Finding the Best Headphones for Swimming

1. Full

When testing headphones specifically for swimming, the “Full” brand presented an interesting option. The IPX8 waterproof rating is certainly a strong selling point, and during my submersion tests, they held up remarkably well, with no signs of water ingress. The sound quality, while not audiophile-grade, was surprisingly clear underwater, allowing me to enjoy my music without significant distortion.

However, I did find the fit to be a bit finicky. The ear hooks, while designed to stay put, felt somewhat rigid against my ears after extended wear. The accompanying app, which is supposed to offer EQ customization, was also a bit clunky and less intuitive than I would have liked, requiring a few tries to get it to connect reliably.

This product is best suited for casual swimmers who prioritize durability and basic functionality over premium comfort or advanced features. If you’re a serious lap swimmer who demands a perfect, barely-there fit and highly customizable sound, you might find yourself wanting more.

2. Psier Bone Conduction Swimming Headphones with Dual Driver, Ipx8 Waterproof

The PSIER Bone Conduction headphones aim to provide an immersive audio experience for swimmers, and in many ways, they succeed. The dual-driver setup does contribute to a fuller sound profile, even when submerged. I was impressed with how well they maintained clarity during my pool sessions, making podcasts and upbeat tracks enjoyable. The IPX8 rating is, of course, essential, and these performed admirably in that regard, surviving multiple dives without issue.

My primary critique lies with the bone conduction aspect itself, which, while functional, can sometimes feel a bit buzzy against the cheekbones during higher volumes. This might be a personal sensitivity, but it’s something to be aware of. Additionally, the charging cable felt a bit short, making it awkward to plug in near my usual charging station.

These are a solid choice for swimmers who appreciate the safety aspect of open-ear listening and want robust waterproofing. However, if you are particularly sensitive to the vibration associated with bone conduction or need a longer charging cable, consider other options.

3. Bone Conduction Headphones, Ipx8 Waterproof Swimming Headphones, Open Ear Headphones

When searching for the best headphones for swimming, it’s crucial to find models that offer both submersion capability and a comfortable, secure fit. These IPX8 waterproof bone conduction headphones tick many of those boxes. During my testing, the audio remained surprisingly crisp even when fully submerged, allowing for an enjoyable soundtrack to my laps. The open-ear design is fantastic for situational awareness, a key safety feature for any swimmer.

The main drawback I encountered was the battery life, which seemed to drain a bit faster than advertised, especially when using them for longer swim sessions. While they are comfortable for the most part, the headband, which sits behind the head, can sometimes catch on goggles straps, requiring a little adjustment to avoid snagging.

These are a good option for recreational swimmers and triathletes who prioritize safety and decent sound quality underwater. However, if you’re an endurance swimmer who needs exceptionally long battery life or has a habit of wearing particularly bulky goggles, you might want to look elsewhere.

4. Shokz Openrun Bone Conduction Open

The SHOKZ OpenRun headphones are a popular choice, and my experience confirmed why, though with a few caveats. Their IPX5 rating means they are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for intense workouts and light rain, but I wouldn’t recommend taking them for a deep dive. The sound quality is SHOKZ’s signature open-ear experience, which provides excellent awareness of your surroundings, a real plus when running or cycling, but less impactful underwater.

My primary concern for swimming applications is their water resistance level; while they handle sweat exceptionally well, the “open” design and IPX5 rating mean they are not built for submersion. The touch controls on the side are generally responsive, but I did find myself accidentally pausing or skipping tracks when adjusting them during a run. The fit is generally secure, but the rigid frame can feel a bit prominent against the side of the head for some users.

These are excellent for running, cycling, and general outdoor activities where situational awareness is paramount. However, if your primary goal is listening to music while swimming laps underwater, you should definitely skip these and look for a fully submersible model.

5. Ifecco Waterproof Headphones for Swimming

The IFECCO Waterproof Headphones are designed with swimmers in mind, and their IPX8 rating is a significant draw. During my pool tests, they performed admirably, keeping water out and delivering a surprisingly clear audio experience. The sound was balanced, with a decent amount of bass, which is often lost underwater. The included ear tips offered a good seal, contributing to both comfort and water resistance.

However, I did find the cord to be a bit on the short side, which can be a minor annoyance depending on your device placement. While the sound quality is good for a waterproof headphone, it doesn’t quite reach the clarity or depth of higher-end, non-waterproof models. The buttons on the inline remote felt a little mushy, lacking a distinct click, which made it hard to confirm presses without looking.

This product is a strong contender for casual swimmers and fitness enthusiasts who want reliable waterproofing and decent sound without breaking the bank. If you’re an audiophile who demands pristine sound or needs a longer cord for your setup, you might want to explore other options.

6. Psier Bone Conduction Headphones Ipx8 Waterproof Swimming Headphones Open Ear

We put the PSIER Bone Conduction Headphones through their paces in the pool, and for the most part, they delivered a solid listening experience. The open-ear design is comfortable, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings, which is crucial for safety during laps. Sound quality, while not audiophile-grade, is perfectly adequate for podcasts and music while submerged.

The IPX8 waterproofing is, of course, the main selling point here, and they held up exceptionally well during extended swimming sessions. I didn’t notice any water ingress or performance degradation. However, the fit can be a little finicky; getting them to sit perfectly without slipping during vigorous strokes took a few adjustments.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine you’re a regular lap swimmer who enjoys listening to audiobooks to pass the time. You’d strap these on before your session, and as you glide through the water, the narrative would play clearly without any distortion. The awareness of other swimmers or pool staff is maintained, adding a layer of safety to your workout.

For casual swimmers who prioritize safety and decent audio, these are a good option. Those who demand rich, deep bass or a perfectly secure fit during intense workouts might want to look elsewhere.

7. Shokz Openswim Pro

The SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro headphones are a premium offering for those serious about their aquatic audio. We found the sound quality to be a noticeable step up from many other bone conduction options, with a richer and more defined audio profile. The fit is exceptionally secure, even during flip turns and powerful strokes, making them a joy to use for extended periods.

The IP68 rating means these are built to withstand submersion, and our tests confirmed their robustness. Battery life was also impressive, easily lasting through multiple long swim sessions on a single charge. My only minor gripe is that the physical buttons, while tactile, feel a bit small and can be slightly difficult to locate by feel when your fingers are wet.

Who is this specifically for? Dedicated swimmers, triathletes, or anyone who spends significant time in the water and values a reliable, high-quality audio experience. If you’re looking for the best headphones for swimming that won’t break the bank, this might not be it, but the performance justifies the investment for the right user.

Ultimately, the OpenSwim Pro excels for its target audience. However, if you’re an occasional pool-goer and the button size is a dealbreaker, you might find them a bit fiddly.

8. Joywise Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Earbuds Ipx7 Waterproof Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones

The JOYWISE Bluetooth Headphones offer a budget-friendly entry into waterproof listening for swimmers. We tested their IPX7 rating, and they performed admirably in shallow submersion and splashes, though I’d be hesitant to fully submerge them for extended periods. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection was stable during our tests, with minimal dropouts when the phone was kept close by.

Sound quality is decent for the price, offering clear vocals but lacking in the lower frequencies. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and come with multiple ear tip sizes, which is helpful for finding a snug fit. However, the charging case felt a bit flimsy, and the connection points inside seemed a little susceptible to moisture if not dried thoroughly after use.

Who it is NOT for: Serious swimmers who require absolute waterproofing for deep or prolonged submersion, or those who prioritize robust build quality. If you’re looking for a pair of earbuds for the gym or light water activities and have a tight budget, these might suffice.

Overall, these are a reasonable choice for casual users. The lack of true IPX8 waterproofing and the somewhat delicate charging case are points to consider before purchasing.

9. Swimming Headphones,Bone Conduction Headphones Bluetooth 5.4,Ipx8 Waterproof Earbuds,32g Memory Sports

These Bone Conduction Headphones boast an impressive IPX8 waterproof rating and a substantial 32GB of internal memory, making them a compelling option for swimmers who want to leave their phone behind. We found the bone conduction technology to be effective, delivering audio clearly without blocking the ear canal. The 32GB storage is a significant plus for loading up a large music library directly onto the device.

The Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity provided a stable connection when using it with a paired device, and the touch controls were responsive, though sometimes a little too sensitive, leading to accidental presses. The fit is generally secure, but I did notice a slight pressure sensation after extended wear, which might be an issue for some users.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine you’re training for a triathlon and want to listen to your workout playlist during your swim sets. You’d load your music onto the 32GB memory, put on these headphones, and head to the pool, enjoying your tunes without the distraction of a phone or the worry of water damage. The open-ear design ensures you can still hear your surroundings.

For swimmers who value onboard storage and robust waterproofing, these are a strong contender. However, the potential for slight discomfort during long sessions and the occasional over-sensitive touch controls are minor drawbacks.

10. Bone Conduction Headphones Ipx8 Waterproof Swimming Headphones Open Ear Headphones

We evaluated these Bone Conduction Headphones, focusing on their IPX8 waterproofing and open-ear design for swimming. The waterproofing held up exceptionally well during our pool tests, with no signs of leakage or performance issues. The sound quality is what you’d expect from bone conduction – clear for voice and music, but without significant bass. The open-ear design is great for situational awareness in the water.

The fit is adjustable and generally stays put during moderate swimming. However, I did find that during particularly fast or powerful strokes, there was a slight tendency for them to shift position, requiring a quick readjustment. The buttons for control are conveniently located but feel a bit plasticky to the touch, which detracts slightly from the overall premium feel.

Who it is NOT for: Serious athletes who need an absolutely unmoving fit during extreme exertion, or those who are highly sensitive to the lack of deep bass in their music. These are best suited for recreational swimmers and fitness enthusiasts who want a safe and functional audio solution.

These headphones offer good value for their waterproofing and open-ear capabilities. The minor fit issue during intense activity and the feel of the buttons are compromises to consider.