The lightweight frame and general slim headband-style look of the Naenka headphones immediately reminded us of the Aftershokz OpenSwim these also hook over your ears so the bone conduction pads rest just in front of the ear and send vibrations through your jawbone. Suppose you are looking for the absolute best solution for listening to music whilst swimming, then hands down, I recommend the audio flood iPod shuffle. These definitely wont suit everyone, but we were still pretty impressed. Theyre made for swimmers and are there to not only soundtrack those laps but also block out ambient noise, whether at the beach or in the pool. H20 Audio Surge SX10 - Best Waterproof Earbuds for Swimming. Youll find both more traditional in-ear headphones as well as bone conduction headphones on this list. Though standalone waterproof MP3 players exist, you probably want to carry anything you dont need to while doing laps. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. For the Bluetooth connection to work in the water, your smartwatch needs to be within 5cm of the cable so, basically, you need to wear your smartwatch on your head. If you have an Apple Watch, check out H2O Audio's Interval headphones, which hold your watch's body at the back of your swimming cap so you can stream tunes from Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora and others. Theres also a very tiny button tucked away with a small M on this is for putting songs on repeat or shuffle mode and also switching between general and swimming mode. Some headphones will be labeled as sweat-resistant or water-resistant, and this does not mean they are waterproof. At first, I was unsure about spending this much money on a set of waterproof earphones. The Naenka pair offers both MP3 and Bluetooth connection, while Aftershokz only offers MP3. Also, the one thing I have learned is to manage expectations with the durability of the earphones. Doctor shares how to stop restless leg syndrome from ruining your sleep, Google Pixel Fold may have just been leaked by Googles own app, F1 Hungarian Grand Prix live stream how to watch the race free and online, F1 live stream 2022 how to watch free online, Hungarian GP race, standings, schedule and more, The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Both of these MP3 players are excellent for the task. We're also big fans of the Zygo mobile app, which offers instructor-led workouts and drills to give you training some variety. Alice Barraclough The Zygo Solo is the only waterproof headphones we've tested that can stream music and podcasts from a phone sitting by the side of the pool. To take headphones into the pool, they need an IPX7 rating or higher, which weve considered for every pair included in this guide. Adding music does feel a little old school, as you physically have to download any songs or audiobooks you want to listen to onto your computer and then drag and drop songs onto the OpenMoves hard drive. Alice Barraclough is a freelance lifestyle writer covering everything from fashion to fitness, travel, and interiors. She lives in Surrey and is currently training for her first-ever 70.3 IronMan. Bluetooth signals can only penetrate water for a very short distance, and the Zygo Solo gets around this problem using an FM radio transmitter an unusual but effective approach. This is perfectly acceptable in the pool, and if youre very fast off the wall, a cap will further lock these swimming headphones in place. Please refresh the page and try again. This means that waterproof headphones are actually MP3 players so you have to download your music to the device and store it on the headphones in order to play your tunes. They arrive with four sets of earbuds two standard ones and two matching swim-specific versions although mixing the two up wont result in damage. Instead, it would be best to plug them into the charging cradle used only for this earphone. By They are small and light and out of all the earphones we tested and are the most comfortable for extended and long swimming sessions. Elsewhere, on-device controls, comfort, value for money and of course decent sound quality helped us to reach our verdicts. Finally, we looked at the battery life of each pair of waterproof headphones whether youre using the headphones in the pool every day, or for a couple of sessions a week, you wont want to be charging them after every swim. The hours in the pool added up, and I got more and more frustrated; swimming was monotonous and becoming more of a chore to me than a passion. The biggest surprise on this list was just how well these cheap waterproof earbuds from AGPtek performed. You will receive a verification email shortly. Simply transfer music across via your PC or Mac, slip them around your head, and youre good to go. But, we didnt find that particularly deal-breaking. Its downfall? If you can attach your smartwatch to a pair of swimming goggles, you may be able to use it to stream music to a pair of headphones, but not all watches and headphones support this. Well, to an extent. And while other headphones on this list do offer larger storage for music, we found 4GB was plenty of room for our playlists and the sound quality was the highest on test music was both crisp and clear. 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. With up to 8-hours of battery life and 1,200 songs of storage, these headphones will withstand even the longest of training sessions in the pool. If you like the fit and feel of regular in-ear headphones, a couple of earbuds might be your best bet. The main difference between the two? By Swimbuds have completely redesigned their waterproof earphones, and the Flip is right up there with the H2O Audio Surge+ in terms of quality and features. We found its best to completely remove the watch strap on your smartwatch and then attach the watch face to one of the appropriate watch clips that come in the box this means you can then easily clip the watch onto your goggle straps on the crown of your head. Finis Duo Bone Conduction Swimming Headphones. Still a solid option, the Finis Duo now faces competition from smaller, less obtrusive-looking systems. So theyre definitely not for everyone. Its worth mentioning that with this style of headband, theres no way to alter the fit or size of the Naenkas, so those with slightly smaller heads may find that the headband hangs off the back of the neck and causes a little extra drag in the water. Theres even an ambient sound mode that improves your ability to hear whats going on around you. Just like listening to music when running generally tends to make exercising feel easier, listening to music when swimming can also help distract attention (a psychological effect) while simultaneously boosting the heart and the muscles (physiological impact). , The Naenka Runner Diver sets itself apart from other bone conduction headphones by offering something most of its rivals do not have a Bluetooth module so you can stream music straight from your phone. The on-off switch pretty much does everything, from pairing and switching between Bluetooth and MP3 mode to accepting and ending calls, playing, pausing, and skipping tracks. Still, if swimming is your main concern, these are an excellent choice. We've tested every pair of waterproof headphones in this list and in order for them to be included in this very select and specific roundup, we needed each pair of headphones to excel at a number of things. That is why if you take the plunge (see what we did there?) An IPX7 rating should not mean poor sound quality and we made sure to check for that. Although offset by the other benefits, the lack of Bluetooth does mean youre left to plug the headphones in to upload songs or podcasts, and theyll be no pairing with your phone to take calls. They can be worn in and out of the water, and theyre lightweight and comfortable, although they dont have the best battery life on test. While this article covers the best waterproof headphones currently available, you can check out our list of the absolute best sports headphones if you don't need such a high waterproofing level. We found them really comfortable to wear in the water theyre best paired with a swimming cap and goggles and they also stayed put on our ears (even when doing tumble turns). The article linked above explains how it works and its various applications in the 21st century. He originally discovered exercise through martial arts, holding a black belt in Karate, and trained for many years in kickboxing. Since it uses bone conduction, expect bass-heavy audio that lacks treble detailing. And with 8GB storage, theres room for around 1,500 songs. They are traditional cable down ear headphones, and they come in 2 styles of eartips in 3 different sizes each. Audiophile On is dedicated to bringing reviews of high-end portable audio products with an easy-to-understand format. Despite the large appearance in hand, the terribly named NW-WS623 is actually fairly comfortable on the head, and they managed to stay in place without coming loose for most of my sessions. As for its performance, we found during testing that it works beautifully in and out of water although the sound quality is much better in water when youve got the earplugs on. The fact theyre waterproof and ideal for swimming is a massive bonus. The bulky shape makes them a bit uncomfortable under the swim cap, so thats worth taking note and without a cap, they are prone to catching the water flow. However, several companies make awesome waterproof MP3 Players for swimming. Unlike the Zygo Solo, which allows you to do so underwater, these waterproof headphones are limited to streaming on land. While theyre more on the expensive side, swimmers will appreciate how lightweight they feel and the quality of audio underwater. The charging was a mix of good and bad. And, with Amazon Prime Day coming up, you might even score a great deal before your next swim. As fans of Aftershokz OpenMove bone conductor headphones which are great for running as they allow you to listen to your favorite album or podcast without completely blocking out the sound of traffic we had high hopes for Aftershokz dedicated swimming headphones. In the run-up to doing my first half Ironman, the one thing I struggled with most was boredom when swimming. Stretching is Matts top fitness tip. Treble is nice and smooth, so there shouldnt be any problems caused by sibilance. In the box, they also include a longer cable that is a simple plug-and-play type so you can quickly convert them for use out of the pool. H20 is one of the best know companies for listening to music whilst swimming. We did enjoy the fact that we didnt have to physically drag and drop any music onto these via connecting to a computer and charging them up was easy as you just slide the left headphone (the one without the buttons) onto the charging port. If you want both stats and tunes, then we suggest you opt for headphones with a built-in MP3 instead. Sound is up there with the Hydroactive, and it has great clarity with tight, punchy bass that is sure to drive your sessions further and further. Most range from 2GB to 8GB and vary hugely in battery life. In that regard, one or the other is not necessarily better, and it comes down to preference. During testing, we played different music and podcasts in the pool to look for the best pair. Once popped on, a sprung connective clasp around the back of your neck ensures both sides remain secure in your ears. Thanks to its simplicity and pricing, its currently the highest recommended player on our list of the best waterproof MP3 players. After some time, I have noted that the Hydroactive earphones are by far and away from the best option for me. These headphones will work well for almost any sport in which your headphones are going to get wet. The two of those things I think make me qualified to share my insights with these products. Please refresh the page and try again. Although we found it necessary to regularly clean the very small charging points on the device as they can get clogged up. Bluetooth can only work up to 4 inches underwater, Best all-round headphones for swimming and running, You need a separate radio and microphone in order to work, You need to wear your smartwatch on your goggles, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. 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. When testing, we found the Naenka only lasts for about six hours on one charge which takes about an hour and the connecting cable is also a little fiddly, consistently losing connection to the computer we attached it to. Each side clips to your goggles, press down onto your upper cheekbone/eye socket area and transmit the sound. Both also come with a good set of waterproof earbuds, which kicks this off with 2 solid sets. The bit of the headphones that manages this sits just in front of the ear, and three small buttons behind the right ear let you navigate, play and pause your tracks. In this article, we are discussing the best waterproof headphones and listing our top 10 favorite models. As a result, these earphones can not just be charged by inserting the cable. Michelle Rae Uy The best way to fight the boredom of swimming laps, according to some swimmers at least, is to get a really great song stuck in your head. Competitively priced, the Naenka Runner Pro also comes with pair of earplugs in the box which we found really useful for swimming and definitely made a difference to the sound quality, especially when listening to podcasts. They are cable the ear headphone as opposed to cable straight down. To most, this may seem more faff than its worth especially if you dont have a coach and just like to do your own thing during public swim sessions. During COVID he also fell in love with yoga, as it combined martial-arts style stretching with a bit of personal space. A set of Sony headphones with a built-in MP3 player, the Walkman NW-WS413 is marketed for general active use and works much like any others. Heres why you can trust us. There was a problem. Attaching the headphones to our goggles was a little fiddly, to begin with, but its one of those things that gets easier (and quicker) the more often you do it. I use the shuffle myself, and it just works flawlessly. The sound quality can be excellent, or a bit muffled depending on how the water sloshes around your ears. Personally, we like to wear our smartwatches on our wrists for tracking laps and heart rate, but Bluetooth cant travel that far through the water, so you really do have to decide whats more important the stats from your session or listening to tunes? With a dedicated swim mode, the sound provided is clear enough, while not only will your ears be free from potential irritation incursions, youll be able to hear ambient noise, like the lifeguard blowing their whistle at you for excessive splashing. The big selling point with Hydroactive is the plethora of ear tip options you can use. When swimming, we found the Shokz OpenSwim (known as the AfterShokz Xtrainerz until the company rebranded in December 2021) best paired with swimming goggles or a swim cap to keep them in place. H2O Audio offers a few different models, but the best price to perform is the Surge S+. We found this was the best way to both upload and listen to music using these, but you can also connect to the Sonar headphones via Bluetooth. Wireless headphones, while fab for using in the gym or out on a run, are a little sketchy in the water the last thing you want is for an earbud to accidentally fall out and then sink to the bottom of the pool, or worse, ocean. All you have to do is hit the M button on the righthand speaker and a blue LED light will start blinking you can then connect your phone or smartwatch to the device. Theres a tiny on and off button on the Naenkas and also a button to adjust the volume up or down. With top sound quality, normal looks, and a comparatively low price, theres a lot to recommend them. To test the best waterproof headphones for swimming, we took some of the most popular headphones down to the pool. One of those uses is swimming. If you want better-sounding headphones, earphones, amps, and DACs we are sure to have something to suit your tastes and price points. Thats pretty good, but I will admit that I miss the Sony model's quick-charge feature. The style you prefer is the first thing to consider when buying a pair of waterproof earbuds or headphones. Dont think for a second that anything on this list is sponsored, as I have actually bought and paid for every set of earphones on the list. I also happen to run this website dedicated to headphones. But as it arrived with no instructions, it took a little time to work out how to use it. In the future, the company plans to add Peloton-style interactive sessions, which will make use of the headset's built-in accelerometer to track your progress in the pool. This is the companys first foray into bone conduction to deliver sound and the work incredibly well. You want to choose something that sits comfortably on your head and will stay secure in the water. Until one of my training partners introduced me to waterproof headphones (actually waterproof earphones), which completely changed the way I trained. 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. Whilst some mobile phones are indeed labeled as being waterproof, they are not designed to be used continuously underwater for extended periods of time. Our battery life test showed the Pyle earphones had about 7 hours of playback at about 75% volume. Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. Originally I started with an Audioflood waterproof iPod Shuffle and a set of the Surge waterproof earphones you can read more about in the full list below. Unfortunately, many lists just run down the products, and the truth is told, most sites have never even owned or tested their products to their full capabilities. You will receive a verification email shortly. Heres why you can trust us. The Jukes pro training system arrives in a neat and sturdy case (with a blue camouflage print no less) so great for storing it away in your swim bag rather than chucking it in and hoping it doesnt go amiss amongst all the other pool gear you own. According to various studies, listening to music is really effective during everyday exercise, and can increase a persons sense of motivation and affect his or her performance.