Comparison Guide
VimoSwim vs FINIS Tempo Trainer
Looking for a FINIS Tempo Trainer alternative with vibration feedback? Compare the classic swim metronome with the next-gen programmable tempo trainer.
Common FINIS Tempo Trainer problems
The FINIS Tempo Trainer Pro has been the go-to swim metronome for years. But swimmers have been asking for more.
Audio-only — no vibration feedback
Traditional tempo trainers only beep. In noisy pools or during intense sets, you can miss the cue. VimoSwim adds vibration feedback you can feel even when you can't hear.
Clip falls off during flip turns
The goggle clip design often comes loose during push-offs and flip turns. VimoSwim fits securely under your swim cap — no clips, no distractions.
Hard to hear in loud pools
The standard beeper volume isn't loud enough for busy pool environments. VimoSwim combines a louder piezo buzzer with vibration and LED for multi-sensory feedback.
No programmability
With basic beepers, you manually adjust tempo before each set. VimoSwim lets you program entire workouts with varying intervals — set it once, swim the whole session.
Water leakage issues
Users report water getting inside the device over time, causing malfunction. VimoSwim is designed with full waterproof sealing for extended water exposure.
Buttons become unresponsive
After months of pool use, buttons can stop working reliably. VimoSwim uses durable, waterproof buttons tested for thousands of presses.
Settings lost on battery change
When you replace the CR2032 battery, all your tempo settings reset. VimoSwim remembers your preferences with persistent memory.
No upgrade path
Buy a FINIS today, and in 2 years it still does exactly what it did on day one. VimoSwim gets new features via Bluetooth firmware updates.
Feature-by-feature comparison
See exactly how VimoSwim stacks up against the Finis Tempo Trainer Pro.
Display
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- LCD
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- OLED screen (readable underwater)
Audio feedback volume
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- Standard beeper
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Louder piezo buzzer (audible in noisy pools)
Customizable tones
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No (single tone)
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes - multiple tone options
Build custom programs
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Save programs
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Preset training modes
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- Three preset modes
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes + unlimited custom programs
Haptic (vibration) feedback
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes (haptic motor)
Tactile metronome for deaf/HoH
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes - vibration-only mode for deaf and hard-of-hearing swimmers
Visual feedback (LED)
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes (one bright LED)
Mobile app
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Bluetooth connectivity
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Firmware updates
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes - via Bluetooth
Rechargeable battery
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No (CR2032 replaceable)
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes - Li-Pol 120mAh, wireless charging
Charging time
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- N/A (battery replacement)
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- 30min to 50%, 2h to 100%
Unsinkable / floats
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- Yes
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes
Size
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- Small clip-on
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Compact: 46 x 12.5 x 32 mm
Mounting options
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- Clip-on only
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Find my device
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Free companion apps
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Garmin integration
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Third-party system integration
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Lap counting
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Swim time tracking
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Speed/pace tracking
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- In development
Stopwatch
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes - built-in stopwatch
Timer / Countdown
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- Basic
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes, with custom tones
Settings memory
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No (resets on battery change)
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Yes - remembers all your preferences
Total Immersion exercises & materials
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- No
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Coming soon - TI drills and training programs
Market availability
- Finis Tempo Trainer Pro
- Available now
- VimoSwim (Beta)
- Beta program open
Which one is right for you?
Both are good products for different needs. Here's our honest take.
Choose FINIS Tempo Trainer if...
- Swimmers who only need basic stroke rate pacing
- Those who prefer proven, established products
- Swimmers who don't want to use a mobile app
Choose VimoSwim if...
- Total Immersion swimmers focused on technique and efficiency
- Coaches managing multiple athletes with different programs
- Swimmers who want complex interval training (e.g. descending sets)
- Tech-forward athletes who value upgradability
- Anyone frustrated with the limitations of basic beepers
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about switching from FINIS to VimoSwim.
Yes! VimoSwim is the first swim tempo trainer with vibration feedback. Unlike FINIS which only beeps, VimoSwim lets you feel the rhythm through haptic vibration — perfect for loud pools and open water swimming.
In a busy pool a single beeper is easy to miss. VimoSwim fires three synchronised cues at once — a loud piezo buzzer, haptic vibration you feel under your cap, and a bright LED you can see. Even in a noisy lane the vibration and light keep you on tempo, so you never lose the rhythm.
No. You program your sessions in advance in the VimoSwim mobile app — set stroke rate, intervals and complex pace ladders, then just swim. You can also control and monitor the device from a Garmin watch via ANT+/BLE, so there is no stopping at the wall to fiddle with buttons mid-set.
We are currently in private beta with swimming coaches. Reserve your spot to get early access and special pricing when we launch.
Final pricing is not yet announced. Beta participants will receive early-bird pricing. The device will be positioned as a premium alternative to basic tempo trainers.
Yes, while we are focusing on swimming first, the device works for any tempo-based training. Running and cycling modes are planned for future firmware updates.
VimoSwim is fully waterproof for pool and open-water swimming and floats if it slips out of your hand. There is no disposable cell to swap — it uses a sealed, built-in rechargeable battery that you simply recharge over USB between sessions.
The rechargeable battery lasts for multiple training sessions on a single charge. Exact runtime depends on how much you use the display, buzzer and haptics, and you can top it up over USB between swims.
Ready to upgrade your tempo training?
Reserve your spot and be among the first to experience the next generation of swim pace training.