Best Waterproof Headphones for Swimming
It can be challenging for most swimmers to get the right headphones that can withstand being submerged in water for an extended period. However, some earbuds are available today to resist water’s effects and be submerged entirely in the water without worrying about getting damaged.
A good pair of swimming headphones can make the experience far more enjoyable. It is convenient and light and allows you to enjoy your workout without worrying about anything else.
We will look at what features we should look out for in a pair of waterproof swimming headphones and then present you with the best models currently available today.
How do Waterproof Headphones work?
The technology used to make these devices resistant to water is relatively simple and has been around for many years. Typically, the headphone speaker driver is located inside a waterproof housing sealed to prevent water from entering. This creates a pressure-resistant seal which prevents water from entering as the headphones are submerged.
The technology used in waterproof earbuds is relatively similar. The speaker is located in a sealed chamber and has a rubber gasket placed around it to create a tight seal. The chamber is filled with water, and pressure is applied to it. This pressure allows the rubber gasket to expand more than usual to create an even tighter seal, keeping the water out.
Hydrophobic coating is also used to improve the waterproofing of headphones. A hydrophobic coating is added to the housing to prevent water from adhering to it. To keep it simple, the additional layer of the hydrophobic coating means that water will slide off the housing, and it will not penetrate the chamber.
What is IPX Rating?
IPX rating is a standard rating used to measure the water-resistance of earbuds. It is an industry-standard which is used by many brands to evaluate their products. The test involves submerging the earbuds in water and testing to see how long they can resist water.
Two different numbers determine the IPX rating. The first digit represents the level of protection the earbuds can provide against dust and solid objects, while the second digit represents the level of protection against water ingress.
You should look for waterproof headphones with an IPX rating of 7 or higher. These headphones are designed to resist the effects of water for extended periods. An IPX rating of 7 or higher means that the earbuds should withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes; however, IPX8 will provide continuous protection up to 3 meters.
To be considered waterproof, the IPX rating should be at least 7. As a swimmer, you should not have to worry about your earbuds getting damaged; you will want to look for headphones with a rating of 7 or 8.
Essential factors that play into finding the best waterproof headphones for swimming
IPX Rating
The IPX rating is the most crucial factor to consider when looking for the best waterproof headphones. The higher the rating, the more resistant the headphones will be to water. An IPX7 rating is deemed the minimum level that should be considered when looking for waterproof earbuds. IPX8 is considered to be the highest level of protection and should be preferred.
Build Quality
The earbuds’ build quality should be considered too; it can significantly impact the headphones’ sound quality. For example, the construction might not be as reliable as you would have liked, resulting in adversely affected sound quality.
Corrosion is a common problem that can affect the build quality of earbuds. If the housing is made of stainless steel, then it will be more resistant to corrosion. The housing should also be sealed properly, and the wires around it should be covered with an additional layer to prevent rusting.
Comfort
You will be underwater for extended periods, so comfort is an essential factor to consider. You will want to get a pair of comfortable headphones that will not create a lot of pressure on the ears. Since you will be moving a lot during swimming, you may also want to invest in earbuds with ear hooks to ensure that they do not fall off.
Battery Life
Another factor to consider is battery life. If the battery life is too short, you might have to spend a lot of time charging them before each use. This can be inconvenient for swimmers who do not want to waste time on the sidelines. You do not want to have to worry about charging the headphones before every practise or training session.
Try to purchase a pair of waterproof headphones with a universal connector, such as a micro-USB connector. This will allow you to charge the headphones using standard cables, which can be found almost anywhere, including your home, office, car or other places where you might forget to bring the charging cable.
Connectivity
The type of connection that you will want to consider is Bluetooth. Bluetooth allows you to connect the headphones wirelessly with other devices. You will not need to worry about the wire getting tangled in the pool, and you will also be able to use it with other devices such as your phone, tablet or laptop.
Style
There are several different waterproof headphones available, and you will have to choose which one you prefer. The most common style is the in-ear design, where the earbud is inserted inside the ear canal. You may also want to consider over-ear headphones which cover the ear entirely.
Most swimmers, including Olympian Michael Phelps, pick the in-ear design since they are more comfortable and do not require a lot of time to adjust.
Best Waterproof Headphones for Swimming
Sony NW-WS413LM
Sony, one of the best-known headphone brands, can always be trusted to bring the best when it comes to headphones, and they have done just that with the WS413LM. They are an excellent option for swimming, as they are waterproof up to a depth of 3.3 feet, which is more than enough for most swimmers. The ear tips that come with it feel comfortable and fit well, which is essential. They also come with an IPX8 rating which means they are protected for prolonged periods whilst you are swimming.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Sony NW-WS413LM is pretty good, with it lasting up to 8 hours when fully charged. This is more than enough for most swimmers, and with the quick charging feature, you can get a full charge in just 2 hours.
Comfort
Coming with an MP3 player, you can store up to 500 songs on the Sony NW-WS413LM, which should keep you going for a while. The earbuds are comfortable to wear and do not fall off easily, even when you are swimming. Their dynamic drivers provide you with deep bass and crisp highs. The audio quality is excellent, with the waterproof feature giving you a little extra peace of mind.
Their headband design is comfortable and lightweight and is not likely to cause any chafing. Overall, these are some of the best waterproof swimming headphones out there, and an excellent option for most swimmers.
Connectivity
The Sony NW-WS413LM comes with a 3.5mm jack, which is compatible with most devices. It also comes with an IPX8 rating, which means it can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. As it has a built-in MP3 player, you can store up to 500 songs on it without having to worry about your phone.
Final Verdict
- ✓ IPX8 rating
- ✓ Waterproof
- ✓ Comfortable
- ✓ Good battery life
- ✓ Good audio quality
-
- ✗ No built-in microphone
The Sony NW-WS413LM is the perfect waterproof headphones for swimming, even in saltwater. You can use them in the pool or the sea, and they are comfortable to wear. They come with a 3.5mm jack and an IPX8 rating, which means they can be submerged up to 3.3 feet deep for 30 minutes.
If you are looking for a pair of swimming headphones for use in the pool, the Sony NW-WS413LM is an excellent option to look out for. They are comfortable, waterproof and come with an IPX8 rating. They also have good battery life and good audio quality.
Swimbuds Flip Headphones
The Swimbuds Flip Headphones are designed to fit snugly in your ear. They are comfortable and come with three different sized ear tips that should fit most users comfortably. They also come with a waterproof cord to be used when users are not submerged in water. However, they are not the most stylish headphones available today, which might put some users off.
The Swimbuds Flip Headphones are designed primarily for swimmers and provide high-quality sound when listening to music. The Swimbuds Flip Headphones come with an IPX8 rating which means that they should withstand submersion in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. They can also be submerged in freshwater for up to 48 hours without suffering any damage. The headphones come with an extended 18-month warranty.
Battery Life
The headphones come with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 8 hours when fully charged. It also has a quick charge feature which allows the headphones to be charged for just 15 minutes to provide up to one hour of playback time.
As a swimmer who listens to music while doing laps in the pool, I was interested in finding out if these headphones would be able to withstand the water and provide high-quality music. I found that they were straightforward to use and comfortable even when using them for long periods. The earbuds come with three different sized ear tips and are designed to fit securely in the ear. I did not experience any problems with water leaking into the headphones or with them falling out of my ears while using them in the pool.
Comfort
I was impressed with how comfortable the headphones are, and I could swim continuously without any problems with discomfort. The earbuds come with a soft cushion that sits comfortably inside the ear and ensures a tight seal. I found that they did not fall out of my ear while swimming and did not experience any water leaking into them, which is a great feature.
The snag-free cord is designed to be tangle-free, and I did not experience any tangling issues even after using them for several days. I also love that the cord is waterproof to be used even when it is submerged in water.
When underwater, the sound quality is surprisingly good. It is not as good as when on land, but it is still decent enough to enjoy listening to music. The sound quality is also crystal clear on land. I was impressed with the bass and treble audio effects that were clear even at louder volumes.
Connectivity
The headphones come with Bluetooth connectivity which allows them to be paired with your smartphone. I found that they were effortless to connect the first time. The sound quality was also clear when connected via Bluetooth.
Final Verdict
- ✓ The battery life is impressive
- ✓ Comes with a tangle-free cord
- ✓ Comfortable and can be used for long periods
- ✓ Comes with three different sized ear tips
-
- ✗ The design is not as stylish as other headphones available on the market today.
The Swimbuds Flip Headphones are designed specifically for swimmers, and I was very impressed with them. The headphones are comfortable to wear and come with a tangle-free cord that can be used when they are not submerged in water. The sound quality is good, and it is surprising how well they work even when underwater.
If you are looking for waterproof earbuds, the Swimbuds Flip Headphones are a great option to consider.
HydroActive Waterproof Headphones
The HydroActive Waterproof Headphones have a unique design and are completely waterproof. They come with a flexible cord which makes them easy to store around your neck when not in use. The HydroActive Waterproof Headphones are specially designed for swimmers and include earplugs to ensure that water does not leak into your ears while swimming.
These waterproof earbuds are entirely adjustable and can fit anyone comfortably. The cord is 40 inches long and includes an inline microphone and remote control that lets you play/pause your music and answer or hang-up calls.
The HydroActive Waterproof Headphones can be submerged in water up to three meters deep. The waterproof feature allows you to swim with the headphones on without worrying about getting them damaged by water.
The HydroActive Waterproof Headphones come with four different earbud styles which makes them ideal for everyone. These earbuds come with a complete set of accessories including a charging cable, user manual and a drawstring carrying bag for easy storage. These are the Ergo Tips, Tree Tips, Fin Tips and Round Tips. With a choice of four different earbud styles, you can easily find the best fit for your ears.
You will need a separate MP3 player or smartphone to listen to music via these headphones, as unlike our previous choices, these are not wireless. That said, the sound quality is excellent, and people that have used them say that they are entirely waterproof and stay that way even when submerged.
Comfort
These are very comfortable and remain that way even when you wear them for a long time. The headphones are adjustable and can fit all sizes of heads. Underwater audio constructed these with heavy-duty plastic, and it shows. You will be able to swim in complete comfort.
When you are swimming, you must always have your safety in mind. That is why these headphones are so convenient to use. You will not have to worry about losing them, and they will not let any water seep through into your ears.
IPX Rating
The HydroActive Waterproof Headphones come with an IPX8 rating, which means that they can be submerged underwater to a depth of three meters. They will remain completely waterproof even when exposed to water for an extended period.
Additionally, as they are waterproof, you can wear them during your workout without worrying about sweat entering the ear canal. You will be able to listen to music and enjoy your workout without worrying about anything else.
Final Verdict
- ✓ Extremely comfortable to wear for an extended period
- ✓ IPX8 rated which means that they can be submerged underwater to a depth of three meters
- ✓ Earplugs included
- ✓ Good sound quality
- ✓ Includes four different earbud tips for a secure fit
-
- ✗ The cord which is 40 inches long may be too short for some people
- ✗ You will need to purchase a separate MP3 player
The HydroActive Waterproof Headphones are an ideal pair of headphones for people who enjoy swimming. They are completely waterproof and can be submerged underwater without any worries. If you are looking for waterproof earbuds, we highly recommend these.
HPTCCC Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones
The HPTCCC Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones feature ergonomic design making it comfortable to wear for long periods. It is compatible with most devices with the support for Bluetooth 4.1. It also features a built-in microphone allowing you to use it for answering calls while submerged in water. It is also sweat-proof and features 10-meter Bluetooth range. The batteries last for up to 8 hours on a single charge.
Including 8GB of internal memory, the HPTCCC Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones is ideal for those who want to listen to music while swimming without purchasing an external MP3 player.
Battery Life
These Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones feature an 8-hour battery life, which is long enough to keep you going through a pool workout. You won’t have to worry about charging them in the middle of your swim.
Comfort
The HPTCCC Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones are comfortable to wear due to its ergonomic design. They are also sweat-proof, so you won’t have to worry about them becoming uncomfortable when you start sweating during your pool workout. They will stay put on your head, which makes them ideal for swimmers looking for a pair of headphones they can wear during their entire training session.
Being Bone Conduction Headphones, these are perfect not only for swimming but also for showering and running. They are perfect for taking your music with you everywhere you go without worrying about getting an external MP3 player. They feature an ergonomic design that is perfect for swimmers. The in-ear bone conduction technology allows it to be comfortable for swimmers, while the sound quality is surprisingly good.
Connectivity
These headphones feature Bluetooth 4.1, which is compatible with most devices. You will be able to connect it to your smartphone or MP3 player easily. It features a built-in microphone, allowing you to use it for taking calls even when you are submerged in water.
As we mentioned, they have 8GB of internal memory. This means you won’t have to carry your smartphone with you when you are swimming. You can play your music directly from the headphones.
IPX Rating
Featuring an IPX8 rating, the headphones are completely waterproof. They can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, allowing you to take them with you into a pool, without worrying about getting them damaged.
Final Verdict
- ✓ Budget-conscious
- ✓ Includes 8GB of internal memory
- ✓ Includes Bluetooth 4.1
- ✓ Features a built-in microphone
- ✓ Easily connect to your phone, tablet or MP3 player
-
- ✗ Bluetooth connection can be hit and miss
The HPTCCC Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones are ideal for swimmers on a budget, who want to enjoy their pool workouts to the fullest. They are very comfortable to wear, making them perfect for swimmers who like to listen to music for long periods. The 8GB of internal memory allows you to carry your music with you without worrying about purchasing an external MP3 player. The built-in microphone allows you to use it for taking calls while in the pool. While there are some reported issues with the Bluetooth connection, this is one of the best waterproof headphones for swimming for the price.
Waterproof Earbuds or Waterproof Headphones?
There is a slight difference between waterproof earbuds and waterproof headphones. Most waterproof earbuds are designed to be put inside your ears, preventing water from entering your ear canal. But what about the waterproof headphones? These headphones are designed to cover your ears entirely, which makes them more comfortable. Some individuals may find earbuds uncomfortable, especially while swimming. This is where these headphones come in handy.
Consider if you find earbuds comfortable, or if you would rather have headphones covering your ears. You may be in the water for several hours at a time, so comfort is an essential feature to consider.
Conclusion
We have taken a look at the best waterproof headphones for swimming and have concluded that the Sony NW-WS413LM are simply the best headphones for most swimmers out there. They come with an IPX8 rating, and their earbuds are comfortable and fit well. They also have a 3.5mm jack and a built-in MP3 player, which allows you to store up to 500 songs on it.