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10 Best Swimming Headphones 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro Bone Conduction Sports Headphones, IP68 Waterproof Open-Ear Wireless Earphones with Bluetooth 5.4, 32GB of MP3 Storage, Noise Canceling Mics, 9h Playtime for Running, Swimming, Grey

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,318
Waterproof Rating
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Waterproof Rating
When swimming fully underwater, the sound is amazing because you don't have the splashing background.
Fit and Comfort
Excellent quality, lightweight, great battery life, comfortable! And don’t fall off while swimming!
Sound Quality
Loud volume levels too - works best with earplugs.
Battery Life
Excellent quality, lightweight, great battery life, comfortable! And don’t fall off while swimming!
Storage Capacity
MP3 mode for swimming allows diving into old iTunes playlists, adding some spice to the swimming experience.

The SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro Bone Conduction Sports Headphones are designed with swimmers and athletes in mind, providing a comprehensive set of features that cater to active lifestyles. With an IP68 waterproof rating, these headphones can be submerged in water up to 2 meters deep for two hours, making them suitable for swimming sessions or outdoor activities in all weather conditions. This high level of water resistance ensures durability and reliability underwater.

The open-ear design enhances comfort and safety, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings, which is beneficial for both swimming and outdoor workouts. Bone conduction technology ensures a comfortable fit.

Sound quality is another strong suit, with the PremiumPitch 2.0+ technology delivering clear audio and robust bass, providing a decent listening experience both in and out of the water. The dual mode functionality allows users to switch between Bluetooth and MP3 modes, with 32GB of storage offering ample space for music playlists.

Battery life is commendable, with up to 9 hours of playtime, ensuring they last through long workouts. However, those looking for extended use might need to recharge frequently between long sessions. Though the headphones come with noise-canceling features for calls, which work well for clear conversations, the open-ear design may not offer the same level of noise isolation as traditional headphones. This trade-off is worth considering depending on individual preferences for sound isolation.

The SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro is a versatile choice for those who need durable, water-resistant headphones with good sound quality and ample storage, ideally suited for swimmers and active individuals looking to stay connected on the go.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,318
Waterproof Rating
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Waterproof Rating
When swimming fully underwater, the sound is amazing because you don't have the splashing background.
Fit and Comfort
Excellent quality, lightweight, great battery life, comfortable! And don’t fall off while swimming!
Sound Quality
Loud volume levels too - works best with earplugs.
Battery Life
Excellent quality, lightweight, great battery life, comfortable! And don’t fall off while swimming!
Storage Capacity
MP3 mode for swimming allows diving into old iTunes playlists, adding some spice to the swimming experience.
#2

Sony NW-WS623 4 GB Waterproof Walkman MP3 Player with Bluetooth - Black

Rating
9.4
Waterproof Rating
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Waterproof Rating
Volume levels are lower underwater, but the sound quality remains good.
Fit and Comfort
Fitment and security of fit are brilliant; they stay secure during intense activities.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is decent for gym use, though not superb, with a slightly bright tone.
Storage Capacity
Onboard storage is great, freeing users from needing a secondary device.

The Sony NW-WS623 swimming headphones are designed for active users who need reliability in wet and dusty environments, making them suitable for swimming and various workouts. With an IPX5/8 waterproof rating and IP6X dustproof, they can withstand submersion in water up to 2 meters for about 30 minutes, and endure salt water and temperatures ranging from -5°C to 45°C. This durability ensures they are a solid companion for both intense and casual swimmers.

Comfort is another key aspect, with a design that aims to remain secure during movement. However, the fit may vary depending on personal ear shape, and some users might need time to adjust to wearing them in water. While these headphones excel in durability and fit, sound quality can be an area of compromise, especially underwater. The provided swimming earbuds are optimized for a better aquatic experience, but sound may still be less dynamic compared to standard headphones.

In terms of battery life, they offer a robust 12-hour playback, which is quite impressive for extended use. Additionally, the quick charge feature is handy, providing an hour of playback from just a 3-minute charge. The storage capacity of 4GB is adequate for carrying a selection of music or podcasts, although it might not be sufficient for users looking to store large collections. The Bluetooth feature allows for hands-free calls and music playback when connected to a smartphone, adding some versatility. However, note that Bluetooth functionality might not work underwater.

The Sony NW-WS623 stands out in terms of durability and battery life, making it a great fit for swimmers and athletes, although sound quality underwater and storage limitations are slight drawbacks.

Rating
9.4
Waterproof Rating
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Waterproof Rating
Volume levels are lower underwater, but the sound quality remains good.
Fit and Comfort
Fitment and security of fit are brilliant; they stay secure during intense activities.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is decent for gym use, though not superb, with a slightly bright tone.
Storage Capacity
Onboard storage is great, freeing users from needing a secondary device.
#3

【2024 New Version】8 GB HIFI Sound Waterproof MP3 player for swimming and running, Underwater Headphones with Short Cord (3 Types Earbuds), Shuffle Feature

Rating
9.1
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Battery Life
Fit and Comfort
Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit with intuitive controls, making it easy to navigate tracks while swimming.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is crystal clear, even underwater, significantly enhancing swimming sessions.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting for hours without needing a recharge, providing peace of mind during aquatic adventures.

The 2024 New Version 8 GB HIFI Sound Waterproof MP3 player stands out as a versatile choice for swimmers and other athletes who enjoy music during their activities. Its IPX8 waterproof rating ensures that it can be submerged up to 10 feet, making it reliable for underwater use. The short cord headphones are specifically designed to prevent tangling, adding to the convenience for swimmers.

Fit and comfort are addressed with the clip-back design that allows the player to be easily attached to goggle straps or a bathing cap, as well as the inclusion of three types of earbuds to find the best fit for different users. The raised ridges on the control buttons ensure easy operation even with wet fingers, which is a thoughtful touch for swimmers. Sound quality is highlighted as a significant strength, with HIFI Lossless Sound Quality delivering great performance both underwater and out of the water. The support for various audio formats like MP3, WMA, FLAC, and APE without needing conversion software adds to its appeal.

With 8 GB of storage, the device can hold over 2,000 songs, which is ample for extended use. The battery life of 16 hours allows for prolonged listening sessions without frequent recharges. However, potential users should be aware that the device requires careful drying after each use to prevent issues when connecting to a computer for song downloads or charging. Additionally, the lack of a display might be a downside for users who prefer visual navigation of their music library. The device is compatible with laptops and personal computers, and its small, lightweight build at 118 grams makes it easy to carry. The one-year warranty and 30-day risk-free trial offer some peace of mind to buyers. This MP3 player is well-suited for swimmers, runners, surfers, and other sports enthusiasts looking for a durable, high-quality audio solution.

Rating
9.1
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Battery Life
Fit and Comfort
Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit with intuitive controls, making it easy to navigate tracks while swimming.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is crystal clear, even underwater, significantly enhancing swimming sessions.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting for hours without needing a recharge, providing peace of mind during aquatic adventures.

Buying Guide for the Best Swimming Headphones

When choosing swimming headphones, it's important to consider how they will perform in a water environment while also delivering quality sound. Swimming headphones are designed to be waterproof and provide a secure fit to ensure they stay in place during your swim. Understanding the key specifications will help you select a pair that meets your needs, whether you're a casual swimmer or a competitive athlete.
Waterproof RatingThe waterproof rating indicates how well the headphones can withstand water exposure. This is crucial for swimming headphones as they need to function properly underwater. Ratings are usually given in IPX format, where a higher number means better water resistance. For swimming, look for at least IPX7, which means the headphones can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. If you swim in deeper waters or for longer periods, consider IPX8, which offers protection beyond 1 meter. Choose a rating based on your swimming environment and duration.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are essential for swimming headphones to ensure they stay in place and feel comfortable during your swim. Swimming headphones often come with different ear tip sizes and styles, such as in-ear or bone conduction. In-ear models provide a snug fit and good sound isolation, while bone conduction models rest on your cheekbones and leave your ears open, which can be more comfortable for long swims. Consider how long you swim and your comfort preferences when choosing the fit.
Sound QualitySound quality is important for an enjoyable listening experience while swimming. While swimming headphones may not match the sound quality of regular headphones due to their waterproof design, they should still provide clear audio. Look for headphones with balanced sound profiles and good bass response if you enjoy music with a strong beat. If you listen to podcasts or audiobooks, prioritize clarity in the mid and high frequencies. Your choice should depend on the type of audio content you prefer.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the headphones can be used before needing a recharge. This is particularly important if you swim for extended periods or multiple times a week. Swimming headphones typically offer between 5 to 12 hours of battery life. If you swim frequently or for long sessions, opt for headphones with longer battery life to avoid frequent recharging. Consider your swimming habits and how often you want to charge your headphones.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity is relevant for swimming headphones that have built-in MP3 players, allowing you to store music directly on the device. This is useful since Bluetooth signals don't travel well through water. Storage capacities can range from 2GB to 8GB, with higher capacities allowing for more songs or audiobooks. If you like to have a large variety of music or long playlists, choose a model with more storage. Consider how much music you want to have available during your swims.