Not only is swimming enjoyable, but it’s also one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy. Whether it’s a water aerobics class or a morning dip at the local pool, there’s no better way to get our body moving and our heart pumping. But what could make underwater workouts even better? Some music, of course!
Swimming headphones are a great way to make exercise even more enjoyable and a way to keep us motivated. With so many options to choose from, we’ve rounded up the top underwater headphones on the market. Comfort, subtlety and quality were our main priorities when creating the selection – you won’t be finding any clunky or over-the-top options here.
Of course, most of these underwater ear pods will also work perfectly above ground, making them ideal for listening to music while you’re going on a run or walk. This means you can pick up a pair of multi-functional headphones that will truly have you covered no matter your lifestyle and be one less thing to worry about while transitioning from land to sea.
Where can you buy waterproof headphones?
Waterproof headphones are pretty common nowadays, you’ll find plenty to choose from online on sites like Amazon and Currys. You can also find some out on your local high street, check stores like Argos or John Lewis.
Keep a close eye on what you’re buying, some headphones can be water-resistant and not fully waterproof. If you wish to swim and submerge the headphones deep underwater, you’ll need the headphones to be fully waterproof.
And of course, check out our round-up of the best waterproof headphones you can order online today!
The best waterproof headphones
Best waterproof headphones
1 of 8AfterShokz Swimming Headphones
Top pick
Slick and unobtrsuive, AfterShokz Swimming Headphones are the very best for comfortability, punchy sound and great battery life.
With 4 GB of memory, its incredibly easy to store tons of music for listening while beneath the waves.
Using bone conduction tech, AfterShokz have made an incredible pair of headphones that are not only terrific for intensive marathons, but they're also great for relaxing in the pool worry-free.
Review: "Super high quality feel and sound quality. In the water they are possibly even better - amazing bass, and light years ahead of any other swimming headphone I have tried. Highly recommended, and I don’t often write Amazon reviews, but just had to for these."
2 of 8Sony NW-WS413
Best for sound quality
Sony headphones are notorious for their superb quality and affordability, and the Sony NW-WS413 headphones are far from the exception. Using an ear-bud design, which is perfect for a noisy pool environment, Sony delivers great sound and bass with headphones that are noticeably well-built and comfortable.
Simple to use, with a decent 4GB of memory, you cannot go wrong if you're looking for some of the best value headphones for swimming.
Review: "I took a lot of time trying to find a good pair of waterproof headphones and these are the best quality ones I've found."
3 of 88GB HIFI Sound Waterproof MP3 player
Best budget-friendly option This affordable pair of swimming headphones with built-in MP3 player, are a great way to add music to your underwater activities.
Distinct from other MP3 players, this device is optimised for use underwater, with raised ridges and larger control buttons as well as a shuffle option, it's perfectly made for wet fingertips.
The MP3 clip has such a soft grip, you'll barely notice it's there, simply clip it to your head cap or goggles and you're all set. You'll also be able to choose from three different sizes of earplugs to ensure optimal comfort.
Review: The player, which also plays back MP4 tunes dragged over from from iTunes library is excellent for swimming. It slips easily on to the strap of your goggles and the phones are fine and stay in the ear (hold them in place with a cap). The sound quality is good and volume is fine. Great value for money.
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4 of 8HydroActive Waterproof Headphones with 9 Earbuds in 4 Styles
Best for comfort These wrap-around band headphones provide excellent sound quality with a water-tight seal. Praised for their customisability, the headphones are equipped with an interchangeable earbud system; nine earbud tips of three different styles are provided to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for a variety of needs. Effortlessly easy to get on and off, make this pair your own for your next aquatic activity.
5 of 8FINIS Duo
Best bone-conducting headphones Headphones are an essential workout tool, but what happens if you don't have an underwater device to plug them into?
Yes, the FINIS Duo is not only one-half bone conduction headphone (that sends a crystal-clear signal through your cheek to your inner ear - check out our list for more bone conducting headphones), it's also a 4GB MP3 player to boot.
It boasts an IPX8 waterproof rating, a clip to attach to your googles and a seven hour rechargeable battery life. Oh, and if you don't know what IPX8 is, it means it can stay submerged at a depth of three meters 30 minutes - impressive.
Review: Seriously this is fantastic the only device which sounds louder in the water than out. Can hear plain as day. Works during Butterfly, Breast Stroke Front Crawl and Back Crawl, diving in and tumbling. Charge Lasts for ages (8-10 hours, over a week of swimming)
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6 of 8Swimbuds Sport
Best for underwater quality How could we do a list of underwater headphones without mentioning Swimbuds? They literally have the word swim in the title and are developed by a company called Underwater Audio. They boast a 40cm wire with 3.5mm jack, four types of earbuds for different activities and can be submerged at a depth of three meters. The sound quality is enough to earn the Swimbuds a fantastic reputation, and the build quality is second to none. Underwater Audio even includes a year's warranty - bonus.
**Review: "**I absolutely love these headphones. These stay in your ears nice and firmly. The short cord means you are not catching them whilst swimming and pulling them out of your ears."
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7 of 8Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds
Best lightweight earbuds Named "the holy grail of earphones" by one reviewer, the Jabra waterproof earbuds are another fantastic choice. With impeccable sound quality and lightweight feel, these headphones will filter out any external noise, providing you with the best possible listening experience. They can be used in freshwater for up to half an hour (IP75 rating) making them perfect for a quick morning swim.
Review: "These are wonderful! I've tried a lot of different headphones of varying prices but these are the best! With varying earbud covers to ensure a secure fit, they are very comfortable. They have an accompanying app which can also ensure that the ear buds are correctly fitted."
8 of 8H2O Surge S+
Best for premium bass Brought to you by H2O, or should that be H2-woah! These in-ear pods are well-known for their superior sound. They come with high-quality components that promise premium bass, a 30cm cord and five sets of top-quality earplugs to fit all shapes and sizes. They boast an IPX8 rating, which is to say you can get your grove on up to 3.6m, and can also withstand heavy perspiration - necessary!
Review: "These are the best waterproof headphones that I have found. I swim 3 times a week and they don't get water logged like others seem to."
£31.99
How do waterproof headphones work?
A good pair of waterproof headphones will give you quality music, without the noise of water splashing around you while you’re swimming.
Most commonly waterproof headphones will have a spiral earbud, just like a cork this type of earbud will create a watertight seal, this keeps any air and water out, to provide you with the highest sound quality that is undistorted.
Can you shower with waterproof headphones?
Yes! Shower, swim take a bath, you can do it all with your new waterproof headphones. For showering in specific, you’ll want to find a pair of headphones that are small and lightweight, with no unnecessarily long wires to interrupt you when washing your hair etc.