Many people enjoy listening to music when they work out. But, with advancements in technology, it's now possible to enjoy listening to your favorite tunes while swimming, with waterproof headphones.

The best swimming headphones make use of bone conduction technology which not only offers incredible quality even while swimming but also leaves your ears open. This means you can hear noises around you and remain aware of your surroundings while swimming.

But, bone conduction headphones tend to be less affordable, so cheaper alternatives like waterproof earbuds also exist. You just have to consider your budget and requirements.

Here are the best swimming headphones and earbuds available today.

Shockz (name changed from AfterShockz in 2021) is well versed in the bone conduction headphones realm. These types of headphones are perfect if you don't like the feel of earbuds in your ears, or are performing sports like swimming. The AfterShokz Xtrainerz Swimming Headphones sport a simple design that doesn't use Bluetooth or wireless connectivity.

If you're a swimmer, the design is perfect. However, if you plan to use the AfterShokz Xtrainerz Swimming Headphones for any other purpose, you'll likely need to reconsider. With 4GB of internal storage, you'll have room to store up to 1,200 MP3 tracks. But, since these headphones aren't compatible with streaming services, it can be quite difficult to listen to podcasts or audiobooks, due to the lack of fast forward or rewind functionality.

In terms of audio quality under the water, the AfterShokz Xtrainerz Swimming Headphones are very good. Audio is crisp and clear, and the headphones themselves are lightweight, comfortable, and won't slip off.

Key Features
  • Bone conduction technology
  • Internal music storage of 4GB
  • IP68 waterproof rating
Specifications
  • Battery Life: 8 hours
  • Wireless?: Yes
  • Brand: AfterShokz
  • Weight: 13.3oz
  • Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.7 x 6.7-inches
  • IP rating: IP68
  • Waterproof: Yes
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Holds up to 1,200 songs
Cons
  • Not ideal for podcasts or audiobooks
  • No Bluetooth
Buy This Product
AfterShokz Xtrainerz Swimming Headphones
Editors choice

2. Sony NWWS413BM

8.00 / 10
Read Reviews

If you're a swimmer looking for a pleasant distraction, investing in the Sony NWWS413BM could be the way forward. Listening to your favorite music or a podcast while you're working out or training can make what feels like a chore, more enjoyable. And these headphones are waterproof, dustproof, and sand proof, so you can use them in almost any sport.

With a robust build, these Sony headphones are a trusted product, ensuring you can swim even in the harshest of salt waters, up to two meters deep. And, if that wasn't enough to entice you, the Sony NWWS413BM also boast up to 12 hours of battery life, so you won't need to keep recharging them too often.

Music is easy to access when using these headphones; simply tap play to start, then select Mode to shuffle playback or choose a specific folder. But, since the Sony NWWS413BM uses earbuds directly in your ear rather than bone conduction, you might experience some interference if water gets in your ears.

Key Features
  • Water resistant up to 6.6 feet
  • Ambient noise function
  • Regular and swim buds included
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
  • Brand: Sony
  • Weight: 1.13oz
  • Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 7.44 inches
  • Connectivity: USB
  • Waterproof: Yes
Pros
  • Two colors available
  • Comfortable and secure
  • 4GB of storage space
Cons
  • Need to swap out earbuds
  • No Bluetooth
Buy This Product
Sony NWWS413BM

If you're searching for affordable waterproof earbuds, then the Swimbuds Sport Premium Waterproof Headphones are a great choice. The extra short 40cm cable can be tucked into your goggles while swimming, ensuring the wires don't get in your way.

Included, you'll get 11 pairs of earbud tips in four different styles. This means you can find the right buds to fit your ears, ensuring no water gets in while you're swimming. They also come with a smaller zipper case, so you can bring your wired headphones with you without them getting tangled in your bag.

With a 100 percent watertight seal, you can be sure that the Swimbuds Sport Premium Waterproof Headphones are a safe choice when searching for the best cheap waterproof headphones.

Key Features
  • HydroBeat technology
  • 11 pairs of earbuds included
  • 40cm cable
Specifications
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Wireless?: No
  • Microphones: No
  • Brand: Swimbuds
  • Weight: 0.4oz
  • Dimensions: 6.5 x 5 x 1.5-inches
  • Connectivity: 3.5mm
  • Waterproof: Yes
Pros
  • Short cable
  • Easily tucked into goggles
  • Watertight
Cons
  • Buds have a tendency to pop out if the correct size isn't chosen
Buy This Product
Swimbuds Sport Premium Waterproof Headphones

If you want to invest in swim-proof headphones and an MP3 player, the FINIS Duo Underwater Music MP3 Player ticks both boxes. With 4GB of storage, you can store over 1,000 songs which is equivalent to around 60 hours of playback. The IPX8 rating also means you can take these headphones up to three meters deep in water for 30 minutes without any damage.

Although it doesn't boast the most stylish design, the FINIS Duo Underwater Music MP3 Player uses bone conduction technology to ensure you get audio straight into your ears, without them going into your ears. That's right, music gets delivered through your cheekbones, avoiding the need for annoying earbuds that could come loose or let water into your ears.

Key Features
  • 4GB of storage
  • Compatible with iTunes
  • IPX8 waterproof rating
Specifications
  • Battery Life: 7 hours
  • Wireless?: No
  • Microphones: No
  • Brand: FINIS
  • Weight: 0.33lbs
  • Dimensions: ‎7.4 x 4.72 x 2.09 inches
  • Connectivity: USB
  • IP rating: IPX8
  • Waterproof: Yes
Pros
  • Waterproof up to three meters for 30 minutes
  • Store over 1,000 songs
  • Bone conduction
Cons
  • Quite expensive
  • Not very stylish
Buy This Product
FINIS Duo Underwater Music MP3 Player

With a short cable, the HydroActive Premium earbuds can be tucked into your goggles and connected to your choice of waterproof music player. There are 11 earbuds included in four different styles, meaning you can find the perfect buds for your ears and swimming environment.

Granted, they are quite expensive since they don't come with an MP3 player, but these fully waterproof earbuds will ensure you can get the most out of your music when enjoying a relaxing swim, or training workout.

Key Features
  • Includes 11 earbuds across four styles
  • Can withstand up to 3 meters
  • Gold-plated 3.5mm audio jack
Specifications
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Wireless?: No
  • Microphones: No
  • Brand: Underwater Audio
  • Connection Type: 3.5mm
  • Weight: 4.2oz
  • Dimensions: 5.75 x 4.25 x 1.6-inches
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • IP rating: IPX8
  • Waterproof: Yes
Pros
  • Different styles of tips
  • Comfortable and sturdy
  • Short cable
Cons
  • Waterproof music player required
  • No Bluetooth
Buy This Product
HydroActive Premium

Using bone conduction technology, these IPX8-rated headphones are perfect for swimmers. Unlike some waterproof headphones, these support Bluetooth so you can use them with your choice of smartwatch or waterproof smartphone, allowing more flexibility when it comes to choosing your favorite music or podcasts.

The built-in MP3 player has 8GB of storage, so you can store thousands of songs by copying and pasting them with ease. This can reignite your love for swimming, allowing you to complete plenty of laps while enjoying a pleasant distraction.

Key Features
  • Built-in MP3 player
  • 8GB of storage
  • Bone conduction technology
Specifications
  • Battery Life: 7 hours
  • Wireless?: Yes
  • Microphones: No
  • Compatible With: iTunes
  • Brand: H2O Audio
  • Weight: 5.29oz
  • Dimensions: 1.38 x 0.79 x 0.79-inches
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • IP rating: IPX8
  • Waterproof: Yes
Pros
  • Clear underwater sound
  • 100 percent waterproof
  • Compatible with iTunes
Cons
  • Awkward workaround for podcasts
  • No shuffle button
Buy This Product
H2O Audio Sonar

FAQ

Q: Can You Wear Headphones While Swimming?

Most standard headphones can't be used while swimming since they don't sport a good enough IP rating. However, waterproof headphones or those designed specifically for swimming, with an IPX7 rating or higher are suitable for swimmers.

Q: Why Do Swimmers Wear Headphones?

Like any other sport, the amount of distraction around you while swimming can be tough to handle. Whether you're going for a relaxing swim or you're training for an event, headphones can help to drown out the noise around you.

Q: Can I Wear AirPods While Swimming?

No, AirPods are not waterproof. They cannot be worn while swimming or in the shower.