10 Best Swimming Headphones in [2022]

Waterproof headphones make a lot of sense for a lot of individuals, especially active people. You could be a swimmer who needs some power tracks to help you get through your laps. Maybe you're a surfer who likes to listen to scuzzy L.A. rock while you're out on the water.

You could be a sweaty person who requires non-drownable earphone technology. (It also wouldn't hurt to be able to wash something you put deep into your earholes before doing exercise.) Because there is such a vast variety of waterproof headphones and earbuds designed for those who swim and sweat, the first step is to understand how waterproof ratings work.

This article will help you in finding the best swimming headphones! Make sure to read the whole article and leave us a feedback!

Best Swimming Headphones

1. Zygo Solo: Best Swimming Headphones to Use with Phone

PROS

• Streams audio underwater
• Easy to set up
• Excellent sound
• App includes coaching tips

CONS

• Needs lots of gear poolside
• Works best with earplugs
• Headset lacks playback buttons

The Zygo Solo is the first pair of waterproof headphones we've tested that can stream music and podcasts from a phone resting by the pool's edge. Bluetooth signals can only travel a short distance through water. The Zygo Solo circumvents this issue by employing an FM radio transmitter — an unconventional but successful solution.

The transmitter is rather large, but the ability to listen to music, podcasts, and coaching suggestions (through the Zygo app) without having to deal with MP3 files is a huge plus.

The headset itself isn't as small as the others in this list, but it proved comfortable and secure in our tests, even when making turns underwater. The sound quality is also excellent. The Zygo Solo, like the Aftershokz Xtrainerz and Sony NW-WS413 below, employs bone conduction to transport music to your auditory nerve, and while it sounds a touch tinny on land, it has an astounding amount of bass while you're in the pool.

We really like the Zygo smartphone app, which provides instructor-led workouts and drills to give your sessions some variety. The business intends to add Peloton-style interactive sessions in the future, which will use the headset's built-in accelerometer to measure your progress in the pool. The greatest waterproof headphones on the market right now.

2. Pyle MP3 Player Bluetooth Headphone: Best Bluetooth Headphone for Swimming

PROS

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Great sound quality
• Easy to use
• Come with a charging/data-transfer cable
• Universal size for all head shapes and sizes
• Affordable price
• Durable and sturdy
• Good battery life
• MP3 player comprises 2000-song capacity

We loved the Pyle MP3 Player Bluetooth Headphone the most out of all the swimming headphone we tried because of their design and sound quality.

First and foremost, these headphones are fully waterproof. They have an IPX8 certification and can survive severe rain, rinsing, and submersion to a depth of 12 feet. Our team's champion swimmers tried these headphones in deep water and had no problems.

Second, we were impressed with the design and elegance of these headphones. Because of the neckband design, these swimming headphone are flexible and suited for a wide range of head shapes and sizes. The earphones keep water out of your ears.

As a result, you can listen to your favorite music underwater without having to worry about water getting into your ears. You'll also receive two pairs of water-resistant earbuds and three pairs of active sports earbuds for usage outside of the water. As a result, you won't have to worry about fit concerns.

Third, the music quality provided by this 2-in-1 MP3 and headphones device is excellent, especially when used underwater. The bass is well-balanced; it is neither too loud nor too quiet.

Finally, the waterproof MP3 player with 8 GB memory supports a variety of codecs, including MP3 and WMA. To make your playlist, just drag and drop songs from your Mac or Windows system. When completely charged, the player can work for up to ten hours. It also has simple touch buttons.

In conclusion, we enjoyed the Pyle MP3 Player Bluetooth Headphones the best of all the swimming headphones we examined. The battery life is adequate, and these headphones are appropriate for both casual swimming and long laps. Furthermore, these headphones are reasonably priced.

3. AfterShokz Xtrainerz Bone Conduction Headphones: Best Bone Conduction Swimming Headphones

PROS

• Voice-over function called AudreySays guides users from one function to another
• Easy to use
• Excellent sound quality both above and underwater
• Good battery life
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Compatible with Apple file formats
• Provide a perfect fit; stay in one place throughout the swimming session

CONS

• No Bluetooth
• Proprietary charging cradle
• No way to fast-forward tracks
• Songs play in random order

The AfterShokz Xtrainerz Bone Conduction Headphone will not let you down if you're seeking for bone conduction swimming headphones. In fact, they are now one of the best bone conduction headphones on the market.

First and foremost, these headphones are IPX8 rated. As a result, you can use them underwater for up to 2 hours without difficulty.

Second, both above and below water, the sound quality is superb. The sound quality is adequate in the “General” settings and significantly better in the “Swim” settings. The sound is crystal clear and sharp. In fact, the sound and bass become fantastic as soon as you go underwater.

The AfterShokz Xtrainerz Bone Conduction Headphones deliver the finest underwater listening experience of any swimming headphones on our list.

Third, these headphones, like all other bone conduction headphones, have an open-ear design and deliver sounds through the cheekbone. So, if you feel smothered by earphones underwater, these headphones may be a good option. In addition, you can listen to music fully wirelessly.

Finally, the AfterShokz Xtrainerz Bone Conduction Headphones have 4 GB of internal MP3 storage and can store up to 1200 songs. These headphones, however, do not support Bluetooth streaming. With a full charge, you may use them for over 8 hours without any problems.

Finally, the AfterShokz Xtrainerz Bone Conduction Headphones fulfilled all of our expectations. They are hardly perceptible on your cheeks. There will be no fit concerns whether you wear your swimming hat or goggles.

4. Sony Walkman NW-WS413: Best Swimming and Land Headphones

PROS

• Multisport use
• Excellent sound
• Good battery life

CONS

• In-ear fitting won't suit everyone

The Walkman NW-WS413 is a pair of Sony headphones with an MP3 player built in that are advertised for general active use and function similarly to any other. The fact that they are waterproof and suitable for swimming is a huge plus.

Available with 4GB or 8GB of storage, this, together with the buttons on either side, makes them slightly larger than usual, but not in an inconvenient way. They come with four pairs of earbuds – two conventional and two swim-specific – however mixing the two will not cause any harm.

When you put them on, a sprung connecting clasp around the back of your neck ensures that both sides stay securely in your ears. This is entirely okay in the pool, and if you're a quick off the wall, a cap will help keep these swimming headphones in place even more.

Sound quality might be fantastic or muffled depending on how the water sloshes about your ears. People who care about such things, on the other hand, are likely to find it an enhancement over bone conduction waterproof headphones. There's even an ambient sound mode to help you hear what's going on around you.

They also sound amazing on land and may be used as running headphones. If you're a swimmer who just wants one pair of headphones, these should be on the top of your list. Despite the fact that you can't connect them to your phone, they're fantastic for both sports and everyday use. There's a lot to like about these, with excellent sound quality, ordinary aesthetics, and a low price.

5. Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones: Best Sport Swimming Headphones

PROS

• The materials of the earbuds are highly qualitative, which makes this gadget appealing to those planning on using it long-term
• The 1-year warranty enables your immediate trust in the quality of the product

CONS

• Expensive

Swimbuds' new and enhanced waterproof earbuds are a worthwhile investment. It not only comes with three interchangeable fin tips for the finest watertight seal, but it also has the shortest chord, which is very convenient. There is a case you may use to transfer your waterproof earbuds from point A to point B with no dust or dirt collection.

The manufacturer's effort to lowering its carbon footprint resulted in further improvements to the headphones' packaging. They now come in an eco-friendly package that won't decay in a landfill for hundreds of years.

If you're looking for waterproof earphones that can be slipped into the strap of your swimming goggles and forgotten about, we strongly recommend adding this type to your short list of waterproof headphones to consider purchasing.

6. H2O Audio Surge+ Waterproof Headphones: Best Swimming Headphones for Atheletes

PROS

• The availability of 5 different earplugs helps you choose the right fit for your ears
• The high waterproofing indicator allows you to dive deep and compete in lengthy swimming competitions

CONS

• cord is long

The timeless look of the H20 Surge+ waterproof headphone instantly makes you fall in love with them. But it doesn't end there; this device also has a terrific sound and a good waterproofing rating.

This means you can dive as deep as 3 and a half meters while still listening to your favorite music. Furthermore, the ergonomic form of the earbuds, as well as the 5 pairs of high-quality earplugs that can accommodate any ear shape, ensure that they will sit comfortably in your ear.

Because these headphones were designed by and for athletes, the production process was treated seriously. There is no discomfort or sliding from your ear while wearing this model for hours at a time. Even in deep swimming pools where the thought of a sound seems unattainable, the Surge+ will not fail you – its waterproof powerful speakers dispose of the enticing sound that is maintained during your swimming session.

7. Shokz OpenSwim: Best Lightweight Swimming Headphones

PROS

• Light and secure fit
• Excellent ambient sound perception

CONS

• Lack of Bluetooth connectivity
• Sound bleed above water

These slim-fitting bone waterproof headphones are a wonderful choice for all-around sporty types, since they operate both in and out of the pool. They have an embedded MP3 player, allowing you to carry your songs with you while swimming, as well as exercise to music away from your phone.

When swimming, we discovered that the Shokz OpenSwim (formerly known as the AfterShokz Xtrainerz until the firm relaunched in December 2021) work best when paired with swimming goggles or a swim cap. They use vibrations to convey sound to your auditory nerve without obstructing the ear canal, as do many of the best waterproof headphones. The portion of the headphones that does this is located immediately in front of the ear, and three small buttons behind the right ear allow you to navigate, play, and pause your tunes.

With a special swim mode, the music delivered is clear enough, and you'll be able to hear ambient noise, such as the lifeguard blowing their whistle at you for excessive splashing, while your ears are free from potential annoyance invasions.

Because of this, sound tends to flow out while above water, so while they're wonderful for cycling or jogging, they're likely to bother anyone you sit next to on the bus.

Despite the other advantages, the lack of Bluetooth means you'll have to plug the headphones in to upload songs or podcasts, and there will be no pairing with your phone to take calls. Still, if swimming is your primary concern, these are a great option.

8. Tayogo Waterproof MP3 Player Swimming Headphones With Bluetooth FM App: Most Budget Friendly Swimming Headphones

PROS

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Good Bluetooth range
• Great sound quality
• Easily affordable
• Unique ergonomic design
• Versatile MP3 player
• User manual included

CONS

• Earbuds can get clogged underwater

If you're looking for inexpensive swimming headphones that operate admirably underwater, go no further than the Tayogo Waterproof MP3 Player Swimming Headphones With Bluetooth FM App.

First and foremost, these headphones, like the previously mentioned swimming headphones, are IPX8 rated. As a result, you can listen to music for up to 7 hours while underwater (up to 9.8 feet).

Second, these headphones have a one-of-a-kind design that combines a neckband and in-ear headphones. To listen to music, instead of wearing the headphones around your neck, put the bracket on your head and insert the earbuds into your ears.

The helical form of the earphones prevents them from falling out. As a result, these headphones are quite pleasant to wear. You'll receive multiple pairs of ear tips to ensure a proper fit.

Third, we were impressed with the sound quality both outside and inside the water. However, to relieve pressure buildup, we had to unblock the earbuds several times. Nonetheless, we don't consider it a “inconvenience” because it just took a few seconds to unclog the earbuds; it's not a major thing.

Fourth, the MP3 player is multifunctional and includes simple controls for managing soundtracks. It has an 8 GB memory capacity and can store up to 2000 songs. To charge the MP3 player, remove it from the headphones and plug it into a USB port (on your Mac or PC).

9. Finis Duo: Best Secured Swimming Headphone

PROS

• Secure fitting
• Solid sound underwater

CONS

• Not suitable for land use
• Relatively expensive

The Finis Duo waterproof headphones have been on the market for a while, but they are still a good option. The Finis' twin units attach to either side of your goggles and employ bone conduction technology to send sound underwater via your cheekbones. One of the ear pendants has large buttons that allow you to fast forward, rewind, shuffle, and play or pause your tunes.

With a generous 4GB of flash memory, you'll be able to save up to a thousand songs, depending on file size, and the battery will keep you going for up to seven hours. Audiophiles may not be blown away by the sound quality, but on the plus side, you'll be doing less fussing than with more traditional in-ear headphones.

Back on dry land, charging and uploading are accomplished with the use of a magnetic, USB-based dock. Although we found it necessary to clean the device's relatively small charging points on a frequent basis because they can become blocked.

The Finis Duo is still a strong option, but it is now being challenged by smaller, less obtrusive-looking devices. Because they are attached to your goggles, they are only suitable for swimming and not other activities, unlike some other waterproof headphones. They're worth considering if your primary worry is spending time in the water; they're a highly specialized product.

10. H2O Audio Interval Swim Headphones: Best Bass Swimming Headphones

PROS

• Superior sound quality
• Easy to set up and use
• Come with multiple ear tips for an accurate fit
• Best bass headphones for swimming
• Value for money
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Pair instantly with Apple iWatch
• Great design

For Apple Watch wearers, the H2O Audio Interval Swim Headphones are an excellent option. They are intended for use with the Apple iWatch Series 2, 3, 4, and 5.

First and foremost, these headphones are fully waterproof. They can survive strong rain and up to 12 feet of submersion. So, you can use these swimming headphones to make your swimming sessions more enjoyable.

Second, these headphones have a one-of-a-kind design that ensures a secure fit underwater. You may attach the headphones to your swimming goggles using the included goggle loops. You're also spoiled for choice when it comes to ear tips.

To provide the greatest fit possible, the H2O Audio Interval Swim Headphones come with 5 pairs of Elastomer earplugs and 1 pair of Tree Tip earplugs. The design is modern and appealing.

Third, these swimming headphones deliver superior sound quality with greater bass than any other swimming headphones on our list. Surge's neodymium drivers power these headphones, which produce powerful sound.

Fourth, you may use the Swim Tracker app to log your swimming sessions, establish objectives, and achieve them. We had no problems connecting several Apple iWatches to these headphones.

Bluetooth contact is established relatively immediately, with no delay concerns. However, Bluetooth does not function correctly underwater. These headphones are compatible with any music app that allows for offline play, such as Apple Music, Pandora Premium, Deezer, and others.

Guide in choosing Best Swimming Headphones

Keep in mind that the swimming headphones you intend to purchase should be more than just “waterproof headphones.” Other important variables to consider while purchasing swimming headphones are as follows. These are some examples:

1. IPX Classification

The “Ingress Protocol (IP)” rating determines the extent to which headphones are waterproof. The rating indicates a product's level of resistance to liquids.

In the case of swimming headphones, only IPx8 waterproof should be considered. Almost every pair of swimming headphones on our list is IPX8 rated.

2. Hard-wired or wireless

There aren't many wireless headphones that can be used underwater. While we have put wireless headphone on our list, they only work up to a certain depth within the water. As a result, when seeking for the best swimming headphones, you'll largely discover wired options on our list.

3. MP3 Player (Integrated or Standalone)

Do you want swimming headphones with an inbuilt MP3 player or do you want to show off the MP3 player on your back? We have both alternatives on our list for you. Swimming headphones with an integrated MP3 player, on the other hand, are more comfortable and lightweight. They are easy to utilize underwater.

4. Swimming Headphones Types

Our selection includes both in-ear and bone conduction headphones. While both types of swimming headphones are pleasant, some swimmers find in-ear swimming headphones to be suffocating as the pressure within their ears rises underwater.

As a result, bone conduction swimming headphones provide more comfort. Throughout the swimming session, keep your ears open. Some swimmers, on the other hand, prefer to protect their ears using headphones. If you are one of them, we recommend that you use in-ear swimming headphones.

In addition, practically all in-ear swimming headphones come with a selection of ear tips to provide a comfortable fit. As a result, you won't have to worry about fit concerns.

The four criteria listed above are the most vital to consider when purchasing best headphones. Other considerations can be found in our headphones buying guide.

Olympic Swimmers use Headphones to help Them Concentrate

If you've ever seen the Olympic swimming events, you've probably noticed one item of swimming equipment that stands out above the rest: headphones.

We've witnessed a lot of swimmers walk to the pool with headphones on, refusing to remove them until they were about to enter the water for an event. Unfortunately, many fans have expressed their displeasure with this popular tendency. Many of the spectators have never been athletes and have no idea how much focus is required to succeed at such high levels, and music is the key to that focus for many Olympians.

So, who has been observed wearing headphones?

Sun Yang, on the other hand, was photographed wearing Beats by Dre headphones ahead to his gold medal performance in 2012. This isn't all that shocking given that Beats by Dre have risen to become the most popular headphones in the world in a few of years.

What gets people talking is when Michael Phelps, arguably the greatest Olympian of all time, begins wearing headphones before all of his competitions. Phelps has been spotted wearing a big pair of Sol Republic sneakers.

When queried about Phelps wearing Sol Republic headphones, Kevin Lee, CEO of Sol Republic, stated that he had no idea Phelps would be wearing his company's headphones during the Games.

But it doesn't stop with Michael Phelps and Sun Yang. Ryan Lochte, Park Tai-hwan, and Liam Tancock have all been seen mentally prepping with a pair of sports cans.

Conclusion

The best waterproof headphone are created specifically for swimming, with totally watertight designs that are optimized for audio underwater. While many sports headphones are advertised as being water resistant to varied degrees, there is a lot more to consider if you want to soundtrack your swim with a motivational playlist or instructional podcast.

For starters, you'll need to consider where any music will be played. It's doubtful that your phone will be waterproof or convenient to carry while swimming. At the same time, wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth suffer in the water.

This means that, while standalone waterproof MP3 players are available, the most successful underwater headphones combine an MP3 player and internal storage into a single item, allowing you to bring your tunes into the pool with you.

Some function similarly to traditional in-ear headphones, while others use bone conduction technology to transmit sound without obstructing your ear canal, allowing you to hear ambient sounds. We've compiled a selection of both so you may select the style that best suits your tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)