If you want for kids wireless entertainment that stays secure during active play and offers all-day battery life without sealing your ears, choose Monster Open Ear AC336; if you need a dedicated underwater audio solution with built-in storage for lap swimming or water sports, choose SAMVEK Swimming Headphones Underwater.
These two devices occupy completely different corners of the audio market. One is designed to be the invisible companion for your daily run or commute, while the other is a specialized tool built specifically to survive submersion in a pool. Choosing the wrong one means either buying a headphone that will fail when you jump into the water or carrying a bulky underwater device when all you wanted was lightweight comfort for a walk. I have analyzed the specifications, driver technology, and intended use cases to help you make the final call without any confusion.
• Monster Open Ear AC336: Delivers high-fidelity stereo sound via large 40mm dynamic drivers and boasts an impressive 21-hour total battery life; however, it lacks internal music storage and is only IPX6 rated, meaning it cannot withstand full submersion.
• SAMVEK Swimming Headphones Underwater: Features a robust IP68 rating for complete waterproofing and includes 32GB of built-in memory for offline listening; however, it relies on bone conduction which produces less bass depth and offers a shorter 8-hour playback window.
• Who each pick is for: The Monster is perfect for runners, gym-goers, and parents looking for durable ear clips for children who need long-lasting power, while the SAMVEK is exclusively for swimmers, snorkelers, and athletes who refuse to carry phones into the water.
The Monster Open Ear AC336 is engineered for the person who refuses to compromise on comfort or battery endurance. Its design philosophy centers around an open-ear structure made from shape-memory hardshell material, which allows it to conform to various head shapes without creating the pressure points common with in-ear buds. This makes it an exceptional choice for anyone wearing headphones for extended periods, whether that is a long work shift, a day at the theme park, or a marathon training session. The lack of an in-ear seal ensures your ear canal remains dry and clean, a critical factor for those prone to irritation or ear infections after heavy use.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-26 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
Audio quality here is driven by powerful 13mm drivers (noted as 40mm in some spec fields, but the description emphasizes the driver size for fidelity) and a dedicated digital audio processor supporting Qualcomm apt-X HD decoding. This combination aims to reproduce rich, detailed audio that feels immersive despite the open design. If you are someone who listens to podcasts, audiobooks, or music while needing to stay aware of your surroundings—like hearing traffic while jogging—the open-ear architecture provides that necessary safety layer. Furthermore, the ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) technology ensures that your voice comes through clearly during calls, even on busy streets or in noisy cafés, making it a viable tool for professionals on the go.
Battery performance is where this unit truly shines compared to many competitors. With a single charge providing up to 7 hours of continuous playback and the charging case extending that total to 21 hours, you can easily get through multiple days of moderate use without hunting for an outlet. The fast-charge capability is equally practical; just ten minutes of USB-C charging yields an hour of listening time. This is ideal for the parent who needs a reliable audio source for their child's activities throughout the school week or the commuter who forgets to charge overnight but needs a quick top-up before leaving the house. It is not designed for the pool, but for every other environment where sweat, rain, and long hours are the norm, this device is built to handle the load.
The SAMVEK Swimming Headphones Underwater serves a singular, highly specific purpose: delivering audio in environments where Bluetooth signals simply cannot travel. Water blocks standard wireless frequencies, so relying on Bluetooth alone for swimming would result in silence. This is why SAMVEK integrates a 32GB MP3 player directly into the headset. This internal storage capacity allows users to download thousands of songs, audiobooks, or playlists onto the device itself, freeing them from the necessity of carrying a phone to the pool deck. Whether you are doing laps in a chlorinated pool, practicing breath control in open water, or engaging in water aerobics, this feature ensures your music never cuts out due to signal interference.
Durability is another cornerstone of this product. Rated IP68, these headphones are completely waterproof, capable of withstanding immersion up to two meters deep, along with dust and sweat. This rating surpasses the standard IPX6 found on many sport headphones, which are merely water-resistant and can fail under submersion. The build uses Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a material chosen for its resilience against the harsh conditions of aquatic environments. The open-ear design here also serves a functional role; it keeps the ear canal clean and prevents the buildup of moisture inside the ear, which can lead to discomfort or infection after long swim sessions. Additionally, the lightweight construction at only 30 grams ensures they do not drag on your head or interfere with your stroke mechanics.
However, there are trade-offs to consider regarding audio fidelity and connectivity. Because this unit utilizes bone conduction technology rather than traditional dynamic drivers, the sound profile will differ significantly from standard headphones. While effective for keeping you aware of your surroundings, it generally does not produce the deep bass or isolated audio experience that music enthusiasts might expect. The battery life supports up to 8 hours of playback, which is sufficient for most training sessions but falls short of the Monster's 21-hour total. Furthermore, the device requires manual mode switching between Bluetooth and MP3 modes; you must double-click the power button to toggle, and Bluetooth will not function underwater. This makes it a specialized tool for swimmers rather than a general-purpose headphone for daily walking or commuting.
• Best for underwater use: SAMVEK Swimming Headphones Underwater, thanks to its IP68 rating and 32GB internal storage for offline playback.
• Best for battery longevity: Monster Open Ear AC336, offering 21 hours of total playtime versus the SAMVEK's 8 hours.
• Best for audio fidelity: Monster Open Ear AC336, utilizing advanced dynamic drivers and apt-X HD for richer stereo sound compared to bone conduction.
• Best for safety awareness: Both are excellent, but the Monster's open-ear design is optimized for street safety, while SAMVEK is optimized for pool safety.
• Best for "for kids wireless" scenarios: Monster Open Ear AC336, due to its secure fit, longer battery life, and superior durability for active, non-aquatic play.
• Best for multi-format support: SAMVEK, as it supports direct file downloads in MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, and FLAC formats without needing a phone connection.
• Best for sweat resistance: Both are highly resistant, but SAMVEK's IP68 rating guarantees protection against total submersion, whereas Monster is IPX6 (splash/sweat proof).
• Best for call clarity: Monster Open Ear AC336, featuring dedicated ENC technology to filter background noise during conversations.
In my opinion, the Monster Open Ear AC336 is the superior choice for the vast majority of users, including parents shopping for kids wireless options. The versatility of its 21-hour battery life, combined with high-fidelity audio and a secure, comfortable fit, makes it a true all-day companion. It excels in the real-world scenarios where most people actually spend their time: running errands, working out, commuting, and hanging out with friends. The SAMVEK is undeniably brilliant for its niche, but unless you swim regularly and refuse to leave your phone behind, the specialized features of the SAMVEK become liabilities rather than assets. I would buy the Monster for its balance of performance, comfort, and reliability across every activity except swimming.
Only the SAMVEK model is suitable for swimming because it holds an IP68 rating and has built-in storage for music without a phone. The Monster Open Ear AC336 is only IPX6 rated and cannot be submerged in water.
With the Monster Open Ear AC336, yes, you need a paired smartphone or tablet to stream music via Bluetooth 6.0. With the SAMVEK, no, because it has 32GB of internal memory to store thousands of songs directly on the device.
The Monster Open Ear AC336 wins with a total of 21 hours of playtime using its charging case, whereas the SAMVEK offers 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
Both models feature open-ear designs to prevent ear fatigue. However, the Monster uses shape-memory material for a secure, pain-free fit, while the SAMVEK weighs only 30 grams to minimize drag during movement.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.