There’s nothing more enjoyable than immersing yourself in your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks while swimming laps. Waterproof headphones offer peace of mind, ensuring your devices can keep playing your go-to tunes over and over again. Our top headphone selection includes some amazing choices, but not all of them are waterproof. To earn the waterproof label, they need to achieve an IPX7 rating or higher, a certification that allows them to withstand being submerged in water to different depths. Headphones made for daily use are often labeled as water-resistant, which can be misleading. Our guide on waterproof vs water-resistant headphones will help you pinpoint the right fit for you, but for a quick overview, the headphones featured here are made to be worn in the water. If you’re after a bit more sweat resistance, check out our guides on the best workout headphones and best running headphones.
There are two kinds of waterproof headphones available. The initial kind is directly linked to your phone through Bluetooth, playing whatever your phone is currently playing. However, this comes with the drawback of requiring your phone to be in close proximity for continuous sound. The second kind are essentially mini MP3 players, offering the simplest setup among the two. The choice you make hinges on whether you’re content being connected to your phone or if you value greater independence, especially during workouts. Our selection includes in-ear headphones as well as bone conduction headphones, and we’ve thoroughly tested all the items, ensuring you receive the most reliable recommendations. We are currently evaluating the Shokz OpenSwim Pro, a potential addition to our list. Best Bluetooth Waterproof Earbuds for Swimming
1. JBL Reflect Aero
The JBL Reflect Aero rank at the top of our purchasing recommendations, simply because they offer the highest quality sound and are genuinely waterproof. Although they depend on Bluetooth for music playback, which isn’t as effective underwater, they outperform all other items on our list when it comes to waterproofing. An IP68 rating indicates these headphones can remain underwater for 30 minutes in 1.5 meters of either saltwater or freshwater, which is remarkable for a pair that doesn’t utilize bone conduction technology and is reasonably priced.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Waterproof standard: IP68
- Battery life: 8 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (with charging case)
- Storage: Charging case
- Audio formats: Any
- Additional info: Saltwater safe, Bluetooth
2. H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport
For individuals with smaller ear canals, finding the right earbuds can be a constant challenge. However, one standout option that caters specifically to this demographic is the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport Earbuds. Designed with a focus on both comfort and performance, these earbuds are an excellent choice for those seeking a secure, customizable fit and high-quality audio.
A key feature of the H2O Audio Tri earbuds is the inclusion of a variety of interchangeable ear tips in different sizes. This allows users with smaller ears to select the perfect fit, ensuring a stable and comfortable wear even during the most intense physical activities. The ergonomic design of the earbuds, combined with the custom-tailored tips, creates a secure seal that not only provides impressive noise isolation but also prevents the earbuds from falling out.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Waterproof standard: IPX8
- Battery life: 8-9 hours
- Storage: 8GB
- Audio formats: MP3, WMA, and Apple iTunes’ M4A
- Additional info: Bone conduction, submersion to 12 feet underwater for an unlimited time
3. Zygo Solo
In the ever-evolving world of personal audio, the Zygo Solo earbuds have emerged as a standout option for those seeking a versatile and reliable wireless listening experience. Designed with the active individual in mind, the Zygo Solo earbuds offer a unique blend of features and performance that cater to the demands of a constantly on-the-go lifestyle.
One of the key advantages of the Zygo Solo earbuds is their true wireless design, which eliminates the need for cumbersome cables and provides a seamless, unencumbered listening experience. With Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, users can enjoy a stable and reliable wireless connection with their compatible devices, ensuring uninterrupted audio without the risk of tangled wires. 12- Best Bluetooth Waterproof Earbuds for Swimming
SPECIFICATIONS
- Waterproof standard: IP68
- Battery life: 3 hours
- Storage: N/A
- Audio formats: Any
- Additional info: Bone conduction, saltwater safe, streams to 50 meters
4. Naenka Runner Diver
In the ever-evolving world of wireless audio, the Naenka Runner Diver earbuds have emerged as a game-changer for those leading an active lifestyle. Designed to seamlessly blend top-tier performance with rugged durability, these earbuds are poised to become the go-to choice for fitness enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone seeking a reliable and versatile audio companion.
At the heart of the Naenka Runner Diver’s appeal is its uncompromising water resistance. Boasting an impressive IPX8 rating, these earbuds are capable of withstanding submersion in up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) of water, making them an ideal companion for swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and those who simply love to push the limits of their audio gear. Whether you’re braving the waves, sweating it out at the gym, or caught in an unexpected downpour, the Naenka Runner Diver earbuds will keep the music playing without a hitch.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Waterproof standard: IPX8
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Storage: 16GB
- Audio formats: MP3, FLAC
- Additional info: Bone conduction, 40 minutes underwater use, Bluetooth 5.2
5. Shokz OpenSwim
In the realm of water-based activities, the quest for a truly immersive and reliable audio experience has long been a challenge. Enter the Shokz OpenSwim, a revolutionary set of bone conduction earphones that are poised to redefine the way we enjoy music, podcasts, and other audio content while swimming, diving, and engaging in a variety of aquatic pursuits.
Unlike traditional in-ear earphones, the Shokz OpenSwim utilizes innovative bone conduction technology to deliver sound directly to the inner ear, bypassing the need for intrusive earbuds. This unique approach not only ensures a secure and comfortable fit but also allows users to remain aware of their surroundings, a crucial safety feature for those immersed in the water. With an IPX8 rating, the OpenSwim earphones are capable of withstanding submersion in up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) of water, making them an exceptional choice for swimmers, triathletes, and water sports enthusiasts.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Waterproof standard: IPX68
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Storage: 4GB
- Audio formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC
- Additional info: Bone conduction, saltwater safe
Can you use Bluetooth headphones while swimming?
Typically, this isn’t the case since Bluetooth signals have limited range when passing through water. However, if you manage to connect your smartwatch to a set of swimming goggles, you might be able to play music from your watch through a set of headphones, though not every watch and headphone combo is compatible with this.
Can you swim with Apple AirPods?
No, the Apple AirPods, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro do not offer complete waterproof protection. Headphones specifically made for swimming activities should be used in open water or at the pool.
HOW WE TEST THE BEST WATERPROOF HEADPHONES
We’ve evaluated every waterproof headphone model on our list, and for them to make the cut in this exclusive and detailed comparison, they had to stand out in several areas. The primary requirement was outstanding waterproofing – these headphones designed for swimming had to last through numerous submersion tests. However, this was followed closely by the quality of sound, battery endurance, protection for the user, comfort, and how easy they were to use. An IPX7 rating didn’t indicate subpar sound, and we verified this. Following that, we examined Bluetooth capabilities or other options like internal storage, which is something smartphone users are all too familiar with (they usually don’t work well with water), FM radio transmitters, or on-device controls. Other factors we considered were comfort, affordability, and, of course, high-quality sound. Our evaluations are unbiased – we don’t have sales representatives involved in our testing. This is why, if you’re considering making a purchase, you can trust our recommendations. 12- Best Bluetooth Waterproof Earbuds for Swimming