Who said that just because you keep your head underwater you can’t listen to your favorite tunes? Swimmers should not be deprived of the pleasure of enjoying music or listening to an audiobook/ podcast while they work hard to keep in shape!
Luckily, headphones producers are on the same page with us. A simple search will show you there are tons of so-called waterproof headphones that promise to deliver an out-of-this-world experience.
However, we know better, so we set on a quest to finding the best headphones for swimming. We reviewed several waterproof headphones and below you can read our opinion on each of them.
Top Picks
Last update on 2023-11-05 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How To Choose The Best Headphones For Swimming
While you pretty much know what to look for in a pair of headphones for dry land, the situation changes when you’re looking for products that work in the pool (or ocean for that matter). So, before you read our reviews, first check this quick guide.
Water-resistant vs Waterproof
This is one of the biggest mistakes uninitiated shoppers make when looking for the best headphones for swimming.
Water-resistant or sweat-resistant products are designed for dry land but will hold together is some splashing happens (not too much though). For swimming, you want waterproof designs, with an IPX68 or IPX70 rating. These can support being fully submerged in water for several minutes.
Music Under Water
Did you know that Bluetooth and WiFi don’t work underwater? Neither did we!
While reviewing these headphones, we learned that it’s best to get a product with built-in memory space that lets you access audio content while in the pool or ocean. This way, you don’t have to worry about taking your phone and you can make sure there are no interruptions while you focus on the next wave.
Flexibility & Fit
This feature is even more important for swimmers than it is for people who work out in the gym or like running on an audio background. After all, if your headphones are too loose, you’ll lose them in the water, and if they’re too tight, you won’t be able to focus.
As such, it’s best to select a product that allows for some flexibility. The headband should be stretchable and there should be clips to pin everything in place.
Easy to Reach Controls
While you may not be able to take phone calls or check notifications, you will want to change tracks or adjust the volume. As such, you need controls that are easy to find and identify with your fingers, without having to look at them.
Best Headphones for Swimming
Sony NWWS623/B
Best Bluetooth Headphones for Swimming
People who are passionate about outdoor and water sports are the ones most likely to find the new Sony Walkman headphones appealing. Sony is well-known in the market for producing some of the best audio products, starting with high-end earbuds and ending with monitor speakers for professional use.
As such, you won’t be surprised to learn that these headphones are outstanding when it comes to sound quality and durability. While the bass is not very powerful, the sound is clear and rich, allowing users to enjoy their favorite tunes regardless of genre.
However, their most interesting feature is the durability. As such, you can use them while swimming (both fresh and salty water), while working out, or while hiking. Their waterproof design resists to temperatures between 23°F to 113°F and you can connect with your smartphone using BT or NFC.
In addition, the Sony Walkman headphones have Ambient Sound mode with built-in microphones that let you hear the outside world without stopping the music. This way, you can wear them while running outdoors or while following your instructor’s guidance.
- Good battery life (up to 12h)
- Quick charge (3min charge for 60min music)
- Water- and dust-proof
- Up to 4GB of storage
- BT and NFC connectivity
- Ambient mode
- Not very comfortable for long periods of time
- BT connection doesn’t work underwater
- Controls need some getting used to
AfterShokz Xtrainerz
Best Underwater Headphones for Swimming
If you’re the kind of person who avoids earbuds because they’re uncomfortable, you’ll be happy to know that Xtrainerz uses bone conduction to deliver the sound to your brain through the cheekbones. This means there will be no eartips in your ears and no earcups over the ears!
In addition, the headphones have 4GB of storage space (up to 1,200 songs) so you won’t have to be in the range of your device all the time. You can upload audiobooks, podcasts, or any other audio files (it supports formats such as MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, and FLAC).
The battery can last for up to 8h of continuous play and the headphones are equipped with controls for volume and track change. The IP68 rating attests that Xtrainerz are waterproof, and since they don’t use BT to connect to an external device, you can continue to listen underwater.
Lastly, the headphones are fitted with a band that goes behind the head and around the ears. This way, they’ll stay put regardless of your activity and won’t affect your performance.
- Bone conduction technology
- Perfect fit around the head
- 4GB built-in storage
- Good battery life
- Perfect for swimming and other watersports
- Accepts a wide range of audio files
- No BT connectivity
- It is a bit difficult to create playlists
- The volume doesn’t go very high
Pyle Flextreme MP3 Player
Impressive Durability & Sound Quality
These headphones, with a built-in MP3 player, are designed for underwater conditions. With an IPX8 rating, they are waterproof, dustproof, sweatproof, and come with a flexible band that can be bent and adjusted as needed. As such, Flextreme is one of the best earbuds for people who enjoy a good workout, from professionals to amateurs.
While you can’t use them to wirelessly connect with an external device (smartphone, tablet, iPod, and so on), the Flextreme also has built-in 8GB flash memory for storing all your favorite audio files. If you add the touch controls for volume and track change, you can use them as a stand-alone MP3 player.
To add files (MP3 and WMA formats) directly into the headphones’ storage space, you’ll need a USB 2.0 port and a computer (it works with drag and drop). The built-in rechargeable 200mAh Lithium battery lasts for up to 10 hours and, due to the ergonomic and comfy design, you can even wear them for that long. Lastly, the flexible band is perfect for securing the headphones in place, regardless of your level of activity.
- Flexible design that can be adjusted to the shape of your head
- 8GB built-in memory
- IPX8 rating
- The sound is clear and rich
- Good battery life
- No BT connectivity
- It takes a bit to understand how to upload the files
As Good as it Gets
If you’re looking for high-quality waterproof headphones for less than $100, the Swimbuds Sport Premium would definitely fit the bill. These headphones are the successors of the highly popular Swimbuds Classic, the previous generation, and they’re designed for greater comfort compared to the Classic Swimbuds, lower drag, plus they feature 3rd gen HydroBeat technology for truly optimized sound.
What’s very nice about the Sport Premium is that they arrive with no less than eleven pairs of earbud tips in four unique styles, which means they will fit perfectly in any ear. Moreover, the Sport Premium are advertised as world’s first short-cord headphone designed specifically for swimmers.
In real life, that translates into super-secure headphones, engineered to be worn tucked into your goggle strap just above your ear, and they are 100 percent waterproof, submersible to ten feet, and designed for flip turns, while offering class-leading sound quality.
- Ergonomic design
- Impressive SQ
- Comfy water-tight fit
- Hybrid silicone earbuds
- Light and durable
- Deep bass from 10 mm drivers
- Fantastic customer service
- None at this price
Swimbuds Flip Headphones
Specially Designed for Swimming
If you’re looking for earbuds that will work in the pool, while you’re practicing your laps, then this kit is just the right choice! Both the rugged SYRYN MP3 and the Swimbuds Flip earbuds are 100% waterproof and have an IPX8 rating.
The 8GB SYRN MP3 player has tactile buttons that are easy to use even without looking at the player. Also, there is the option to set the playlist on shuffle, to avoid distractions while you focus on your laps.
The earbuds are durable and manage to deliver good audio quality. In addition, they are delivered with 4 unique earbud sizes/styles so every user can find the right fit. Speaking of fit, the kit is easy to install and use due to the low-profile 360° swivel goggle clip on the player and short, snag-free cable of the earbuds.
Lastly, you can also use the kit for other activities such as climbing or jogging. To make sure the fit will be just right for your favorite activity, the producer also included a cable extension.
- Secure custom fit for any activity
- Rugged design with an IPX8 rating
- 8GB memory
- Easy to use while doing a wide range of activities
- Crystal clear sound
- Good battery life (around 10h)
- The fit may be a bit weird at first
- No fast forward or rewind function
- Only supports MP3 formats
FINIS Duo Underwater MP3 Player
Best Headphones for Swimming Laps
The FINIS Duo headphones and MP3 player use bone conduction audio transmission to deliver amazing sound clarity and quality via the cheekbones. This means you don’t have to worry about earbuds stuffed in the ear canal, digging their way through to your brain.
Even more, there is no rigid band going around the head and squeezing or pressing on your temples. These headphones are to be used with your swimming goggles, by fitting the integrated clips with the strap of your goggles. This way, they fully adapt to the shape of your head and you don’t have to worry about losing them while swimming.
The built-in MP3 player offers 4GB storage space and supports MP3 and WMA formats. As such, you can upload any audio content and enjoy your physical activity while also enriching your mind.
Lastly, the headphones are waterproof (IPX8 rating) for up to 3m/10ft deep and they can last for about 10h on one charge.
- Bone conduction audio transmission technology
- Easy to fit around the head
- IPX8 rating and waterproof for up to 3m depth
- 4GB storage for around 60h of playback
- Compatible with Mac and PCs
- They don’t stay on without swimming goggles
- No BT connectivity
AGPTEK IPX8 in-Ear Earphones
Perfect for Swimming & Watersports
With an IPX8 rating, coiled cable, and waterproof ear tips, these earbuds are designed to be in the water or humid environments. The inner nano-coating allows them to resist at around 1.5m depth for 30 minutes without any impact on performance.
The package contains the earbuds with the coiled cord and an extension cord (1m long). This way, you can use them with an MP3 player while swimming (the short version) or with a smartphone/another device (with the extension) while taking a walk or enjoying a run. The good news is that these earphones can be used with a wide array of devices (as long as there is one 3.5mm jack available).
The sound quality is decent, with clear and crispy sounds, but the noise isolation achieved with the help of the earbuds also helps.
- Easy to use with lots of devices
- IPX8 rating
- Coiled cable for a better fit without restrictions
- Decent sound quality, especially underwater
- The rubber is a bit stiff
Summary
A good pair of headphones that work under the water or in the water is important for someone who swims regularly. As such, it’s important to know how to choose the best headphones for swimming and how to find the best products for your budget. We hope this guide will help!
