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 swimming coach Ralph Porrazzo. It can also help you relax as you cool down from your swimming exercises. 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 spoke with two swimming coaches to learn more about what key features to consider. Then, we researched dozens of options from top, trusted brands. We evaluated each headphone for its sound quality, comfort, waterproofing, battery life, safety, and value. We also had a triathlon coach from our Review Board review this story for accuracy.
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Durable
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Comfortable
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On-unit controls
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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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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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
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Comfortable
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Durable
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.
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Key Specs
Wireless: Yes | Battery Life: 10 hours | Memory: 32 GB | Storage: Case not included | IPX Rating: IP68
Why We Love Them
These headphones with built-in storage can pack a whopping 32 GB of audio, or about 8K tracks, in a variety of formats (MP3, M4A, WAV, APE, FLAC) so you don’t have to constantly charge them between swim sessions. The RunnerDiver 2 is designed for safe training, using cheekbone conduction similar to others on our list for safer workouts. It also offers Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity to stream calls or music from a personal device after you hop out of the water.
Rated IP68 (fully dust-, sweat-, and water-proof) with a solid 10-hour battery life, this set is quick-drying and drop-proof. The soft silicone coating and flexible head-wrap band make these headphones comfortable, too–a very close contender to the streamlined OpenSwim, but with plenty more storage (and then some).
Potential Flaws
- There isn’t a storage case included with this set, but one is available for purchase.
- Bluetooth connectivity isn’t supported while underwater, so you won’t be able to stream music while swimming.
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Key Specs
Wireless: No | Battery Life: 12 hours | Memory: 8 GB or 12 GB | Storage: Earbud and accessories case | IPX Rating: IPX8
Why We Love Them
If you need a pair of waterproof headphones that can go the distance, we recommend Delphin’s Waterproof Music Player, which has enough battery life for 12 hours of continuous play. Fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating, this player headset bundle is a favorite among competitive and recreational swimmers alike. The player houses audio in your choice of 8 GB or 12 GB storage options for better sound quality than bone conduction and superior connectivity to Bluetooth options. We also find it easy to navigate with the user-friendly touchscreen controls and included stylus pen.
To download audio for offline listening (music, audiobooks, and more), simply connect to your Wi-Fi and sync to your preferred app, including Spotify, Audible, and Apple Music. It has a built-in fitness tracker to monitor your swim sessions and give you a summary of your daily progress.
Lightweight and easy to clip to the back of your goggles, you’ll need to feed the Delphin’s headphones under your swimsuit straps to secure the wires. This becomes a quick routine, though, and the configuration is virtually unnoticeable while swimming.
Potential Flaws
- This set is on the pricier side compared to other options on our list, but this bundle is one of the best in value considering its battery life, app technology, and the slew of accessories it comes with.
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 swimming 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 swim with headphones on?
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. For example, Apple AirPods have an IPX4 rating and are water resistant, not waterproof, meaning you can’t swim with them.
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.
How do I keep my headphones in while swimming?
To keep you headphones in while swimming, make sure you put them on properly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Wearing a swim cap that somewhat covers the headphone’s ear rests can help ensure they stay put.
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.