Is my Fitbit waterproof?

We’ve done the research so you don’t have to
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Published on 14 August 2019

Youve splashed out on a new Fitbit. Whether its the affordable Inspire or the high-end Ionic, youre going to want to make sure your new baby isnt going to malfunction as a result of water damage.

But, just how waterproof are Fitbits? Well, that depends on which model youve bought. Theyre designed to endure the stress and strain of exercise, so can all handle a bit of sweat. If youre interested in swim tracking, however, youll need a more waterproof Fitbit. In this article, well explain to you exactly how waterproof your Fitbit is, in terms that are easy to understand.

READ NEXT: Collect the data you need to live better with our pick of the best fitness trackers

If youve read that your smartwatch or tracker is water-resistant to 50m, this doesnt mean you can dive down to 50m below the water while wearing one.

The figure instead refers to the static pressure that the watch can withstand. Fifty metres of static water pressure is easy to achieve, even in relatively shallow water. It will only survive lower depths if it is kept completely still, which obviously wont be the case when youre swimming or diving.

Here a general guide to what waterproof numbers mean:

  • 30 metres: Splash-proof and waterproof in small amounts of water. In other words, suitable on a rainy day or for doing the washing up.
  • 50 metres: Suitable for swimming in a pool or the ocean, and for taking a shower. Not guaranteed to be jump- or dive-resistant, however.
  • 100 metres: Good for all swimming and shallow diving.
  • 200 metres: Can withstand diving, but not in deep ocean waters.

We can reveal right now that no Fitbit to date has made it to the 100 or 200-metre levels of waterproofing.

Also, while some waterproof wear isn’t suitable for saltwater swimming, Fitbit seems okay, according to the forums. The only advice is to rinse them off after a dip in the ocean, to prevent a build-up of salt.

The Fitbit Ace 2, the kids Fitbit, is waterproof to 50m. However, as previously stated, this doesnt mean you should dive down to 50m below the water while wearing one.

Youll be fine heading out for a run on a rainy day, however, or submerging your Ace 2 in dishwater while doing the washing up.

The simple yet stylish Flex 2 is also waterproof to 50m. At around £70, its one of the most affordable fitness trackers you can buy right now that will survive a dip in the pool.

Fitbit Flex 2 Fitness Wristband - Black, One Size

Fitbit Flex 2 Fitness Wristband – Black, One Size

On the other hand, the recently discontinued Alta and Alta HR are merely waterproof to 30m, or splash-proof. Be careful to take it off before going swimming, because pretty soon you wont be able to buy a replacement.

Fitbit Alta HR Activity & Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate, 7 Day Battery & Sleep Tracking - Grey, Small (5.5-6.7 in)

Fitbit Alta HR Activity & Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate, 7 Day Battery & Sleep Tracking – Grey, Small (5.5-6.7 in)

The Alta ranges replacements, Fitbit Inspire and Inspire HR, are waterproof to 50m. You shouldnt have any trouble getting some lengths in at your local pool or showering wearing either.

It should be noted, though, that neither the Ace 2 or the Inspire range feature full swim tracking. The latter will automatically track how long youre swimming for, but wont give you information on speed, distance covered, splits and more.

Fitbit Inspire HR Health & Fitness Tracker with Auto-Exercise Recognition, 5 Day Battery, Sleep & Swim Tracking, Black

Fitbit Inspire HR Health & Fitness Tracker with Auto-Exercise Recognition, 5 Day Battery, Sleep & Swim Tracking, Black

The Charge 3 is also waterproof to 50m.

Unlike the watches above, however, this £120 fitness tracker does feature integrated swim tracking. The Charge 3s swimming mode shows a timer on the screen along with the rest of your workout data, including length count and lap speed, which will automatically sync to the Fitbit app. Just try to refrain from diving in!

Fitbit Charge 3 Advanced Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate, Swim Tracking & 7 Day Battery - Graphite/Black, One Size

Fitbit Charge 3 Advanced Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate, Swim Tracking & 7 Day Battery – Graphite/Black, One Size

£116.45

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When the Ionic and Versa arrived on the scene, we questioned whether the mid-range Blaze was still worth buying. One point of contention is that its only waterproof to 30m, meaning its merely splashproof, rather than fully water-resistant. Wed recommend opting for one of the products below instead.

Fitbit Blaze Smart Activity Tracker and Fitness Watch with Wrist Based Heart Rate Monitor - Black/Large

Fitbit Blaze Smart Activity Tracker and Fitness Watch with Wrist Based Heart Rate Monitor – Black/Large

The Ionic represents the point at which Fitbits current range of products turns from fitness trackers into smartwatches. Thankfully, even with all the added tech, its still waterproof to 50m.

The brand-new Versa Lite is also waterproof to 50m but, being a budget option, doesnt feature swim tracking. Still, you can wear it in the pool, shower or ocean.

The Versa Lites older sibling, the Versa, is similar to the former in that its waterproof to 50m, but different in that it features swim tracking (for only an extra £50).

Fitbit Versa Health & Fitness Smartwatch with Heart Rate, Music & Swim Tracking, Black

Fitbit Versa Health & Fitness Smartwatch with Heart Rate, Music & Swim Tracking, Black

The Versa Special Edition is Fitbits most expensive offering at £220. You might think that for that money, youd be able to go deep-sea diving down to 100m and more with your pride and joy sitting proudly in your wrist. But no, its waterproof to 50m, just like pretty much everything else in Fitbits range.

Written by

Alan Martin is a freelance writer with more than a decade’s worth of experience, mainly in the technology space, with bylines at The Evening Standard, Tom's Guide, The i and many others. His main focus at Expert Reviews is ensuring that your next pick of phone or wearable is the right choice for you and represents the best possible value for money. In the past he’s covered a broad range of games, dental apparel and pet accessories and, on one memorable occasion, had to strip off to retrieve a rogue drone from a lake – such is his dedication to reviews.

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