Swimming is one of the best full-body workouts, but the silence of the water can make laps feel monotonous. The right audio gear can transform your swim session, turning a routine workout into an immersive, motivating experience. Whether you’re training for a triathlon or just enjoying a leisurely swim, music and podcasts can be the perfect companion.
Finding equipment that can withstand water immersion while delivering quality sound is the key. From dedicated waterproof MP3 players to innovative bone conduction headphones and protective cases for your existing devices, there are numerous solutions designed to bring your audio underwater. This roundup explores the best options available to keep you entertained and focused during every stroke.
The Best Gear for Listening to Music While Swimming
- MTYBBYH Waterproof Headphones for Swimming
- Voxkin Premium Quality Universal Waterproof Case
- H2O Audio Surge+ Waterproof Headphones
- SEWOBYE Waterproof MP3 Player for Swimming
- Waterproof Delphin v1.0 Smart Player Bundle
- Hostena Bone Conduction Headphones with MP3 Player
- FINIS Duo Underwater MP3 Player
- Swimming headphones-bone conduction headphones
- Pyle 6.5-Inch Wall Mount Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- Underwater Audio Waterproof iPod Shuffle
MTYBBYH Waterproof Headphones for Swimming
These headphones offer a versatile, all-in-one solution for athletes. They combine an IPX8 waterproof MP3 player with 8GB of storage and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, making them suitable for both swimming and land-based workouts. The built-in noise-cancelling microphone adds functionality for calls when you’re not in the water.
With a secure fit designed for high-impact activities, they provide a reliable audio experience whether you’re in the pool, at the gym, or on a run. The wireless design eliminates the hassle of cords getting in the way during your exercise routine.
Voxkin Premium Quality Universal Waterproof Case
This universal waterproof case provides a flexible and cost-effective way to use your existing smartphone for audio by the pool. Its durable construction is designed to be waterproof, dustproof, and snowproof, offering comprehensive protection for your device during aquatic activities.
The included armband, lanyard, and even a compass make it a feature-rich accessory for any swimmer who wants to keep their phone close and functional. It allows you to use your favorite music apps without investing in a dedicated waterproof player.
H2O Audio Surge+ Waterproof Headphones
Engineered for serious athletes, the H2O Audio Surge+ headphones boast a high IPX8 rating for complete submersion. They are built to withstand heavy perspiration and rain, delivering reliable performance in all conditions. The noise-canceling feature and bass boost enhance audio clarity during your workout.
With five sets of earplugs in various sizes, they ensure a comfortable and secure fit for virtually every user. This makes them an excellent choice for lap swimming, surfing, running, or gym sessions where water and sweat are a factor.
SEWOBYE Waterproof MP3 Player for Swimming
This player is specifically designed with the swimmer in mind. Its compact size and clip-on attachment make it easy to secure to goggle or swimsuit straps. The control buttons feature raised ridges, providing tactile feedback that is easy to operate with wet fingertips.
It supports HiFi lossless sound quality and offers 16 hours of playtime with 8GB of storage. The included short-cord headphones prevent tangling, and an extension cord is provided for other activities, making it a thoughtful and practical package for dedicated swimmers.
Waterproof Delphin v1.0 Smart Player Bundle
The Delphin stands out as a smart player that runs on Android, allowing you to install popular apps like Spotify and Audible. This means you can listen to your downloaded playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks directly underwater, offering unparalleled flexibility and access to your preferred content.
The bundle includes the player, your choice of waterproof headphones, multiple earbud tips, and a narrated swim workout. With a touchscreen and raised buttons for tactile control, it combines smart functionality with practical, swim-friendly design.
Hostena Bone Conduction Headphones with MP3 Player
These headphones use bone conduction technology, which transmits sound through your cheekbones, keeping your ears open to hear ambient sounds. This can be a significant safety feature for open-water swimmers. With 16GB of built-in memory, they operate as a standalone MP3 player.
They are IP67 waterproof, making them resistant to sweat, rain, and temporary immersion. The open-ear design provides comfort for long periods, and the magnetic charging offers a convenient, port-free design.
FINIS Duo Underwater MP3 Player
The FINIS Duo is a pioneer in underwater audio, utilizing bone conduction technology to deliver sound directly through the listener’s cheekbones. This method provides crystal clear audio without inserting anything into the ears, which many swimmers find more comfortable and secure.
Designed specifically for swimming, it has a simplified interface that is easy to navigate during a workout. Supporting MP3 and WMA files with 4GB of storage, it offers a reliable and focused seven-hour audio experience for lap swimmers.
Swimming Bone Conduction Headphones
This model offers a high IP68 waterproof rating, making it fully submersible and ideal for swimming. It features a substantial 32GB of built-in memory, capable of storing thousands of songs in various high-quality formats. The device allows you to switch between Bluetooth mode on land and MP3 mode for underwater use.
With the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology for stable connections out of the water, these headphones are a versatile choice. They are designed to be lightweight and comfortable under a swimming cap and goggles.
Pyle 6.5-Inch Wall Mount Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
For those who prefer not to wear headphones, this speaker offers a powerful audio solution for the pool area. With 300 watts of peak power, a 6.25-inch subwoofer, and a 1-inch tweeter, it delivers high-power, high-quality sound that can easily fill an outdoor space.
Its weather-resistant housing is built for indoor or outdoor installation, making it perfect for mounting near the pool. Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless streaming from your smartphone or tablet, providing shared audio entertainment for everyone.
Underwater Audio Waterproof iPod Shuffle
This product takes the classic, simple iPod Shuffle and makes it fully waterproof, creating a familiar and easy-to-use music player for the pool. Its lightweight and clip-on design is perfectly suited for attaching to goggles or swimwear without adding significant bulk or drag.
Ideal for swimmers who prefer a straightforward device without complex screens or Bluetooth, it provides a reliable way to listen to music with the press of a few buttons. It’s a dedicated solution that focuses on core functionality for an uninterrupted swim.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Swimming Music Player
When I first started looking for a way to listen to music while swimming, I quickly realized it’s not as simple as just using a regular waterproof case. Water does weird things to sound and technology. After trying a bunch of different options, I’ve figured out there are a few key things you need to consider to find the right gear for your pool or open water sessions.
The first and most critical factor is waterproofing. Don’t just look for “water-resistant.” You need a device that is specifically rated for submersion. Look for an IPX8 rating, which means it can handle being underwater, usually at a specified depth and for a certain amount of time. This is the standard for true swimming headphones and players. If you’re a serious lap swimmer, this is non-negotiable.
Next, think about how the music is stored. You have two main camps: devices that stream from your phone and devices that store music internally. Bone conduction headphones often use Bluetooth to connect to a phone you leave at the edge of the pool. This is great for variety, but Bluetooth signals don’t travel well through water, so the range is very limited. The other option is a fully self-contained MP3 player with built-in storage. You load your songs onto it before you swim, and it works completely independently. This is the most reliable method for uninterrupted laps.
Then there’s the fit. This is huge. No matter how good the sound is, if the headphones fall out, it’s useless. For traditional earbuds, look for multiple sizes of ear fins and tips. They should create a snug, sealed fit that keeps water out and the music in. Bone conduction models sit just in front of your ears, so they don’t go in your ear canal at all, which some people find much more comfortable, especially for longer swims.
Finally, consider battery life and controls. How long does the battery last on a single charge? Is it enough for your weekly swim routine? Also, check if the buttons are easy to press with wet hands or while moving. Some high-end models even have gesture controls. Thinking about these factors will help you nail down the best way for you to listen to music while swimming.
FAQ
How do waterproof headphones for swimming work?
They work by creating a complete seal to keep water out of the sensitive electronic components. Traditional in-ear models use a physical barrier and specialized membranes to block water while letting sound through. Bone conduction headphones, on the other hand, bypass the ear canal entirely. They send sound vibrations through your cheekbones directly to your inner ear. Both types are designed with specific waterproof ratings (like IPX8) to withstand being submerged for extended periods.
Can I use my regular Bluetooth headphones for swimming?
I strongly advise against it. Standard Bluetooth headphones are usually only water-resistant, not waterproof. Submerging them will almost certainly ruin them. Furthermore, Bluetooth signals are very poor at traveling through water. Even if the headphones themselves were waterproof, the connection to your phone would be lost almost immediately once you put your head underwater. For a reliable experience, you need a solution designed specifically for the aquatic environment.
What is the best way to store music for a swim?
The most dependable method is to use a device with internal storage. You load your playlist onto the device itself from your computer before you head to the pool. This means the music is stored locally on the player, and there’s no wireless signal to drop. It turns your music player into a dedicated, self-contained unit that doesn’t rely on any external connections. This is why many dedicated swimming MP3 players don’t have Bluetooth at all—it’s all about reliability during your workout.
Are bone conduction headphones good for swimming?
They can be, but with a big caveat. The bone conduction technology itself works fine in water. However, because they don’t seal your ear canal, you hear a mix of your music and the ambient pool sounds. Some people enjoy this awareness of their surroundings, while others find it makes the music sound thin. Also, the sound quality can diminish with choppy water as the contact points on your face can shift. It’s a personal preference, but they are a viable option for many swimmers looking for a comfortable fit.
How do I keep my swimming headphones from falling out?
A secure fit is everything. First, make sure you’re using the correct size of ear tips and stabilizing fins (the little wings that hook into the ridge of your ear). They should feel snug but not painful. For the most secure fit, try a “over-the-ear” design where the cable hooks over the top of your ears, which takes the weight off the earbuds themselves. Putting them in correctly is also key: gently pull your earlobe up and back to straighten your ear canal, then insert and twist the earbud into place to create a good seal.
What is the battery life like on a typical swimming MP3 player?
It varies by model, but most dedicated players offer between 6 to 12 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This is usually more than enough for a week of swim practices for the average person. It’s a good idea to check the specifications before you buy and consider your own swimming habits. If you do long, open-water swims, you’ll want to prioritize a model with a longer battery life. The good news is that battery technology has gotten much better, and this is rarely a limiting factor for pool swimmers.