10 Best Triathlon Watches 2025 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 42mm) is a strong contender for triathletes who want a versatile smartwatch that balances fitness tracking with everyday health monitoring and connectivity. Its battery lasts up to 24 hours with normal use and can stretch to 38 hours in low power mode, which should comfortably cover even long training days or races, although ultra-endurance athletes may want to recharge daily. The watch offers solid water resistance rated at 50 meters, making it suitable for swim sessions without worry. GPS accuracy is enhanced by support for multiple satellite systems (L1 GPS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou), helping track your routes and pace across running, cycling, and swimming.

Heart rate monitoring is comprehensive, including high/low alerts, ECG, and blood oxygen levels, valuable for monitoring exertion and recovery. Multisport mode is supported with advanced workout metrics and integration with Apple Fitness+, though the watch’s multisport app might be less specialized than some dedicated triathlon watches. Durability is good, with a super durable glass display twice as scratch resistant as the previous generation and dust resistance, which adds to its resilience in outdoor conditions.

Connectivity is robust, pairing seamlessly with iPhones via Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi, enabling calls, texts, music, and safety features like fall and crash detection. This watch is best for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem and may be overkill if you only want a basic triathlon watch focused purely on sport metrics. Its rectangular design may also feel less sporty compared to traditional round watches. The Apple Watch Series 11 is a high-tech, health-focused smartwatch that fits well for triathletes who value detailed health insights and smart features alongside solid multisport tracking.

The Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm GPS) is a solid choice for those interested in a versatile multisport smartwatch, including triathletes who want a reliable fitness partner. It offers good battery life with about 18 hours of use and fast charging, which is convenient for daily tracking and quick turnarounds between workouts. Its GPS capabilities include support for multiple satellite systems (L1 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS), which helps with accurate location tracking during swims, bikes, and runs. The heart rate sensor is advanced, providing high and low heart rate alerts and irregular rhythm notifications, contributing to safety during intense training. While it tracks a variety of workouts and offers an always-on display for easy data viewing, it does not have a specialized multisport mode that automatically switches between activities, which some dedicated triathlon watches provide.

Water resistance is suitable for swimming, but it’s not designed for deep-water or prolonged submersion activities. Durability is enhanced with crack-resistant Ion-X glass and an aluminum case, making it fairly sturdy for everyday use. Its connectivity options (Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi) keep you connected with your iPhone for calls, messages, and music, but cellular connectivity requires a higher-tier model.

The Apple Watch SE 3 effectively combines fitness tracking with smart features, though triathletes seeking more specialized, rugged devices with longer battery life might find it somewhat limited.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a strong contender for triathletes thanks to its rugged design and comprehensive features. Its titanium case and sapphire crystal display make it highly durable and able to withstand tough conditions, including water resistance up to 100 meters—ideal for swimming and water sports. Battery life is solid, offering up to 42 hours of regular use and up to 72 hours in a low power mode, which is beneficial for long training sessions or races. GPS accuracy is top-notch with dual-frequency support, helping athletes track routes precisely across running, cycling, swimming, and other multisport activities.

The watch also excels in heart rate monitoring, using advanced sensors to provide detailed insights and alerts for unusual heart rhythms or high blood pressure, which can be valuable for health-conscious triathletes. Its multisport mode covers a wide range of exercises, making it versatile for triathlon training and other workouts. Connectivity is excellent, with cellular capabilities allowing calls, music streaming, and emergency satellite messaging even without a phone nearby—great for safety during outdoor adventures.

The watch’s large 49mm size might feel bulky on smaller wrists, and its tight integration with the Apple ecosystem means it works best with an iPhone, which may limit usability for non-Apple users. While the battery life is good, it may still require daily charging for heavy users. This is a premium multisport watch offering robust features and durability, especially suited for athletes who want deep health tracking and reliable connectivity in demanding environments.