Top 3 Headphones for Swimming - Compared Guide

Many Americans enjoy swimming just for exercise.  But what if swimmers could enhance their activity by listening to their favorite music.  Finding the best headphones for swimming can transform your pool time from counting laps to a motivating time. Traditional earbuds don’t work, so you need specialized, waterproof headphones. There’s new technology designed to deliver crystal-clear audio even beneath the surface. This guide will show you the essential features and top products for 2025 and beyond.  It also explains crucial maintenance tips to ensure your aquatic listening experience is perfect every time.

Key Features to Look for in the Best Headphones for Swimming

Choosing the right equipment is the first step toward enjoying music in the water. Swimming requires a different set of standards than out of the water.  The first step then is to choose the right equipment to enjoy music in the water.  When shopping for swimming headphones, pay close attention to the following features.  These will help guarantee durability, comfort, and performance.

Waterproof Ratings

The second digit (ranging from 0 to 9) in the Ingress Protection (IP) rating indicates how well a device resists water. For swimming, choose a model rated IPX8.  This means it can handle full and continuous immersion in water.

Consider Fit

A secure, comfortable fit is vital for swimming headphones.  They need to stay firmly in place, even during flip turns.  They should fit comfortably under the googles' strap without requiring constant adjustment.

Connection Stability

Bluetooth connections are unreliable underwater.  Thus, wireless headphones for swimming should feature reliable built-in MP3 storage.  This way you can play music continuously without relying on an external wireless connection.

Battery Life

Battery life should be a minimum of 6–8 hours.  This will cover multiple pool sessions or even a long day at the lake without recharging.

Sound Quality Underwater

Bone conduction technology is usually the best audio experience in the water. It shows how bone conduction headphones work by transmitting clear sound vibrations through your cheekbones, delivering much clearer audio than traditional waterproof earbuds for swimming.

Best Headphones for Swimming 2025

The market for specialized swimming audio gear is constantly evolving. In 2025, these three models stand out for their combination of waterproof integrity, stable fit, and reliable performance.  This makes them the top contenders for the title of the best swimming headphones.

OpenSwim Pro

Shokz OpenSwim Pro is an advanced open-ear bone-conduction headphone built for underwater swimming. It combines reliable waterproofing, generous MP3 storage, and a secure ergonomic fit.  It allows you to enjoy your music with every stroke and turn.

IP68 Waterproof: Dustproof level 6 plus waterproof level 8. Designed for full immersion up to 2 meters deep making them ideal for standard pool swimming. 

32GB MP3 Storage: You can listen to your entire playlist underwater without needing a Bluetooth connection.

Ergonomic Ear-Hook: Fits securely and comfortably with swim goggles and caps for maximum stability.

Physical Control Buttons: Easy to use underwater with easy access touch of a button

Long Battery Life: Up to 9 hours of Bluetooth use on land and 6 hours of MP3 playback in water, similar to long battery life earbuds.

H20 Audio Sonar 2 Pro

H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro offers listening enjoyment during every swim. It has a waterproof design, MP3 storage, and open-ear comfort to make it a dependable companion in the pool.

IPX8 Waterproof: IPX8 means waterproof level 8 only, with no dust-protection rating. Rated for full submersion up to around 12 feet (3m), well suited for pool swimming.

8GB Built-In Memory: Store hundreds of songs or podcasts and enjoy music without Bluetooth connection.

Bone-Conduction Audio: Delivers clear, balanced sound through bone conduction while keeping your ears open to surroundings.

Secure, Streamlined Fit: Designed to stay firmly in place under swim goggles and caps.  

Suunto Aqua

The Suunto Aqua Black can turn every swim into an enjoyable, music-filled experience. Its durable waterproof build comes with high-capacity MP3 storage.  You can move and swim around freely without worrying about Bluetooth connection. 

IP68 Waterproof: Withstands depths of up to 5 meters for about 2 hours, clearly demonstrating the ip68 meaning. This makes it ideal for open-water swimming or in a pool.

32 GB Internal Storage: Store thousands of songs for offline playback; no phone needed in the water.

Bone-Conduction Audio: Transmits clear, balanced audio through your cheekbones while keeping your ears open and comfortable.

Lightweight Design: Weighs only about 35 grams and, offers a stable and secure fit.  This is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or daily use.

Comparison Table

All three models are designed for underwater use.  They offer reliable waterproofing, music storage, and comfort to suit your needs.

Why Don't Regular Bluetooth Earbuds Work Underwater?

Many people ask why their standard wireless swimming earbuds don't work under the water. This isn't a defect.  It's a limitation due to the basic physics of how wireless signals interact with water.

Type of Radio Frequency

Bluetooth uses high-frequency radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. These short wavelengths have very limited range through the dense medium of water.  

Water Absorbs Radio Frequency Signals

Water molecules readily absorb and scatter high-frequency radio signals. Just a few inches of water over your head is enough to completely block the Bluetooth signal.

What to Know before Using Headphones for Swimming

To get the most from your waterproof earbuds, follow these few simple pre-swim steps.  Following these tips will maximize sound quality and comfort, and extend the lifespan of your swimming earbuds.

Clean Your Ears before Wearing

Ensure your ear canals are clean of excess wax or debris.  This improves the seal of in-ear models and optimizes sound clarity for bone-conduction users.

Adjust the Fit and Tightness Properly

Take the time to securely fit the headset under your swim cap or goggle strap.  This will prevent movement during turns and ensure maximum contact for bone conduction.

Set Volume at a Safe Level

Start with the volume low and gradually increase it to a comfortable level. Underwater sound can be surprisingly loud, so protect your hearing by avoiding excessive volume.

Test Earbuds in Shallow Water First

Before starting your swim, submerge your head in the shallow end to confirm the connection is stable and clear.  Make any necessary adjustments while standing.

Maintenance Tips for Earbuds for Swimming

Proper care is essential for extending the life of any electronic device. This is especially important for those exposed to chlorine or saltwater. Consistent maintenance will protect your earbuds and keep them performing like new for years.

Rinse and Dry Your Headphones after Every Swim

Immediately after your swim, rinse your headphones with fresh, non-chlorinated water.  This will remove chlorine, salt, or sweat.  Then gently pat them dry with a towel.

Avoid Charging When Headphones are Wet

Never plug in your headphones for charging if there is any visible moisture on the device or charging port.  This will avoid possible short-circuiting and permanent damage.

Replace Ear Tips Regularly

If you use in-ear headphones, replace the ear tips periodically.  Chlorine and frequent use can degrade the silicone, affecting the comfortable fit and waterproof seal.

Store Headphones in a Cool, Dry Place

Keep your device away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.  Store them in their original case or a cool, dry area when not in use.

Check for Wear and Tear Periodically

Inspect the seals, cable connections, and ear tips regularly for small cracks or signs of degradation.  Any cracks or visible wear could compromise the device’s waterproof integrity.

FAQ

How to wear headphones while swimming?

Waterproof headphones for swimming are mostly bone-conduction models. For the best fit, comfortably place the band around the back of your head.  Then put a swim cap on if using one, and then your googles.  This setup keeps the headphones stable even during kick turns and vigorous strokes.

Is it good to listen to music while swimming?

Yes, music can really boost motivation, improve stroke rhythm, and help you maintain a consistent pace.  This makes long training sessions much more enjoyable and productive.

How far does Bluetooth reach underwater?

Bluetooth is essentially non-functional underwater.  The signal is almost entirely blocked by even a few inches of water.  You must use built-in MP3 storage for listening while submerged.

Conclusion

Choosing the best headphones for swimming can be very straightforward.   You need to choose waterproof IPX8 rated headphones with MP3 storage for continuous listening.  Bone-conduction models like the Shokz Openswim Pro are IP68 and have ample built-in music storage.  These are comfortable and let you enjoy music while pursuing your passion for the pool. Follow the simple maintenance practices and you are ready to dive in and transform your swimming workout with music.