stroke inefficiencies and recommend changes mid-swim. In the near future, expect even smarter goggles that highlight turn angles, real-time coach feedback via audio, and apps that adapt training plans dynamically based on fatigue detection. At Runplaygo, we’re testing beta versions of these and collaborating with tech developers to shape features swimmers actually need.

Swim tech isn’t just a trend – it’s a toolset that empowers swimmers to know, grow, and flow better in the water. Whether you’re chasing a new PR, learning stroke efficiency, or just need that extra motivation, there’s a smart solution waiting to level up your swim. At Runplaygo, we believe in blending experience with innovation. Explore our swim tech collection, connect with expert testers, and make your swim more intelligent.

Author :
Picture of Runplaygo

Runplaygo