Choosing the best headphones for swimming can feel overwhelming, especially with so many headphone options available. Your choice depends on your swimming style – are you focused on speed and efficiency or leisurely laps? Beginners may feel confused by complex specs, while experienced swimmers prioritize features like waterproofing and comfort.
Understanding your preferences is crucial, whether you swim competitively or casually. To help you find the perfect fit for your swimming sessions, we’ll examine the technical specifications like waterproof ratings and Bluetooth connectivity. To simplify your search, we've extensively tested various underwater swimming headphones and curated the top 7 for 2024.
Top 5 waterproof swimming headphones – shortlist
- PowerBeats Pro – best wireless headphones for intense swimming workouts
- Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Earphones – best secure, waterproof headphones for swimming laps
- Agptek IPX8 – trusted waterproof earphones with excellent sound quality
- H20 Audio Surge S – reliable earphones for streamlined swimming
- H2O Audio Interval – best waterproof headphones for underwater training
How to choose the best Bluetooth headphones for swimming
When choosing the best Bluetooth headphones for swimming, it's vital to consider how certain features enhance your underwater experience. Understanding these features directly impacts audio quality and comfort while swimming laps.
Let’s take a closer look at the five key factors to consider when choosing the ideal Bluetooth headphones for swimming:
- Waterproof rating. A high waterproof rating is essential to prevent damage from water immersion. Look for headphones with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating, indicating they can withstand submersion for extended periods without malfunctioning.
- Sound quality. Despite the underwater environment, sound quality remains paramount. Choose headphones with clear and crisp audio reproduction to enjoy your favorite tunes while swimming laps or training.
- Comfort and fit. Comfortable and secure-fitting headphones are necessary to prevent slippage during vigorous movement. Prioritize ergonomic designs and multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a snug fit for various ear shapes - when choosing a swimming headphone.
- Battery life. Long battery life ensures uninterrupted music playback during extended swimming sessions. An ideal underwater headphone for swimming should have a battery life of at least 6-8 hours to cover most swimming routines without the need for frequent recharging.
- Bluetooth range. A reliable Bluetooth connection is crucial for uninterrupted audio streaming. Choose headphones with a stable connection and a Bluetooth range that covers the distance between your device and the poolside.
- Durability. Swimming headphones should be durable enough to withstand the rigors of regular use in water. Look for headphones with robust construction materials and reinforced cables to withstand repeated immersion and movement without damage.
7 best swimming headphones – our detailed list
Choosing the best headphones for swimming may not be easy, considering the diverse needs of swimmers at all levels. However, after thorough research and testing, we've made a list of the 7 top options, considering features, such as comfort and fit, durability, and other key considerations.
1. PowerBeats Pro – best wireless headphones for intense swimming workouts
| Main features: | Spatial audio supports surround sound, battery life (up to 6 hours), sweat and water resistance, compatible with Apple and Android devices |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Weight capacity: | 0.9 oz (0.025g) |
| Colors: | Black, Ivory, Navy |
The PowerBeats Pro is a true wireless headphone designed for active lifestyles, including swimming. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, it's splash and sweat-proof, ideal for aquatic workouts.
Sound quality. Offers clear and dynamic sound performance, even underwater.
Features. Includes secure ear hooks, volume and track controls, and voice assistant compatibility.
Comfort and fit. Ergonomic design ensures a secure and comfortable fit for extended swimming sessions.
Durability. Withstands water exposure and rigorous workouts, ensuring long-lasting performance.
2. Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Earphones – best secure, waterproof headphones for swimming laps
| Main features | Earplug style earbuds, stronger body construction, short-cord design, HydroBeat technology, 100% watertight seal, premium sound |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Weight capacity: | 0.4 oz (0.011kg) |
| Color: | White |
The Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Earphones are specifically designed for swimming, offering a secure and comfortable fit that withstands underwater movements. Their IPX8 waterproof rating ensures reliable performance even in the pool.
Sound quality. Provides crisp and clear sound underwater, enhancing the swimming experience.
Features. Comes with interchangeable ear tips and a short cord for minimal drag in the water.
Comfort and fit. Ergonomic design and customizable ear tips ensure a snug and comfortable fit for extended swimming sessions.
Durability. Built to withstand rigorous use in water, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
3. Agptek IPX8 — trusted waterproof earphones with excellent sound quality
| Main features: | IPX8 waterproof, Coiled earphone cords, High sound quality, Wide compatibility with tablets, smartphones, etc. |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Weight capacity: | 0.8 oz (0.022kg) |
| Color: | Black |
The Agptek IPX8 is a highly reliable swimming headphone, boasting an IPX8 waterproof rating that ensures protection against water damage during aquatic activities. Its ergonomic design and secure fit make it suitable for prolonged use in the pool.
Sound quality. Delivers clear and immersive sound underwater, enhancing the swimming experience.
Features. Includes customizable ear tips and a streamlined design for minimal drag in the water.
Comfort and fit. Ergonomically designed earbuds provide a comfortable and secure fit, suitable for long swimming sessions.
Durability. Built to withstand the rigors of swimming, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
4. H20 Audio Surge S – reliable earphones for streamlined swimming
| Main features: | High-quality sound, IPX8 waterproof, In-ear sweatproof, noise-canceling earbuds, comfortable & easy to use |
| Material: | Rubber |
| Weight capacity: | 1.4 oz (0.04kg) |
| Color: | Black |
The H2O Audio Surge S is a trusted swimming headphone renowned for its durability and reliable performance in aquatic environments. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, it provides superior protection against water damage, making it an ideal choice for swimmers.
Sound quality. Delivers clear and dynamic sound, ensuring an immersive listening experience underwater.
Features. Features a secure wrap-around design and interchangeable ear tips for a comfortable and customizable fit.
Comfort and fit. Ergonomically designed earbuds offer a snug and secure fit, allowing for extended use without discomfort.
Durability. Built to withstand the harsh conditions of swimming pools, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
5. H2O Audio Interval – best waterproof headphones for underwater training
| Main features: | Watertight earplugs, ergonomic design for active swimmers, less drag in the water, premium sound quality, multi-function buttons |
| Material: | Elastomer |
| Weight capacity: | 1.06 oz (0.03kg) |
| Color: | Blue |
The H2O Audio Interval is a dependable swimming headphone renowned for its durability and performance in aquatic environments. With its waterproof design and secure fit, it provides swimmers with a comfortable and reliable listening experience.
Sound quality. Delivers clear and balanced sound, allowing swimmers to enjoy their favorite music underwater.
Features. Equipped with convenient controls and a durable construction. It’s suitable for intense swimming sessions.
Comfort and fit. Ergonomically designed earbuds provide a secure and comfortable fit, ensuring they stay in place during rigorous workouts.
Durability. Built to withstand the rigors of swimming, featuring a waterproof rating and durable materials.
6. H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport – best wireless headphones for active swimmers
| Main features: | Open-ear comfort, IPX8 waterproof, Bone conduction technology, 100% waterproof and sweatproof, Built-in MP3 player, Bluetooth, and waterproof mic |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Weight capacity: | 5.3 oz (0.15kg) |
| Colors: | Black, Blue and Baby blue |
The H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport is a versatile swimming headphone known for its reliability and performance in various water-based activities. Designed specifically for swimmers, it offers superior sound quality, advanced features, and exceptional comfort.
Sound quality. Provides crisp and clear sound reproduction, enhancing the overall swimming experience.
Features. Offers convenient controls, a secure fit, and compatibility with various devices, making it suitable for different swimming scenarios.
Comfort and fit. Features ergonomic earbuds and adjustable headbands for a comfortable and secure fit during extended use.
Durability. Constructed with durable materials and a waterproof design, ensuring longevity and reliability in aquatic environments.
7. JBL Reflect Aero – best for durability and versatile swimming athletes
| Main features: | IP68 dustproof and waterproof, comfortable, secure fit, noise canceling, rich bass and high sound quality |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Weight capacity: | 2.06 oz (0.058kg) |
| Colors: | Black, Mint |
The JBL Reflect Aero is a dependable headphone designed specifically for swimming, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and durability. With its waterproof construction and ergonomic design, it provides swimmers with a reliable audio solution for their aquatic workouts.
Sound quality. Delivers clear and balanced sound performance, enhancing the overall swimming experience.
Features. Boasts convenient touch controls, IP68 rating, hands-free calling, and long battery life, adding versatility to swimming sessions.
Comfort and fit. Features ergonomic ear tips and adjustable hooks for a secure and comfortable fit during extended use.
Durability. Built with durable materials and an IP68 dustproof and waterproof rating, ensuring durability and reliability in wet environments.
Comparison of top 3 underwater headphones for swimming
If you’re looking to choose the perfect underwater headphone for swimming, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you with this table that compares and highlights important features of the top 3 swimming headphones:
| Model | PowerBeats Pro | Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Earphones | Agptek IPX8 |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic |
| Weight capacity | 0.9 oz (0.025g) | 0.4 oz (0.011kg) | 0.8 oz (0.022kg) |
| Colors | Black, Ivory, Navy | White | Black |
| Main features |
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How we selected these wireless headphones for swimming
We conducted extensive tests on 74 swimming headphones, focusing on specific criteria for selection. Our primary aim is to offer top-quality options that meet our audience's needs for swimming audio. Let’s briefly discuss the criteria:
- Waterproof quality. We prioritized underwater headphones with a high waterproof rating like IPX7 or IPX8. These headphones will remain operational even underwater, providing swimmers confidence during intense workouts and protecting internal components from water damage.
- Bluetooth connectivity. While swimming, users can enjoy wireless music streaming without the need for cable hassles. This offers swimmers the freedom of movement due to seamless pairing and stable connections.
- Ease of use. Intuitive controls and accessible design enable effortless operation, giving swimmers the chance to adjust settings without interrupting their strokes. Also, voice prompts and touch-sensitive controls further simplify usage, enhancing overall user experience while underwater.
- Motion range. We prioritize swimming headphones that are secure and stable during vigorous movements, offering swimmers the freedom to focus on their workout without worrying about dislodgement. Comfortable and snug fit enhances overall comfort and convenience during swimming activities.
Also read:
Best over-ear headphones for working out: Discover the top over-ear headphones for workouts
Can you wear headphones while swimming?
Traditional headphones are not suitable for swimming as they are not designed to withstand water immersion. However, specialized waterproof headphones, such as the PowerBeats Pro and the H20 Audio Surge S are designed specifically for swimmers. These headphones are designed to withstand underwater conditions and allow swimmers to listen to music or audio while swimming without risking damage to the device or compromising safety. Waterproof headphones, like bone conduction models, are engineered specifically for swimming. They withstand water immersion and ensure both audio enjoyment and safety during aquatic activities.
What headphones to use for swimming?
For swimming, it's essential to use headphones specifically designed for underwater use. Look for waterproof headphones with a secure fit to ensure they stay in place during swimming strokes. Bone conduction headphones are also a popular choice as they transmit sound through the cheekbones, leaving the ears open to the surrounding environment. Make sure to choose headphones with a waterproof rating suitable for the depth and duration of your swimming activities to ensure durability and reliable performance underwater.
FAQ
Do swimming headphones exist?
Yes, swimming headphones are indeed available, designed explicitly for underwater use. These headphones are waterproof and engineered to withstand immersion in water without compromising audio quality. They typically feature secure fit designs to stay in place during swimming strokes and may come with additional features such as bone conduction technology or ear hooks for added stability.
Can you swim laps with AirPods?
AirPods, while popular for everyday use, are not suitable for swimming laps. They are not waterproof and can be damaged by exposure to water. Attempting to use AirPods while swimming can lead to malfunctions or permanent damage to the device.
Do Bluetooth headphones work while swimming?
Bluetooth headphones can work while swimming if they are specifically designed for underwater use. These swimming headphones utilize special technology to ensure reliable Bluetooth connectivity even when submerged. However, regular Bluetooth headphones are not suitable for swimming as water can interfere with the Bluetooth signal, resulting in audio dropouts or loss of connection.
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