Comparison Guide
BeatBuddy Pro 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. BeatBuddy Pro 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. BeatBuddy Pro 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. BeatBuddy Pro 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. BeatBuddy Pro 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. BeatBuddy Pro is designed with full waterproof sealing for extended water exposure.
Buttons become unresponsive
After months of pool use, buttons can stop working reliably. BeatBuddy Pro 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. BeatBuddy Pro 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. BeatBuddy Pro gets new features via Bluetooth firmware updates.
Feature-by-feature comparison
See exactly how BeatBuddy Pro stacks up against the Finis Tempo Trainer Pro.
| Característica | Finis Tempo Trainer Pro | BeatBuddy Pro (Beta) | En progreso |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | LCD | OLED screen (readable underwater) | - |
| Audio feedback volume | Standard beeper | Louder piezo buzzer (audible in noisy pools) | - |
| Customizable tones | No (single tone) | Yes - multiple tone options | - |
| Build custom programs | No | - | In development |
| Save programs | No | - | In development |
| Preset training modes | Three preset modes | Yes + unlimited custom programs | - |
| Haptic (vibration) feedback | No | Yes (haptic motor) | - |
| Tactile metronome for deaf/HoH | No | Yes - vibration-only mode for deaf and hard-of-hearing swimmers | - |
| Visual feedback (LED) | No | Yes (one bright LED) | - |
| Mobile app | No | - | In development |
| Bluetooth connectivity | No | - | In development |
| Firmware updates | No | Yes - via Bluetooth | - |
| Rechargeable battery | No (CR2032 replaceable) | Yes - Li-Pol 120mAh, wireless charging | - |
| Charging time | N/A (battery replacement) | 30min to 50%, 2h to 100% | - |
| Unsinkable / floats | Yes | Yes | - |
| Size | Small clip-on | Compact: 46 x 12.5 x 32 mm | - |
| Mounting options | Clip-on only | - | In development |
| Find my device | No | - | In development |
| Free companion apps | No | - | In development |
| Garmin integration | No | - | In development |
| Third-party system integration | No | - | In development |
| Lap counting | No | - | In development |
| Swim time tracking | No | - | In development |
| Speed/pace tracking | No | - | In development |
| Stopwatch | No | Yes - built-in stopwatch | - |
| Timer / Countdown | Basic | Yes, with custom tones | - |
| Settings memory | No (resets on battery change) | Yes - remembers all your preferences | - |
| Total Immersion exercises & materials | No | - | Coming soon - TI drills and training programs |
| Price | ~$50 USD | $120 USD pre-order / $150 regular | - |
| Market availability | Available now | 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 BeatBuddy Pro 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 BeatBuddy Pro.
Yes! BeatBuddy Pro is the first swim tempo trainer with vibration feedback. Unlike FINIS which only beeps, BeatBuddy Pro lets you feel the rhythm through haptic vibration — perfect for loud pools and open water swimming.
The FINIS beeper has limited volume, especially in busy pools. BeatBuddy Pro solves this with three feedback modes: a louder piezo buzzer, vibration you can feel, and an LED you can see. You'll never miss a beat.
BeatBuddy Pro doesn't use a goggle clip. Instead, it fits comfortably under your swim cap, staying secure during flip turns and push-offs. No more lost devices at the bottom of the pool.
We are currently in private beta with swimming coaches. Become a tester 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.
Yes, BeatBuddy Pro is designed specifically for swimmers. It is fully waterproof, floats if dropped, and fits securely under any swim cap.
The rechargeable battery lasts for multiple training sessions on a single charge. Exact battery life varies by usage (display, haptics, etc.).
Ready to upgrade your tempo training?
Become a tester and be among the first to experience the next generation of swim pace training.