Earbuds water resistant: The Best Waterproof Headphones for 2023

The Best Waterproof Headphones for 2023

Music is the ideal accompaniment to exercise, but you shouldn’t just grab any old headphones before you head to the gym. If you’re planning to work up a sweat, make sure whatever you choose can handle a soaking. We test scores of headphones each year, from noise-cancelling models that block out the world around you to exercise-friendly earbuds that can handle exposure to sweat and other liquids.

Check out our favorite waterproof earphones below, followed by buying advice with key tips for finding the best pair for you.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Jabra Elite 7 Pro

Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Jabra Elite Pro 7 earphones might not cancel noise as effectively as top competitors, but they do have a distinct advantage over most: a completely waterproof IP57 design. Otherwise, they deliver a rich, detailed sound and bundle a very intuitive companion app.

Who It’s For

These earbuds aren’t superlative in any one category, but they compete with the best in every metric that matters. Choose these if you want noise-cancelling earphones that you can count on to survive sessions at the gym and downpours outside.

PROS

• Powerful audio performance with deep bass and crisp highs
• Adjustable ANC and EQ settings
• Excellent mic intelligibility
• Fully waterproof, dust-resistant earpieces

CONS

• Tunable ANC requires more work than other models
• Sculpted sound signature not for purists

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Jabra Elite 7 Pro Review

JBL Endurance Peak 3

Best Budget Workout Earphones

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

JBL sells a full range of waterproof models and the Endurance Peak 3 earphones are one of the best values. Their class-leading IP68 rating means they are completely dustproof and waterproof and they have excellent battery life, too. Meanwhile, their ear hooks ensure a secure fit no matter the intensity of your workout.

Who It’s For

This JBL model is an excellent value for under $100, especially if you enjoy an adjustable sound signature that emphasizes the lows by default.

PROS

• Powerful, bass-forward sound signature
• Fully waterproof, dust-tight design
• Highly adjustable and effective in-app EQ
• Strong battery life

CONS

• Massive, hard-to-open charging case
• Annoying auto-off function

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JBL Endurance Peak 3 Review

Tribit FlyBuds 3

Lowest Price

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The IPX7 Tribit FlyBuds 3 are the most affordable waterproof earphones we recommend. They’re capable performers, too, with a powerful, bass-centric sound signature, long battery life, and a stable design. The earbuds don’t ship with a companion app, but that’s a reasonable compromise for the price.

Who It’s For

Budget-minded fitness fans should consider these Tribit earphones because they are reliable and cost well under $50.

PROS

• Bass-forward, powerful audio performance
• Excellent battery life for true wireless earphones—can charge external devices, too
• Affordable
• IPX7-rated waterproof
• Excellent fit stability, with multiple eartip options

CONS

• Ho-hum design
• Wildly sculpted sound signature
• No app, so no EQ to tame the audio

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Tribit FlyBuds 3 Review

Anker Soundcore Sport X10

Best Budget Noise Cancellation

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Although top-notch noise-cancelling earphones are expensive, the IPX&-rated Anker Soundcore Sport X10 earbuds offer good-enough performance for much less. They also deliver a powerful, bass-forward audio signature that you can adjust via the in-app EQ.

Who It’s For

If you want to block out distractions while you exercise at the gym, this Anker model is an excellent, low-cost option. You should consider upgrading to the Jabra Elite 7 Pro earphones if you want even better ANC and more detailed sound, but those cost twice as much.

PROS

• Powerful, sculpted, and bass-forward audio
• Impressive ANC for the price
• App features adjustable EQ and customizable controls
• Waterproof build

CONS

• Ear hook design makes docking process annoying
• On-ear control array could be more intuitive

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Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Review

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport

Most Stylish Design

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Unlike most other waterproof competitors, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport earbuds look stylish and feel luxurious. Design touches like the classy B&O logos on the outside of each earpiece and the metal-trimmed case all add to their appeal. They offer an IP57 rating and also sound excellent, which is no surprise given their pedigree.

Who It’s For

If you care about looking fashionable while you work out, you won’t find a more premium option. They’re really expensive though, especially considering they don’t have active noise cancellation. We haven’t tested them yet, but the newer stem-style Beoplay EX model offers that capability.

PROS

• Rich bass and clear, detailed highs
• Stylish, fully waterproof and dust-resistant design
• Solid battery life
• Useful app
• Transparent listening mode

CONS

• Expensive

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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport Review

Jabra Elite 4 Active

Best Midrange Noise Cancellation

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Jabra Elite 4 Active earphones sit in a sweet spot between budget and high-end picks. They’re essentially a scaled-back version of the Elite 7 Pro, so you can expect above-average noise cancellation and engaging audio. They have an IP57 rating.

Who It’s For

These midrange earbuds are an affordable alternative to top-end models for buyers who still want a quality product.

PROS

• Quality audio performance with rich, bright, balanced response
• Decent active noise cancellation
• Waterproof and dust-resistant build
• Secure in-ear fit ideal for exercise

CONS

• Sound signature not for those seeking accuracy
• No AAC codec support

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Jabra Elite 4 Active Review

LG Tone Free Fit (TF8)

Best Charging Case

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The LG Tone Free Fit earphones are a bit pricey given their average noise cancellation, but the charging case is the main appeal here. It functions as a Bluetooth transmitter (thus allowing you to use the earphones wirelessly with any device that has a 3.5mm headphone jack), and LG further claims that it sanitizes the earbuds with UV light when they are docked. An IP67 rating rating also means you don’t need to be particularly careful with them.

Who It’s For

The ability to listen wirelessly from any source with a headphone jack is what makes the LG Tone Free Fit earbuds most appealing. That’s a nice convenience for everything from in-flight entertainment systems to smart gym equipment.

PROS

• Rich, full bass response and bright, detailed highs
• App features customizable EQ and controls
• Fully waterproof and dustproof design
• Charging case doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter

CONS

• Noise cancellation is merely decent
• Meridian audio presets aren’t for purists

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LG Tone Free Fit (TF8) Review

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

Best for Galaxy Phone Users

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Just like how AirPods (and Beats earphones) offer extra conveniences for iPhone users, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have some special tricks for Galaxy phone users, including support for 24-bit hi-res audio playback. They also fit well, sport an IPX7 rating, produce deep bass and clear highs via their dual drivers, and deliver decent noise cancellation. Like many Samsung products, however, they have an Apple-like premium price.

Who It’s For

Audiophiles with newer Samsung Galaxy devices should pick these. Just make sure your phone is running at least Android 8.0 and One UI 4.0, plus has 1.5GB of RAM.

PROS

• Dual drivers produce fantastic bass depth and clarity
• 24-bit streaming for (some) Galaxy phone users
• Competent active noise cancellation
• Case charges wirelessly
• Waterproof design

CONS

• In-app EQ isn’t customizable
• So-so battery life

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Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review

Tribit MoveBuds h2

Best Battery Life

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

The Tribit MoveBuds h2 have the longest battery life of any earphones on this list at up to 15 hours. The case provides another 50 hours on top of that, so you can count on these earbuds to still function even if you forget to charge them now and then. They are extremely waterproof too, with an IPX8 rating.

Who It’s For

If you seldom find yourself near an outlet to recharge your devices, this Tribit model is a suitable choice because of its extensive runtime. Just keep your sound quality expectations in check and prepare to deal with a large carrying case.

PROS

• Robust audio with rich lows
• Strong battery life
• Waterproof design
• Supports AAC and AptX

CONS

• Massive charging case
• Buggy EQ
• Residue from stickers on charging contacts

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Tribit MoveBuds h2 Review

Buying Guide: The Best Waterproof Headphones for 2023

Pay Attention to IP Ratings

Let’s start here: Waterproof is a flexible term and water resistant is even more so. To qualify as either, a product ostensibly has to go through standard testing to determine its level of protection against liquids. The resulting score is called an ingress protection (IP) rating. Our explainer on the IP rating system has more details and is a good read for those curious about the process.

The short version goes like this: Manufacturers thoroughly (we hope) test their products under a rigid system of guidelines and assign an appropriate rating based on the results. The IP system also indicates the level of protection against dust, which can make things a little confusing.

Anker Soundcore Sport X10 (Credit: Tim Gideon)

Let’s say you have two pairs of headphones, one with an IP57 rating and another with an IPX7 rating. Which pair is more waterproof and what’s with the X? First off, they are equally waterproof—only the second digit in an IP rating corresponds to water resistance. The first digit indicates the level of dust protection. So, whereas the IP57 model has a high level of dust resistance, an IPX7 rating either means that the manufacturer didn’t sufficiently test the product to these standards or that the product didn’t meet the minimum threshold to get a rating. The X is simply a placeholder for 0. More often than not, the IP ratings we see for headphones have an X in them—manufacturers tend to care more about protection against liquids than dust. 

The truth is, most people probably don’t need the highest level of water resistance from their headphones. Something with a modest IP rating, but with lots of other useful features, such as active noise cancellation or an adjustable EQ, might end up being a better fit.

What’s the Difference Between Water-Resistant and Waterproof Headphones?

Now that you understand what the numbers represent, what kind of IP ratings should you look for? To keep things simple, we’re just going to refer to everything as an IPX rating and ignore the dust resistance part here. It’s rare for a manufacturer to even advertise a rating below IPX3, which corresponds to weak water resistance. Products with an IPX4 status can at least withstand water sprays from any direction.

An IPX5 rating means a product can handle water jetting from a 6. 3mm nozzle, whereas an IPX6 rating means water jets from a 12.5mm nozzle should be fine. Both of these levels are likely good enough for a sweaty workout or exercise in light rain. You probably shouldn’t expose headphones with this rating to heavy faucet pressure, however, let alone submerge them.

JBL Endurance Peak 3 (Credit: Tim Gideon)

You can submerge IPX7 gear at depths of up to a meter for up to 30 minutes without issue. An IPX7 rating is where a product makes the leap from water resistant to waterproof; this is the minimum level for products on this list. IPX8 earphones are now increasingly common, too. They can survive at depths between one and three meters for longer periods.

Waterproof Headphones for Swimming

Generally speaking, a Bluetooth signal doesn’t do well underwater. Although a wireless pair of IPX7 earphones might be enticing for swimming laps, the Bluetooth signal might not be steady.

That’s why some companies, such as h3O Audio(Opens in a new window), specialize in Bluetooth products for swimmers. These earphones are subject to the same limitations of Bluetooth signals underwater, but their design keeps the headphones’ reception circuitry above water, whereas traditional headphones might go underwater every time you turn your head to breathe.

Another possible issue with using headphones for swimming is range. Your Bluetooth audio source needs to be nearby to maintain a strong streaming signal.

How to Charge Waterproof Headphones

For a variety of reasons, waterproof earphones far outnumber over-ear or on-ear headphones with the same qualities. Within the in-ear world, you have true wireless earphones, as well as more traditional wireless models with cables that connect the earpieces but still stream wireless audio.

Recommended by Our Editors

Dust-Resistant? Waterproof? Making Sense of Gadget Ratings

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Note that the charging case for your true wireless earphones likely isn’t water resistant at all. Some cases have waterproof exteriors, but very few have a waterproof interior (the case for the second-generation AirPods Pro is a notable exception). If you dock them while they’re wet, you run the risk of damaging the product. Wireless models with a cable don’t have this issue. However, their waterproof ratings typically apply only when the charging point is closed.

All of this is to say that you still must use common sense. A simpler way to think of it is: When you are charging them, treat your headphones as if they aren’t water-resistant. Dry the port before attaching a cable and dry your earpieces before you place them in the case.

LG Tone Free Fit TF8 (Credit: Tim Gideon)

How Much Should You Spend on Waterproof Headphones?

A solid IP rating doesn’t seem to have a huge impact on price these days. That said, if water resistance is important to you, the best pairs we’ve tested generally start around $100. Often, the more expensive pairs of waterproof earphones have higher price tags because they offer top-notch noise cancellation or other premium audio features.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, you can head over to the best headphones we’ve tested for under $50. Just keep in mind that they might not be waterproof. And when you find the right pair, make sure to check out our additional coverage on five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and the eight ways you’re using your headphones wrong.

10 Best Waterproof Headphones for Swimming 2023 — Audiophile ON

Lists / Top 10’sNews

Jul 9

Written By Audiophile On

This article discusses the best waterproof headphones for swimming in 2023 and lists our top 10 favorite models. All the headphones on this list are suitable for open and closed-water swimming and most other watersports.

In the run-up to doing my first half Ironman, I struggled with boredom when swimming.  The hours in the pool added up, and I got frustrated; swimming was monotonous and becoming more of a chore to me than a passion. Then one of my training partners introduced me to waterproof headphones and earbuds. It completely changed my training.  

It has been a few years, and I have tried many different models. With this being a headphone review site, it was time to put together my list of the ten best waterproof headphones for swimming and let you know my favorite setup in 2023.  

Something to note is that I don’t think that this list only benefits swimmers. These headphones will work well for almost any sport where your headphones get wet.  

They are perfect for paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, wakeboarding, etc. The critical thing to note here is that if your earbuds come into contact with water, these are the best options you can buy this year.

Editors Choices: Best Waterproof Headphones 2023

Best Waterproof Headphone

Best Waterproof Earbuds

Best With Inbuilt MP3 Player

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What Waterproof headphones do I use?

As I mentioned, I am no professional swimmer but a hobbyist, triathlete, and mid-distance swimmer. I also happen to run this website dedicated to headphones. The two of those things I think make me qualified to share my insights with these products.

This year, I replaced my Audioflood iPod with this crazy waterproof Delphin Smart Player. It really is on another level and is our current recommended music player on our list of the best waterproof music players for swimmers.

My earphones have also been changed from the Surge+ earbuds headphones to the Underwater Audio Hydroactive short cord earphones. I have tried many, but these work best for me due to the stability provided by the neckband.

I should note. Unlike other sites, nothing on this list is sponsored. I have bought and paid for every set of earphones on the list. No freebies, no discounts, and no paid placements. Just an honest opinion on what I think is good and bad.

1.

Swimbuds Hydroactive

Specifications:

• Style: Earbuds with neckband

• Waterproofing: IPX8 fully submersible to 10 meters

• Integrated Music Player: No

Pros:

• The most stable earphone on our test

• The short cable attaches easily to google mounted MP3 players

• 4 different eartips to ensure a waterproof seal

Why We Like It:

At first, I was unsure about spending this much money on waterproof earphones. However, I can’t return to standard earbuds after a few months of use.

I have never been a fan of neckband earphones, but when swimming, they work very well to keep the earphones in place without falling out.

The construction was excellent, and they are made from high-quality materials resistant to snapping or cracking. The neckband is, in fact, quite flexible, and whether you drop it or tug at it, I don’t see much chance for the headphones to fail unless you are particularly abusive.

The big selling point with Hydroactive is the plethora of ear tip options you can use. They come with four different styles of tips, each in 3 different sizes, giving you many options to get a secure seal and keep water out.

The earbuds come with a short cable as a default which I found the perfect length to attach to my player at the back of my swim cap. In the box, they also include a longer cable that is a simple plug-and-play type, so you can quickly convert them out of the pool.

Verdict: Test winner of the best waterproof headphones for swimming due to the stability provided by the neckband.

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2. Sony NW-WS623

Specifications:

• Style: Earbuds with neckband and integrated MP3 Player

• Waterproofing: IPX8 fully waterproof

• Integrated Music Player: Yes

Pros:

• The integrated MP3 player means you only need one device

• In-built music controls: Play/Pause/Skip etc

• Multi sport compatible

Why We Like It:

I prefer to use a separate mp3 player with my headphones, but I see some people at the pool with these all-in-one neckband earphones with an integrated MP3 player. 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.

The charging was a mix of good and bad. On the one hand, the 3-minute quick charge function was amazing. But, on the other hand, if you charge these earphones for just 3 minutes from the flat, you can produce 1 hour of playback time at moderate listening volumes.

Not so great was Sony’s choice to use a proprietary charging dock. As a result, these earphones can not just be charged by inserting the cable. Instead, it would be best to plug them into the charging cradle used only for this earphone.

The sound quality is brilliant and by far the best in class. I also enjoyed these as a full range of sports headphones that can be used equally well in and out of the water.

Verdict: The best headphones for swimming with a built in MP3 Player.

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3. Agptek IPX8

Specifications:

Pros:

• Affordable and good quality

• Coiled cable increases movement

• Nice Tri flange tips

Why We Like It:

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. Insertion depth was deep, and both tips could create a good water-tight seal.

The cable is standard short, but some people will praise it for the freedom of movement in some spring-style accordion stretch, which I found added too much weight to the cable.

The sound is useable, but it won’t win any prizes in this area. Instead, it’s an enhanced bass tuning with not too much treble.

Verdict: The best cheap earbuds for swimming. I also really like the coiled cord.

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4. h30 Audio Surge S+

Specifications:

Pros:

• Extremely compact and comfortable

• Easy to use under the swim cap

• Good after-sales support

Why We Like It:

h30 Audio is one of the pioneers that brought swimming headphones to prominence. They were the earphones I used in the pool for many years and a huge reason I enjoy listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks when I swim.  

h3O Audio offers a few different models, but the best price to perform is the Surge S+.  They are small and light, and out of all the earphones we tested, they are the most comfortable for extended swimming sessions.

If you don’t want a set of neckband-style earbuds, these are the ones I recommend. Little things in the build quality make them a step above the cheaper models on our list.  

The cable is the perfect length for an mp3 player attached to swimming goggles. It also has no cable win, so you don’t have the weight problem you find on the AGPtek model. With these, there is no excess, but the adapter’s quality to the extension cable is by far the best and most secure on the test.

They have two styles of eartips. One has triple-layer fins that are excellent for keeping water out of your ears and come in 3 different sizes. The other style is the traditional bud style tip which is less secure at keeping out water, but many people find them more comfortable. These come in 5 sizes (XS-XL).

Sound is up there with the Hydroactive, and it has excellent clarity with tight, punchy bass that will drive your sessions further and further.

The final point will be down to pure preference, but I like how the Surge+ looks with its blue cable and black splitters.

Verdict: Very high quality earbuds whos small size allows them to easily fit under a swimcap.

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5. Underwater Audio Swimbuds Flip

Specifications:

Why We Like It:

Swimbuds have entirely redesigned their waterproof earphones, and the Flip is right up there with the h3O Audio Surge+ in terms of quality and features.

These are premium swimming headphones with the excellent build quality. They are cable-the-ear headphones as opposed to cable straight down. In that regard, one or the other is not necessarily better, and it comes down to preference. However, if moving around underwater a lot, like freediving and flip-turning, over-the-ear cable tends to stay a bit better.

Insertion depth on the flip is profound, and they have some serious extension into your canal. I thought on numerous occasions that I was going to touch my brain. Keep this in mind: I like this deep seating because it usually ensures the strength of the waterproof seal. However, some people could find this uncomfortable in longer listening sessions.

The sound quality is great They have punchy extension into the lows and a clear yet slightly warm midrange. The treble is nice and smooth, so there shouldn’t be any problems caused by sibilance.

Verdict: The angled design makes them very comfortable to wear an alleviates pressure on the ear canal.

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6.

h3O Audio Surge SX10

Specifications:

• Style: Earbuds with integrated over-ear hooks

• Waterproofing: IPX8 fully waterproof

• Integrated Music Player: No – Sold separately

Pros:

• You get secure fitment from the earhooks

• h3O Audio is a reputable brand

• It is well made and has a good warranty

Why We Like It:

Take everything I said that was enjoyable about the Surge headphones above in this list and apply them to the SX10 variant.

The biggest difference between the two models is the SX10 has an over-the-ear monitor design where the cable runs upwards instead of straight down. This helps them stay in place when moving and suits them as multisports headphones.

The SX10 sounds the same as the original h3O earbuds, and that’s a good thing as the bass is responsive and deep, but throughout all the frequencies, there is clarity that cheaper earbuds in this category miss.

You get 3 types of eartips to try and help you get the perfect fit. My favorite was the tri-flange mode once again, as I think the extra ribs help them grip the ear canals better and prevent slipping.

These are a good alternative if you can’t get your hands on the Swimbuds flip listed above, and it was a close battle when comparing the two. However, I ultimately ranked the Flip higher on this list due to the lower price and excellent deep fit that made them feel very secure in the ear.

Verdict: The earhook design makes them the best earbuds for using without a swimcap. With a swimcap the apply too mcuh pressure behind the ears.

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7. Shokz OpenSwim

Specifications:

• Style: Bone conduction headphones

• Waterproofing: IPX8 fully waterproof

• Integrated Music Player: Yes – Integrated into the headphones

Why We Like It:

The Shokz Openswim is one of the most popular headphones for swimmers and triathletes. Over the years, the company has proven itself as one of the most innovative in the bone-conduction headphone space.

It is similar to the Sony model listed above in function and uses bone conduction technology to transmit the sound. You don’t have to put them in your ears and can use your regular swimming earbuds.  

It has an IPX8 rating and can be submerged to a depth of 2 meters for up to 5 hours, although I suspect you could push both those limits a touch without any significant issues.

It has 4GB of storage and a wide range of file support from MP3, FLAC, and many more, and I like the simple to use drag and drop file system that works on both my Mac and PCs and

Our battery life test showed the Pyle earphones had about 7 hours of playback at about 75% volume. That’s pretty good, but I will admit that I miss the Sony model’s quick-charge feature.

They are well-made headphones, and Shokz has a stellar reputation for its aftercare and warranty programs. I have been using them in the sea and the pool for a few months, and nothing has gone wrong. (Update: 2 years of use from the original model, and they still work as expected.)

The shape makes them useable under the swim cap, but they are prone to catching the water flow without a cap.

Verdict: The best bone conduction headphones for swimming.

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8. h3O Audio Sonar Pro

Specifications:

• Style: Bone conduction headphones

• Waterproofing: IPX8 fully waterproof

• Integrated Music Player: Yes – Integrated into the headphones

Why We Like It:

h30 is one of the best-known companies for listening to music while swimming, and now they have entered the bone conduction headphone market with a well-designed and thought-out model.

The Sonar Pro is a great alternative if you don’t like the rigid headband on the Shokz Openswim listed above. The flexible cable is easier for me to fit under a swim cap.

The other clever design trick is the indentations in the transducer’s housing are meant for your swim goggles, meaning they stay attached via pressure from your goggles. For me, this works great but is a goggle-dependent fit as it raises the profile of the goggles off your head and can affect the waterproof seal of your goggles.

The integrated play/pause and track control functions are very welcome, and they beat out the Shokz model with 8 GB of storage and Bluetooth to sync Playlist+ music.

Verdict: A great design that connects to your swim goggles and has in built music controls on the bone conduction headsets.

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9. Finis Duo

Specifications:

• Style: Bone conduction headphones

• Waterproofing: IPX8 fully waterproof

• Integrated Music Player: Yes – Integrated into the headphones

Pros:

• Excellent value for money

• Similar design to the Sonar Pro

• Easy to navigate controls

Cons:

• No playlist syncing

Why We Like It:

Bone conduction headphones are a technology that uses your facial bones to send sound waves up to your eardrums. The article above explains how it works and its various applications in the 21st century.

One of those uses is swimming. These headphones from Finis are integrated earphones and an MP3 player. Each side clips to your goggles, press down onto your upper cheekbone/eye socket area, and transmit the sound.

It’s a bit strange to hear sound in your head and not in the traditional sense, but the big advantage here is you can use your traditional swimmer’s earplugs to protect from water while having this player provide the music.

The sound quality has a lot of clarity but is lacking in bass. I found that it worked well for audiobooks and podcasts but less so for music.

Tactile controls on the device allow you to control playback functions such as play/pause, skip & scroll tracks, and shuffle your playlist.

The earphones were easy to transfer with both PC and Mac and had solid build quality.

Differentiating the Finis from the other earphones on this list is that they are useless when you are not swimming, as you would need a band on your head to attach them to.

Verdict: A good inexpensive waterproof set of bone conduction headphones from a trusted brand in swimming.

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10. Reader’s Recommendations

Have we missed anything? If so send us your recommendations for the best waterproof headphones you have use on Instagram or Facebook and we will check it out and feature it here if it performs as well as the other headphones on this list

Water Resistant Headphones vs. Waterproof Headphones

Don’t buy only water-resistant; you are looking for waterproof headphones or earphones for swimming. Preferably something with an IPX68 or IPX70 rating.  Only those designated as fully waterproof will stand up to being fully submerged in water. 

Some headphones will be labeled as sweat-resistant or water-resistant, which does not mean they are waterproof.  They will work great if your headphones will get splashed in the rain or if you sweat on them when running, but they are not designed for swimming and watersports.

Also, one thing I have learned is to manage expectations with the durability of the earphones. This most likely won’t last a couple of years if using salt water, swimming in the sea, or chlorinated water in the pool. If you use them in such environments, I highly suggest rinsing them with clean, fresh water after every use. This will help avoid staining and corrosion over time.

Waterproof IPX Ratings on Electronics Explained

The IPX rating is a standard defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission to classify the level of protection provided by electronic devices against water and dust. In this case, IP stands for ingress protection and can be useful for assessing how suitable an electronic device is for a certain task. Given this article is about the best waterproof headphones, we can use the IP rating to assess how suitable such headphones will be for tasks such as swimming.

The first digit in the IPX rating indicates the degree of protection against solid particles, while the second digit indicates its level of protection against liquids.

A rating of IPX0 means there is no protection, while a rating of IPX8 means the device can be submerged in water beyond 1 meter.

For instance, headphones with an IPX5 rating offer protection against splashes, sweat, and rain, whereas those with an IPX7 rating can survive being fully immersed in water.

When choosing electronics with IPX ratings, it’s important to consider the intended use to ensure the device has adequate protection against any potential exposure to water or dust.

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TOP 10 Best Headphones for Swimming (2023)

In this rating, we will consider the best headphones for swimming in the pool and not only in it . Swimming headphones should be waterproof (naturally :-P), have a secure fit and preferably good sound. We have this segment (headphones in which you can swim) is poorly represented. Basically, swimming pool headphones are only sold overseas. In our latitudes, Sony’s swimming headphones are the most popular, they are also a player.

Let’s analyze the best options: a waterproof player for swimming, aka headphones . And compromise: wired underwater headphones and wireless headphones for swimming without built-in memory. Do not confuse earplugs, which are sold in any pharmacy (there are those that are only for swimming, they are sold in sports stores) with “plugs” for swimming.

An mp3 player for swimming or a pool player combined with headphones is the best option. Bluetooth does not work in water, so just wireless waterproof headphones are not suitable for diving.

💎 Useful related articles:

• Swimming players/headphones

• Swimming earmuffs

Which waterproof swimming headphones should I buy?

What are the best waterproof swimming headphones?

Swimming earmuffs must be:

• Completely waterproof naturally =)
• Light and comfortable
• Ergonomic
• Secure fit
• Sound quality
• Wireless preferred.

This top lists the top 10 waterproof models from around the market. Since there are very few headphones in this niche, we had to work very hard to find really good headphones for swimming.

Not all waterproof models shown below are available from our stores. Most, except for Sony, will have to be ordered from Amazon, Ebay or other stores, including Chinese ones (links to products are attached). But they are really worth it.

Waterproof headphones for swimming (in the pool) – TOP 10

Model	Description
1. Sony NW-WS623 $130	4GB waterproof mp3 player headphones with Bluetooth connectivity, best under $130;
2. AfterShokz Aeropex $185	Waterproof Bone Conduction Shower Headphones, best and most interesting under $200;
3. OverBoard OB1063 40$	Budget wired in-ear underwater headphones for swimming;
4. Sony NW-WS413 $90	Sony Swimming Headphones and Best Swimming Pool Player Under $90;
5. AC Robin Mist $145	Best Waterproof True Wireless Headphones Under $150;
6. Arikasen X12 $55	Waterproof player for swimming, best under $60;
7. Tiandirenhe Waterproof MP3 20$	Sports waterproof swimming headphones, best under $20;
8. Sony WF-SP900 $100	Waterproof fully wireless Bluetooth swimming headphones, best under $120;
9. JBL Endurance DIVE $50	JBL waterproof headphones and mp3 player for pool swimming;
10. Ddj Q1 100$	Wireless waterproof earphones for bone conduction swimming.

10 Ddj Q1

Best Wireless Pool Headphones Under $40 – Bone Conduction Waterproof

Ddj Q1 ($40) – The best wireless earphones for the pool under $40 with bone conduction. An interesting and inexpensive model. Button control, several colors, secure fit and affordable price. These headphones for swimming in the pool do not actually cover the ears, for this purpose there are earplugs in the kit. The solution is interesting and gaining popularity.

Aliexpress

• Ddj Q1 Bone Conduction Swimming Headphones

Looking for pool headphones and want to try something different without spending a lot of money? This is the option for you.

9 JBL Endurance DIVE

Mp3 player for the pool from JBL – a good player-headphones

JBL Endurance DIVE ($50) – waterproof JBL headphones and mp3 player for swimming in the pool. Interesting design, bright sports colors, reliable water protection and touch control are the main features of these JBL wireless waterproof headphones. It works in two modes: Bluetooth (plays music from the phone, can be used as a headset) and player (1 GB of internal memory, only mp3, no folders, etc. , only a list of all tracks).

• JBL Endurance DIVE – player for swimming in the pool on Aliexpress

Before swimming, you need to switch this pool player to the actual mp3 player mode and lock the controls. Just don’t forget to turn on the music. 😉

8 Sony WF-SP900

Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones for Swimming Under $100

Sony WF-SP900 (from $100) – The best waterproof Bluetooth headphones for swimming under $100. A very interesting model: there are no wires, it can work via Bluetooth or from internal memory (4 GB), it has protection against dust and water (even salty) IP68, it is securely held in the ears and there is even a cord for connecting headphones, so as not to lose them during sailing time.

• Sony WF-SP900 – waterproof swimming headphones on Aliexpress

However, these waterproof Sony headphones are not cheap. Which, in fact, is not surprising for the manufacturer. The price range is large. You can find it for $100, or you can get it for $200. In general, a rather controversial waterproof Bluetooth headset, but more on that below.

7 Tiandirenhe Waterproof MP3

Best Swimming Headphones Under $20 – FM Radio & 8GB

Tiandirenhe Waterproof MP3 ($20) – The best swimming headphones under $20. In general, this is a waterproof player plus the same vacuum headphones. A distinctive feature is the presence of FM radio. Memory capacity: 4 or 8 GB, while the price differs slightly.

• Tiandirenhe Waterproof MP3 – sports waterproof headphones on Aliexpress

It’s easy to get confused on Aliexpress, but these swimming headphones are worth considering.

6 Arikasen X12

The best player for swimming under $60 – worthy Chinese player-headphones

Arikasen X12 ($55) is the best player for swimming under $60. Made these headphones-player in the image and likeness of the waterproof Walkman from Sony. The model boasts 8 GB of memory, 8 hours of operation, IPX8 moisture protection, the ability to connect and work in headset mode via Bluetooth. It also comes with good sound and the ability to play flac files from internal memory. Very interesting waterproof player.

• Arikasen X12 – headphones with a player on Aliexpress

Underwater player, swimming headphones… The headphones with the player are the most common in this segment. After all, let me remind you that Bluetooth does not spread in water.

5 AC Robin Mist

Best waterproof wireless earbuds under $150 – bluetooth model with IP67 protection

AC Robin Mist ($145) – The best waterproof true wireless headphones under $150. It’s not that bluetooth headphones for swimming, it’s just that there is a high degree of moisture protection (IP67): they can be washed and drowned. It makes no sense to swim in them, since Bluetooth does not work in the water, and there is no other way to connect here. But these wireless waterproof headphones boast excellent sound (two-driver fittings) and support for aptX.

If you’re looking for diving headphones, look elsewhere (IPX8 rating). But, if you do not dive into the water, then in this model you can swim in the pool, for example.

4 Sony NW-WS413

Best Sony Swimming Headphones Under $90 – Pool & Saltwater Waterproof

The

Sony NW-WS413 (from $90) are Sony’s best swimming headphones under $90. A distinctive feature of the entire line, including this model, is the ability to work in salt water. This is a waterproof Sony player, there is no possibility to connect via Bluetooth. But not only mp3 is readable, but also other formats: flac and wav, for example.

Sony NW-WS414 – Sony swimming player

Sony NW-WS414 differences:

• More memory . 8 GB
• Price at the same level . It can be more expensive by $ 5-7 or cost the same.

• Sony NW-WS413 – Sony player for swimming on Aliexpress

Another question – is it possible to throw a lot (and is it worth it) of wav songs for 4 GB? This is a sports device, Sony wireless waterproof headphones, and never an audiophile. The sound is not bad, but without revelations, of course.

3 OverBoard OB1063 🥉

Inexpensive wired vacuum headphones for swimming – which require a player

OverBoard OB1063 ($40) – inexpensive wired vacuum headphones for swimming. The cable is twisted, and for additional fastening on the head, a rim is used through the back of the head. These earbuds hold securely. The main feature is the declared immersion depth of up to 6 meters. Yes, in fresh water. These are not just earphones. 😉 Most analogues allow diving to a maximum of 1-3 meters, further: inconvenient and unsafe.

• Separately waterproof player can be bought on Aliexpress

Ever wanted to go snorkeling in style or diving in a rustic lake with music? Here is your choice. 😉 These are probably the best wired swimming headphones under $40

2 AfterShokz Aeropex 🥈

The best waterproof headphones under $200 – Bluetooth 5.0 and 8 hours of operation

The

AfterShokz Aeropex ($185) are the best waterproof headphones under $200. These bone conduction headphones do not cover your ears. If you use it for training, jogging and just on the street, you will always hear everything that happens around, which can be very useful. And for swimming, you can use complete earplugs. Yes, these are headphones in which you can swim, but this is not their main purpose.

• AfterShokz Aeropex – not quite underwater headphones on Aliexpress 😉

These wireless waterproof headphones are not suitable for diving. Bluetooth does not work underwater, and IPX8 is better for swimming, but here only IP67.

1 Sony NW-WS623 🏆

Best mp3 player headphone for swimming under $130 – waterproof Walkman

The

Sony NW-WS623 ($130) is the best mp3 player headphone for swimming under $130 with 4GB of storage and Bluetooth connectivity. The average model from the line of mp3 players for swimming from Sony. In terms of price and quality – the most optimal. Good sound, pretty clear button controls, this mp3 player is waterproof, again, you can swim even in salt water.

Sony NW-WS625 vs Sony NW-WS623 vs Sony NW-WS413

Sony NW-WS625 16 GB flash memory .

Price about $160 .

Sony NW-WS623:

• 4 GB flash .
• No remote control .
• 4 colors . Black, white, blue, lime green.
• Bluetooth and NFC .
• Headset operation .
• Price about $130 .

Sony NW-WS413:

• 4GB flash .
• No remote control .
• 3 colors . Black, blue, ivory.
• No Bluetooth and NFC .
• Does not work as headset .
• Price from $90 .

• Sony NW-WS623 – mp3 player for swimming on Aliexpress

Is the price justified? Complex issue. Sony devices are always a little (or not a little 😉) more expensive than we would like. This waterproof mp3 player is no exception.

Degrees of moisture and dust protection (table)

Headphones with IPX8, IP68, etc. – we understand

It is often not entirely clear what these numbers mean after the IP. And in some cases, the description does not correspond to the declared level. But there is a very clear table. 😎