When you’re doing laps in the pool or going for a swim in open water, good headphones can add a soundtrack, give you a rhythm to work with, and enhance your overall experience.
Runners typically look for headphones that are sweatproof and dust or dirt resistant. These types of devices do not perform well in water as they are not fully waterproof and cannot withstand prolonged immersion in a pool. Most waterproof headphones also differ in that they integrate an MP3 player and storage library, as Bluetooth signals don’t work well underwater. Headphones specialized for swimming take all of these factors into account.
We’ve rounded up several highly-rated options for you, from traditional in-ear headphones to bone conduction headphones, where sound waves bypass the eardrum so your ear canal isn’t blocked and you can hear surrounding sounds (like the lifeguard telling you that to stop injecting). ). Make your choice and buy with Amazon Prime for free and fast delivery.
1. Overall Winner: SHOKZ OpenSwim MP3 Headphones
advantages
- 4GB MP3 memory
- Waterproof according to IP68
- Compatible with swimming caps, swimming goggles, earplugs
- Powerful eight-hour battery
Disadvantages
- Not compatible with Bluetooth
- Expensive
If you’re looking for a lightweight pair of bone conduction headphones, SHOKZ OpenSwim is a great option. Its IP68 rating means it is fully waterproof and can be submerged in up to two meters of water for two hours. The headphones have a storage capacity of 4 GB, which corresponds to around 1,200 songs. Reviewers say the headphones’ sound quality is best when the device is fully submerged during freestyle or backstroke swimming. However, you may notice some discrepancies with the breaststroke, as you can hear the water sloshing as you repeatedly ascend and descend (this is because the ear canals remain open when using bone conduction headphones). This isn’t a deal-breaker in any way though, as the headphones are comfortable and easy to use, and offer great sound quality.
2. Best Multipurpose: Sony NW-WS413 Waterproof All-in-One MP3 Player
advantages
- Waterproof according to IPX68
- 4GB memory
- Excellent battery life
- multisport usage
- Great sound quality
- Includes Ambient Mode feature.
Disadvantages
- In-ear fit may not be for everyone
- According to some reviewers, the volume is too low
Want to use a pair of headphones for all your workouts? Then this Sony MP3 player is for you. The in-ear headphones are water and dust resistant and come with two pairs of ear tips – one standard and one specially designed for swimming. Its head-hugging design ensures a comfortable fit, so whether you’re doing laps in the water or running on land – it’ll stay secure. With an ambient mode you can turn on to better hear what’s going on around you, they’re great for when you’re working out with a friend or trainer. Amazon reviewers appreciate how easy it is to stream music or podcasts onto the device, but some find the volume isn’t ideal and is “just loud enough to get through,” especially when used in crowded, noisy environments .
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh85 for 12 months at selected banks.
3. Best Fit: FINIS Duo Underwater Bone Conduction MP3 Player
advantages
- Secure fit
- Outstanding sound quality
- Waterproof according to IPX8
- 4GB memory
Disadvantages
- Not safe to use on land
This pair of bone conduction headphones has a unique design for a reason – it offers the most secure fit, according to Amazon reviewers. One user said it stayed firmly secured when trying different swimming styles in the pool, and most impressively when trying to jump in and out overthrow. FINIS Duo plays at a depth of three meters for up to 30 minutes, and with its 4 GB of memory you can play up to 1,000 songs in both MP3 and WMA audio format. The dual units attach to your glasses, and large buttons give you easy access to volume and playback controls. However, because it’s so specialized, its secure fit can’t carry over when running or cycling on firm ground.
4. Best Bluetooth Headphones: H2O Audio Sonar
advantages
- 8GB memory
- Waterproof according to IPX8
- Connects to iOS and Android smartwatches
- Great sound quality
Disadvantages
- Cannot be worn without glasses
Using bone conduction technology, these H2O Audio Sonar headphones clip onto your swim goggles and rely on them for support. The device is very easy to use – big raised markings help you switch even when you’re swimming – and its massive 8GB library gives you the ability to listen to over 2,000 songs. Unlike many other waterproof headphones on the market, H2O Audio Sonar lets you stream via Bluetooth. But beware, as Bluetooth range is notoriously limited underwater – the signal only goes down 10cm when the receiver is underwater, so you’ll need to attach your smartwatch to the goggles for it to work!
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh42 for 12 months at selected banks.
Warranty: Amazon offers a 1-year extended warranty for Dh35 and a 2-year extended warranty for Dh57.
5. Best Value: Swimbuds SYRYN
advantages
- 8GB memory
- Large, tactile buttons for easy navigation
- Waterproof according to IPX8
- Good battery life
Disadvantages
- Not a secure fit according to reviewers
A no-fuss, easy-to-use device, SYRYN Swimbuds come in a compact body that you attach to the back of your goggles. You get 10 hours of playback on a single charge and 8GB of storage means it can hold a library of over 2,000 songs in a variety of formats – AAC, WAV, WMA or MP3. SYRYN’s IPX8 rating allows it to withstand a 3m submersion and Amazon reviewers confirm its sound quality. The only thing to watch out for is a device coming loose during dives and falls in the pool, but that’s easily manageable given the device’s attractive price point.
Our recommendations are independently selected by Gulf News editors. If you decide to make a purchase through links on our site, we may receive an affiliate commission as we are part of the Amazon Services LLC affiliate program.
