If you love music you would like to take it with you everywhere. Athletes in training love the way music can take your mind off the repetitive grind and the pain of working out. For competitive swimmers, there are long hours of concentration on the stroke-work and just pushing, and pushing, and pushing yourself to new limits. Music can aid greatly in this process.
Waterproof headphones are the answer not only for swimmers but also for any of the other sports where the sound gear is going to get wet like paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, etc.
There are a number of features to look for in selecting a model for your needs beyond just being waterproof. We’ll try to help you make the best choice. Below are reviews of some of the top models with descriptions of the prominent features. Afterward, there is a comparison table of the reviewed models followed by a buying guide.
Best Swimming Headphones
- Hydroactive Short-Cord Waterproof Swimming Headphones
- Pyle Upgraded MP3 Swimming Headphones
- Swimbuds Wearable MP3 Waterproof Swimming Headphones
- AGPTEK Swimming Headphones
- Finis Duo Swimming Headphones
- Sony NW-WS413 Swimming Headphones
- H2O Audio 100% Waterproof Swimming Headphones
- AfterShokz Swimming Headphones
- JBL Endurance Dive Swimming Headphones
Hydroactive Short-Cord Waterproof Swimming Headphones
These headphones are waterproof to 3 meters and have a comfortable wrap-around band and short cable which needs no coiling for use with waterproof MP3 players. It has 11 earbud tip options in 4 styles to fit a variety of ear shapes for different sporting activities. A carrying case is included along with a one year warranty.
- Short cable design
- 11 earbud tips in 4 styles included for different ear shapes and activities
- Wrap-around band with 3.5mm headphone jack compatible with SYRYN, Delphin, iPod, and others
- Waterproof to 3 meters in depth
- Carrying case
- One year warranty
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Pyle Upgraded MP3 Swimming Headphones
With 8GB of storage, you can keep a lot of music in the device but there is also now a Bluetooth version. With an attractive design and a wrap-around fit, they are comfortable and easy to use with in-water earbuds that are highly water-resistant. They are noted for durability and have a 10-hour battery life. In addition, the pricing is quite reasonable for what you get.
- The MP3 player comes in Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth versions
- 8GB flash memory
- Waterproof to 2 meters in depth
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Includes 2 pairs of water blocking earbuds for in-water use and 3 pairs for land use
- 10 hours of battery life
Swimbuds Wearable MP3 Waterproof Swimming Headphones
These headphones have the MP3 player built-in so there are no wires to tidy-up. With 7 hours of battery life and 8GB storage, you have access to thousands of songs. The playback controls located next to your ear make adjustments convenient and the wrap-around style and numerous earbud choices assure a comfortable fit.
- An MP3 player that supports MP3 and WMA formats is built-in to the headphones
- 8GB of storage
- Waterproof to 3 meters in depth
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Includes 11 earbuds in 4 styles for an effective fit
- USB 2.0 charge cable
- 7 hours of battery life
These swimming headphones deliver quality sound at a very low price. With shorter coilable earphone cords and a longer extension cable, your player can be stored on your person in whatever place is most convenient for you. It works with a variety of music players and is waterproof to 1.5 meters so you can use it in the water or on land.
- 3.5mm jack suitable for smartphones, tablets, MP3/MP4 players, Kindle, and any that accept the 3.5mm jack
- Coiled earphone cords from 16-35cm in length
- Comes with a 1-meter extension cable
- 3 ear-tip sizes for swimming and 2 for general usage
- Waterproof to 1.5 meters in depth
- IPX8 waterproof rating
The bone conduction design delivers clear sound without the bother and potential discomfort of earbuds. It clips to the goggle straps placing the device comfortably on the cheekbones with easy access to the 4-button controls. Waterproof to 3 meters and with 4GB storage, you can listen to what you like on MP3 and WMA formats. A magnetic USB dock is used for downloads and battery charging.
- Bone conduction transmission for a clear sound without using earbuds
- The built-in MP3 player also supports WMA formats
- Integrated clip design and control buttons secure the device to goggle straps for a comfortable position on the cheekbones
- Waterproof to 3 meters in depth
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- 4GB storage
- USB magnetic dock
- Lithium-ion battery with 7 hours life before recharging
Sony NW-WS413 Swimming Headphones
This great model has the MPS player built-in to the comfortable, wireless, ergonomic wrap-around swimming headphones. Waterproof to 2 meters they have 12 hours of battery life and 4GB of storage. With an ambient noise function, you can stay in touch with the environmental sounds around you. Two pairs of earbuds are provided that suit water and land use.
- The built-in MP3 player supports MP3, WMA, AAC, and Linear PCM audio files
- 4GB of storage
- Ergonomic wrap-around design
- Ambient noise function to allow tuning into the environment without removing the headphones
- Waterproof to 2 meters in depth
- USB 2.0 charge cable
- 12 hours of battery life
H2O Audio 100% Waterproof Swimming Headphones
This ergonomically designed system fits comfortably and hydrodynamically in the ears and gets a great sound. Waterproof to 3.6 meters, they are durable giving long-term performance for swimming and other water sports, as well as biking, and running.
- A wired system with 3.6-foot cord
- Ergonomic shape promotes a flush fit with the ear and reduced drag
- 5 sets of earplugs and tree tips in various sizes for a great fit
- Waterproof to 3.6 meters in depth
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- 1-year warranty
AfterShokz Swimming Headphones
This is a premium bone conduction open ear model that avoids the potential discomfort of earbuds while still delivering a clear quality sound. With 4GB of storage and 8 hours of battery life, you can take up to 1,200 tracks with you for your workout with volume and track control at the touch of a button. For activities in the water or out, they will remain comfortable for hours.
- Bone conduction headphones with built-in MP3 player
- Swim cap included
- 4GB of storage
- Supports MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, and FLAC files
- 8-hour battery life using a Lithium-ion battery
- Waterproof to 2 meters in depth
- IP68 waterproof rating (1.5 meters for 30 minutes)
JBL Endurance Dive Swimming Headphones
The built-in wireless MP3 player with Bluetooth can stream out of the water but tracks must be downloaded into the player prior to in-water usage. It is durable, has great JBL sound technology, has an automatic power on and off system when putting them on and taking them off, and touch controls. With a 1GB memory, 200 tracks can be stored in the player. Lightweight, durable, and waterproof with an IPX7 water resistance rating, they work great for swimming and other water sports.
- Built-in MP3 player with Bluetooth (note Bluetooth doesn’t work well underwater, tracks must be downloaded into the player for use in the water)
- Secure fitting ear-hook system
- 1GB of storage
- Touch controls
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- 8 hours of battery life
- Quick charge battery
Best Swimming Headphones Comparison Table
| Picture | Swimming Headphones | Sound System | Includes MP3 Player? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture | Swimming Headphones | Sound System | Includes MP3 Player? | Price |
  | Hydroactive Short-Cord Waterproof Swimming Headphones | Earphones | No | $$$ |
  | Pyle Upgraded Swimming Headphones | Earphones | Yes | $$ |
  | Swimbuds Wearable MP3 Waterproof Swimming Headphones | Earphones | Yes | $$ |
  | AGPTEK Swimming Headphones | Earphones | No | $ |
  | Finis Duo Swimming Headphones | Bone Conduction | Yes | $$$ |
  | Sony NW-WS41 Swimming Headphones | Earphones | Yes | $$$ |
  | H2O Audio 100% Waterproof Swimming Headphones | Earphones | No | $$ |
  | After Shokz Swimming Headphones | Bone Conduction | Yes | $$$$ |
  | JBL Endurance Dive Swimming Headphones | Earphones | Yes | $$ |
How to Choose the Best Swimming Headphones – A Buying Guide
Wired or Wireless
If your waterproof headphones require a wire to connect to the music player, then that music player must be waterproof, as well. Many cellphones and MP3 players are waterproof but many are not. If not, you will have to provide some kind of container like a waterproof bag before taking your player in the water.
In addition, you’ll need to have a way to attach the player to your person and a wire to connect to it. Hopefully, you can place the player conveniently using as short a wire as possible to avoid entanglement and for streamlining.
With a wireless system, the player is built into the headphones and can store your music tracks or uses Bluetooth for streaming. (Unfortunately, Bluetooth doesn’t work well in water, though it can be a good choice for activities on land.) You also have no cumbersome cords to deal with.
Earbuds or Bone Induction
Traditional swimming headphones are actually earphones that use earbuds. These deliver the sound directly to the ear canal and act as earplugs keeping the water out. They need to fit properly to be comfortable and watertight. Manufacturers offer different sizes and styles to accomplish this and usually provide a choice of several for you to choose from.
Bone induction systems do not use earbuds. The sound is delivered by placing the device firmly against the cheekbones. The Finis Duo model achieves this by clipping the device between the mask strap and cheekbones while the Aftershokz model uses a comfortable wrap-around frame to hold it in place with a swim cap that can be used for an assist. The ear canal is open and plays no part in the process. Both utilize a built-in MP3 player.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant
You may see devices labeled with these terms. For the purposes of swimming and water sports, you want to purchase items labeled waterproof and then check into the details of that designation. Water-resistant merely indicates that the device can withstand an occasional splash or brief accidental dip into shallow water. For swimming, the device will be in nearly continuous contact with water with possible extended time below the surface.
The manufacturer often gives a depth that the waterproofing is good for. You should look for them to be suitable for at least 1 meter of depth. Of those reviewed here, they range up to 3.6 meters. There are also rating systems to consider. In the most common system used in the U.S., you should look for IPX7, which means it will be waterproof for complete submersion in depths to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The IPX8 designation means complete submersion is possible to 3 meters for 30 minutes. In the literature for the Aftershokz model, they use a slightly different system. That model is given a rating of IP68 which means it is waterproof at 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. For surface-oriented water activities like a swimming workout, these would be waterproof enough.
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The swim parka is primarily designed for competitive swimmers to keep them warm and loose right up to race time, and then get them quickly warm and dry when the race is over. It can be more than that, though, with the parka serving not only as a jacket and windbreaker, but also as a blanket, gear storage unit, changing room, or a uniform.
