OUR TOP 5 BEST SWIMMING HEADPHONES | EDITION 2023

Athletes have long enjoyed the motivating beats of workout playlists streaming to their headphones. Swimmers, on the other hand, do not have the same choice. And while there are some great waterproof options out there, like the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, many have proven to be more suitable for landlubbers than swimmers. 

Fortunately, this situation is changing. The field of swimming headphones and combination MP3 player/earphones for swimmers has opened up, bringing improvements in sound quality, depth capabilities and fit.

For headphones for underwater use, we first recommend bone conduction headphones, such as Wissonly Hi Runner. Bone conduction headphones are the best performers underwater since they don't use the same medium to conduct sound as traditional headphones. Without hesitation, besides bone conduction headphones our favorite is the Sony NW-WS623 Walkman; a hybrid MP3 player with many features suitable for a wide range of swimmers. 

But we realize that swimming is a nuanced activity. Your ideal pair of swimming headphones can vary depending on factors such as whether you swim in a pool or the ocean, whether your lengths include somersaults, and whether you practice different strokes. Luckily, we've put together this list of the best swimming headphones to help you find your perfect companion!

CONTENTS

1. Wissonly Hi Runner: The best in bone conduction

1.1 Why buy the Wissonly Hi Runner?

1.2 Who are they for?

1.3 Why did we choose the Wissonly Hi Runner?

2. Sony NW-WS623 Walkman: Our favorite

2.1 Why choose the Sony Walkman NW-WS623?

2.2 Who are they prepared for?

2.3 Why we chose the Sony NW-WS623 Walkman?

3. Underwater Swimbuds Sports: A Loyal Friend

3.1 Why buy it?

3.2 Who are they for?

3.3 Why we chose Swimbuds Sport

4. Tayogo Waterproof: The entry-level of bone conduction.

4.1 Why buy the Tayogo Waterproof?

4.2 Who are they for?

4.3 Why We Chose Tayogo Bone Conduction Headphones

5. Underwater Audio Hydroactive: the best value for money

5.1 Why buy the Underwater Audio Hydroactive?

5.2 Who are they for?

5.3 Why we chose Hydroactive Swimbuds

6. The 5 Benefits of Buying Swimming Headphones

7. Frequently Asked Questions

WISSONLY HI RUNNER: THE BEST IN BONE CONDUCTION

WE LIKE

· Spacious memory storage (about 5,000 songs)

· Excellent bone conduction design

· Built-in quick charge

· IPX8 certificate

· Extremely light and comfortable

WE LIKE LESS

· non-noise reductio

WHY BUY THE WISSONLY HI RUNNER?

They have excellent bone conduction characteristics and the price is very affordable.

WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Swimmers who want to keep their ears open. The bone conduction headset allows all wearers to remain aware of their surroundings.

WHY DID WE CHOOSE THE WISSONLY HI RUNNER SWIMMING HEADPHONES?

There are many benefits of bone conduction headphones in several of our articles. This is pretty much the best of all bone conduction headphones combined.

Wissonly Hi Runner swimming is certified with IPx8 waterproof rating. It can work under 20 metres of water. The IPX8 sealing allows the headphones to be submerged without any problem. The headphones have been designed to fit swimming caps and helmets and weigh just under 30 grams. Its excellent water and sweat resistance makes it suitable for swimming, running, exercising, cycling, hiking, diving and other outdoor sports.

The Wissonly team, which consists mainly of engineers and designers, designed the headphones to fit the skull with three support points, which are the temples, the ears and the back of the head, so they are very stable and won't fall off while swimming.

Wissonly Hi Runner comes with Bluetooth 5.0 and the effective distance of Bluetooth connection is 15 metres. We all know that underwater Bluetooth signals are unstable, and the Bluetooth connection may be interrupted as you swim away from the place where you put the connected device. This is where the MP3 mode comes in handy, so you can listen to music downloaded from your headphone library without being affected by the distance, and the sound is stable. 32G of memory can store more than 5,000 songs, which is more than enough to hold all your favourite songs!

However, because these bone conduction swimming headphones are not an in-ear design, they are not noise-canceling headphones and are not suitable for use in noisy environments. But overall, if you already know you like bone conduction and want to upgrade to one of the better options, the Wissonly Hi Runner is a great choice.

SONY NW-WS623 WALKMAN: OUR FAVORITE

WE LIKE

· Up to 16 GB of memory

· 12 hours of battery life

· Built-in fast charging

· Can be used as traditional headphones

· IPX5/8 certification

· Bluetooth connectivity possible

WE LIKE LESS

· You have to take the time to choose your music and load it

WHY we choose SONY WALKMAN NW-WS623?

The Sony NW-WS623 Walkman is perfect for swimmers. The Sony NW-WS623 Walkman ticks all the boxes for swimmers.

WHO ARE THEY PREPRAED FOR?

Casual or advanced swimmers who don't want the hassle of separate headphones and MP3 players (or phones) in the pool and want the flexibility to use them out of the water as well.

WHY WE CHOSE THE SONY NW-WS623 WALKMAN?

Training isn't always easy, so the less prepping and tinkering you have to do before getting in the water, the better. With minimal setup, you can use the Sony NW-WS623 right away. These swimming headphones combine an MP3 player and in-ear headphones in one compact and complete device. Easily load music, podcasts and audiobooks from your computer using the included USB cable. The Sony WS623 headphones are available in 4 and 16 GB versions . There's enough audio content for the longest swim sessions… and you don't have to worry about losing Bluetooth connection!

As with any pair of waterproof headphones you choose, the waterproofness of the headphones is paramount. It ensures that the headphones stay securely in your ears and can have a significant impact on sound quality by blocking out external noise. The Sony WS623 is perfect on both counts. The included earbuds ensure a perfect seal, while the neck hook helps to further stabilise the headphones in the water. The sound is surprisingly clean, with plenty of bass and clear mids and highs.

When it comes to its water resistance, the Sony WS623 swimming headphones are also up to the task. Their IPX5/8 waterproof rating certifies that they can be used in fresh or salt water up to a depth of 2 meters. Battery life is impressive, with the Sony WS623 lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge! Which puts it ahead of all the other models on our list. If you forget to charge it, simply plug it in for a quick three-minute charge and an hour of playback.

We chose the Sony NW-WS623 as the one of best headphones because they are perfect in water, and on land. Bluetooth can connect your mobile phone, paving the way for streaming playlists and taking calls.

UNDERWATER SWIMBUDS SPORTS: A LOYAL FRIEND

WE LIKE

· Underwater (or on land!) 11 tips to choose from for your installation

· Dual chambers for solid, powerful sound

· IPX8 certification

· Low drag design

· Cord available

WE LIKE LESS

· Requires waterproof MP3 player

WHY BUY IT?

Swimbuds Sport is one of the best performing swim headphones we've found. It’s the best on the market in terms of durability and fit , and offer 11 earbud options.

WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Serious swimmers who want headphones that are secure, can withstand jumps and paddling, and want the flexibility to add the MP3 player that's right for them.

WHY WE CHOSE SWIMBUDS SPORT?

Underwater Audio has a reputation as a manufacturer of highly rated, great sounding and durable swimming headphones. Swimbuds Sport headphones have helped the company make a name for itself.When looking for a pair of underwater headphones, you usually have to choose between fit and sound quality. The good news is that with Swimbuds Sports, you don't have to sacrifice one for the other. The housing of each earbud features dual chambers that help to focus the sound while providing additional water resistance. The result is a pair of earbuds with balanced, clear, and powerful sound quality ...... surpasses any earbuds on our list.

With regards to ports, this is the pair of headphones you need if you are a more advanced swimmer. Swimbuds Sport offer four different styles of tips (3 specifically for swimming) and 11 tips in total. In short, if you've been struggling to find a good, comfortable seal, then the Swimbuds Sport will likely fulfil your needs.

Finally, it is essential to mention that you must buy a waterproof MP3 player to use it. But there is a wide range, and Underwater Audio has some good options if you want to keep it in the family. The headphone cable is short and discreet and slips easily under a shower cap. It connects to an MP3 player, which is usually attached to the goggle strap at the back of the head.Swimbuds Sport is IPX8 certified for immersion in water up to 3 metres deep and comes with an extension cable for use outside the pool.

TAYOGO WATERPROOF: THE ENTRY LEVEL OF BONE CONDUCTION .

WE LIKE

· Built-in MP3 player

· 8 GB of memory

· MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC and WAV codecs

· Resistance to high heat

· Bluetooth pairing

· Very cheap

WE LIKE LESS

· Not as stable as other headsets

· Low autonomy (5 hours)

WHY BUY THE TAYOGO WATERPROOF?

Bone conduction headphones offer an alternative to in-ear headphones. Tayogo swimming headphones are comfortable, sound quality and feature rich.

WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Swimmers who want to listen to music but don't like wearing earbuds or in-ear headphones. Inexpensive , they're also great on dry land, as they allow you to hear the world around you.

WHY WE CHOSE TAYOGO BONE CONDUCTION HEADPHONES?

Bone conduction headphones are nothing new. Impressive models hit the market every year – but they are often overlooked. One of the main benefits of bone conduction is that your ears can stay clear. This advantage allows you to perceive what is happening around you. If you find wearing headphones or earplugs while swimming uncomfortable, bone conduction is a solution you should consider. It is also beneficial for people with hearing problems .

The Tayogo Headphones, which incorporates an MP3 player and headphones for swimmers, offers more features than most of the models on our list . Waterproof up to 3 meters, it will have no problem in the pool, although it is best to avoid the rough waters of the ocean. Indeed, the support is not as firm as that of headphones such as the Swimbud Sports. You won't need a separate MP3 player, as the Tayogo is an MP3 player with 8GB storage capacity and support for MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC and WAV codecs. Battery life is five hours. Admittedly, it's not terrible, but if your swim lasts that long, you probably have other problems.

Finally, the Tayogo Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones are the only pair of headphones on our list that can withstand temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit . This means that you can continue to listen to music in the hammam after your swim. Outside the pool, the Tayogos will serve you well too, thanks to Bluetooth pairing and FM radio.

UNDERWATER AUDIO HYDROACTIVE:

WE LIKE

· Great resistance

· 11 bit options

· Sleek and compact design

· IPX8 certified

· Additional cord

WE LIKE LESS

· Slightly low battery life

· MP3 player sold separately

WHY BUY THE UNDERWATER AUDIO HYDROACTIVE?

Not only are the Swimbud Hydroactives great performing headphones for swimmers, they're also built to withstand all the water sports you can throw at them.

WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Avid swimmers, surfers, kayakers , and anyone looking for a pair of headphones that will stay put during the most intense water activities.

WHY WE CHOSE HYDROACTIVE SWIMBUDS?

Much like their cousins, we chose the Hydroactif in part for their great sound , sleek and compact design, and 11 ear tip options , which guarantee a leak-proof fit. They come in four different styles, and the company advises on which tips are best for swimming and water sports.

But where your money comes in handy is in the strap design , which stays low-profile by hugging the outline of your ears and then hugging your neck. The angle of the tips in the ear canals creates a comfortable, tight seal , while the added neckband support secures the earbud for a fit unlike any other headphones on our list.

Add the extra stabilization of a swim cap and goggles, and the Hydroactives will withstand dive starts, jerks, flips, waves, kayak flips, and more!

Like all of Underwater Audio's waterproof headphones, the Hydroactive Swimbuds are IPX8 rated and can be submerged in water up to 3 meters for as long as you want. A short 3.5mm headphone cord plugs into your favorite MP3 player and won't get in your way in the water.

THE 5 BENEFITS OF BUYING SWIMMING HEADPHONES

Here are five compelling reasons to buy swimming headphones:

· Improves your swimming training : If you swim regularly, you know that this activity can sometimes make you feel lonely. The swimming headphones allow you to stay focused on your swim while enjoying your favorite music or podcast. It can also give you the motivation and energy to complete your exercises.

· Reduces boredom : Swimming can be a monotonous sport at times. Swimming earphones can help break the boredom by providing a pleasant distraction. When listening to music, you easily lose track of time and space.

· Protects your electronic equipment : Swimming headphones are designed to be completely waterproof. You don't have to worry about your headphones getting damaged anymore!

· Improves your concentration : By listening to your favorite podcast or music, you stay focused on your exercises and help you swim faster, longer and more efficiently.

· Improves your mental well-being : Listening to music during sports has been proven many times over to reduce stress, improve mood. It has a positive impact on your mental health. So you can relax and free your mind.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can you swim with waterproof headphones?

Yes, the waterproof headphones, designed for swimming, are safe to wear in the pool. Water-resistant headphones, like the ones you buy for running, aren't waterproof. Do not wear them in the pool!

Can you use Bluetooth headphones while swimming?

In a word, no. There is no Bluetooth connection underwater. This means that the waterproof headphones are MP3 players. So you need to upload your music to the device and store it on the headphones. Most earphones come with a capacity ranging from 2 to 8 GB and their battery life varies considerably. 

Should I buy stand-alone headphones or an MP3 player/headphones combo? 

Depending on what's most important to you, a pair of standalone headphones will expand the choice available to you, allowing you to cater to your specific preferences. But you will also need to get a separate waterproof MP3 player. This will also allow you to keep your headphones in case your player fails. Fortunately, there are several quality hybrid players on the market. You can store music in them and you don't need to connect them to another device.

What is the difference between wired and wireless headphones for swimming?

Typically, most swimming headphones come as a standalone unit or are wired. Because they're wired, they deliver the best sound possible. However, when we think of wireless, it usually means Bluetooth, but in the context of swimming headphones, Bluetooth is not yet of much interest, as headphones with reliable Bluetooth signals underwater are currently hard to find.

What are the benefits of neckband headphones?

Around-the-neck headphones tend to stay in place better, thanks to the extra support provided by the back of the head or neck. They also make it possible to avoid losing the earphones if they were to slip while swimming in open water.

What is the difference between "water resistant" and "waterproof"?

Water resistant does not mean waterproof. Water-resistant devices are usually rated IPX3 to IPX4, which means they'll hold up if you splash water on them or if they accidentally fall down the toilet.

For swimming, you'll need a pair of headphones with at least an IPX8 rating, especially if you're doing laps.

Although each manufacturer defines the depth and duration of immersion for their products, the IPX8 rating generally means the ability to be submerged in more than one meter of water for extended periods. Although they vary, most swim headphones fall between 2 and 4 meters.

Can I waterproof my headphones?

No. You can certainly find guides online to make your headphones waterproof, but that won't work.

Headphones that don't have the proper resistance rating will be water damaged when submerged, no matter what you try to do.

Can I dive with swimming headphones?

This is a bad idea for several reasons. First of all, most headphone specs only allow immersion up to a certain number of meters. Beyond that, you risk damaging it.

Second, your hearing is important when diving. You want to stay alert to surrounding noises, communication with other divers, etc.

Can I take a shower with waterproof headphones?

It probably won't harm your headphones, but we recommend taking them off first. Soaps and shampoos are not the best products to coat your headphones, even if they are waterproof