If you want a dedicated underwater audio companion for swimming that stores your entire library locally, choose SAMVEK Swimming Headphones; if you need vibrant safety lighting and all-day battery life for night running or cycling, choose Yistao Bone Conduction Headphones.
• SAMVEK: The undisputed king of the pool with its built-in 32GB storage and IP68 rating that handles full submersion, though it lacks Bluetooth connectivity while submerged.
• Yistao: A master of outdoor visibility featuring dynamic RGB lights to keep you seen at night and a charging case for up to 30 hours of playtime, but limited to 7 hours on a single charge without the case.
• Who picks SAMVEK: Swimmers, divers, and athletes who need zero lag and offline music access in wet environments.
• Who picks Yistao: Night runners, cyclists, and commuters who prioritize safety visibility and extended battery life over deep-water immersion.
The SAMVEK X7 is not just another pair of headphones; it is a specialized piece of equipment designed for one specific environment where standard electronics fail: underwater. Its defining feature is the combination of an IP68 waterproof rating capable of withstanding complete immersion up to two meters deep and a robust 32GB internal memory. This isn't about streaming from a phone; it is about having a standalone MP3 player that holds up to 8,000 songs across formats like MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, and FLAC. When you dive beneath the surface, water blocks Bluetooth signals entirely, so the ability to switch modes via a double-click on the power button ensures your playlist continues uninterrupted without needing a single cable connection to your phone.
For the serious swimmer, the design philosophy here prioritizes function over flash. Weighing only 30 grams, these open-ear headphones are light enough to wear comfortably under a tight-fitting swimming cap and goggles without causing pressure points. The material choice, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, contributes to a durable build that resists the harsh chemicals found in chlorinated pools as well as saltwater. The open-ear design is critical here; it keeps the ear canal clean and dry, which is essential for preventing infections during long training sessions, while still allowing you to hear your own breathing and splashing. It creates a safe auditory bubble where you can focus on your strokes without isolating yourself completely from the physical sensations of the water.
You should buy the SAMVEK Swimming Headphones if your primary use case involves aquatic activities or if you simply hate carrying a separate MP3 player in your bag. The 200mAh battery provides up to eight hours of playback, which is more than enough for a day of laps, and the magnetic charging cable simplifies the process of getting them ready for the next session. However, if you are looking for true wireless earbuds for gaming that rely on low-latency Bluetooth connections in air, this might not be your first choice unless you strictly use the Bluetooth 5.4 mode for land-based activities. In those scenarios, the maximum range of 33 feet offers stability, but the lack of underwater Bluetooth capability means you must remember to switch modes before you get into the water. It is a tool for those who value reliability and immersion above all else.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-28 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
The Yistao LibreFit B17 takes a different approach, focusing heavily on situational awareness and safety in low-light environments. While it shares the IP68 waterproof rating with the SAMVEK, making it resistant to rain, sweat, and humidity, its standout feature is the inclusion of 100mcd dynamic RGB lighting. This isn't just a gimmick; the brightness rivals a single bicycle taillight LED, ensuring that drivers and other pedestrians can spot you clearly during dawn, dusk, or pitch-black night runs. The open-ear design is paired with SonicBoost Tech 2.0, which enhances vocals by 24%, and Harmonic Amplification Technology that boosts mid-to-high frequencies by 50%. This results in a richer audio experience that makes conversations and lyrics sharper, addressing common complaints about muffled sound in bone conduction models.
Comfort is central to the Yistao design, particularly for users who plan to wear their headphones for extended periods. At less than 0.24 ounces per earbud, they are lighter than a single coin, resting naturally on the cheekbone without putting pressure on the ear canal. The skin-friendly silicone material and oval-shaped contact surface ensure a secure fit even during high-intensity movements. Unlike many competitors, the B17 comes with a charging case that extends the total playtime to 30 hours, providing four full recharges throughout a typical week. This makes it an ideal solution for commuters or travelers who cannot afford to charge their device daily. The "Aurora Mode" allows for customizable lighting, adding a layer of personalization while maintaining that crucial safety function.
This product is best suited for runners, cyclists, and joggers who need to stay connected to their surroundings while remaining visible to traffic. The trade-off is the battery life when using the RGB lights; in Aurora Mode, playtime drops significantly to just three hours. If you rely on the lights constantly, you will need to charge the case more frequently. Additionally, while the noise control is listed as "None," the open-ear design inherently lets ambient noise in, which is perfect for safety but may not provide the isolation some gamers seek. If you are looking for clip-on earbuds for gaming that offer a secure fit without blocking out the world, this model delivers a unique blend of technology and style, though it is not designed for underwater use.
• Best for underwater immersion → SAMVEK Swimming Headphones (Specifically designed for submersion with local storage).
• Best for night visibility → Yistao Bone Conduction Headphones (Features 100mcd RGB lights comparable to a bike taillight).
• Best for total battery autonomy → SAMVEK Swimming Headphones (Standalone 8-hour battery without needing a case for short trips).
• Best for extended weekly use → Yistao Bone Conduction Headphones (30-hour total playtime with the included charging case).
• Best for sound clarity enhancement → Yistao Bone Conduction Headphones (SonicBoost and Harmonic Amplification technologies boost vocals and highs).
• Best for simple file management → SAMVEK Swimming Headphones (Acts as a hard drive for drag-and-drop audio files).
• Best for lightweight comfort → Yistao Bone Conduction Headphones (Weighs less than 0.24 oz per bud, lighter than a coin).
• Best for stable Bluetooth 5.4 → SAMVEK Swimming Headphones (Offers a consistent 33-foot range for land use).
In my opinion, I would choose the SAMVEK Swimming Headphones if my goal was to have a dedicated audio solution for gaming or training that doesn't depend on a phone being nearby, especially given the robustness of the 32GB storage and the specific engineering for water. However, for general lifestyle use where safety and battery longevity are paramount, the Yistao Bone Conduction Headphones stand out due to their innovative lighting and superior total playtime. If you are building a setup for gaming that requires reliable, non-wireless interference in a pool or gym, the SAMVEK offers a level of independence that the Yistao simply cannot match. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you need to survive the deep end or the dark street; both excel in their respective domains.
No, Bluetooth connection is not supported underwater because water blocks the signal. You must switch to MP3 mode to listen to music or audiobooks while submerged.
Yes, the Aurora Mode significantly impacts battery life, reducing continuous listening time to approximately 3 hours compared to the standard 7 hours.
Both models support iOS and Android devices. The SAMVEK uses Bluetooth 5.4 for a stable connection, while the Yistao connects wirelessly for calls and music on land.
You connect the headphones to a computer using the magnetic charging cable, which appears as a hard drive, allowing you to drag and drop audio files directly into the folder.
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