For those looking for a way to stay motivated and focused while swimming countless laps, picking up a pair of waterproof earbuds is a great idea. However, it's not as simple as picking up any old pair of wireless earbuds; you'll need cans specifically designed for hitting the pool.
Many waterproof headphones and earbuds use bone conduction technology and feature an MP3 player with plenty of internal storage, as Bluetooth connectivity is spotty at best when underwater. An IP68 or IPX8 rating is also essential when taking a plunge. There are a lot of details to consider, but this list of the best headphones and earbuds for swimming will point you in the right direction – from affordable cans that don't slack on audio quality to premium models that are an excellent fit for swimming, cycling, and running.
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H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sport with Playlist+
Best overallThis updated version of H2O Audio’s triathlon-geared headphones are an ideal option for extended workouts thanks to their five-hour battery life and IP68 rating. They also have a secure fit, no matter if you’re swimming, biking, or running. While they come with a built-in 8GB MP3 player, they also have H2O Audio’s unique Playlist+. This patent-pending tech can store playlists, podcasts, and music from streaming services, so you don’t even have to bring a phone.
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Zygo Solo
Premium pickThe Zygo Solo are one of the best, if not the best, waterproof headphones for swimming thanks to their IP68 rating. They also have excellent sound quality, which they achieve by using an FM transmitter to play whatever you want off your phone sitting poolside while you do laps. However, they are very expensive. And, having to keep your phone nearby and hooked up to an FM transmitter can be limiting, even if the Solo are extremely light.
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H2O Audio Surge SX10
Best value$50 $60 Save $10If you plan on only using headphones for swimming a few hours a week at best, consider the budget-friendly H20 Audio Surge SX10. Unfortunately, there’s no bone-conduction tech, built-in MP3 player, or wireless connectivity, so you’ll need to carry your audio source. But, if you already have something that can go in the water, there’s probably not a cheaper option as good as these since they come with an IPX8 rating and drivers tuned for underwater use.
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Sony NW-WS623
Best BluetoothThe Sony NW-WS623 might be expensive, but for good reason. They are feature-filled, with 4GB of onboard storage and Bluetooth connectivity. They also have hands-free call functionality. Of course, there is a limitation or two. For instance, they don't have the most comfortable fit for those with larger heads. However, these headphones are pretty great otherwise. They even have fast-charging capabilities and an ambient mode, so you can hear your surroundings.
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Shokz OpenSwim
$120 $150 Save $30The Shokz OpenSwim use bone-conduction technology to reproduce sound in the water, and they sound good while doing so. They’re also very lightweight, possibly the lightest bone-conduction model here, and come with enough storage space (4GB) for you to load up more than enough music. While the price isn’t amazingly affordable, it’s solidly mid-tier, making these a value proposition if you’re trying to hit that sweet spot between cost and performance.
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H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport
The Tri Multi-Sport are multi-faceted bone-conduction headphones that can handle swimming, biking, and running with equal distinction. They don’t have the Playlist+ tech of the newer and more expensive model, but they’re lightweight, comfortable, and have an 8GB MP3 player for when Bluetooth connectivity won’t work (Bluetooth doesn’t work in water). They sound pretty decent for their form factor, though there are issues, such as the on-unit controls having problems registering certain presses and the subpar call quality.
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Underwater Audio HydroActive Waterproof
Instead of bone-conduction tech, the Underwater Audio HydroActive Waterproof headphones use multiple protection chambers to keep the internals dry. Hybrid silicone earbuds also form a watertight fit in your ears. You’ll need to provide your own MP3 player as one isn’t included; there’s a short cord (and an extension cord) to connect and a wrap-around the headband to secure said MP3 player. Just be aware some users report reliability issues after extended use.
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AGPTEK IPX8
The AGPTEK IPX8 may not be our value pick, but they are the cheapest option on this list. For less than $20, you can listen to music while swimming. These are traditional wired earbuds that come with waterproof ear tips. Additionally, those ear tips create some solid passive noise cancellation. There’s not much else in terms of features. But, considering the price of the AGPTEK IPX8, that’s no surprise.
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H2O Audio Sonar
These bone-conduction headphones have 8GB of internal memory and an internal audio player, which supports proprietary and free formats. They have a rather unique build among bone-conduction headphones, as you can clip them onto your swimming goggles for extra stability. In addition, they have IPX8-grade waterproofing protection, making them one of the best underwater consumer audio devices out there. The sound is good enough, considering you’re hearing it underwater — slightly muffled but otherwise loud and enjoyable.
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Finis Duo
The Finis Duo are a fine choice if you only plan on swimming, as they are trickier to use for anything else because they must be clipped onto a band. Still, these bone conduction cans offer good audio, a built-in MP3 player with 4GB of storage, and up to seven hours of battery life. Moreover, they have easily accessible controls to navigate between tracks while swimming lengths. For clear audio underwater, the Finis Duo are a great deal.
What to look for in waterproof headphones and earbuds
There are different considerations regarding headphones and earbuds for swimming, but waterproofing is a top priority. The headphones should have an IP rating of 8 (you'll often see it written as IPX8 with the X sometimes listed as another number to represent dust resistance). Anything less, and you'll be dealing with a device that might be water-resistant, meaning it can handle some sweat or even be submerged momentarily but will stop working when underwater for an extended period.
You should also think about how you want to get your music, as Bluetooth connectivity can be spotty underwater. Many of the options on this list come with built-in MP3 players, use an FM transmitter, or have a cable meant to plug into a portable MP3 player. If you want to keep streaming, so you don't have to go through the trouble of uploading music to the headphones like it's 2008, consider a pair with an FM transmitter.
Also, consider going the bone-conduction route. Headphones with bone-conduction sensors don't sound as good as typical earbuds and are often more expensive. However, they're less intrusive because nothing goes in your ears (you can get earplugs to be used in conjunction with them if you want to), so you can hear your surroundings the same as if you weren't wearing headphones.
Our favorite waterproof headphones and earbuds
The best waterproof cans should give you easy access to any audio medium and be used beyond the pool. That's why the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport is the top pick, as their unique Playlist+ feature, comfortable fit, and superb sound quality make them a no-brainer for any form of workout.
If you have the funds, the Zygo Solo won't disappoint, thanks to their lightweight design, brilliant audio, and handy FM transmitter that allows Spotify to still be an option to listen to. For something cheap and cheerful, you can't go wrong with the H2O Audio Surge SX10, especially if you already have an MP3 player that works underwater.