If you want the most comfortable, lightweight bone conduction experience for long swims and open-air workouts without ear fatigue, choose MARLALL Liquid Silicone Swimming; if you need a secure, full-coverage fit with a longer battery life and modern Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity for intense aquatic sessions, choose Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone.
• MARLALL Liquid Silicone Swimming: Its greatest strength is its featherlight 22.68g design and open-ear comfort that lets you wear it all day without pressure; the trade-off is a lack of specific battery life data in the sheet and no IP rating explicitly listed beyond "waterproof," relying on your trust in the build quality.
• Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone: It shines with a robust IP68 rating that guarantees submersion up to two meters, a stated 8-hour battery life, and upgraded Bluetooth 6.0 stability; however, it is significantly heavier at 3.68 ounces and uses an in-ear placement that some might find less breathable than MARLALL's open design.
• The Verdict on Fit: Pick MARLALL if you prioritize weightless comfort and safety awareness during mixed activities like running or cycling; pick Hostena if your primary goal is a dedicated swimming tool that stays put during laps and offers a clear charge cycle.
The MARLALL S800 is engineered for the user who refuses to compromise on comfort while staying connected. At just 22.68 grams, this unit is practically invisible when worn, a critical feature for anyone who has ever suffered from the "ear fatigue" common with traditional swim headphones. The open-ear design means the device never seals against your canal or presses into your cheekbone aggressively. Instead, it rests lightly, utilizing vibration to transmit sound through your bones. This approach ensures that whether you are swimming laps or taking a break to stretch by the poolside, your ears remain free and unblocked.
For the athlete who transitions between land and water, this model is a standout choice. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.4 technology provides a stable connection for calls, music streaming, and audiobooks when you are out of the water, with a reliable range extending up to 10 meters (33 feet). You can seamlessly switch from a morning run to a post-workout shower without changing devices. The 32GB of built-in storage acts as a safety net, allowing you to load up to 8,000 songs directly onto the player so you don't even need your phone nearby. Just remember to switch to MP3 mode before entering the pool, as Bluetooth signals cannot travel through water.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-28 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this product is not for everyone. If you are looking for a headphone that completely isolates you from the world or blocks out wind noise, the open-ear design will not meet that need. If you plan to dive deep or engage in high-intensity water sports where a tight seal is crucial for durability, you might find the lighter construction of the MARLALL less reassuring compared to more rugged alternatives. It is best suited for lap swimmers, casual swimmers, and multi-sport athletes who value the feeling of having nothing in their ears over maximum isolation.
The Hostena X26 is built for the serious swimmer who demands reliability and endurance. Unlike the MARLALL, which leans heavily into the ultra-lightweight category, the Hostena embraces a full-coverage liquid silicone design that wraps around the ear area. This "full-coverage" aspect, combined with an in-ear placement, suggests a design focused on keeping the unit secure regardless of how vigorously you kick or turn. The material is soft and skin-friendly, ensuring it pairs well with swimming caps and goggles without creating uncomfortable pressure points, a common issue with harder plastic buds.
One of the most compelling features here is the explicit IP68 waterproof rating. This isn't just a claim of being water-resistant; it indicates the device can be submerged up to two meters underwater without sustaining damage. For a swimmer who dives off the starting block or practices breath-holding drills, this level of protection is essential. The battery performance is equally impressive on paper, offering up to 8 hours of continuous usage time and a standby time of 90 hours. This means you can go several weeks without charging it if you only use it for short training sessions, eliminating the anxiety of a dead battery mid-swim. The fast-charging capability, reaching full power in just 1.5 to 2 hours, further supports a busy training schedule.
The Hostena also brings the latest in wireless technology with Bluetooth 6.0. While the difference between 5.4 and 6.0 might seem minor on spec sheets, it translates to better interference resistance and more stable connections in crowded environments like public pools or outdoor lakes. The 32GB memory card slot supports multiple audio formats including MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, and FLAC, giving you flexibility in your music library. However, this added security and battery capacity come with a weight penalty. At 3.68 ounces, it is noticeably heavier than the MARLALL. If you have a sensitive neck or dislike any sensation of weight on your head during long durations, this extra mass might become noticeable after an hour of wearing it. It is the ideal choice for competitive swimmers, triathletes, and those who spend extended periods in the water and need a device that feels like part of their gear rather than an accessory.
• Best for pure weightlessness → MARLALL Liquid Silicone Swimming. With a weight of only 22.68g, it is significantly lighter than the Hostena, making it feel almost non-existent on your head.
• Best for deep-water confidence → Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone. The explicit IP68 rating guarantees submersion up to two meters, providing peace of mind for diving and intense underwater work.
• Best for battery longevity → Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone. An 8-hour active life and 90-hour standby time far exceed the unspecified but implied shorter duration of the MARLALL.
• Best for multi-sport versatility → MARLALL Liquid Silicone Swimming. The open-ear design allows for situational awareness during cycling or hiking, whereas the in-ear Hostena is more specialized for aquatic use.
• Best for modern connectivity → Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone. Bluetooth 6.0 offers the newest standard for signal stability and efficiency compared to the 5.4 found in the MARLALL.
• Best for long-duration comfort without pressure → MARLALL Liquid Silicone Swimming. The lack of deep insertion and minimal weight prevents the soreness often associated with in-ear devices.
• Best for secure fit during vigorous kicking → Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone. The full-coverage liquid silicone design and in-ear shape suggest a tighter grip that resists displacement during high-intensity movement.
• Best for file format variety → Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone. It explicitly supports a wider range of codecs including APE and FLAC alongside the standard MP3s.
In my opinion, the MARLALL Liquid Silicone Swimming is the superior choice for the average swimmer who values comfort above all else. Its incredibly light weight and open-ear design make it perfect for those who want to enjoy music without the feeling of having something stuck in their ears, especially when combining swimming with other outdoor activities. However, if you are a dedicated lap swimmer who spends hours in the pool and needs the reassurance of an IP68 rating and a battery that lasts all day, I would recommend the Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone instead. Both are excellent tools for bluetooth head phones for swimming, but they serve slightly different priorities. For me, the freedom of the MARLALL makes it the winner for general use, while the Hostena wins for pure aquatic performance.
Yes, both models are designed for underwater use with 32GB of internal storage to hold music files. However, you must switch them to MP3 mode before entering the water because Bluetooth signals do not transmit through water.
The MARLALL model is extremely light at 22.68 grams, making it nearly weightless. In contrast, the Hostena model weighs 3.68 ounces, which is heavier due to its full-coverage liquid silicone construction and larger battery capacity.
No, both units come with magnetic charging cables included in the box. The Hostena charges fully in about 1.5 to 2 hours, while the MARLALL utilizes a similar magnetic setup for convenient power replenishment.
The MARLALL open-ear design is generally more compatible with various eyewear since it doesn't press against the side of the head as aggressively. The Hostena's full-coverage design is also made to fit with goggles and caps, but the lighter MARLALL offers less potential for friction points.
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