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. The best waterproof headphones go beyond the water resistance of most workout companions to provide true immersion in the pool or open water. They are the perfect choice for sport swimmers, recreational swimmers, open water swimmers, and triathletes. Most of these will operate just as well above the water too, so if you want running headphones to withstand downpours and inclement weather, these are also worth your consideration.
Key Features to Look for in Swimming Headphones
Finding the right swimming headphones involves more than just looking for a “waterproof” label. You need to consider several key factors to ensure you get a product that performs well in water, stays comfortable during swims, and meets your audio needs.
- IP Rating: The Ingress Protection (IP) rating defines how well a device is protected from water and dust. For swimming headphones, an IPX8 rating is essential, as it indicates the headphones can withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter depth.
- Secure Fit: Models designed to reduce drag and stay in place also win points. Bone conduction or clip-on designs that attach to goggles are ideal to prevent earbuds from falling out during flip-turns or vigorous strokes.
- Battery Life: Endurance swimmers, in particular, should look for swimming headphones with a battery life of at least 6 hours. You won’t want to be charging them after every swim.
- Storage Capacity: Since Bluetooth signals don’t work well underwater, most swimming headphones feature built-in MP3 players with 2GB to 32GB of storage for music, audiobooks, or podcasts.
- Sound Quality: While swimming headphones may not match the audio fidelity of high-end studio headphones, they should deliver clear, balanced sound underwater with decent bass.
Top 6 Affordable Waterproof Swimming Headphones for 2025
Below is a curated list of the top 6 affordable waterproof swimming headphones for 2025, each rigorously evaluated for performance, comfort, and value. These selections are based on real-world testing and user feedback, ensuring durability and functionality in aquatic environments.
1. SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro
The SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro headphones stand out in the swimming headphones category due to their unique open-ear design and impressive waterproof capabilities. With an IP68 rating, these headphones can be fully submerged in water, making them ideal for serious swimmers. They also feature a built-in 32GB MP3 player, allowing users to store up to 8,000 songs, which is perfect for swimming sessions where Bluetooth connectivity may not be available due to water interference. One of the key strengths is the comfort and stability of the fit, which is designed to stay in place during vigorous workouts or swimming. The bone conduction technology allows users to hear their surroundings, enhancing safety while exercising outdoors. The battery life of up to nine hours is commendable, providing ample time for long workouts and swim sessions, and a quick charge feature ensures you won’t miss out on your tunes.
- Pros: IP68 waterproof, 32GB storage, 9-hour battery life, comfortable open-ear design.
- Cons: No Bluetooth support underwater, limited to freshwater pools (not saltwater).
2. H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport
The H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport waterproof open ear headphones make listening to music underwater feel like a party with its bass-heavy audio and their 8GB storage, that lets you store your favorite tunes for pool workouts. Compared to the JBLs above, these bone conduction headphones are terrific swimming options as they leave your ears free, mostly without compromising on sound quality. These headphones feature a relatively small 8GB internal memory, but the audio player supports proprietary and free formats. The H2O Audio Sonar underwater headphones are IPX8 waterproof, and sound quality underwater is among the best we’ve tested. For extra safety, make sure to clip them onto your swimming goggles.
- Pros: IPX8 waterproof, bass-heavy sound, supports multiple audio formats.
- Cons: Limited 8GB storage, tricky charging setup.
3. Naenka Runner Diver 2
You really can’t find a better all-around pair of underwater bone conduction headphones than the Naenka Runner Diver 2s. Featuring an IP68-rated waterproof triple-layered silicone coating and an impressive ten-hour battery life, these headphones will keep up mile after mile and lap after lap. Plus, they offer a highly competitive 32GB of onboard memory, so will store thousands of songs to keep you company during every practice session or marathon. The lightweight frame and general slim headband-style look of the Naenka headphones immediately reminded us of the Shokz OpenSwim Pro ¡ª these also hook over your ears so the bone conduction pads rest just in front of the ear and send vibrations through your jawbone.
- Pros: IP68 waterproof, 32GB storage, 10-hour battery life.
- Cons: Longer charging time, shorter battery life compared to Shokz.
4. Sony NW-WS623
After a lot of research and trying out a few different models, I settled on the Sony because the price was good, and they were the ones that managed to remain secure on my head during swims in open water. Despite the large appearance in hand, the named NW-WS623 is fairly comfortable on the head, and they managed to stay in place without coming loose for most of my sessions. They come with 4 or 16 GB of internal memory to store your favorite music tunes, audiobooks and podcasts. The quality of the sound is unquestionable – the brand has managed to earn itself a great reputation on the market of electronic devices and it shows.
- Pros: Secure fit, good sound quality, 4GB or 16GB storage options.
- Cons: In-ear design may allow water ingress, affecting sound.
5. AGPtek Waterproof Earbuds
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. They are traditional cable down ear headphones and come in 2 styles of eartips in 3 sizes each. I found them easy to insert because the molding on each earpiece’s back is easy to grip with wet hands.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, easy to insert, multiple eartip sizes.
- Cons: No built-in MP3 player, requires separate device.
6. Underwater Audio SYRYN Swimbuds
The Underwater Audio SYRYN Swimbuds is an MP3 player and earbuds designed for lap swimmers. Each player and headphones come with several ear tips to help you get that perfect and secure fit. The SYRYN Swimbuds also comes with a tube of earbud goo that helps secure a leak-free, watertight seal. One of the constant battles of swimming with music is trying to keep the buds in place as you pick up the pace or push off the wall. The buds don’t have to fully come out to lose all functionality: once water gets between your eardrums and the earbud, the sound gets muffled, tinny, and generally lousy. The headphones and the MP3 player are both IPX8-rated to go to depths of 3m, and the SYRYN has a huge 8GB of storage so you can be sure you’ll never run out of entertainment.
- Pros: IPX8 waterproof, 8GB storage, includes earbud goo for secure fit.
- Cons: Manual file transfer required, cumbersome design.
Comparison Table of Top Swimming Headphones
| Model | Waterproof Rating | Storage | Battery Life | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro | IP68 | 32GB | 9 hours | $150-$200 |
| H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport | IPX8 | 8GB | 6 hours | $100-$150 |
| Naenka Runner Diver 2 | IP68 | 32GB | 10 hours | $120-$170 |
| Sony NW-WS623 | IPX8 | 4GB/16GB | 12 hours | $100-$140 |
| AGPtek Waterproof Earbuds | IPX8 | None | N/A | $30-$50 |
| Underwater Audio SYRYN Swimbuds | IPX8 | 8GB | 7 hours | $80-$120 |
Real-World Testing Scenarios
To evaluate these headphones, testers swam in various conditions, including chlorinated pools, open water, and simulated rough conditions (e.g., vigorous flip-turns and sprint sets). For instance, the SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro was tested during a 90-minute pool session with freestyle and backstroke drills. The bone conduction technology delivered clear audio, and the headphones remained secure even during flip-turns. Similarly, the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport was tested in a 60-minute open-water swim, where its bass-heavy sound shone, though testers noted occasional slippage without goggle straps. The AGPtek earbuds were tested with a separate MP3 player clipped to a swim cap, performing reliably for budget-conscious swimmers but lacking the convenience of integrated storage.
Buying Guide for Waterproof Swimming Headphones
- Assess Your Needs: Determine if you need headphones for pool swimming, open water, or multi-sport use. Bone conduction models like SHOKZ are ideal for safety and comfort, while in-ear options like Sony offer richer sound.
- Check IP Rating: Ensure the headphones have at least an IPX7 rating, with IPX8 preferred for prolonged submersion.
- Consider Storage: If you swim long sessions, opt for models with 8GB or more storage to avoid frequent file transfers.
- Test Fit: Look for headphones with adjustable ear tips or goggle clips to ensure a secure fit during vigorous swims.
- Budget: Affordable options like AGPtek are great for casual swimmers, while premium models like SHOKZ suit serious athletes.
For more tips on choosing headphones, visit PCMag’s Headphone Buying Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bluetooth headphones for swimming?
No, Bluetooth signals are unreliable underwater due to water interference. Most swimming headphones use built-in MP3 players to store and play music.
Are bone conduction headphones better for swimming?
Bone conduction headphones, like the SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro, are often preferred for swimming because they leave the ear canal open, enhancing situational awareness and preventing water ingress.
How do I maintain waterproof headphones?
Rinse headphones with fresh water after each swim, dry them thoroughly, and store them in a protective case to extend their lifespan.
Can these headphones be used for other sports?
Yes, most models, such as the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport, are designed for running, cycling, and other activities, thanks to their sweatproof and durable designs.
Conclusion
The top 6 affordable waterproof swimming headphones of 2025 offer a range of options for swimmers seeking durability, comfort, and quality audio. From the premium SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro to the budget-friendly AGPtek earbuds, there’s a model for every swimmer’s needs. By prioritizing IPX8 ratings, secure fit, and sufficient storage, you can enhance your swim sessions with motivating music or podcasts. Explore these picks to find the perfect pair for your aquatic adventures.