Are you one of those many sports lovers who have envied Michael Phelps and other greats for their glasses as much as their prowess in swimming? Well, there’s no harm admitting the guilt since they are quite eye-catchy and add to the style quotient of an individual.
Glamor aside, a swim these days is incomplete for many individuals without some of their favorite gadgets. Imagine the priceless feeling of lazing in the pool on a hot afternoon with your earphones plugged. What could be a more satisfying and a better idea of relaxation, don’t you think?
Many swimmers today can’t imagine a dip without being tuned to their playlist, which was one of the reasons that spurred this article.
Considering the growing popularity of waterproof headphones exclusively tailored for swimming, we indulged in a research of gadgets that are making waves world over currently.
The exhaustive study has led us to this list, a compilation of best headphones for swimming that have done quite well in striking a balance between quality and price. We hope these suggestions help each of you in pursuit of a headphone tailored to your needs.
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Headphones for Swimming – Comparative Table
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
| AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof in-Ear Earphones | 5.1 x 3.6 x 0.9 inches | 0.64 Ounces | Click Here for Price |
| 9.7 x 5 x 3.5 inches | 6.4 Ounces | Click Here for Price | |
| 7.1 x 4.7 x 1.1 inches | 2.4 Ounces | Click Here for Price | |
| 4.7 x 4.7 x 2.6 inches | 4 Ounces | Click Here for Price | |
| 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.3 inches | 1.44 Ounces | Click Here for Price | |
| 6 x 4.5 x 1 inches | 1.6 Ounces | Click Here for Price | |
| 5 x 2 x 7.4 inches | 1.12 Ounces | Click Here for Price | |
| 2.4 x 5.9 x 8.7 inches | 5.6 Ounces | Click Here for Price | |
| 1 x 4.8 x 8.2 inches | 2.4 Ounces | Click Here for Price | |
| 6 x 6 x 4 inches | 1.12 Ounces | Click Here for Price |
1. AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof in-Ear Earphones
If you are looking for a pair of headphones that are quite economical, you could probably opt for the AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof in-Ear Earphones. A common complaint among swimmers is the lack of compatibility between their swim caps and headphones. Surprisingly, many have hailed this product for its ability to have bridged this gap seamlessly.
Even if you are immersed at least 1.5 meters deep inside water for even a little more than 30 minutes, the performance of this AGPTEK invention will remain unaffected. This is a feat achieved by very few devices of its kind in the past, and there are several other reasons that make this product a swimmer’s delight. For instance, the length of the cord attached to the headphones spans between 16 and 35 centimeters, which is sufficiently long enough to prevent any kind of entangling during those swimming strokes.
That’s not all, you even get an audio cable that’s approximately 1 meter long, comprising of a 3.5 mm male-to-female jack, and seamlessly bridges the distance between your ears and the audio device, which is probably buried inside the pocket of a swimsuit. The length of the cable is sufficiently long to stretch from the mp3 player seated in your swimming costume all the way up to your ears.
Apart from the design, tailored to make the headphones as comfortable as possible during a swim, the audio quality of this product deserves a special mention. Even after spending a considerable amount of time under water, this product delivers an exceptional sound clarity. The audio quality rendered by the AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof-in-earphones is far superior compared to several such available online today. The reason is the employment of advanced Noise Isolation technology and its ability to correct intermediate frequency.
The makers offer 3 size options of ear tips along with this product, namely S, M, and L. So, there’s actually no reason to fret over the right fit for your ear.
Not just swimming, the AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof in-Ear Earphones could be your best companions during other aquatic activities such as kayaking, running, surfing, and skiing as well.
The headphones are compatible with a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, MP3/MP4 players, as well as kindle. Rather, it would be wiser to say that the product works well with almost any device that supports a 3.5 mm jack. The FCC/CE/ROHS certifications bagged by these headphones are a testament of its reliability and durability, which is also why investing on this product isn’t really a bad idea.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less susceptible to damage even when submerged deep inside water for more than 30 minutes Has bagged FCC/CE/ROHS certifications Suitable for kayaking, surfing, and skiing as well, apart from swimming Includes an impressive accessory kit | Not durable for a long period of time as the product promises |
2. HydroActive Short-Cord Waterproof Headphones
The attractive black pouch that encapsulates these headphones is quite eye-catchy and could in a way influence your purchase decision. Probably you have already come across this product at a nearby store, but wait until you delve deep into its abilities.
It also includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack that makes these headphones compatible with a wide variety of devices. HydroActive has included a wrap-around design in the headphones that doesn’t interfere with the headgear and can be effortlessly plugged into your ears.
The manufacturer has included several protection chambers in the design of these headphones to prevent any seepage of water. This high-degree of insulation ensures the sound is clear and unmuffled even under water, which is one of the reasons why you should consider buying this device.
The ability to resist any damage caused due to water makes these headphones ideal for canoeing, aqua-aerobics, SUP, kayaking, and several other aquatic activities, apart from merely being swimming-specific
The only turn-off we could observe with this device is the wrap-around design we’d been hailing earlier. It looks quite attractive at a first glance, but could rattle and shake once you pick momentum and start swimming faster.
The makers also offer four different pairs of earbuds that make this product suitable for both dryland as well as under-water activities.
As mentioned earlier, the attractive black case the makers offer, also protects the headphones. So, you can dump or rather stuff it in a suitcase filled with loads of clothes and be assured they aren’t going to be damaged. HydroActive also offers a one-year warranty along with this product that helps you get them fixed or find a replacement for a defective piece without any cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Protection chambers insulate it from water Ideal for canoeing, Kayaking, and aqua-aerobics, apart from swimming | Wrap around design is unstable and shakes when swimming speed increases |
3. Pyle Marine Grade IPX -7 Waterproof Headphones
The most noteworthy feature of these headphones is its design. If you are a fan of over-the-ear clasp, this headphone is tailored for you. However, not everyone admires this sort of a design and find it difficult to make the device compatible with their ear lobes.
This deviation in design from the traditional headphones is to suit athletes across several sports, and not merely swimmers. We must tell you that the curved headphones are being hailed as one of the best examples of ergonomics by sport-lovers world over. Even if your swimming or aquatic sport activities get really vigorous, this device wouldn’t slip out of your ear lobes like a lot of yesteryear devices.
This is also a product you could rely on if running or jogging is a vital part of your daily routine. The fact that the Pyle Marine Grade IPX-7 headphones is waterproof also means that your product would be less susceptible to damage caused due to the moisture in sweat.
They have been carved to be comfortable even when plugged for hours together, while you are at the pool.
However, there are many reasons to like these headphones, which we understood on close examination. These headphones have a water-blocking ability. Not only do these prevent water from seeping into its interiors and damaging any of the components, but also ensure there’s no gap between the headphone and ears when plugged.
The manufacturer is also offering 3 pairs of earbuds as accessories along with these headphones that you could probably wear interchangeably. Such choices are seldom provided by most headphone manufacturers today. This is a step to ensure you don’t have to deal with the discomfort of worn-out earbuds for a considerably long time.
The best part is, Pyle, the manufacturer, is offering both wired and wireless variants of this product. For the same price, you have a choice of choosing the headphones tailored to your comfort. So, you can toggle between your favorite songs effortlessly underwater while using this device.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Prevents water from entering inner ears 3 pairs of earbuds provided as accessories by the manufacturer Pyle | The design of the headphones might not be liked by all |
4. Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones
Have you heard of headphones that work well even if you are 3 meters deep in water? Well, that’s what the Swimbuds’ exclusive sport headphones have managed to achieve.
Swimbuds is also offering a choice in terms of chord length. A 40 cm long cord is provided by the makers by default to prevent wires dangling around the face. This feature helps rule out any kind of discomfort caused during swimming by headphones and ensures you enjoy music and aquatic activities simultaneously. In addition, you could also procure a cord that’s around 1 meter long from Swimbuds if you want to hold the audio player comfortably. The manufacturer has employed third generation Hydrobeat TM Sound technology that contributes significantly to the sound quality.
The headphones are quite rugged and less susceptible to damage, thanks to the cords and components included in its design. Unlike the traditional earbuds, the manufacturers have included tree tips as a part of this product’s design. Their shape inarguably does the best job at insulating ears from water, as compared to a string of earbuds we have used before. These tree tips are quite firm and don’t fall off your ears during a vigorous swim or any athletic activity involving rigorous movements.
The price includes 4 pairs of spare earbuds, or rather tree tips, as a part of the accessory kit to suit the needs of different kinds of athletes. So, there’s only a slight possibility of the headphones making a person uncomfortable during use. This is another reason why the product could turn out to be worth your money. You could also choose to combine Fin or Ergo Tips along with these earphones for a better listening experience during your swim sessions.
Swimbuds offers a 1-year warranty along with this product, so you don’t really have to panic if defective headphones arrive at your doorstep. Even in the case of wear and tear, you could approach the customer support executives for fixes, free of any cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The tree tip design is much better than most traditional earbuds at preventing water seepage 1-year warranty | Frequent complaints of the product not lasting beyond a year |
5. Sony Smart B-Trainer Headphones
Any discussion of leading audio devices is incomplete without the mere mention of Sony. The brand as all of you know is globally renowned for engineering products that have redefined audio quality standards, and the Smart B-Trainer is another example of the brand’s finesse.
The product is suited for athletic activities of all kinds, not merely swimming, and is widely preferred by sports enthusiasts globally.
The product has bagged an IPX5/IPX8 rating that makes it waterproof and able to resist any kind of water seepage caused by swimming, or even while sweating it out in the gym.
Apart from audio components that deliver an exceptional sound quality, the Sony Smart B-Trainer is also equipped with six sensors that serve several purposes. These include monitoring heart rate, accelerometer, GPS navigation, Gyrometer and Barometer, all packed in its sleek body. Not many audio product manufacturers offer such a wide variety of features in headphones.
You could make the best use of these headphones while utilizing the Smart B-Trainer app. The app and headphones together could serve as your best companions in a variety of fitness programs such as preparing for a marathon, building endurance, and losing weight. It actually doubles as your personal fitness coach at the gym.
As far as its configuration is concerned, these headphones include an internal memory of 16 GB, and it’s compliant with the Bluetooth 4.0 standard, as well.
The only concern of the product is its price. However, considering the reputation of the brand, its configuration, and the dozen features being offered, the investment could prove to be totally worth it. We are yet to see a headphone more holistic as compared to the Sony Smart B-Trainer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holistic device that offers several features such as heart rate monitoring, GPS navigation, Gyrometer, and Barometer Internal memory of 16 GB and compliant with Bluetooth 4.0 standard | Quite expensive as compared to other waterproof headphones |
6. H2O Audio Waterproof Headphones
Popular for its bass heavy audio, the H2O Audio Waterproof Headphones are quite economical too. After a close inspection, we kind of figured the reason behind the product’s popularity among the masses.
Not just two or three, H2O Audio is offering five sets of ear tips along with this device to ensure there’s almost no discomfort while using these earphones. The sizes of these earbuds range from XS to XL, which implies the manufacturers have done their best to deliver customization as well and ensure the comfort of customers across segments. The length of this device’s cord is approximately 12 feet, which makes the connection from your ears to an audio device perched in your pocket quite easy. The ear tips and the length of the cord ensure the ear plugs don’t slip out when the swimming, or any sport activity for that matter, gets vigorous.
Thus, swimming is going to be free of hassles, as long as a device such as this one is the accessory accompanying you in the activity.
The product has bagged an IPX8 rating which implies that it is quite resistant to the damage normally incurred by devices of its kind due to water. Thus, you can relish the experience of premium bass as long as you want, under water, without any sort of drop in the experience.
The makers have left no stone unturned to ensure the audio quality of these headphones is quite top-notch.
This headphone is also quite suitable for those of you who aren’t much of swimmers but indulge in vigorous cardio and sweat quite a lot. The product has been designed to prevent any malfunction due to moisture.
The makers are also offering a one-year warranty along with this product, which makes it easy to procure a replacement even if the product is faulty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sweatproof, quite suitable for workouts too, not just swimming Five sets of ear tips One-year warranty | Earbuds don’t live up to the expectations |
7. Sony NW-WS413 Waterproof MP3 Player
This is another Sony product we couldn’t afford to miss in our list, and yet again, with this invention, the brand continues its streak at carving fine pieces of technology.
Not many headphone manufacturers reveal details of their product’s battery life, unlike Sony. The NW-WS413 Waterproof MP3 player has a battery life of 12 hours, which is exceptionally long and you don’t have to worry about the battery dying during the middle of a swim session. Even if the device has to be recharged, the NW-WS413 doesn’t consume a lot of time for the same when powered.
While most waterproof headphones promise exceptional performance in swimming pools that are high on chlorine, not many promise exceptional performance under salt water. Probably you’ve already kind of understood what we tried to imply. Yes, that’s where the NW-WS413 triumphs, in its ability to not become dysfunctional even when you are deep sea diving. Even if you are more than 2 meters under the surface, to be precise.
There are numerous instances of headphones becoming dysfunctional when used at a beach or under sea-water, but this is a product you can rely on.
This ability of the product also means that it is insulated from any kind of damage caused due to the moisture present in human sweat, and it is equally resistive to any dampening caused due to dust.
The ambient noise function technology incorporated by the makers in this product ensures you aren’t totally oblivious to the events around you even while listening to music. This ability is also a significantly positive enhancement as compared to many traditional headphones we have seen over the years.
Sony is offering regular and swim earbuds along with this product, which makes the product suitable for a variety of cardio activities apart from swimming too. The manufacturer has ensured the headphones are high on ergonomics too and fit perfectly, ruling out any possibility of the device falling off even during intense workouts.
The product is compatible with both Mac and Windows devices and is supportive of audio files of MP3, WMA, AAC, as well as PCM formats. The makers have incorporated the USB 2.0 feature in this headphone, which is quite impressive too. Considering the many features and advantages it has to offer, this device is worth the price and one of the best headphones for swimming. Most importantly it is an invention engineered by the research & development team of Sony.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Battery lasts for 12 hours Inclusive of USB 2.0 feature Compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC and PCM audio formats | After-sale service offered by Sony for a damaged product is quite poor |
8. FINIS Duo Underwater Bone Conduction MP3 Player
At the very first glance, one can figure the FINIS Duo Underwater Bone Conduction MP3 Player is tailored for athletes. The appearance of this headphone very well compliments most sport outfits, especially your swimming gear. The product kind of resembles the accessories those celebrity swimmers adorn during their events.
However, there are many reasons apart from the design to look forward to in this product. The FINIS Duo Underwater Bone Conduction MP3 Player has bagged an IPX8 certification, which makes it waterproof, like many other products on our list. You can be submerged even 3 meters below water and still experience outstanding sound quality by plugging these headphones.
You could probably be under water for as much as 30 minutes, yet the audio quality of this device would remain unperturbed. The integrated clip design of this product deserves a special mention since it helps append the device to goggle straps so that there’s no discomfort of any sort while swimming. However, the abilities of this unique headphone are much beyond producing great sound.
As the name suggests, the manufacturers have incorporated Bone Conduction Technology while engineering this device, which is aimed at delivering sound quality that’s largely unparalleled. The impact made by the speakers is impeccable and even surpasses the quality rendered by earbuds.
The device has a storage capacity of 4 GB, which is exceptionally good if you have an exhaustive collection of songs and other audio files. Approximately 1000 songs and 60 hours of playback can be effortlessly stored on this headphone. The product is compatible with a variety of audio formats including the WMA and MP3. There’s almost no rigidity in terms of the kind of files that can be played, and you could use the product to listen to your favorite music, podcasts, as well as audiobooks.
I think the reasons above are quite convincing enough to influence anybody into buying these headphones.
As far as technical glitches are concerned, the makers offer a user manual along with this device that should help you troubleshoot easily without seeking the assistance of an expert.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive design Brand has employed Bone Conduction technology to enhance sound quality Capable of storing 1000 songs and around 60 hours of playback | Electrical connections get corroded |
9. Black Swimbuds Waterproof Headphones
This is another product from the Swimbuds factory that is making quite a lot of waves among gadget enthusiasts today, and a closer look at it revealed exactly why.
This product is tailored for flip turns, which is a quality not many headphones of its kind possess. The makers offer four earbud tip options along with this product to ensure the ears are tightly sealed. The choices of earbuds aren’t merely aimed at preventing the entry of water into the ears, but make the device as comfortable as possible for you.
One of these earbud pairs is also designed for use outside water, so you can rely on these headphones even when you hit the gym.
The stereo jack of these headphones is gold-plated to make them less susceptible to corrosion or any other kind of damage when under water.
Apart from the choices of earbuds, each of which designed differently, Swimbuds also offers a FitGoo lubricant that ensures your ears are sealed when they are adorned. The lubricant also significantly prevents the earbuds from wearing out, which is an obvious possibility when a component is continually used.
Another noteworthy accessory Swimbuds offers along with this product is a waterproof audio extension to ensure the cord is sufficiently long to prevent any kind of discomfort while you make those strokes at the pool. The accessory kit of these headphones also includes a USB 2.0 charge cable, which kind of makes it worth the price.
These headphones are also one of the cheapest you can find today. Considering its many advantages, you can maybe give this product a thought.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quite economical Tailored for flip turns, unlike several headphones of the past Great customer service | Not a long-lasting product |
10. Swimbuds MP3 Wearable Audio player
Here’s yet another genius of an invention from Swimbuds, which has catapulted itself to the status of one of the most reliable audio brands in the country today.
You can trust these headphones and be submerged as deep as 10 feet deep inside water and still they would work just fine. One aspect you would probably not complain about while using this Swimbuds product is the fit. The wide variety of choices the makers offer in terms of ear buds ensures that there is going to be little discomfort while using this product.
The brand offers as many as 11 earbuds along with these headphones, which is much more than what most manufacturers have to offer. Apart from comfort, it is quite easy to play, pause and toggle between tracks.
As the name suggests, this product has a built-in mp3 player that can store approximately 2000 tracks and possesses a memory of 8 GB, which is quite an impressive configuration. Once fully charged, the battery of the Swimbuds MP3 Wearable Audio player can last approximately 8 hours.
The design of this product is also quite impressive and makes it an attractive piece of swimming gear. It is also easy to toggle. So, if you are wondering how to enjoy some relaxing music and swim at the same time, then this could be one of the best options around.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built-in Mp3 player Impressive accessory kit includes as many as 11 earbuds Internal memory of 8 GB Long-lasting battery | Not the best underwater Mp3 player available, despite the many advantages |
Buyers’ Guide
Here are a few features you could probably look for in headphones tailored for swimming.
Certifications
Usually, headphones tailored for swimming are IPX8-certified, which is a testament to the fact that the product is waterproof. If you stumble upon a headphone that seems promising and intend to utilize it for your swimming routine, the first checkbox it needs to tick is IPX8 certification. If the technical specifications document or your research of the product’s configuration doesn’t confirm the product is waterproof, you very well know your next move. In addition, some headphones possess FCC/CE/ROHS certifications which are a measure of the product’s reliability and durability.
Accessory Kit
Unlike other electronic products where you could do well without a few accessories, the additions you get along with a waterproof headphone, largely define its quality. For instance, some of the brands offer several choices of earbuds as a move to ensure ‘perfect-fit’ isn’t an issue at all. Each of the earbuds offered by a few headphone manufacturers have drastically different designs to prevent seepage of water and sweat.
Along with a few products, you get additional cords to help any kind of wire entangle during those rigorous swimming strokes. A USB 2.0 standard cable is another accessory you need to check for in a kit at the time of purchase. Overall, the number of accessories offered by a brand also determines if the headphone is worth the price.
Battery
The average time taken by a headphone to discharge completely is roughly around 8 hours, which is significantly great. This is a vital ability you need to check for in any headphone you purchase since you wouldn’t want your product to disconnect in the middle of a marathon or a rigorous workout session at the gym. Even if you are spending hours at the pool, the last thing you would want is a headphone that’s turned off since the battery died.
Storage
Some of the headphones such as one of the products manufactured by Swimbuds, on our list, also double as MP3 players with an impressive storage capacity. Quite a few headphones offer a playback of 60 hours and can store over a thousand different tracks. This is an additional quality you need to look for in a headphone. Isn’t it great to own a headphone that not only offers great audio quality but also stores dozens of playlists.
Waterproof vs Water-resistant
This is an important difference many headphone users or potential buyers need to understand. Waterproof headphones offer impeccable sound quality and don’t become dysfunctional even if you are submerged several meters deep under water for long periods. Some of the waterproof products available today also claim to work extraordinarily well in sea water.
Water-resistant headphones are the ones that have been engineered to insulate components from moisture to the best possible extent. However, they aren’t the ideal kind to buy if submerging yourself deep in water is your routine. You can probably rely on water-resistant headphones for your routine cardio activities such as running and cycling.
FAQs
1. Which headphone is best suited for swimming?
Several reputed brands are manufacturing waterproof headphones. However, being merely resistant to any sort of damage caused by water isn’t the only expectation these devices need to meet. The capabilities of headphones transcend much beyond preventing water seepage and several products from the recent past are examples that have proved this fact.
The idea of best headphone is subjective, and entirely depends on the needs of the individual involved. However, if we are to choose a product that is quite remarkable, it would probably be the Sony Smart B-Trainer. This headphone is quite remarkable in many ways apart from merely preventing water from entering the ears.
2. What’s the difference between Water-resistant headphones and waterproof headphones?
This has been a common question plaguing the minds of many individuals who aren’t too tech-savvy but are in the pursuit of an electronic device that works well under water.
Usually IPX8 rated, headphones claiming to be waterproof work really well when you are submerged several meters deep under water for a really long time.
Water-resistant headphones are those that have been designed to insulate water from entering the device. These are ideal for long workout sessions or even marathons where one tends to sweat a lot. The manufacturers design these water-resistant products to be unperturbed by the moisture in sweat. However, it cannot be guaranteed that these headphones would work perfectly when you indulge in deep-sea diving or are submerged in the pool for a really long period.
3. What are the features to look for in headphones designed for swimming?
Apart from being waterproof, there are several features to look for headphones tailored for swimmers. An accessory kit that offers several choices of earbuds is a must to ensure these devices fit perfectly well when you are engrossed in vigorous swimming.
A long battery life, and an impressive internal memory are factors that need to be checked. Quite recently, Sony introduced a couple of headphones that are quite holistic and offer a dozen features apart from merely being water-resistant. Although a little expensive, these products are great examples to prove that the capabilities of headphones should ideally exceed far beyond being insulated from water. Most importantly, you must assess if the features being offered by the product of you choice justifies the price quoted.
Conclusion
We hope this compilation of the best swimming headphones proved to be really handy and helped you arrive at an effective purchase decision. The spectrum of these devices, tailored for swimming, is quite wide, and the deluge could be quite overwhelming. Many of them offer several advantages ranging from price to choices in terms of accessories. Although slightly expensive, the Sony Smart-B Trainer is one of the best headphones for swimming available today. The product is quite holistic and offers several other advantages apart from being resistant to damage caused by water. However, the choice of the best headphones for swimming is entirely dependent on your needs.
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Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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