Why Choose Budget Swimming Headphones in 2025?
Swimming can be incredibly exhausting, especially for beginners pushing through long sessions. To help stay motivated and energized, many swimmers turn to music as a source of mental relaxation and physical motivation. Research shows that listening to good lyrics and fast-paced tracks can significantly enhance physical performance. That’s why finding the best swimming headphones isn’t just a luxury ¡ª it’s a necessity for serious swimmers. However, while buying a standard pair of headphones is straightforward, selecting the right headphones for swimming can be more challenging. Beyond simply looking for waterproof options, there are several other factors to consider, such as sound quality underwater, secure fit, battery life, and compatibility with swim caps or goggles.
Top 6 Budget Swimming Headphones for 2025
These are the best waterproof headphones and earbuds for open water and dips in the pool, tested and reviewed by experts. Below, we dive into the top six budget-friendly options that deliver quality performance without breaking the bank.
1. Shokz OpenSwim Pro
The SHOKZ OpenSwim headphones are selected as the Overall Best among swimming headphones in 2024 for their exceptional design and technology tailored specifically for swimmers. Recognized for their reliability and performance underwater, these headphones utilize bone conduction technology, which makes them perfect for swimmers who need clear audio without covering their ears, allowing for greater awareness of their surroundings. Designed for overall use in aquatic environments, the SHOKZ OpenSwim excels with its IP68 rating, making it completely waterproof for both pool and open water activities. This feature is crucial for swimmers looking for a device that can withstand extended submersion without compromising functionality.
- Pros: Top-notch comfort, IP68 waterproof rating, 9-hour battery life, 8GB storage for MP3s.
- Cons: No Bluetooth underwater, slightly pricey for budget category.
Shop Shokz OpenSwim Pro on Amazon
2. SYRYN MP3 + Swimbuds Flip
SYRYN MP3 + Swimbuds Flip is the best earbuds and MP3 combo for swimming on a budget. The audio quality is clear and powerful enough to listen to music and audio books. This is greatly helped by the FitGoo gel, which helps isolate the audio to produce its full range. This is a similar package to alternatives but costs less money while staying reliable.
- Pros: 8GB storage, 10-hour battery life, IPX8 rating, includes 10 pairs of ear tips.
- Cons: Bass response is weaker, generic build quality.
Shop SYRYN MP3 + Swimbuds Flip on Amazon
3. AGPTEK Swimming Earbuds
Best waterproof earphones for swimming for a dirt-cheap price. The AGPTEK swimming buds are generic and of cheap build quality. But they still manage to do a good job for swimming purposes. The overall sound quality is good, though nothing spectacular. The frequency response of the mids and highs is actually pretty clear. Though the bass leaves a lot to be desired, this is a common problem with even the best waterproof earbuds. The main selling point of the AGPTEK ear buds is that they offer waterproof functionality (IPX8) and a snug fit at such a low price. Five pairs of eartips allow you to choose the best for your needs (triple-flange for swimming and regular for outside use).
- Pros: Affordable, IPX8 rating, multiple ear tip options.
- Cons: Poor bass, flimsy build.
Shop AGPTEK Swimming Earbuds on Amazon
4. Cyboris Swimming Headphones
A budget-friendly option for anyone looking to venture into waterproof headphones, these have a solid 16GB of storage, so you can load them up with front-crawl-motivating power ballads as well as something slower for winding down at the end of the swim. These waterproof headphones are also fuss-free to use. We just popped them in, used the side buttons to adjust the volume and didn’t need to touch them again until the end of our swim session. They stayed in our ears without slipping or feeling too rigid and were more comfortable than some pricier earbud headphones.
- Pros: 16GB storage, comfortable fit, easy controls.
- Cons: Limited sound quality, no Bluetooth.
Shop Cyboris Swimming Headphones on Amazon
5. TREBLAB WX8
TREBLAB WX8 headphones emerge as the best budget option, offering a cost-effective solution for swimmers looking for quality without a high price tag. They provide a blend of functionality and affordability, suitable for swimmers on a budget who do not want to compromise on essential features. Ideal for budget-conscious buyers, the WX8 delivers decent sound quality through bone conduction technology, allowing users to enjoy music while being fully aware of their surroundings. This feature is vital for safety in various swimming environments. These headphones are designed with comfort in mind, featuring a secure fit that ensures they stay in place during different swimming strokes. They are equipped with easy-to-manage controls, a battery life that supports up to 7 hours of playback, and are water-resistant, making them durable enough for regular use in the pool.
- Pros: Affordable, bone conduction, 7-hour battery life.
- Cons: Average sound quality, less durable than premium models.
6. Guudsoud Bone Conduction MP3 Headphones
Featherlight and with an ergonomic design that fits comfortably under a swim cap, these were a joy to wear. As the headband is made from silicone, there was no friction when we used these in the pool – when the music wasn’t on, we had to keep checking the headphones hadn’t slipped off, as their presence was barely noticeable. It was super simple to load tracks to and from the player by inserting the charging cable into our laptop’s USB port.
- Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, easy music loading.
- Cons: Limited storage (8GB), sound quality not as robust.
Shop Guudsoud Bone Conduction MP3 Headphones on Amazon
Comparison Table of Budget Swimming Headphones
| Model | Waterproof Rating | Battery Life | Storage | Technology | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shokz OpenSwim Pro | IP68 | 9 hours | 8GB | Bone Conduction | $150-$200 |
| SYRYN MP3 + Swimbuds Flip | IPX8 | 10 hours | 8GB | In-Ear | $60-$80 |
| AGPTEK Swimming Earbuds | IPX8 | 8 hours | N/A | In-Ear | $20-$40 |
| Cyboris Swimming Headphones | IPX8 | 8 hours | 16GB | In-Ear | $30-$50 |
| TREBLAB WX8 | IPX8 | 7 hours | N/A | Bone Conduction | $40-$60 |
| Guudsoud Bone Conduction | IPX8 | 8 hours | 8GB | Bone Conduction | $50-$70 |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
We usually test swimming headphones in the pool, although sometimes, should the weather permit, we also try them for open water swimming. People often wear these types of headphones with swimming caps, so we make sure we don these when testing the buds. Sound quality is tested underwater – of course – although we appreciate the buds’ sound might differ depending on factors such as water quality, fit etc. Each headphone was used in “fast” swimming conditions, with our requirement that the headphones stay in place and generate clear, quality sound while swimming at a pace of 30 seconds per 50m.
Shokz OpenSwim Pro Testing
Before I started using the OpenSwim Pro set, I averaged around 600 yards (24 laps) per 30-minute workout. As a newbie swimmer, I had no idea what constituted a “good” swim. Was it the number of laps I swam, or how fast I swam them? I wasn’t sure, so I’d swim until I felt tired, or, more often, until I got bored. Then I tried the headphones. I was shocked by my stats at the end of my first session swimming with the OpenSwim Pro pair. Without even trying, I nearly doubled my personal best, swimming 1,000 yards (40 laps) in 35 minutes. I was more motivated than ever, swimming faster to match the upbeat tempo of my playlist, my thoughts on lyrics rather than laps.
SYRYN MP3 + Swimbuds Flip Testing
The main problem with underwater music players isn’t usually the music quality, but being able to simply keep your earphones in place while swimming. A poor earbud fit means it’s getting jostled loose while you are swimming. It doesn’t take much wiggle for water to get in there and muffle the sound coming from the earphones. Once you get a good fit with your ear canal, the Swimbuds do the rest, piping in your favorite tunes while you swim through the rest of your workout. The SYRYN MP3 crushes it with battery life, getting up to 10 hours of life from a charge.
AGPTEK Testing
The biggest surprise on this list was just how well these cheap waterproof earbuds from AGPtek performed. I had the company’s original style that came years ago with one of their own waterproof MP3 players, and they stayed with me for a long time as a backup to my Surge earphones. Having had my Surge’s stolen while on holiday, I picked up the latest set of these earphones as a stopgap, but honestly, while they might not have some of the refinements of some of the more expensive models, they are great for swimmers on a budget.
Buying Guide for Budget Swimming Headphones
The best swimming headphones need to be waterproof, durable, and secure enough to stay put while you swim. Most use bone conduction technology, which is a style of headphone that delivers sound through vibrations while keeping your ears open so you can stay aware of your surroundings. We put the top options to the test in the pool, judging the fit, sound quality, and durability to find the best. Here are key factors to consider:
- Waterproof Rating: Look for at least an IPX8 rating for full submersion. IPX7 is sufficient for brief dips but not ideal for extended swimming.
- Fit and Comfort: Adjustable straps, multiple ear tip sizes, or secure ear hooks prevent slippage during rigorous swimming.
- Storage and Playback: Since Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater, opt for headphones with built-in MP3 players (2GB-16GB storage).
- Battery Life: Aim for 7-10 hours to cover long swim sessions or multiple workouts.
- Sound Quality: Bone conduction offers safety but may lack bass; in-ear models provide better audio but block ambient noise.
For more on waterproof ratings, check out CNET’s guide to IP ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bluetooth headphones for swimming?
No, Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater due to water absorbing the radio frequency. Opt for headphones with built-in MP3 players for swimming.
Are bone conduction headphones better for swimming?
Bone conduction headphones are ideal for swimmers who want to stay aware of their surroundings, as they don’t cover the ears. However, in-ear models often provide better sound quality.
How do I ensure a secure fit while swimming?
Choose headphones with adjustable straps, multiple ear tip sizes, or ear hooks. Wearing a swim cap can further secure the headphones during fast swims or flips.
What’s the minimum waterproof rating for swimming headphones?
An IPX8 rating is best, allowing prolonged submersion. IPX7 is acceptable for brief dips but less reliable for extended swim sessions.
How do I load music onto swimming headphones?
Most models with built-in MP3 players connect to a computer via USB. Drag and drop compatible files (MP3, AAC, WAV, etc.) into the device’s storage.
Conclusion
The best budget swimming headphones of 2025 combine affordability, durability, and functionality to enhance your swim sessions. Whether you prioritize bone conduction for safety or in-ear designs for sound quality, options like the Shokz OpenSwim Pro and SYRYN MP3 + Swimbuds Flip offer excellent value. Use our buying guide and comparison table to find the perfect pair for your needs, and dive into your workouts with the power of music. For more audio gear insights, explore Tom’s Guide’s headphone reviews.