Waterproof headphones have become essential for swimmers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy music or podcasts in wet environments. These devices are designed to withstand submersion, sweat, and harsh conditions while delivering quality audio. In 2025, advancements in bone conduction technology, IP ratings, and onboard storage have elevated the performance of waterproof headphones. This guide compiles expert-tested reviews, real-world performance insights, and a detailed buyer’s guide to help you choose the best waterproof headphones for your needs.
Top Waterproof Headphones for 2025
Shokz OpenSwim Pro
Our 2025 top pick remains the Shokz OpenSwim Pro, but here’s our full rundown of everything on offer! Excellent sound performance, Bluetooth and MP3 support, and reliable waterproofing make these buds our top pick for most people. There’s bass-heavy sound and 8GB of memory here, and a mode that lets you use the headphones both in and out of the water. The Shokz OpenSwim Pro improve on the first-generation set, bringing impressive audio via bone conduction, an IP68 rating for water resistance, and the ability to store MP3s directly on the device, so you can leave your phone in the locker as you train. They’re comfortable with a swim-friendly audio mode and offer up to nine hours of battery life.
Naenka Bone Conduction Headphones
Don’t let the fact that these headphones have the word ‘runner’ in the title put you off from using them for swimming, too. With IPX8 waterproof rating, the Naenka Bone Conduction headphones are fully waterproof and ideal for swimming (as well as running). 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. Physically, it looks and feels impressive, and we found it comfy to wear ¡ª even if we had to keep them in place with our goggles. Its downfall? The Naenka takes a lot longer to charge, and has a much shorter battery life than the Shokz. When testing, we found the Naenka only lasts for about six hours on one charge ¡ª which takes about an hour ¡ª and the connecting cable is also a little fiddly, consistently losing connection to the computer we attached it to.
JBL Reflect Aero TWS
The JBL Reflect Aero TWS are our favorite earbuds for the gym. We love their secure fit, simple controls, waterproof design, and ability to block noise. This pair is the top pick in our guide to workout headphones because the winged earbuds stay securely in place, have simple controls, and are waterproof and sweatproof, with a high IP68 rating. The sound is good out of the box, and you can fine-tune it to your preferences, using the equalizer controls in JBL’s app. This pair’s 8-hour battery life is good for true wireless earbuds, and the pocket-size case provides an additional 16 hours of power¡ªthough we wish it supported wireless charging. You can use either earbud by itself, and the microphones deliver clear phone calls. Our testers found the fit and feel to be comfortable, but people with very small or sensitive ears may find the pressure of the stabilizing wings to be fatiguing over time.
Creative Outlier Free Pro
The Creative Outlier Free Pro launched at $129, but have since dropped to $99. That makes them the best budget model around right now and they still perform well with MP3 storage as well as Bluetooth playback and a fully waterproof design. The IPX8 rating makes them fully waterproof for swimming so you can use that storage to listen to audio in the water, even if you will get less impressive sound than you do from the Shokz OpenSwim Pro. As most sets of bone conduction headphones come in between $100 and $200, the model you get will likely depend on your budget and how often you plan to wear them. The Outlier Free Pro are a great budget-friendly set that are available for under $100, so if you’re not too worried about sound quality they are better value for money than others.
Pros and Cons of Top Waterproof Headphones
| Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Shokz OpenSwim Pro |
|
|
| Naenka Bone Conduction |
|
|
| JBL Reflect Aero TWS |
|
|
| Creative Outlier Free Pro |
|
|
Real-World Testing Scenarios
Pool and Open Water Swimming
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. For most swimmers, we recommend the Shokz OpenSwim Pro because they’re comfortable with a swim-friendly audio mode and offer up to nine hours of battery life. In open water, the Naenka Bone Conduction headphones were tested with goggles to ensure a secure fit, but their shorter battery life limited extended sessions.
Gym and Outdoor Workouts
The JBL Reflect Aero TWS wireless earbuds have an exceptionally high level of protection against water and sweat (with an IP68 rating), and these small, light earbuds should stay securely in place when you run, thanks to their stabilizing wings. The sealed design and active noise cancellation reduce the sounds of traffic, the gym, or noisy workout equipment. If you need to have a quick conversation or listen for an external sound, the natural-sounding hear-through mode is a tap away. Testers simulated gym sessions with high-impact movements and confirmed the earbuds stayed secure, though some noted minor discomfort after prolonged use.
Submersion and Durability Tests
For waterproof models, we even plopped them in a cup full of water to check if they still worked afterwards. Moreover, water-resistant models were subjected to a quick splash under the sink and as much sweat as we could throw at them. The Creative Outlier Free Pro and Shokz OpenSwim Pro both passed submersion tests with their IPX8 ratings, maintaining functionality after being submerged for up to an hour at two-meter depths. The JBL Reflect Aero TWS also withstood simulated rain and sweat tests, proving their durability for outdoor use.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Waterproof Headphones
Key Features to Consider
- IP Rating: Headphones with the IPX7 grading offer 30 minutes of listening at one meter of depth, while the IPX8 grading provides one hour at two-meter depth. For swimming, you need waterproof sets with an IPX8 rating, but for sweaty sessions and rainy outdoor walks and runs, you can opt for a pair with a high-degree of resistance around IPX4 or higher.
- Bone Conduction vs. In-Ear: 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. In-ear models like the JBL Reflect Aero TWS offer noise cancellation but may feel intrusive for some users.
- Storage and Connectivity: There’s no Bluetooth connection underwater. This means that waterproof headphones are actually MP3 players ¡ª so you have to download your music to the device and store it on the headphones in order to play your tunes. Most range from 2GB to 8GB ¡ª and vary hugely in battery life.
- Battery Life: Look for models with at least 6-9 hours of battery life for extended use. The Shokz OpenSwim Pro offers nine hours, while the Naenka lasts only six.
- Fit and Comfort: Models designed to reduce drag and stay in place also win points. Bone conduction headphones often use over-ear hooks, while in-ear models rely on wings or fins for stability.
Steps to Choose the Best Waterproof Headphones
- Determine your primary use case (swimming, running, gym workouts).
- Check the IP rating to ensure it meets your water exposure needs.
- Decide between bone conduction or in-ear designs based on comfort and awareness preferences.
- Evaluate battery life and storage capacity for your activity duration and music needs.
- Test the fit and comfort, especially for high-impact or prolonged activities.
- Compare prices and read user reviews for real-world performance insights.
Recommended Products with Purchase Links
- Shokz OpenSwim Pro: Best overall for swimming and versatility. Buy on Amazon
- JBL Reflect Aero TWS: Ideal for gym and outdoor workouts. Buy on Amazon
- Creative Outlier Free Pro: Budget-friendly option for casual swimmers. Buy on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use Bluetooth headphones for swimming?
No, Bluetooth does not work underwater because water absorbs the radio frequency. Waterproof headphones for swimming typically include onboard MP3 storage, allowing you to download music directly to the device.
What is the difference between IPX7 and IPX8 ratings?
IPX7-rated headphones can withstand submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes, while IPX8-rated models can handle deeper submersion (typically two meters) for up to an hour, making them better suited for swimming.
Are bone conduction headphones safe for swimming?
Yes, bone conduction headphones with an IPX8 rating are safe for swimming. They deliver sound through vibrations, leaving your ears open to stay aware of your surroundings, which is ideal for open water.
How do I maintain waterproof headphones?
- Rinse with fresh water after use in saltwater or chlorinated pools.
- Dry thoroughly before storing to prevent corrosion.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Check for debris in charging ports or ear tips regularly.
Can I use waterproof headphones for calls?
Some models, like the JBL Reflect Aero TWS, have microphones for clear calls in dry environments. However, most bone conduction headphones, like the Shokz OpenSwim Pro, are designed for music playback and lack call functionality underwater.
Conclusion
The best waterproof headphones of 2025 combine durability, sound quality, and secure fit to enhance your aquatic or outdoor activities. The Shokz OpenSwim Pro stands out for its superior audio and swimming performance, while the JBL Reflect Aero TWS excels in gym settings. Budget-conscious buyers can opt for the Creative Outlier Free Pro for reliable waterproofing at a lower price. By understanding IP ratings, battery life, and fit, you can select the perfect pair for your needs. For further reading on audio gear, check out CNET’s headphone guide or Tom’s Guide reviews.