If you want deep bass isolation and a secure, closed-fit design for serious lap swimming or underwater gaming, choose SANOTO Swimming Headphones; if you need situational awareness, an open-ear fit for outdoor safety, and massive storage capacity, choose Monster Open Ear BC300.
• SANOTO Swimming Headphones: Delivers a closed-back, in-ear experience with IPX8 waterproofing up to 10 meters, ideal for swimmers who want immersive sound and zero water intrusion; trade-off is that Bluetooth does not work underwater, requiring a mode switch.
• Monster Open Ear BC300: Offers an open-ear bone conduction design that keeps ears open for ambient noise, perfect for runners or cyclists who need to hear traffic, paired with a robust 32GB internal library; trade-off is less sound isolation and a lower submersion rating of only 2 meters.
• Best For: The SANOTO pick is for the dedicated swimmer or gamer seeking a locked-in, immersive audio bubble; the Monster pick is for the active outdoor enthusiast prioritizing safety and convenience over total silence.
The SANOTO S710 is engineered specifically for those who treat swimming as a primary activity rather than a casual dip. Its defining feature is the closed-back in-ear design, which creates a 360° sealed cavity inside the ear canal. This architecture is not just about comfort; it is about acoustic performance. By sealing the ear, the headphones block out the muffled, distorted sounds of water rushing around your head and deliver crisp, focused audio directly to the listener. If you are looking for the best in ear headphones for gaming or listening to music while submerged, this isolation is critical. You get deep bass roll-offs and refined sound quality that open designs simply cannot match because there is no leakage into the surrounding environment.
Comfort is another pillar of this design, tailored for intense physical exertion. The ear hooks are constructed from skin-friendly silicone that is soft enough to wear all day yet flexible enough to adapt to various head shapes without slipping. Crucially, these headphones are designed to be worn simultaneously with swimming caps, goggles, and even standard earplugs. They do not fall off during flip turns or vigorous laps. The inclusion of ten replacement ear tips ensures that you can find the exact seal needed to keep water out. If you have ever struggled with headphones sliding down your face or leaking water after a few minutes, this model solves that problem through its secure, hook-based retention system.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-29 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this product is not for everyone. The closed design means you will be completely isolated from your surroundings. If you plan to use these outside the pool for running or cycling, you might feel unsafe or disconnected from traffic. Furthermore, the physics of water dictates that you must switch to MP3 mode when submerged; Bluetooth signals at 2.4 GHz are absorbed by water molecules, making wireless streaming impossible underwater. While the unit includes Bluetooth 5.4 for use on land or near the pool deck, the underwater experience requires the built-in 8GB memory to be loaded with your tracks beforehand. This makes it a specialized tool for the swimmer who values audio fidelity and stability over wireless freedom in the water.
The Monster Open Ear BC300 takes a fundamentally different approach, prioritizing safety and environmental awareness over total isolation. As an open-ear bone conduction device, it sits outside the ear canal, leaving the ear fully open to the world. This makes it an excellent choice for athletes who train outdoors, such as runners or cyclists, where hearing approaching cars or other hazards is non-negotiable. The ergonomic frame is built with a flexible memory material that allows you to gently reshape the headphones to fit smaller or larger heads securely. Despite being open, they stay firmly in place during high-intensity activities, integrating seamlessly with bike helmets, sunglasses, and swim caps.
This model shines for users who need portability and massive storage without carrying a phone. With 32GB of built-in memory, it holds up to 8,000 songs, audiobooks, or podcasts. This is four times the storage of many competitors. You can organize your media into folders on a computer and manage playlists directly on the device. The shuffle mode is optimized to cycle through your entire library without frequent repeats, and it remembers your last playback position, so you never have to start from track one after turning the device back on. The Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity offers a wider range of up to 33 feet, ensuring a stable connection on land before you dive in.
The trade-off lies in the depth rating and sound isolation. While it boasts an IPX8 waterproof rating, it is certified for submersion up to only two meters for two hours, compared to the deeper capabilities of some closed designs. More importantly, because the ear remains open, sound leaks in both directions. You will hear the water splashing and your own movements, which might be distracting if you are trying to focus on a specific game soundtrack or a quiet podcast. It is not designed for the "in ear headphones for gaming" crowd who want to shut out the world and immerse themselves entirely in the digital experience. Instead, it is for the user who wants music in their life but refuses to compromise on their ability to hear what is happening around them.
• Best for deep submersion: SANOTO Swimming Headphones (rated for 10 meters) beat the Monster BC300 (rated for 2 meters).
• Best for battery longevity: SANOTO offers up to 12 hours in MP3 mode, whereas Monster provides 10 hours of continuous playback.
• Best for storage capacity: Monster wins hands-down with 32GB (8,000 songs) versus SANOTO's 8GB (1,500 songs).
• Best for situational awareness: Monster Open Ear BC300 keeps your ears open for safety; SANOTO blocks everything out.
• Best for bass and immersion: SANOTO's closed-back design delivers superior low-end response and isolation.
• Best for modern connectivity: Monster features Bluetooth 6.0 with a 33-foot range, while SANOTO uses Bluetooth 5.4 with a 10-meter range.
• Best for secure fit with gear: Both support swim caps, but SANOTO's in-ear seal prevents water entry better for lap swimming.
• Best for versatility: Monster is more versatile for mixed activities like running and swimming; SANOTO is specialized strictly for aquatic immersion.
I would personally buy the SANOTO Swimming Headphones if my primary goal was gaming or serious lap training where I needed to be completely immersed in the audio. The closed-back design transforms the chaotic noise of a pool into a clear, focused soundtrack, and the ability to submerge deeper gives me confidence to push my limits. However, if I were planning to run trails or cycle on busy roads, I would immediately switch to the Monster Open Ear BC300. Its open design saves lives by keeping me aware of my surroundings, and the massive 32GB storage means I never have to worry about running out of content. Ultimately, for the specific use case of gaming and deep-water focus, the SANOTO is the sharper, more effective tool.
Yes, the SANOTO model supports submersion up to 10 meters for over two hours, while the Monster model is rated for 2 meters. Always switch to MP3 mode for underwater use as Bluetooth does not work through water.
The SANOTO headphones provide up to 12 hours of playback in MP3 mode and 8 hours via Bluetooth. The Monster BC300 offers a solid 10 hours of continuous playback on a full charge.
No, both devices have built-in storage. SANOTO holds 8GB for roughly 1,500 songs, and Monster holds 32GB for up to 8,000 songs, allowing for phone-free listening during your swim.
Yes, both models are designed to integrate seamlessly with swim caps, goggles, and other sports gear. The SANOTO's in-ear design seals against the head, while the Monster's open-ear frame adjusts to fit various head sizes comfortably.
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