If you're an outdoor enthusiast, a waterproof smartwatch is a must-have. Whether you swim, run in the rain, or just want reliable water resistance for daily use, this guide covers you. From understanding key features like health monitoring, battery life, and durability to selecting the best brand and model, we provide a complete guide to help you make an informed choice. Let's dive in!
How Do I Know If a Smartwatch Is Waterproof?
Look at the electronic devices around you, like your smartwatch, and you'll often notice descriptions like "5 ATM & IP69" on the packaging. What do these numbers mean?
They indicate the device's water ratings. For example, when it comes to your waterproof smartwatch, "ATM" refers to the amount of water pressure your smartwatch can withstand at a certain depth. "IP", on the other hand, indicates both dust and water resistance. The first digit (0-6) represents the dust protection level, while the second digit (0-9) shows the level of water protection. For instance, "5 ATM & IP69" means that your smartwatch can withstand pressure at a depth of up to 50 meters, is dust-proof, and can handle brief immersion in water. (The numbers vary depending on the level of protection.)
Here are some common figures for reference：
| First Digit | Second Digit | ||
| 0 | (or X–see section below): Not rated (or no rating supplied) for protection against ingress of this type | 0 | (or X - see section below): Not rated (or no rating supplied) for protection against ingress of this type |
| 1 | Protection against solid objects larger than 50mm (accidental hand contact with open palm), but not against deliberate body contact | 1 | Protection against vertically falling droplets, such as condensation, sufficient that no damage or interrupted functioning of components will be incurred when an item is upright |
| 2 | Protection against solid objects larger than 12mm (accidental finger contact) | 2 | Protection against vertically dripping water when enclosure is tilted up to 15° off vertical |
| 3 | Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm (tools and wires) | 3 | Protection against direct moisture spray at angles up to 60° off vertical |
| 4 | Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm (fine tools and wires, nails, screws, larger insects and other potentially invasive small objects) | 4 | Protection against splashing water from any direction, tested for a minimum of 10 minutes with an oscillating spray (limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects) |
| 5 | Partial protection against dust and other particulates, such that any ingress will not damage or impede the satisfactory performance of internal components | 5 | Protection against low-pressure jets (6.3mm) of directed water from any angle (limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects) |
| 6 | Full protection against dust and other particulates, including a vacuum seal, tested against continuous airflow | 6 | Protection against powerful jets (12.5mm nozzle) of directed water from any direction |
| 7 | Protection against full immersion for up to 30 minutes at depths between 15cm and 1 metre (limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects) | ||
| 8 | Protection against extended immersion under higher pressure i.e. greater depths. Precise parameters of this test will be set and advertised by the manufacturer and may include additional factors such as temperature fluctuations and flow rates, depending on equipment type | ||
| 9k | Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature jet sprays, wash-downs or steam-cleaning procedures - this rating is most often seen in specific road vehicle applications (standard ISO 20653:2013 Road Vehicles - Degrees of Protection) |
The above data comes from https://uk.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/ip-ratings
Factors To Consider When Buying a Waterproof Smartwatch
When you plan to buy a waterproof smartwatch, the focus should undoubtedly be on the abovementioned water ratings. However, beyond that, other factors such as integrated features, brand and model, user reviews, and price are also crucial.
Key Features Other than Waterproofing
In addition to waterproof performance, waterproof smartwatches often come with a range of health and sports features, as well as impressive battery life.
Health Monitoring
KOSPET smartwatch series comes standard with a variety of health monitoring features, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen monitoring, with some models offering additional mood monitoring, stress monitoring, and menstrual health care.
Whether you're swimming in a pool, running in a marathon, or simply managing your health in everyday life, the KOSPET smartwatch ensures that you can track your health at all times, regardless of the environment.
For female users, some of our smartwatches like the TANK S Series offer tailored health monitoring features such as menstrual cycle tracking. It's designed to help women better understand their body's unique rhythms and make more informed health decisions.
Battery Life
Battery life matters a lot when wearing a waterproof smartwatch for long outdoor activities, especially when features like health monitoring and sports tracking are enabled, as they can drain the battery more quickly.
According to market research, most smartwatches last roughly only a few days to a week with health monitoring enabled, while most of KOSPET's models last up to a maximum of 15 days with health monitoring enabled in typical usage, up to 2-3 days in AOD mode, and up to 10 hours with GPS enabled.
Other Features
In addition to the key features mentioned above, waterproof smartwatches often come equipped with GPS, whether it's connected or built-in. Imagine you're out on an outdoor adventure–you. You'll likely want to know where you're exactly at and how to get back to your starting point. Other features include the SWOLF (Swim Golf, a way to measure a swimmer's overall efficiency in the water) test, which is particularly useful for waterproof smartwatches for swimming to help you track your swimming efficiency.
Brand and model
Smartwatches from well-known brands are usually characterized by better durability, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness than some common brands.
Durable
Generic brands may use lower-cost materials, resulting in poorer performance in terms of water and dust resistance. However, KOSPET smartwatches are certified with IP69K water resistance and U.S. MIL-STD-810H military standard certification, which ensures superior performance in extreme environments, such as swimming, hiking, or use in dusty environments, and still maintains efficient operation.
User-Friendly
Smartwatches from well-known brands usually offer a smoother, more intuitive user experience with advanced touch technology and interface design. For example, KOSPET smartwatches are not only equipped with precise touchscreen technology but also provide 30+ language support for global users
Cost-Effective
In addition to higher durability and user experience, Smartwatches from well-known brands tend to be more competitive in terms of price/performance ratio. While their pricing may be higher than generic brands, the actual cost of use is much lower than cheaper alternatives, thanks to greater functionality, stability, and lower repair rates over the long term.
Reviews and User Feedback
User feedback provides insight into a smartwatch's real performance, including its waterproof performance, battery life, and functionality. While advertisements may only highlight idealized features, actual user feedback gives you a clearer understanding of how the smartwatch performs in various conditions–particularly when it comes to its waterproof performance.
User feedback from KOSPET customers in various environments highlights the superior performance of our products:
"...As for water resistance, this smartwatch performs much better than my last one, which would often malfunction after contact with water, requiring a reset. With this new watch, I no longer need to remove it when taking a shower or during activities involving water, which is a big relief."
"One of the things that excites me the most about the X2 is its array of features. It reminds me of the Samsung Gear S in terms of functionality, but it goes above and beyond with its capabilities. I appreciate how the X2 encompasses everything I loved about my previous Kospet toy, the M3 Ultra, but now in a sleeker and more modern form with a skinny screen."
"I have the Tank X2 Ultra. A great watch. I have had it for a month. It is doing great. Buy this watch and I promise you will not regret it!"
Price
In general, smartwatches with features like GPS tend to be more expensive, while average models that meet everyday health and fitness needs are more budget-friendly. Currently, waterproof smartwatches range in price from a few dozen to several hundred dollars, with some high-end models reaching over a thousand dollars.
The point is to evaluate which features are truly necessary for you. If a smartwatch that can handle rain or brief water exposure is all you need, a reasonably priced entry-level model will do. However, if you plan to use the device for high-intensity water activities like swimming, or diving, or if you want advanced features like GPS and heart rate monitoring, you may need to invest a lot more.
Best Waterproof Smartwatches 2024 - KOSPET Picks
KOSPET smartwatches are widely known for their ruggedness, particularly when it comes to their impressive waterproof ratings. Here, we've compared several of KOSPET's latest models and selected the ideal waterproof smartwatches for different people. Come find the perfect one for you!
Best Waterproof Fitness Smartwatch
The KOSPET TANK X2U not only boasts excellent water ratings (5 ATM & IP69K) but also features industry-leading positioning technology with dual-band & 6 satellite positioning systems, providing workout route records and route-back function. In addition, it includes over 170 built-in sports modes, including swimming and diving, and offers a SWOLF test to help you monitor your swimming efficiency. Equally notable is that it is highly compatible with both Android and iPhone, supporting a range of operating systems.
Systems required: Android 5.0 and above; iOS 12 and above
Best waterproof fitness smartwatch
The KOSPET TANK M3 ULTRA, built to MIL-STD-810H rugged standards, excels not only in waterproof performance but also in its impressive health and fitness features, making it the ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts and those committed to a healthy lifestyle. Like the TANK X2U, it comes equipped with dual-band & 6 satellite positioning systems, and offers 24/7 health monitoring and sports tracking, including mood and stress monitoring, to help you gain deeper insights into your body's internal changes.
Systems required: Android 5.1 and above; iOS 10 and above
Best waterproof smartwatch for women
The KOSPET TANK S2 is an industry-first rugged smartwatch for women, offering a perfect blend of elegance and toughness. Whether you're at home, in the office, at the gym, or outdoors, you can enjoy its outstanding health monitoring and fitness tracking features, including menstrual health care. Equally appealing are its chic colors and cozy silicone strap, making it a perfect fit for the modern, active woman's lifestyle.
Systems required: Android 5.0 and above; iOS 12 and above
Best budget waterproof smartwatch
The KOSPET TANK T3 boasts exceptional waterproof performance with a 5 ATM & IP69K rating, along with impressive battery life–up to 15 days of daily usage, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Noteworthy features also include seamless BT Calling and music control, allowing you to easily answer or decline incoming calls with a simple tap on the smartwatch.
Systems required: Android 5.1 and above; iOS 10 and above
FAQ About Waterproof Smartwatches
Is it safe to swim with my smartwatch in the pool or the sea?
Whether you can wear your smartwatch in the pool or the sea depends on the water rating of your device. Different water ratings indicate the level of water pressure and immersion time your device can withstand.
If your smartwatch has a water rating of 5 ATM & IP68 or higher, it is generally safe to use in the pool or sea, including while swimming and diving. However, you have to keep in mind that prolonged exposure to chlorinated and salty seawater may affect the appearance of the device over time.
What should I do if my smartwatch falls in the water?
- Turn off your smartwatch immediately.
- Wipe the watch dry with a soft cloth, and remove as much excess moisture as possible.
- Detach the strap and any accessories.
- Use desiccants or let the watch dry naturally. Wait for at least 24 to 48 hours to ensure it is fully dry.
- Once you're sure there is no moisture left, carefully power the watch on and check if it's working properly.
Can I wear my smartwatch in the shower or sauna?
It's not recommended, and one of the main reasons is the high temperatures. These environments can reach temperatures as high as 150°F (around 65°C) or even higher, which can cause the smartwatch's battery and other components to malfunction or be damaged. Additionally, the humidity in the air can cause condensation to form on the device, leading to potential water damage.
Will wearing my smartwatch in the water affect its battery life?
For waterproof smartwatches, brief exposure to water is generally safe. However, prolonged immersion, especially at depths beyond the watch's rated waterproof level, can put pressure on the battery and internal components, potentially affecting their performance.
You should also know that while waterproof smartwatches are designed with seals to protect the internal components from water intrusion, prolonged exposure to water can cause the seals to wear down over time.
How do I maintain my smartwatch to keep it waterproof?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for extending the lifespan of your smartwatch. Here are some daily maintenance tips to keep your smartwatch in optimal condition:
- Clean the screen and body: Use a soft cloth to wipe the screen and body of your smartwatch to remove fingerprints, dirt, or oils. The screen of KOSPET smartwatches is made with Corning(®) Gorilla(®) Glass 3, which is durable and scratch-resistant. However, if stains are difficult to remove, use a cloth dipped in mild detergent, soap, toothpaste, or other everyday cleaning products to gently wipe it clean. Afterward, use a damp cotton cloth to remove any cleaning solution residue and dry it with a soft cloth.
- Check for wear and tear: Regularly check the strap and body for signs of wear or damage, especially where the strap connects to the watch. These spots can accumulate sweat and dirt, which may cause skin irritation or damage over time.
- Check the seals and gaskets: If your smartwatch is frequently exposed to water, make sure the seals and gaskets are intact to prevent moisture from entering the device. Avoid wearing your smartwatch in hot showers, hot springs, saunas, platform diving, high-pressure rinsing, or other activities involving high water pressure, high temperatures, high humidity, or fast-moving water.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Don't expose your smartwatch to extreme high or low temperatures for extended periods, as this could damage the battery.
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