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We Found the 6 Best Headphones for Swimming To Take the Plunge
Our swim instructor-approved picks are waterproof and customizable, with a long battery life
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Jessica Murtaugh, CPT, CNC, is a digital marketing and branding consultant living in Los Angeles, CA. A personal trainer and nutrition coach, she is passionate about life-long, balanced wellness.
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Mikael Hanson is a USA cycling and USA triathlon certified coach with over 25 years of coaching experience. He has worked with athletes of all ages, from beginners to World Champions.
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Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.
Verywell Fit / Kevin Liang
Lap-training days can get monotonous for even the most seasoned swimmers, but a fresh playlist can provide you with a new wave of motivation, says master swim coach Ralph Porrazzo. The best headphones for swimming can help motivate you during a tough swim set and help relax you during a cool down. Just like any other sport, it's nice to have something to listen to while getting a workout in. When shopping, look for headphones that are fully waterproof, safe, and distraction-free to use. They should also offer a long battery life to last you for multiple swim sessions and be designed to fit comfortably without interfering with your strokes, Porrazzo says.
To find the best headphones for swimming, we first spoke with two swim instructors to learn more about the key features to consider. Then, we researched dozens of options from top, trusted fitness tech brands. Narrowing down our research, we evaluated each swimming headphone for its sound quality, comfort, waterproofing, battery life, safety, and value. Finally, we had a triathlon coach from our Review Board review this story for accuracy, as well as how to shop for high-quality, durable headphones that can stand up to frequent use.
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Durable
Comfortable
On-unit controls
Sound less clear than in-ear options
No Bluetooth connectivity
Key Specs
Wireless: Yes | Type: Bone conduction MP3 | Battery Life: 8 hours | Memory: 4 GB | Storage: Silicone case | IPX Rating: IP68
Why We Love Them
Shokz's OpenSwim Headphones are our top pick for swimming because of their “open-ear” design. We love the open-ear, bone-conduction design because it prevents ear discomfort underwater and allows swimmers to maintain awareness of their environment for safer swimming—making these an ideal choice for open water swimming or training in a group setting. And swim instructor Evan Rashby agrees, recommending this specific pair.
The ergonomic wraparound band fits comfortably while still being snug enough to actually stay in place while you swim. It can also easily tuck into your swim cap for more vigorous strokes, dives, or flips. Fully waterproof, these headphones are rated IP68 and can be submerged in water 6 feet deep for up to two hours. And the storage isn’t too shabby either, as you can upload 4 GB of podcasts, audiobooks, or music (the equivalent of 1,200 songs) onto its user-friendly MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, and FLAC-compatible player.
The on-unit controls behind the earpiece are easier to reach than those on other swimming headset players, making toggling through your playlist fuss-free. And we love that this set comes with a USB charging cradle and a silicone carrying case.
Potential Flaws
- Like other bone-conduction headphones, the sound on these is more muddled than in-ear options.
- You can’t stream music from your personal device, but we consider this a small price to pay for such a reliable, streamlined piece.
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MP3 and Bluetooth dual connectivity
High storage capacity
Noise-reduction feature
Slightly bulky
Sound less clear than in-ear options
Key Specs
Wireless: Yes | Battery Life: 6 hours | Memory: 29 GB | Storage: Not included | IPX Rating: IP68
Why We Love Them
If you’re sticking to a budget but still want some underwater audio, consider OUFUNI's X3 Bone Conduction Headphones. They are about half the price of alternatives and boast some stellar features. Dual MP3-Bluetooth connectivity, impressive sound storage, and ambient noise reduction make them a thrifty find. Like our best overall pick, this set transmits sound waves through bone conduction, bypassing the eardrums to promote safe volume levels and awareness of your surroundings.
The over-ear design ensures a secure fit for fast lap swimming. It's also lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended training. Plus, it has very user-friendly controls that are easy to reach, as well as a microphone and noise reduction chip for answering phone calls out of the pool. We also love the impressive, built-in 16 GB audio storage (equivalent to about 5K songs).
Potential Flaws
- They are a bit bulkier than our top pick and might be harder to tuck into a cap for smaller heads, but we don’t foresee this being too much of a distraction for most.
- These are open-ear headphones, so they aren’t as crystal clear as in-ear models, but the sound is still pretty solid.
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Made with military-grade materials
Tight magnetized case with lanyard
Wireless, fast charging
Although waterproof, they’re not specifically designed for swimming
Key Specs
Wireless: Yes | Battery Life: 8+ hours (earbuds), 16 hours (case) | Memory: Not applicable | Storage: Self-charging case | IPX Rating: IP68 (earbuds), IP54 (case)
Why We Love Them
If you’re looking for untethered buds, we recommend Jaybird's Vista 2 True Wireless Sport Headphones. Made with military-grade materials, they have a destruction-proof design and an IP68 rating (the highest protection available on the market). They're also super secure thanks to the soft wingtip and earbud shape that don't budge. And an eight-hour battery life also helps get you through quite a few practices.
The sound is superior to most of the swimming headphones on our list. We love the optional active noise cancellation and ambient sound transparency features, which allow you to be more aware of your surroundings. The pair also has earbud location technology in case you misplace a bud, though the included carrying case should help you keep them safe.
Potential Flaws
- Since these aren’t explicitly designed for swimming, you might find them less water-tight than other models. So, despite their waterproof rating, we recommend these for cross-training and recreational pool use rather than for prolonged submerging during intense training.
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Streamlined
Goggle clips
Works with Apple and Garmin watches
Shorter battery life than alternatives
Key Specs
Wireless: Yes | Battery Life: 5 hours | Memory: Not applicable | Storage: Small mesh bag | IPX Rating: IPX8
Why We Love Them
Keeping pace in the pool is easy with these swimming headphones, endorsed by Porrazzo and many others in the swimming community. They sync with your Apple or Garmin watch to keep all your health and fitness insights up to date. Simply clip your waterproof smartwatch to the headphone or goggle strap, pair FINIS's Bluetooth Headphones, and start tracking your progress.
You can enjoy underwater listening with your favorite tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks downloaded directly to your watch, reducing the chance of Bluetooth connectivity issues. These headphones are durable, with an IPX8 rating, and secured by goggle clips. They withstand deep dives and breath strokes. The kit also includes a mesh carrying bag to conveniently store all of its components.
Potential Flaws
- With a 5-hour battery life, these will need to be charged more often than others on our list.
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Comfortable
Excellent, in-ear sound
Quick-charging, long-lasting battery
Lower memory storage than alternatives
Key Specs
Wireless: Yes | Battery Life: 12 hours | Memory: 4 GB | Storage: No case included | IPX Rating: IP68
Why We Love Them
Triathlon athletes and cross-trainers, this pair’s for you. Sony's Walkman Headphones are ideal for land-to-water athletics, with their sweat, dust, and waterproof tech, rated IP68. Our top pick for versatility, these also come recommended by Porrazzo as a go-to, reliable in-ear option. Simple to set up and use, the all-in-one MP3 player is easy to connect, drag, and drop jams straight from your personal computer.
We love that the sound quality is crisp and safe, offering an ambient sound mode to hear traffic, lifeguards, and other environmental sounds. One of the best features of these headphones is their 12-hour battery life and rapid charging cradle, which can get you a full hour of juice in about three minutes. Plus, they come in four size options of both regular and swimming earbuds so that you can switch out according to your activity and ear size.
Potential Flaws
- Sure, it offers less storage than some players, but 4 GB of storage (roughly 1,000 songs) is still plenty of uninterrupted play to get you through hours of swimming, running, biking, and more.
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Great sound
Comfortable
Durable
Wires might bother some
Key Specs
Wireless: No | Battery Life: 10 hours | Memory: 8 GB | Storage: Accessories box | IPX Rating: IPX8
Why We Love Them
Designed specifically for aquatic environments, SYRYN’s Swimbuds are a popular choice for swimmers thanks to their durability and straightforward functionality. The set consists of an MP3 player with 8 GB of storage for up to 2K audio tracks. It also includes an extension cable, two guided swim audio workouts, and travel-size bottles of earbud lubricant and hair product.
To ensure a secure fit for swimmers and to keep ear canal water at bay, these headphones also come with three triple-flange earpiece options in three different sizes. The player clips to the back of your swimming goggles, and the headphones’ wires feed under the goggle straps to remain out of the way as you swim.
Potential Flaws
- The wires might be tricky to feed through your goggle straps, but once secure, they shouldn't budge.
What to Look For When Shopping For Headphones For Swimming
- Waterproof Rating: Swimming headphones are specifically engineered to endure different water depths. When considering waterproof electronics, it's crucial to look for an IPXX (Ingress Protection) rating established by the International Electrotechnical Commission. The first “X” stands for resistance against dust and particles, while the second “X” indicates the level of waterproofing. In other words the higher the second number in the rating, the more waterproof the device will be. Headphones rated IPX7 or IPX8 are considered fully waterproof and swim-proof, capable of withstanding varying depths and durations of submersion.
- Safety: As mentioned, headphones are safe to swim with if they have an IPX7 or IPX8 waterproof rating. Additionally, consider sound levels to protect your hearing. Choosing headphones with adjustable decibel levels can help you maintain safe audio volume. You might also want to look for ambient noise functionality, as it can help you hear other swimmers or lifeguards while playing tunes. Bone conduction headsets are considered safest for hearing, though they may not offer as crisp of sound quality as in-ear options.
- Comfort: When choosing swimming headphones, prioritize proper fit and comfort to avoid head, ear, or neck pain while swimming. Look for features like triple-flange earpieces or lightweight, ergonomic headsets with snug-fitting earplugs, Rashby says. This will prevent water from entering the ear canal and causing discomfort or, worse, a bacterial ear infection. Regardless of the headphone style, they should not cause hazards or distractions while swimming.
- Battery Life: There’s nothing worse than showing up to the pool with the motivation to swim and finding out the battery of your waterproof headphones is low, Porrazzo says. When shopping, look for headphones that can hold a good, long charge for multiple training sessions. Headphones that can charge quickly and have a long battery life will make your life easier.
- Price: While it's true that underwater headphones won't deliver as crisp of sound quality as regular workout headphones due to water's conductivity and ambient noise, cutting corners on price could jeopardize your investment, Rashby says. Opting for cheaper options might lead to breakdowns in water or safety concerns. We recommend investing in reputable brands, like the ones on this list, known for high-quality materials, water resistance ratings, and warranty support.
How We Selected the Headphones for Swimming
To choose the best headphones for swimming, we first consulted experts—Porrazzo and Rashby—to learn more about what features and safety considerations to look for when shopping. They also shared the entertainment and performance benefits of using waterproof headphones while swimming, as well as shopping advice. Then, we researched dozens of swim-proof headphones from top, trusted brands. We used key considerations like waterproof ratings, safety features, comfort, battery life, and price to help guide our recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use headphones while swimming?
Yes! Wearing headphones while swimming can make your workout more motivating and enjoyable; just make sure they fit properly without causing pain or letting water in, which can lead to a swimmer’s ear.
How do you know if your headphones are waterproof enough?
Your headphones need to have an IPXX score of at least IPX7 to be waterproof enough for swimming.
Are wired or wireless headphones better for swimming?
It's really up to your personal needs and preferences. Wireless headphones offer more durability and freedom of movement, reducing drag and potential entanglements. On the other hand, wired options may be more reliable and affordable.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A lifelong athlete, avid runner, and certified personal trainer, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, keeps her soundtrack fresh, knowing the value of reliable, waterproof headphones for workouts. Owning several pairs over the years, she particularly loves Zygo’s Solo Headset for its secure comfort, long range, and innovative ability to stream from any audio app on her phone. For this guide, she prioritized trustworthy brands that aim to accommodate various listening preferences while swimming.
Clark, Jamie C.1; Baghurst, Timothy2; Redus, Brady S.1. Self-Selected Motivational Music on the Performance and Perceived Exertion of Runners. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 35(6):p 1656-1661, June 2021. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000002984
Patania VM, Padulo J, Iuliano E, et al. The psychophysiological effects of different tempo music on endurance versus high-intensity performances. Front Psychol. 2020;11:74. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00074
International Electrotechnical Commission. IP Ratings.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ear infections.
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