Owing the best swim lap counters to keep track of your laps is very important because like any other sport, swimming is a great workout activity and an equally great way to blow off steam.
For swimmers (either professionals or amateurs), losing track of the laps can be annoying and frustrating. In most cases, you either falter and keep going blindly or start all over again, none of which are great options.
It’s just like choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea. Fortunately, lap counters will help you keep track of your laps and reps without having to juggle your memory box.
Swim lap counters do not only come in digital form. It can be in the form of a bracelet, bead, counter cards, or counter touch.
You don’t have to use the digital form of it. Some swim lap counter bracelets and swim lap counter beads that you can use in water. Want to find out more? Read further!
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Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Swim Lap Counter?
Swim lap counters are essential tools for swimmers whether professional or amateurs. Unfortunately, many swimmers do not see the importance of getting a swim lap counter. Still uncertain as to why you need this device? Here’s why:
For starters, a lot of swimmers find it difficult to keep track of laps. You could be swimming one minute and the next, you’re trying to recall if you’ve swam six laps or seven laps.
If you’ve ever been in this situation, you can understand why it’s so important to get a swim lap counter.
Swim lap counters save swimmers the trouble of struggling to remember the number of laps gone. With this device, you can concentrate on your swimming without having to pause or falter.
You can use the device you feel most comfortable with. Some prefer a counter they can use in water like a bead, bracelet and some prefer a swimming lap counter touch. Whichever it is, make sure you are achieving your goal.
My Top Picks
I have highlighted some of the best swim lap counters that are suitable for every type of swimmer.
- Best Overall: SportCount Swim Lap Counter and Timer
“Provides real time speed data for accurate results. Be able to count and time the number of laps. Waterproof and suitable for various activities.” - Runner Up: SportCount Chrono 200
“The pause feature allows you to take a break without affecting the timing statistics. Can record up to two hundred individual laps and has a count limit of 999 laps.” - Best Budget: Digi 1st Tally
“Can count to 9,999 in increments of one. Suitable for any activities that need tallying. Light-weighted and small enough to be carried around.” - Best for Beginners: Sportcount Lap Counter
“Comes with adjustable straps for fitting all finger sizes. Can be used for up to three years without replacing its batteries.” - Best for Manual Counting: Aqua Tally
“Designed to look like a lane rope and water-resistant. Effective for keeping track of laps and durable.” - Best for Long Distance Swimming: Kiefer
“Having twelve huge numbers, which are easy to see even from a distance. Made of heavy-duty plastic that ensures the durability. No batteries required.”
Comparison Chart
The following comparison table will serve as a suitable guide for choosing the best swim lap counter that will suit your needs and requirements.
The 8 Best Swim Lap Counters Reviews
To make an informed decision about the lap counters, you need a detailed description of each lap counter before making any purchase. Without further ado, here is a detailed review of the best swim lap counters.
1. SportCount LapCounter and Timer
(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)
Have you used the SportCount LapCounter? If yes, then you’d definitely love this improved version of it. If you haven’t, you’d still love this new device. The SportCount LapCounter and Timer is an improved version of the SportCount Lap Counter.
This device has equal features and functionalities as the old one. However, this device is slightly different.
It not only counts the number of laps but times them as well. Thus, you can easily find out the amount of time spent on each lap. The SportCount can also be used for other activities such as running.
Key Features
- Key performance data for providing real time speed and workout summary statistics
- The ergonomic design makes it better for tracking results
- Includes pause feature, counts up to 9,999 laps
- Can withstand water pressure up to 50 meters
- Adjustable band for fitting securely and comfortably on any finger size
Pros
- Only requires one hand to operate
- Easy to read
- Does not give room for accidental recordings of laps
- Multipurpose
Cons
- Small display screen
Product Specifications
| Brand | SC SPORTCOUNT |
| Product Dimensions & Weight | 1.57 x 3.94 x 6.69 inches, 0,48 ounces |
| Color | Blue |
| Material | Plastic |
| warranty | 1 years |
2. SportCount Chrono 200
(Runner Up)
Like the previous lap counter, the SportCount Chrono 200 are excellent tools for keeping track of laps. However, this device goes a step further by offering timing features. Its basic function is to record and keep track of laps.
It can record up to two hundred individual laps and has a count limit of 999 laps. Also, it helps you to keep track of your fastest and slowest laps.
So, at the end of your swimming session, you can easily find out which laps you spent the most time on and which laps consumed the least amount of time. You could also determine the average time you spend on each lap.
One amazing feature of the SportCount Chrono 200 is that it also helps you to record your overall swimming time. Thus, you can find out how fast you are and your overall general performance.
Just like its counterpart, this device is very lightweight. It won’t be a burden while swimming and, in most cases, you may not even notice its presence.
It also requires only one hand for operation. Thus, you can efficiently operate it while swimming without having to falter or face distractions.
Key Features
- The pause feature allows you to take a break without affecting the timing statistics
- The ergonomic design makes it better for tracking results
- Includes pause feature, records and stores up to 200 laps
- Can withstand water pressure up to 50 meters
Pros
- It is very basic and simple to operate
- Quite durable
- It is lightweight and needs just one hand for operation
Cons
- Records a limited number of laps
- Its battery life is not as long as that of the basic SportCount Lap Counter
Product Specifications
| Brand | SC SPORTCOUNT |
| Product Dimensions & Weight | 1.1 x 1.1 x 1.1 inches; 0.48 Ounces |
| Color | Red |
| Material | Plastic |
| warranty | 1 years |
3. Digi 1st Tally
(Best Budget)
The Digi 1st Tally was originally made for baseball but can also be used to count swim laps. It has a large and easy-to-read LCD display.
With this counter, you can count either up or down. It can be used to count up to 9,999 and can also count down to zero. It has a loud beep confirmation which you can turn off if you want to.
It is not like other products that can be worn and used inside the pool. It has to be used outside the pool. It is light-weighted and small enough to be carried around.
Key Features
- Made from quality materials for an accurate count
- Metal body endures most any daily usage and impacts
- Can withstand water pressure
Pros
- It is light-weight and can be carried around
- It can count up and down
- It has an audible beep confirmation that can be turned on and off
Cons
- Doesn’t have backlight display for dark environments
Product Specifications
| Brand | Digi 1st |
| Product Dimensions & Weight | 2 x 2 x 2 inches; 1.6 Ounces |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Metal |
| warranty | 30 days |
4. SportCount Lap Counter
(Best for Beginners)
Looking for a lightweight lap counter to help keep track of your laps and reps? Then, this classic SportCount is the one for you!
This device is so light that you can barely feel its presence while swimming. So, you don’t have to worry about a gigantic lap counter dragging you behind while swimming.
This particular lap counter was explicitly designed to be placed on the finger. It comes with adjustable straps so even if you have the tiniest fingers possible, it will still fit. You won’t have to worry about the device sliding off.
The SportCount Lap Counter is quite simple to use. It helps to keep track of your laps and remember the exact lap you are on. As such, you don’t have to think or wonder which lap you are on.
To keep track of your laps, you will have to click a button after each lap. This helps to prevent accidental recording of extra laps or miscalculation.
One advantage of this lap counter is that it comes with a one hand operation feature. That is, it can be operated with just one-hand. As such, you do not have to pause midway to record each lap continually.
Just keep swimming and press the button as you go. The device is equally waterproof and can be used in up to 50 metres of water.
Key Features
- Made from quality materials for an accurate count
- One hand operation makes this digital counter better than a tally counter or sports watch.
- Great to use for other activities
- Adjustable band for fitting securely and comfortably on any finger sizes
Pros
- Very lightweight
- It is quite durable. This device can be used for up to three years without replacing its batteries
- It is very easy to read. One can read and keep track of laps even under water
- Its button feature makes it hard to accidentally record extra laps
- Only requires one hand to operate
- Can record up to 9,999 laps
Cons
- Small display
- The button requires a very firm pressure before recording any lap
- Swimmers may experience a bit of difficulty while fastening the strap
Product Specifications
| Brand | SC SPORTCOUNT |
| Product Dimensions & Weight | 1.1 x 1.1 x 1.1 inches; 0.4 Ounces |
| Color | Gray |
| Material | Plastic |
| warranty | 1 years |
5. Aqua Tally
(Best for Manual Counting)
If you’re looking for a digital or wearable lap counter, halt! The Aqua Tally is not for you. However, if you prefer something manual, then you may proceed past this checkpoint.
The Aqua Tally Swimming Lap Counter is a manual device that helps you to count laps while swimming. Don’t let its manual appearance fool you.
It is just as effective as any digital or wearable lap counter! It is water-resistant and is designed to look like a lane rope.
The lap counter comes with twenty-five beads. There are four beads of the same color on the string and then one bead of different paint.
This pattern is repeated throughout the rest of the string, making it a total of twenty-five beads. The beads are meant to be used as a tally mark.
To use this device, move all the beads to one end of the device. As you complete each lap, move a single bead. The bead will represent one lap. At the end of your swimming session, you can then go ahead to count the number of laps completed.
Key Features
- Repeated throughout the rest of the string, making it a total of twenty-five beads
- Water resistant and compact
- Great to use for all skill levels
Pros
- It is waterproof
- It is very effective for keeping track of laps
Cons
- Moving the beads after each lap can be tiring
- Swimmers may accidentally move more than one bead at a time and record extra laps
Product Specifications
| Brand | PSI, LLC |
| Product Dimensions & Weight | 11 x 1.5 x 2 inches; 6 Ounces |
| Color | Blue, white |
| Material | Plastic |
| warranty | 1 years |
6. Kiefer
(Best for Long Distance Swimming)
For competitions and long-distance swimming, you may need something different from the conventional wearable lap counters. The Kiefer is here to help!
This particular lap counter has twelve huge numbers, which are easy to see even from a distance.
The counter is made out of heavy-duty plastic. As such, you do not have to worry about it breaking or shattering if it hits a hard surface. It equally comes with sturdy hinges so the numbers won’t fall off.
The Kiefer counts odd numbers from one to sixty-nine. At the final lap, an orange panel is displayed, which could serve as a form of motivation to the swimmer.
Key Features
- Made from sturdy hinges and heavy duty plastic for ensuring the durability
- Counts odd numbers 1 to 69 with orange panel for final lap
- Easy to see even from a distance
Pros
- The numbers are huge and can be sighted even from a far distance. Thus, you can easily keep track of your laps
- It is very durable
- No batteries required. As such, you do not need to constantly replace batteries or worry about the battery dying out
- Its sturdy quality prevents it from scratches or damage
Cons
- Users will have to flip the numbers manually after each lap
- It can be difficult to operate
- Suitable for only competitions or distance swimming
Product Specifications
| Brand | Kiefer |
| Product Dimensions & Weight | 17 X 1 X 14.5 inches, 4.4 lbs |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| warranty | 6 month |
7. RISE Handle Adapter
The RISE handle adapter is best for keeping dry sleeves at a swim meet. It works best for holding your lap counter while you are swimming. As a swimmer, you cannot change the numbers yourself, you will need someone outside the pool to help you do that.
However, you can also do it yourself if you don’t mind getting out of the pool after each lap.
The handle gives room for the pole to be attached to the lap counter. The RISE lap counter comes with the pole attachment only and not the pole. It is strong, sturdy and reliable. This tool is best used with swimming lap counter cards.
Key Features
- Allows pole to be attached
- Avoids wet sleeves in the water
- Made to fit most human hands
Pros
- Helps to keep sleeves dry at the pool
- Strong, sturdy and reliable
Cons
- It does not come with a pole
Product Specifications
| Brand | RISE Aquatics |
| Product Dimensions & Weight | Not Specified |
| Color | Multi color |
| Material | heavy duty plastic |
| warranty | Not Specified |
8. Horsky Clicker Tally
The HORSKY Clicker Tally Counter is made of stainless steel, ensuring durability and preventing the counter from being damaged. It has a reasonable size that is easy to hold and suitable for many other sports activities.
Moreover, thanks to the mechanical tally counter design, the lap counter requires no battery, which means you can do it all day without worrying about it not working after a long time. The count range of this counter is up to 9999, once a time.
Only by pressing once it counts can you expect the swim lap counter count from 0 to 9999. Besides the lap counting ability, the HORSKY Tally can help children learn to count.
Key Features
- The count range is up to 9999, once a time.
- Made of stainless steel, which will ensure the durability
- The mechanical tally counter design requires no battery
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Suitable for many other sports activities
- Can working all day long
- Durable and easy to read
- The reasonable size that is easy to hold
Cons
- The button may get stuck
Product Specifications
| Brand | Horsky |
| Product Dimensions & Weight | 2 x 1.9 x 1.7 inches; 1.76 Ounces |
| Color | Multi color |
| Material | heavy duty plastic |
| warranty | 6 months |
How to Choose the Right Swim Lap Counter?
What feature do you look out for when choosing the best swim lap counter? Appearance? Size? If these two features are the only things you look out for when buying a lap counter, then you are probably on the wrong path.
When purchasing any lap counter for swimming, you ought to take certain things into consideration. These will help you to select long lasting devices which can be utilised properly. Here are some things to look out for when purchasing a lap counter for swimming:
1. Digital or Manual
Electronic or manual counters have advantages and disadvantages, but they are all great support tools for swimming practice.
Digital swim lap counters have many functions and capabilities beyond just counting laps. They are excellent for training because they can display more than one finish time and a lane number and give you accurate numbers.
Some digital lap counters are not durable on the downsides and can fail after some use, which may give the wrong results. If you want to have a high-quality digital lap counter, you should be prepared that they will cost a little more.
The manual swim lap counters are more durable than digital ones as they are simple in structure and easy to use. They will be perfect for younger or beginning swimmers who start learning to swim.
On the disadvantages, the manual swim lap counters seem only suitable for someone outside the pool watching the swimmers doing the laps.
2. Reading Accuracy
How accurate is the swim lap counter? Does it provide you with precise information about the number of laps taken? Accuracy is one of the primary things to watch out for when buying any lap counter.
An inaccurate device will merely render your swimming session pointless and lead to several discrepancies. As such, you should try as much as possible to stick to accurate lap counters.
3. Water Resistance and Water Proof
It’s a no-brainer that lap counters have to be water-resistant because they’d be in water 70% of the time. However, in addition to getting a water-resistant lap counter, it is equally essential to ensure that it is waterproof.
Waterproof lap counters tend to work better underwater than devices that are merely water-resistant. Waterproof swim lap counters can handle higher water pressure in the same vein and even go more in-depth than other devices.
4. Battery Life and Durability
Imagine a situation where your lap counters batteries keep dying out on you. Or let’s assume you have to keep changing batteries now and then. For how long will you hold on before dumping the device? Most people will likely leave it after the first three battery changes.
Dealing with a weak battery can be frustrating. Thus, before buying any device, it is essential to check out the battery life and durability. The average swim lap counter-battery can last for up to six months before it requires a replacement.
Some lap counters do not need or come with batteries. For the ones that do, you need to ensure that it has a battery life of at least six months or one year. This will save you the stress of constant and frequent battery changes.
5. Multipurpose
It is highly advisable to search for devices which have other functions apart from lap counting. Although lap counting is the primary feature to look out for, it is important to get a device that can do other things such as lap timing or stroke recording. This will save you the stress of getting a different device to time your laps or swimming sessions and record your strokes.
6. Affordability
What is your budget? If you’re looking to buy a swim lap counter, you will need to consider your account. Can you afford it? If you can afford it, you can then proceed to buy it.
However, if the price is more extensive than your budget, you would need to scout for other budget-friendly options that are just as effective.
It is equally important to determine the worth of the device. Is it worth the price? This will help you to steer clear of regrets in the future.
Looking for More?
The products that have been reviewed here are some of the best you can find on the market. However, this list is not exhaustive. Other lap counters have more features and are of high tech than the ones listed above, such as swimming watches or waterproof fitness trackers.
For a very detailed breakdown of the top waterproof fitness trackers with the best features, check out this article on my site: Waterproof Fitness Trackers for Swimming
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section will show you some frequently asked questions about swimming lap counters you might want to know.
How Does a Lap Counter Work?
There are several lap counters out there, both digital and manual. However, the more common ones are digital and wearable. These ones usually work by clicking a button after each lap to record it. During your swimming session, you can easily read it to see how many laps you’ve gone.
Can I Use a Swim Lap Counter in Open Water?
Not all swim lap counters are designed for open water such as rivers and lakes. However, certain ones can be used in open waters without any loss of functionality.
Which Swim Lap Counter is the Best for Me?
It all depends on your needs, priority and requirements. You can pick one of the best lap counters in my list above.
Do I Need a Swim Lap Counter as a Beginner?
Yes, you do. Triathletes are not the only ones that need a lap counter. A beginner will also find it useful. You can use it to monitor your progress and improve on it. However, it will be best to choose the one that will cause you fewer distractions.
Swim Network Overview
So far, this article has covered the best swim lap counters for swimmers and other related questions. Hopefully, this will serve as a suitable guide for anyone who has questions regarding swim lap counters.
It is important to note that several other lap counters out there have not been included in this article. This article focused on the top swim lap counters with the best reviews.
If you’re looking for something that will serve different purposes, then the Sportcount lapcounter and timer is a great choice. However, if you want something manual and pocket-friendly, then the Aqua Tally is your best bet.
Generally, these are the best swim lap counters you can find online or in walk-in stores. You can also look up other related swimming gear that would make your swimming sessions easier and more productive.
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As a swimming counter, COUNTU GOAL, I thought, is the best one.
it can record Total time, Total laps, Average time for each lap, Fastest lap time, slowest lap time, Individual lap time for every lap, pause.
More important function is its vibrate alarm function according to your preset lap or time.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the information!
I will try it someday and add it to the list if it’s good enough.
Have a great day!