Best Waterproof Headphones for Swimming: Comprehensive Review
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, but it can sometimes feel repetitive and monotonous. That’s where waterproof headphones come in, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks while swimming. In this review, we’ll cover six of the best waterproof headphones for swimming, exploring their features, specifications, pros, and cons.
H2O Audio Sonar IPX8 – Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones with MP3 Player
Best for Swimming and Aquatic sports
H2O Audio TRI Multi-Sport Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones
Best for athletes and sports enthusiasts
Pyle MP3 Player Bluetooth Headphone – Waterproof Swim IPX8
Best for active individuals who want a waterproof and versatile audio solution
1. JBL Reflect Aero TWS
JBL Reflect Aero TWS is a pair of true wireless earbuds designed for swimming and other water-based activities. These earbuds are designed for a secure fit and feature JBL’s signature sound quality.
Features & Specifications
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- JBL Signature Sound
- 30 hours of battery life (with charging case)
- Touch controls
- Mono and stereo modes
- Voice assistant integration
- Ambient Aware & TalkThru technology
Pros
- Comfortable and secure fit, suitable for swimming
- Excellent sound quality
- Long battery life
- Convenient touch controls
- Ambient Aware & TalkThru technology allows for situational awareness and easy communication
Cons
- Slightly bulky design
- Limited customization options for the touch controls
- Pricey compared to other options
2. H2O Audio Sonar IPX8 – Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones with MP3 Player
The H2O Audio Sonar IPX8 headphones use bone conduction technology, allowing you to listen to music while swimming without blocking your ears. These headphones also come with a built-in MP3 player for added convenience.
Features & Specifications
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Bone conduction technology
- Built-in 8GB MP3 player
- Up to 7 hours of battery life
- Open-ear design
Pros
- Allows for situational awareness with open-ear design
- Bone conduction technology is ideal for swimming
- Built-in MP3 player for offline music playback
- Good battery life
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Bone conduction sound quality may not be as good as traditional earbuds
- Bluetooth connectivity can be unreliable underwater
- Limited control options while swimming
3. H2O Audio TRI Multi-Sport Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones
The H2O Audio TRI Multi-Sport headphones are designed for swimming, running, cycling, and hiking. They use bone conduction technology and feature a built-in MP3 player for added convenience.
Features & Specifications
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Bone conduction technology
- Built-in 8GB MP3 player
- Up to 6 hours of battery life
- Open-ear design
Pros
- Suitable for multiple sports, not just swimming
- Bone conduction technology provides a comfortable listening experience
- Built-in MP3 player allows for offline music playback
- Decent battery life
Cons
- Sound quality may not be as good as traditional earbuds
- Limited control options while swimming
- Slightly shorter battery life compared to other options
4. Sony NWWS413BM 4GB Sports Wearable MP3 Player
The Sony NWWS413BM is a 4GB wearable MP3 player designed for sports enthusiasts, including swimmers. It features an all-in-one design that combines the music player and headphones into one unit.
Features & Specifications
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- 4GB built-in storage
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- All-in-one design
- Ambient Sound Mode
- Compatible with various audio formats
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- No need for a separate music player or smartphone
- Long battery life
- Good sound quality
- Ambient Sound Mode allows for situational awareness
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Limited storage capacity
- No bone conduction technology
5. Pyle MP3 Player Bluetooth Headphone – Waterproof Swim IPX8
The Pyle MP3 Player Bluetooth Headphone is a flexible, wrap-around style waterproof headphone designed for swimming. It features a built-in MP3 player and a rechargeable battery.
Features & Specifications
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Built-in 8GB flash memory
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Flexible wrap-around design
- Includes replacement earbuds
Pros
- Comfortable and secure fit for swimming
- Built-in MP3 player for offline music playback
- Good battery life
- Affordable price
Cons
- Sound quality may not be as good as other options
- Wrap-around design may not be comfortable for everyone
- No bone conduction technology
6. AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof in-Ear Earphones
The AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof in-Ear Earphones are wired, coiled cable swimming earbuds with a stereo audio extension cable. They’re designed to be used with waterproof MP3 players or other compatible devices.
Features & Specifications
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Wired connectivity
- Coiled cable design
- Stereo audio extension cable included
- Noise isolation
Pros
- Affordable option for waterproof earbuds
- Coiled cable design reduces cable tangling
- Good sound quality
- Noise isolation feature for immersive listening
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Requires a separate waterproof MP3 player or device
- May not be as comfortable as other options
Comparisons
| Feature/Model | JBL Reflect Aero TWS | H2O Audio Sonar IPX8 | H2O Audio TRI Multi-Sport | Sony NWWS413BM | Pyle MP3 Player Bluetooth Headphone | AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof in-Ear Earphones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IPX8 | IPX8 | IPX8 | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | N/A | Bluetooth | Wired |
| Bone Conduction Technology | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Built-in MP3 Player | No | 8GB | 8GB | 4GB | 8GB | N/A |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (with case) | Up to 7 hours | Up to 6 hours | Up to 12 hours | Up to 10 hours | N/A (wired) |
| Open-Ear Design | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Ambient Sound Mode/Technology | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Price Range | High | Mid-High | Mid-High | Mid | Low-Mid | Low |
Keep in mind that this comparison table provides a simplified overview of the main features and specifications of each product. For a more detailed analysis, refer to the individual reviews and consider the pros and cons of each option.
Features to look at before buying waterproof headphones for swimming
When searching for the perfect waterproof headphones for swimming, there are several features to consider. Here’s a list of important aspects to keep in mind:
- Waterproof rating: Look for headphones with at least an IPX7 or IPX8 waterproof rating. This ensures that the headphones can be submerged in water without sustaining damage.
- Sound quality: High-quality sound is essential when listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while swimming. Check for headphones with good audio performance and, if possible, try them out before purchasing.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity offers a wireless experience, but keep in mind that Bluetooth signals can be unreliable underwater. Some headphones come with a built-in MP3 player, which allows for offline music playback without requiring a separate device.
- Bone conduction technology: Bone conduction headphones transmit sound vibrations through the bones of the skull rather than through the ear canal. This allows for an open-ear design, enabling you to remain aware of your surroundings while swimming.
- Comfort and fit: A secure and comfortable fit is crucial, as headphones should stay in place while swimming without causing discomfort. Look for ergonomic designs, adjustable ear tips, or wrap-around styles.
- Battery life: Sufficient battery life is important for long swim sessions. Aim for headphones with at least 6 to 8 hours of battery life, or even more if you plan to use them for extended periods.
- Controls and user interface: Accessible controls are necessary for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, or answering calls while swimming. Touch controls, physical buttons, or voice assistant integration can provide convenient options.
- Durability: As swimming headphones will be exposed to water, sweat, and chlorine, it’s essential to choose a product made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand these conditions.
- Ambient sound awareness: Some headphones offer ambient sound modes or technologies that allow you to remain aware of your surroundings while swimming. This feature can be particularly useful for outdoor swimming or in busy pools.
- Price range: Finally, consider your budget and compare the features of different waterproof headphones within your desired price range to find the best value for your money.
By taking these features into account, you can make an informed decision when purchasing waterproof headphones for swimming that meet your specific needs and preferences.