Introduction
Swimmers who want to enjoy their favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks while training have some fantastic waterproof headphone options designed specifically for use in water. Here’s a review of the top five waterproof headphones that blend durability, sound quality, and comfort to make swimming sessions more enjoyable.
1. Sony NW-WS413 Waterproof and Dustproof Walkman
Best For: Versatile Use in Different Environments
Waterproof Rating: IPX8
Battery Life: 12 hours
Sony’s NW-WS413 is not just waterproof; it’s dustproof, making it perfect for both swimming pools and beach environments. Built with an IPX8 rating, it can be submerged up to 2 meters in water, and its built-in memory means it doesn’t require a separate device. Simply load your playlists onto the Walkman, and you’re good to go. With 12 hours of battery life, this device is ideal for long training sessions or outdoor activities.
Pros:
- No need for a separate music device
- Stays secure and comfortable during intense movements
- Good sound quality, even underwater
Cons:
- Not Bluetooth-enabled (must pre-load music)
- Limited to local storage (up to 4GB)
2. AfterShokz Xtrainerz
Best For: Bone Conduction Audio Experience
Waterproof Rating: IP68
Battery Life: 8 hours
The AfterShokz Xtrainerz offers bone conduction technology, which is unique for waterproof headphones. This tech keeps the ears open, allowing for situational awareness and comfort. It has an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning it’s resistant to both water and sweat, making it perfect for swimmers and athletes alike. The headphones have 4GB of internal storage, so you can load music or audiobooks directly onto the device.
Pros:
- Bone conduction keeps ears open, allowing for natural water flow
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Internal memory for music storage (no phone required)
Cons:
- Limited audio quality for bass
- No Bluetooth streaming
3. H2O Audio Sonar IPX8
Best For: High-Quality Sound and Versatile Connectivity
Waterproof Rating: IPX8
Battery Life: 7 hours
The H2O Audio Sonar headphones are known for delivering rich sound underwater. With an IPX8 rating, these can be submerged up to 12 feet, making them suitable for even the most enthusiastic swimmers. They offer Bluetooth connectivity and have a built-in MP3 player with 8GB of storage, so you can stream from a device outside the pool or play directly from the headphones.
Pros:
- Bluetooth streaming and MP3 capabilities
- Clear and rich underwater sound
- Excellent build quality for durability
Cons:
- Bluetooth range is limited underwater (best for deck streaming)
- Shorter battery life for longer swim sessions
4. FINIS Duo Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones
Best For: Crisp Audio Quality via Bone Conduction
Waterproof Rating: IPX8
Battery Life: 7 hours
The FINIS Duo is designed with swimming in mind, using bone conduction technology to deliver audio without covering the ears. This headset’s clips securely to swim goggles, and its IPX8 rating allows it to work well underwater. With 4GB of built-in memory, the FINIS Duo plays MP3 and WMA files, delivering a decent audio experience in the pool without the need for a separate device.
Pros:
- Bone conduction ensures no ear canal interference
- Stays securely in place with swim goggles
- Good sound quality for underwater music
Cons:
- No Bluetooth (music must be preloaded)
- Limited bass depth compared to traditional headphones
5. Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Earbuds
Best For: Earbud-Style Audio with Excellent Water Resistance
Waterproof Rating: IPX8
Battery Life: (Paired with waterproof MP3 player)
The Swimbuds Sport headphones are highly popular among swimmers who prefer a traditional earbud style. They come with different ear tips for a snug fit that prevents water entry and helps keep sound quality crisp. While Swimbuds Sport doesn’t include a built-in player, they pair excellently with waterproof MP3 players like the SYRYN, making them a great choice for swimmers who want customizable setups.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit with various ear tips
- Designed for minimal water interference in the ear canal
- Strong sound quality for earbud style
Cons:
- Requires a paired waterproof MP3 player
- Less convenient for those wanting an all-in-one solution
Conclusion
Each of these waterproof headphones offers a unique feature set to meet different swimmer needs, whether it’s Sony’s all-in-one Walkman, the open-ear AfterShokz Xtrainerz, or the versatile H2O Audio Sonar with Bluetooth. Choose the one that best matches your swimming style, and enjoy your favorite tunes or audiobooks while perfecting your strokes in the pool.
FAQs
1. Can I use Bluetooth headphones underwater?
- Most Bluetooth signals struggle to transmit through water, so streaming music underwater is generally unreliable. Some headphones, like the H2O Audio Sonar, offer Bluetooth for deckside streaming but work best with preloaded music while underwater.
2. Do waterproof headphones come with built-in storage?
- Yes, many waterproof headphones, such as the Sony NW-WS413 and AfterShokz Xtrainerz, have built-in storage (usually around 4GB) for MP3 files, allowing you to play music directly from the device without relying on Bluetooth.
3. How deep can waterproof headphones go?
- Waterproof headphones with an IPX8 rating, like those listed here, are typically designed for depths of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure they meet your swimming needs.
4. How do bone conduction headphones work for swimming?
- Bone conduction headphones, like the AfterShokz Xtrainerz and FINIS Duo, transmit sound through the bones near your ear, leaving your ear canal open. This design is excellent for swimming as it keeps water out of your ears while providing audio.
5. Can I use these headphones for other sports or activities?
- Absolutely! Waterproof headphones are often dustproof and sweatproof as well, making them suitable for various activities such as running, cycling, and even workouts in humid or wet environments.
