Want to listen to music when swimming? Here are the best waterproof MP3 players for swimming to get today. Listen to your favorite music and audiobooks when you swim without worrying about water damage or signal cut-outs. We test and evaluate headphones using a standardized 9-point methodology. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Previous Next More info Price Memory Type Water protection H2O Audio Sonar Best overall Jump down Under $100 8GB MP3 + Bluetooth Up to 12ft (3m) Shokz OpenSwim Best bone-conduction headset Jump down Under $150 4GB MP3 – bone conduction Up to 10ft (3m) FINIS Duo Jump down Under $110 4GB Bone conduction Up to 30ft (10m) H2O Audio Stream 3 Pro Best for back of head Jump down Under $130 8GB MP3 + earbuds Up to 12ft (3m) SYRYN Waterproof MP3 Best cheap Jump down Under $80 8GB MP3 + earbuds Up to 10ft (3m) I am never swimming without music again. It’s so much better swimming with music. But getting a music player that works is hard. There are so many bad options out there. In fact, most that I tried weren’t that good (putting it mildly). Imagine this: You’re at the edge of a serene, sun-kissed pool, ready to embark on another exhilarating swim session. The water beckons, and you’re eager to dive in, but something is missing—your soundtrack. It’s a dilemma I’ve faced countless times, and like a determined explorer searching for hidden treasure, I embarked on a quest to find the perfect solution. My journey started with an old waterproof iPod that seemed promising but delivered subpar fit underwater. The cables were a constant problem. And putting it on was a hassle, too. The iPod was fine for the time being. Then I started searching for a better water-resistant MP3 player. Yet, each one I tried had problems, from tangled wires to unstable fit that loosened in water. And after many trials, I finally struck gold. The best underwater music players are sleek, reliable, and capable of delivering good sound even underwater. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a casual pool-goer, this guide will help you discover the perfect MP3 player for swimming (from my experience). All the options in this guide are fully waterproof with minimum IPX7 water protection. It means you can confidently take them underwater without experiencing water damage. Take them to the pool or sea. For more audio swimming options, see the best waterproof Bluetooth earbuds and the best headphones for swimming. CONTENTS (show more) The 3 Most Important Things to Look for in an MP3 Player for Swimming Here’s a quick overview what to look for: High water protection: Minimum IPX8 so you can safely submerge it in water Ensure a proper fit: Some MP3s require wearing goggles, a swimming cap, both, or nothing. Choose the right type that fits your swimming gear. Decide between in-ear or bone-conduction earphones: The first close your ears, the second, leave them open. Best Waterproof MP3 Players for Swimming 1. H2O Audio Sonar Best MP3 Player for Swimming The best bone-conduction MP3 player for swimming that fits under a swimming cap for under $100. H2O Audio Sonar Underwater Waterproof Headphones with MP3 and Bluetooth for Swimmers H2O Audio Sonar Underwater Waterproof Headphones with MP3 and Bluetooth for Swimmers $99.99 in stock 1 used from $87.35 as of April 17, 2024 7:15 pm Buy now Amazon.com H2O Audio SONAR PRO Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones, Swim-Optimized, Clear Sound,… H2O Audio SONAR PRO Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones, Swim-Optimized, Clear Sound,… $159.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com H2O Audio Sonar IPX8 – Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones with MP3 Player H2O Audio Sonar IPX8 – Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones with MP3 Player out of stock Buy now eBay Connection: Built-in MP3 & Bluetooth Driver size: Bone conduction Frequency range: / Type: Bone conduction | Water resistance: IPX8 | Battery life: 7h | Charging: Proprietary USB cable | Memory size: 8GB | Weight: n/a | Supported files: MP3, M4A | Features: Must use with goggles, supports Apple Watch too Work underwater thanks to bone conduction MP3 & Bluetooth support for Apple Watch Great fit in water as they attach to goggles Can't wear without goggles or a strap A convenient waterproof design for swimmers with support for both Bluetooth and music playback from offline storage. As expected, the sound doesn’t scream high fidelity, and you might experience some trouble understanding complex words when listening to audiobooks. However, H20 Audio Sonar are perfectly fine for listening to music, with a built-in MP3 player for swimming and up to 8GB of space. Of course, bone conduction headsets also support Bluetooth connection. However, the latter doesn’t work in water, so you can only use it out of the pool. It’s worth mentioning that headphones don’t stand on their own. You have to use swimming goggles to attach them to your head (like the FINIS Duo model). Waterproof headphones carry an IPX8 rating, giving you full water protection up to 3 meters in depth (12 feet). A decent battery life of 7 hours of playback time is more than enough for extended periods of happy swimming. Check price 2. Shokz OpenSwim Best Bone-Conduction Headset A dedicated swimming waterproof MP3 player/headset with bone conduction. Shokz Openswim Swimming MP3-Bone Conduction (Black) Model S700 New Shokz Openswim Swimming MP3-Bone Conduction (Black) Model S700 New $99.50 in stock Buy now eBay SHOKZ OpenSwim Swimming MP3 – Bone Conduction MP3 Waterproof Headphones for Swimming – Open-Ear… SHOKZ OpenSwim Swimming MP3 – Bone Conduction MP3 Waterproof Headphones for Swimming – Open-Ear… $149.95 in stock 1 used from $144.00 as of April 17, 2024 7:05 pm Buy now Amazon.com Shokz OpenSwim Bone Conduction Open-Ear MP3 Swimming Headphones (Formerly Xtrainerz), Black Shokz OpenSwim Bone Conduction Open-Ear MP3 Swimming Headphones (Formerly Xtrainerz), Black $149.95 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Connection: Built-in MP3 Driver size: Bone conduction Frequency range: n/a Type: Bone conduction | Water resistance: IP68 | Battery life: 8h | Charging: Proprietary USB cable | Memory size: 4GB | Weight: n/a | Supported files: MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, AAC | Features: Sumbersible, open-ear design Highly durable with IP68 rating Stable fit under a swimming cap Quality sound for bone conduction with EQ Random shuffle of songs repeats the same song before all play No Bluetooth connectivity Shokz makes many of the greatest bone conduction headphones, and the OpenSwim (previously known as AfterShokz Xtrainerz) are ergonomically designed specifically for swimmers to work underwater. While bone conduction headphones aren’t known for excellent sound quality, the OpenSwim performs quite decent. Enabling “Underwater mode” ensures the best quality when swimming. Specially designed to work underwater, these bone-conducting headphones boast an IP68 rating and stable fit for ear types of most people. Of course, using a swimming cap will fix them more securely on your head for more intense outdoor activities. Headphones have an integrated MP3 player with 4GB of space to store music. They support most major audio formats, from MP3 to FLAC. They use a USB magnetic dock for charging, and a battery lasts for 8 hours per charge. Playback controls are simple to master and easily accessible, even when you’re already swimming. Check price 3. FINIS Duo Underwater Bone Conduction FINIS Duo is a popular clip-on bone conduction MP3 player and swimming headphones with onboard controls. Finis SwiMP3.1G Blue ( 1 GB ) Digital Media Player Finis SwiMP3.1G Blue ( 1 GB ) Digital Media Player $50.00 in stock Buy now eBay FINIS Duo Underwater Music MP3 Player with Bone Conduction Audio FINIS Duo Underwater Music MP3 Player with Bone Conduction Audio $108.18 in stock 1 used from $101.87 as of April 17, 2024 7:25 pm Buy now Amazon.com FINIS Duo Underwater 4GB MP3 Player with Weather Resistant, Black/Green, 1.30.058.244 FINIS Duo Underwater 4GB MP3 Player with Weather Resistant, Black/Green, 1.30.058.244 $109.18 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Connection: Built-in MP3 Driver size: Bone conducting Frequency range: / Type: Bone conduction MP3 player | Water resistance: IPX8 | Battery life: 7h | Charging: Proprietary USB cable | Memory size: 4GB | Weight: n/a | Supported files: MP3, WMA | Features: Clip-on design, physical controls Popular swimming MP3 player Good sound (if you also use ear plugs) Stable fit in water Must attach to a strap or goggles Quality control issues If you always wear goggles in the swimming pool and don’t mind something being strapped on them, these are a surprisingly great pick. The sound underwater is rather good for this type of headphones, especially since it doesn’t get noticeably worse when your ears get filled with water. Tough, you can’t expect deep bass and clear highs. Instead, you get an enjoyable listening experience even underwater. How do you wear it? Its design requires that you attach it to goggle straps to stay on your head. The housing is made of plastic and sports the highest waterproof rating of IPX8. Headphones are rated for up to 30 minutes at 3 meters in depth. This is more than enough for even the deepest pools. Check price 4. H2O Audio Stream 3 Pro Best MP3 That Fits on Back of Head The best waterproof MP3 player that fits on the back of the head, attaching to swimming goggles. It has a user-friendly interface and lots of useful features. H2O Audio Stream 3 Dual Mode & Surge BC – IPX8 Waterproof Wired Earphone H2O Audio Stream 3 Dual Mode & Surge BC – IPX8 Waterproof Wired Earphone $75.00 in stock Buy now eBay H2O Audio Stream 3 Dual Mode & Surge BC – Bone Conduction Headphones (Short Cord) – IPX8… H2O Audio Stream 3 Dual Mode & Surge BC – Bone Conduction Headphones (Short Cord) – IPX8… $89.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com H2O Audio Stream 3 PRO and Surge S+ Earbuds – Underwater Streaming Music Waterproof MP3 Player… H2O Audio Stream 3 PRO and Surge S+ Earbuds – Underwater Streaming Music Waterproof MP3 Player… $159.99 in stock 1 used from $129.01 as of April 17, 2024 6:17 pm Buy now Amazon.com Connection: Onboard storage & Bluetooth 4.2 Driver size: / Frequency range: / Type: MP3 player | Water resistance: IPX8 | Battery life: 10h | Charging: n/a | Memory size: 8GB | Weight: n/a | Supported files: M4A, MP3, WMA, FLAC, APE | Features: Clip-on design Good sound quality for swimming Combines with in-ear or bone-conducting earphones Bluetooth connectivity You need to wear it under a cap for optimal security H2O Audio listened to their customers and made Stream 2 more user-friendly, with multiple audio formats support, the ability to stream music, and better sound quality. By choosing between multiple size options of earbud tips, you prevent water from coming into your ear canal. Thus, you get superior sound quality. Just don’t expect enhanced bass because these struggle with it. Moreover, the ergonomic design of the waterproof music player is designed for better and more intuitive use. There are quite a few buttons on the music player, and they’re big, so it’s easy to use them in water and avoid accidental presses. A durable clip on the player clips easily to your goggle strap. The 3.5mm AUX connector has a tight seal, so you can check other options in our best waterproof headphones for swimming guide. Finally, you are looking at a good battery life of 10 hours which is a couple of swim workouts. As a bonus, you can connect this music player to your phone via Bluetooth and stream services like Spotify or Pandora. Check price 5. SYRYN by Underwater Audio Best Cheap MP3 for Swimming SYRYN MP3 player by Underwater Audio is the best swimming MP3 player with solid performance for casual swimmers. SYRYN Swimbuds Flip MP3 Player 8GB (PLAYER ONLY; Nothing Else Included) SYRYN Swimbuds Flip MP3 Player 8GB (PLAYER ONLY; Nothing Else Included) $49.99 in stock Buy now eBay SYRYN Swimbuds Flip Bundle | 8 GB Waterproof Music Player Compatible with iTunes Files (No Apple… SYRYN Swimbuds Flip Bundle | 8 GB Waterproof Music Player Compatible with iTunes Files (No Apple… $79.99 in stock as of April 17, 2024 7:05 pm Buy now Amazon.com SYRYN IPX8 Waterproof MP3 Player and Swimbuds Flip Headphones for Swimmers SYRYN IPX8 Waterproof MP3 Player and Swimbuds Flip Headphones for Swimmers $79.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Connection: Onboard storage Driver size: / Frequency range: / Type: MP3 player | Water resistance: IPX8 | Battery life: 10h | Charging: n/a | Memory size: 8GB | Weight: n/a | Supported files: MP3, AAC, WAV, WMA | Features: Clip-on design, shuffle feature Decent audio output Earbuds and accessories included Some modes are tricky to activate It’s sold bundled with Swimbuds headphones. The SYRYN package includes cheap earbuds and an MP3 audio player for a budget price tag. It’s ideal for listening to music underwater. The Swimbuds stay in the ears well under a swimming cap thanks to 5 different eartip types. So, the fit is solid. The 3.5mm jack is gold-plated to prevent corrosion. But don’t expect the best sound quality from it. It’s basic but good enough for casual listening. With an IPX8 rating, the waterproof MP3 player is made for use underwater. The MP3 player comes with a USB cable to drag and drop your songs and other music files into its storage. It works on Mac or Windows exactly the same. You attach it to swimming goggles with a clip. It generally stays there. 8GB of internal memory is fairly generous and enough for 2,000 songs. There is a shuffle mode included, so you don’t get bored with the songs at the start of the playlist. The battery life is a bit less than the advertised 10 hours, but that depends on the loudness. The package also comes with Aqua Guard hair defense and fit creams, which I don’t use. If you’re a casual swimmer and want to listen to music during your pool workout, check out the SYRYN MP3 player. Check price More sports headphones: The best wired workout headphones Best workout headphones for sports Honorable Mentions Sony NW-WS623 Sony Walkman swimming MP3 with Bluetooth and inbuilt storage comes with earphones. Listening via the inbuilt storage gives better audio clarity. The headband design helps it stay in place while swimming laps. It even works in saltwater. You can listen to music via Bluetooth (but doesn’t work underwater). There are 2 options: 4GB and 16GB memory storage. This used to be a top choice but is a bit outdated today. Check Sony NW-WS623 price MP3 players that didn’t make the list: FX-Sport VRX: These on-ear headphones can be used in water if you put on the waterproof silicone bag. But the sound is muffled. AGPTEK waterproof music player: A solid cheap MP3 player for swimming, but budget options on the list are better. Apple iPod Shuffle by Underwater Audio: These MP3s used to be the go-to solution, but Apple doesn’t make iPod Shuffles anymore, so you can’t get it anymore. Diver DB-10: Is a basic MP3 for swimming with short-cord earbuds, but the models on the list are better. Delphin Waterproof Micro Tablet: This mini table doesn’t perform well in water and often malfunctions. What to Expect from an MP3 Player for Swimming? Here are the key features to expect from them: Full water protection: The most crucial feature is their waterproof capability. These players are rated with an IPX waterproof rating, indicating their ability to withstand immersion in water for extended periods. Look for a high IPX rating (like IPX8) for complete submersion. Most MP3s use nano waterproof technology: an invisible layer of liquid deflecting material that keeps water away from the insides. Audio quality: Despite being underwater, these players are made to deliver clear and crisp audio. The sound quality differs slightly from regular MP3 players due to the underwater environment, but it’s good enough to enjoy music. Secure fit in water: These MP3 players often come with waterproof earbuds with special eartips to stay secure during swimming. To get the best fit, wear a swimming cap over them. Storage capacity: Expect from 8 GB to 16 GB of internal storage for your music. This is roughly 2000 or 4000 songs in MP3 format. Battery life: Most music players for swimming have a battery life between 6 -10 hours. Controls: The controls are simplified with bigger buttons for easy swimming use. Some models have advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity or integration with swimming apps. Durability: Apart from being waterproof, these players are also built to resist other elements like chlorine and salt water. Audio file compatibility: The most common supported audio formats are MP3, WMA, AAC, etc. Check each MP3 to ensure compatibility with your music library. Price: The price varies based on brand, features, and quality. But the majority of the models on the market cost around $100 and over. Read more about waterproofing. Why does my MP3 player sound muffled? Let’s get one thing straight. You’ll never get a Hi-Fi sound quality in water due to physics. Water is thicker than air and sound waves travel differently in water, changing our perception of sound. What can you expect? The best you can expect is audio quality you will enjoy and have fun with but won’t be perfect. It’s never going to sound as good as music outside water simply due to circumstances that swimming creates. Tips for a Secure Fit in Water Try these tips to get a secure fit in water: Try all the eartips: Most waterproof earbuds come with various eartip types and sizes. Try all of them to find the one that fits your ear canal snugly. A proper fit will prevent water from entering the ear and disrupting sound quality. Adjust the headband: If your MP3 player comes in a headband design, try positioning it differently. We all have different head shapes, so make sure it’s not too loose to slip off while swimming. Get a good seal: Before getting into the water, check if the earbuds created a good seal in your ears. A proper seal helps keep water out and improves the sound quality. Consider bone conduction: If in-ear models don’t work well for you, consider bone conduction. These rest on your cheekbones and transmit sound through bone vibration, bypassing the ear canal altogether. Use a swimming cap: Wearing a swimming cap helps keep earbuds in place, especially if they are the in-ear type. The cap adds an extra layer of stability. Apply a sealing cream: A sealing cream can help maintain an airtight fit in water, which improves stability. Test in shallow water first: Before diving into deep water, test the fit in shallow water. This allows you to adjust the fit without the risk of losing your earbuds. Why Use an MP3 for Swimming? The reasony why a waterproof MP3 is the best for swimming is because it’s the most reliable solution in water. Wireless Bluetooth headphones don’t work in water, so the only other option are wired earbuds connected to an MP3. The main reasons why you should get an MP3 headset for swimming are: Proven technology that works Wired, smaller MP3 players are easier to make waterproof, even for higher depths. Small earbuds are easier to keep in the ears during swimming (imagine wearing over-ear headphones inside the pool…). Waterproofing small earbuds and music players is cheaper than bigger headphones or your phone. It’s less risky. Imagine losing your phone if water accidentally came in (it happens more often than you think). What to avoid in waterproof music players? Here’s what first time buyers should be aware of: Avoid unknown brands Because waterproofed MP3s aren’t the cheapest make sure to pick a reliable brand that has been in the business for a while. There are brands like H20 Audio, UnderwaterAudio, Waterfi… that are specialized in making swimming gear. You can always have more confidence in a proven product with positive user feedback than going with a brand new company. Avoid products with over-promised features Some manufacturers market their products as waterproof and suitable for swimming but aren’t actually designed for it. Go with a proven product, even though you might have to pay a bit more. How are waterproof MP3 players different from other MP3s? The only difference between waterproof and other MP3s is: The water protection has to be minimum IPX8 for confident use in water. Water-suitable design with bigger buttons that are easier to press when you wear the MP3 on the back of your head. The MP3 players come with the same file storage, music quality, and battery capacity. How Deep Can I Go with Waterproof MP3 Players on This List? Generally, most waterproof music players are water protected up to 10ft (3m) in depth. Some rare models are waterproofed up to 30 feet, but check your models before going that deep. All of the MP3s on this list are perfectly safe to use in olympic pools, and some are protected for greater depths. P.S. Keep in mind to clean your MP3 with fresh water after using it in the sea or pool. Salt and clorine act aggressively against electronics. So, to prolong its lifespan, make it a habit ti clean it. What are the Best Waterproof Headphones for an MP3? If you already have an MP3 for swimming and only need headphones, Swimbuds are the way to go. Check all the recommended waterproof headphones suitable for swimming here. When you buy a waterproof MP3 player you’ll probably get earphones with it, but those often aren’t the greatest. Also, you need something with a hydrodynamic design to more easily cut water. It’s not uncommon to have a lot of problems keeping them in your ears, especially during fast, in-water exercises, like flip turns. Unless you use a swimming cap or have some other way to stick the earphones in your ears, you’ll likely experience frequent issues. “Keep in mind that wearing a swim cap can really help with stability during a swim workout, even when using Swimbuds.” Why Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater? 2.4GHz is a common frequency used for wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. However, it’s also the exact frequency that interacts with water molecules, which absorb most of the energy. The moment your headphones touch the water, you experience signal interference. Eventually, you lose the Bluetooth connection and the headphones stop working. Microwave in your kitchen uses the same frequency to heat up your food, albeit at much higher power. That’s why only the food gets hot and not your plate. And even then thicker pieces of food don’t get warm all the way through, despite the powerful microwave. So you can imagine how difficult is for a common wireless headphone to penetrate through a pool’s worth of water. As of right now, we still don’t have cheap, wireless technology that could be used for reliable underwater audio streaming. Nonetheless, for above-water sports like kayaking and board paddling, you can still use the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Why are Bluetooth headphones bad for swimming? Bluetooth headphones don’t function deep underwater because the signal doesn’t transmit the same way underwater. Wireless Bluetooth signal gets absorbed by water. This makes wireless Bluetooth headphones unreliable for swimming in water. How can I listen to Spotify while swimming? You can listen to any kind of music streaming service. However, you have to download all your music (or your playlist) for offline listening since you can’t stream it via WiFi. Neither WiFi nor Bluetooth works underwater. Can you listen to music while swimming with your Apple Watch? Sadly, no. Smartwatches like the Apple Watch transmit audio to your headphones via Bluetooth connection, which doesn’t work underwater. One option is to use H2O Audio Interval and attach the Watch to it. Can I wear AirPods while swimming? No, AirPods are not fully waterproof. Apple AirPods Pro only have an IPX4 rating, meaning they survive sweating and light sprays of water, like rain. But not dips in water. #1 Best Swimming MP3 Player H2O Audio SonarBone-conduction MP3 that attaches to swimming goggles for stability and sends music through bones without covering ears.Check Price Matija FerjanMatija Ferjan is a seasoned audio enthusiast reviewing headphones since 2015. He has personally tested hundreds of headphones and earbuds. He’s an active member of the Headphone Audio community and a true nitpicker, always looking for the “best-value-for-money” headphones.
10 Best Headphones for Swimming in 2024 What are the best waterproof headphones with high water protection that you can do water sports with or even take for a swim. 10.07.2019 | 8 min read
10 Best Waterproof Headphones (With Certified IPX) in 2024 Waterproof Bluetooth headphones are perfect for water sports and exploring nature. The best way to listen to music without worrying about water. Find the best waterproof wireless earbuds you can get today. 02.01.2015 | 9 min read
8 Best Workout Headphones That Stay Put No Matter What 2024 We tested headphones on 9 key categories to find the best workout headphones right now. These sound great, stay secure on the head, and pack lots of features. 01.22.2015 | 11 min read