10 Best Swim Headphones

The SONR Music swim headphones are designed specifically for swimmers who want to enjoy music or audiobooks while training both in and out of the water. Their standout feature is the use of bone conduction technology, which transmits sound through the bones of the head, allowing you to listen underwater without earbuds blocking your ears. This open-ear design is lightweight and comfortable, weighing only 35 grams, and it can fit anywhere on your head without causing discomfort.

The headphones are waterproof up to 2 meters deep for 2 hours, making them suitable for pool and open water swimming. They offer 16GB of storage where you can drag and drop your audio files via USB, which is convenient since Bluetooth does not work underwater. Battery life lasts about 4 hours, sufficient for most swim sessions, though charging is needed before use if the device has been left unused for a while. Bluetooth connectivity works during dry-land training but is unavailable underwater.

While bone conduction provides decent clarity, the sound quality does not match traditional headphones, especially underwater. The device lacks noise control, so outside sounds may be heard during use. The SONR Music headphones provide a comfortable, wire-free fit and an all-in-one waterproof music player solution for swimmers, with natural limitations in sound quality and Bluetooth functionality underwater due to the technology involved.

The SEWOBYE 8 GB HIFI Sound Waterproof MP3 player is a strong contender for swimmers looking for reliable underwater headphones. With a waterproof rating of IPX8, it performs well underwater up to 10 feet, making it suitable for various aquatic activities. Its design is particularly user-friendly; the clip-back design allows for easy attachment to goggle straps or bathing caps, keeping it secure during laps. The player includes short cord headphones, which are convenient for swimming, as they avoid the hassle of dealing with long cords. Additionally, the inclusion of different earbud types caters to comfort and fit preferences.

Sound quality is a notable strength, providing HIFI lossless audio that maintains clarity both in and out of the water. The device supports multiple audio formats such as MP3, WMA, FLAC, and APE, eliminating the need for conversion software. The shuffle feature enhances the listening experience by allowing users to enjoy their music library in a varied sequence. With 8 GB storage, the MP3 player holds over 2,000 songs, making it sufficient for extensive playlists.

Battery life is another positive aspect, offering up to 16 hours of playtime, which is beneficial for longer swimming sessions or other activities like running and kayaking. However, the connectivity is limited to Aux, which might not appeal to users looking for wireless solutions. While the lack of a display can make navigation harder initially, the raised button design improves usability with wet fingers. Post-water care is emphasized to maintain longevity, including drying the device thoroughly before charging or connecting to a computer. This product is ideal for those who enjoy swimming with music and engage in other wet activities but may not suit users seeking advanced connectivity options or displays.

The SHOKZ OpenSwim headphones are specially designed for swimmers, featuring an impressive IP68 waterproof rating that allows submersion up to 2 meters for 2 hours, perfect for pool or open water use. Their 7th generation bone conduction technology means you don’t have to put buds inside your ears; instead, the sound is delivered through your cheekbones, making them comfortable and safe for swimming without blocking ambient sounds. These on-ear headphones also come with sweatproofing, so they’re durable for water sports.

They include internal storage for up to 1,200 songs, enabling you to listen without needing to connect to a phone or device, which is essential in a swimming environment where Bluetooth isn’t reliable. Battery life lasts about 8 hours, covering multiple swim sessions before recharging. However, they do not support Bluetooth, which might be a downside if you want wireless streaming outside the water. Sound quality is decent with 96 dB sensitivity and sound isolation, although bone conduction generally won’t deliver as rich audio as traditional earbuds.

The headphones use a 3.5mm jack for wired connections if needed, but this is less relevant for swimming. The fit is designed to be secure and comfortable on-ear, though personal comfort can vary. These headphones suit swimmers who want a reliable, all-in-one music solution underwater without earbuds, especially those prioritizing waterproofing and built-in storage over wireless streaming.