Calling out to all the people who wish to overcome their swimming time boredom? Get yourself a swimming partner and buy an MP3 player that is waterproof for guaranteed fun; what’s better than jamming to your favorite songs, snacking while listening to podcasts, and having some downtime with your audiobooks.
These are easy to carry around and not just for trips to the pool, but you can take them for camping trips by the river, kayaking, boating, or running in the rain without having to worry about your MP3 getting damaged. The list of MP3 players we have here is known as one of the best sound, quality, and even using technology. So stay tuned till the end to find out what’s good to make purchasing easier.
1. H2O Audio Sonar
The H20 Audio Sonar is perfectly impressive for listening to music because of its built-in MP3 player, which is perfect for swimming and enjoying your favorite tracks. It also has 8GB of space to store all your favorite musicals and songs. The bone conduction also supports a Bluetooth connection; however, it does not work underwater. So if you wish to connect to other applications, you can do it outside the pool or water.
These headphones must be clipped to your goggles or a strap to withstand and stay put. Waterproof headphones also carry the IPX8 rating, giving users up to 12 feet depth. It has a decent battery life of over 7 hours, providing adequate playback time for a good swimming session.
Pros
- It has an excellent underwater fit as they get attached to goggles and do not fall off, causing distractions during laps.
- Work impressively underwater all because of the bone conduction technology.
- It has MP3 and Bluetooth that supports the Apple watch too.
Cons
- You cannot wear it without goggles or a strap.
2. FINIS Duo Underwater
The underwater audio of the FINIS is quite impressive, especially for these types of headphones. Even if your ears get filled with water, the experience isn’t terrible. But you do not get deep bass and crispy highs, but the overall experience is decent.
Even though the MP3 player has a unique design that uses goggle straps to get attached to your head, many users say these headphones are pretty good. They are known all because of the bone conduction technology they come with that sends vibrations throughout your body rather than through your ear canals. This doesn’t cause ear fatigue and doesn’t damage your ears.
The outer build of the MP3 player is plastic and has the highest waterproof IPX8 rating. The headphones are rated for 3 meters for up to 30 minutes.
Pros
- It is the best MP3 player for swimming.
- It provides an impressive sound primarily if you use earplugs.
- It has a stable underwater fit.
Cons
- It has quality control issues for some users.
- You need to attach it to a strap or goggles.
3. Delphin Waterproof Micro Tablet
The Delphin is a waterproof MP3 player that satisfies all users and makes the experience excellent. It is an all-rounder waterproof music player which supports high-quality audio formats such as MP3, FLAC, WAV, and AAC.
It also provides a touch-screen interface with five buttons that can be used to control the music player underwater. Additionally, it has a feature that allows users to count their swimming laps, especially when training. This data can be transferred to Strava, a famous sports application.
Not just this, but the music player also allows connection via Bluetooth to Spotify and even Pandora. Users can listen to songs offline and connect to Wifi as well. The player also transmits music to any of your Bluetooth headphones for an out-of-water listening experience. The waterproof MP3 players come in two versions: 8GB and 16GB, with a battery life of 6 hours when fully charged.
Pros
- It has 11 pairs of different shaped ear tips for multiple ear types.
- The waterproof MP3 player is a feature-packed one.
- It comes with many accessories that make the user experience better.
- It supports multiple streaming services and even the Strava application.
Cons
- This is not a cheap MP3 player and can be expensive for some users.
- The screen quality is not very top-notch.
- The incorporation of Wifi and Bluetooth limits the usage because of battery drainage.
4. AGPTEK Waterproof Music Player
Audiophiles, the audio quality of these AGPTEK earbuds will surely not disappoint you, especially when underwater. You get a pair of comfortable earbuds and a waterproof MP3 player that supports multiple audio formats with proper packaging. What makes this music player stand out is its audio quality. It can easily last up to 18 hours on a single charge, which sounds very promising indeed.
Not just earbuds, it also comes with short cord headphones that are pretty basic and have a small form factor. The cable attached to it can easily be coiled, ensuring they do not get dangled around. Now, if the short cord headphones are something you do not prefer, you can use the audio extension cord that comes in the box.
The music player and earbuds have their own snap clip that can easily be strapped to your shirt or the swimming goggles. To prevent water from getting in your ear, you get triple-flanged ear tips in two sizes.
Pros
- The audio output is loud and impressive.
- It comes with earbuds and other accessories too.
- The player supports a wide range of audio formats.
Cons
- The buttons are tough to navigate, especially when the player is mounted.
5. Sony NW-WS623
The frequency of the Sony NW-WS623 is impressive and has an excellent sound quality. You can now listen to your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks during or after your swimming sessions. The built-in storage makes the listening experience even better.
The headset is perfect for underwater audio and usage, and with the IPX8 rating, you can go in as deep as 6ft.
People who enjoy swimming in the sea or want to take it in salt water. You do not have to worry because it provides a smooth experience throughout. Make sure to take care of it correctly for it to last you longer. It has a headband design with earbuds attached, keeping them in one place. It provides users convenience and comfort during swimming laps as the band gets hooked around the ears.
You can also listen to music using Bluetooth, but that doesn’t work underwater. It comes in two options, 4GB and 16GB storage, and supports multiple audio formats.
Pros
- It has quick charging, and you get 3 min for 1 hour of battery life.
- The sound quality is good for a swimming headset.
- It is suitable for saltwater and usage outside
- It comes with Bluetooth and a built-in MP3 player with 4GB storage.
Cons
- It may not be very comfortable for extended periods.
6. SYRYN by Underwater Audio
The SYRYN by Underwater audio provides decent sound quality and is perfect for everyday usage. The waterproof MP3 player has an IPX8 rating which is excellent for underwater usage. It comes with earphones, also called swim buds which are suitable for recreating the sound of your tracks and musicals.
To prevent corrosion, the jack is gold-plated. The waterproof MP3 player works with a USB cable which can easily be used to drag and drop songs. Add all your audio files from your Mac and Windows.
It has generous storage of up to 8GB and can add up to 2000 songs. You also get shuffle mode, so you do not get bored with the songs at the start of your playlist.
Pros
- It has an IPX8 rating which makes it ideal to use underwater.
- They have a decent audio output which will be a good choice for audiophiles.
- They come with earbuds and other accessories.
Cons
- The Syrian has modes that can be a bit tricky to operate.
7. H2O Audio Stream 2
The Audio stream 2 offers users earbud tips for multiple sizes preventing water from entering your ear canal. The user gets premium sound quality, but the bass isn’t as enhanced as expected.
Furthermore, it has an ergonomic design similar to a waterproof MP3 player and is designed for intuitive usage. It has pretty big buttons and is easy to press and use underwater. So you won’t have to worry about accidentally pressing the wrong buttons.
It also comes with a highly durable clip on the player that can easily be clipped to your goggles strap. The AUX connector is 3.5mm, has a tight seal, and has excellent battery life. You can use your MP3 for 10 hours or more. What makes the MP3 player stand out is how it can connect with your phone via Bluetooth and listen to songs from other streaming options such as Spotify and Soundcloud.
Pros
- The H2O audio stream 2 provides an option for Bluetooth listening to users.
- It has a good quality sound providing an impressive experience to users.
Cons
- You need to wear a cap for optimal security of your MP3.
8. SILVER Underwater Audio
The Silver Underwater Audio comes in a compact shape with an impressive built-in solid clip, perfect for hooking to your swim gear. They also come with a pair of short-cord headphones. The design ensures a drag-free swim where you will forget you even have a music player on you because of how lightweight and snag-free.
This MP3 is ideal for swimmers in a marathon and those who love to take a few laps. Triathletes and runners for all weathers can also grab these pairs of underwater headphones. It has a waterproof capacity of 220ft which is quite impressive. The MP3 player comes with 0.5 ounces of fit sealant, which keeps the water from getting in your ear canal. It also comes with a pre-swim hair defense, preventing your hair from getting brittle and discolored after swimming.
It has a 15 hours battery life providing you with extended hours. You can download 500 songs and listen to them back to back. The shuffle feature allows you to create a mix-up of your favorite tracks helping in creating a balance. It has a VoiceOver feature that helps control your music without having to lose your focus during swimming.
Pros
- They have fantastic battery life for extended usage.
- The waterproof of the Silver underwater audio is high.
- Lightweight makes them very easy to use and very easy to carry.
- The earbuds have a snuggly fit and are very comfortable.
Cons
- They have a small memory space which may not be ideal for people who love storing a lot of music.
How to Pick the Best Waterproof Headphones Suitable for Swimming
When searching for headphones to use when swimming, the construction of the headphones’ water resistance should be your primary concern, so anything that has the certification of being “waterproof” should be helpful, right?
No! Not all headphones that claim to be “waterproof” can truly withstand being submerged in water. There are many different IP ratings for headphones, which indicate their ability to survive various submersion depths and times. In addition, aspects like the battery life, design, and construction material all have a role in determining their overall quality.
You should be able to determine whether or not your headphones are suitable for swimming by looking at their IPX certification, the materials they are made of, and a number of other specifications that can be found on their spec sheets. Continue reading as we discuss each one down below!
Waterproof rating
Your headphones’ grade on the Ingress Protection (IP) scale is the most reliable indicator of how water-resistant they are. This certification confirms that your headphones can withstand the specified amount of water for a specified period of time.
An item’s resistance to solid matter is indicated by the first digit of its IP rating, while the second digit shows its resistance to liquid substances. The higher the value, the more favorable it is.
You will require headphones that can survive further submersion and endure throughout your average number of laps if you want to listen to music while swimming. In that scenario, you ought to go with a device that has an ingress protection rating of no less than IP68 or IPX8.
Models with a water resistance rating of 8′ can endure water pressure and be submerged in water for greater than 1 meter (3.2 feet). On the other hand, those with a water resistance rating of ‘7’ can only survive in water that is less than one meter deep.
If a set of headphones has a classification of IP68, this indicates that they are resistant to dust and can withstand being submerged in water without being damaged. Typically, manufacturers would achieve these results by coating their earbuds with hydrophobic polymers, which cause water to be repelled when it comes into contact with them.
The IPX8 rating indicates that they are quite water-resistant. However, the presence of an ‘X’ in the grade indicates that the manufacturers did not formally test the product to determine how well it protects against solid objects.
It is important to keep in mind that the terms “waterproof” and “water-resistant” do not mean the same thing.
While water-resistant materials may, to a certain extent, tolerate the passage of water, waterproof materials are physically incapable of being damaged by water immersion.
Additionally, you should be aware of the sellers. Be mindful of certain retailers that assert that the things they sell are waterproof but fail to publish the corresponding IP rating certification on the packaging or product page.
Build quality
In order to protect against mineral deposits and corrosion, waterproof headphones may have a greater alloy content than their stainless steel housing counterparts. It is possible that certain manufacturers will emphasize these for particular underwater pressure operations; however, you should take this information with a grain of salt.
Housings made of high-quality plastic are just as capable as their stainless steel counterparts when withstanding the insignificant pressure seen in the water at a depth of three feet. It should be sufficient for your standard swims if you’re not interested in diving.
Aside from this, wired versions need to incorporate thicker insulation for the wires in addition to plated gold output jacks for additional protection over extended durations of use when underwater. This is necessary so that the models can be used for longer lengths of time.
Audio playback options
Because Bluetooth relies on radio frequency, it is not well suited for transmitting signals underwater. This is because the water disrupts the signal, which makes transmission tricky or even impossible.
Because of this, there are three distinct playback alternatives to take into consideration while shopping for headphones designed for swimming:
- Wired: These headphones utilize water-resistant MP3 players, which results in superior sound quality overall. You will, however, need to devise a method for securing the cords so that they do not get in the way while you are swimming. You will need to determine where the MP3 player will be safely stored.
- Built-in MP3: If you have these headphones, all your music will be saved within the headphones themselves, which is a highly convenient feature. However, there is a cap on the number of songs that can be stored on your device. In addition, you need to rely on other devices in order to add or delete tracks, which might be an annoying inconvenience.
- Other wireless technology: You may use your phone as a source of sound audio to a specialized wireless technology that works underwater. This indicates that your Apple Music or Spotify playlists are available whenever you need them. However, in addition to that, you will need to transport a large transmitter at all times.
Audio storage
Storage is another vital feature to look for, and it is especially important for swimmers who intend to use larger audio files, such as audiobooks while enjoying their time in the water.
The capacities of the music players on our list range from 4 gigabytes to 8 gigabytes, which allows them to store between 1,000 and 2,000 songs.
Battery life
Batteries are required for models that include an inbuilt MP3 player or that use wireless technology in order for them to work independently.
Even while the majority of headphones designed for use in the pool have a maximum operational capacity of four hours, it is never a bad idea to allow yourself some breathing room and select a model with a greater capacity.
The use of chargers is something else that should be considered because some of them may have one-of-a-kind proprietary connectors incompatible with ordinary connectors, making it a pain in the rear when the chargers break down. If possible, go with a device that has universal connectors.
Comfort and fit
Earbuds that fit within the ear canal or headphones that transmit sound through the bone are the only headphones suitable for swimming. These shapes offer a snug and secure fit that won’t move around or get in the way while swimming. Neither of them will impede your movement in any way.
On the flip side, headphones that go over the ear or on the ear are too cumbersome to use while swimming because they can restrict your movement and are not an ideal choice for this activity.
Earbuds explicitly designed for swimming typically entirely block the ear canal, preventing any water from entering the ear. Because of improvements in sound isolation, this also results in a higher perceived audio quality. However, because of the sound isolation, you won’t be able to hear your surroundings, which can be risky if you are swimming in open water.
Bone-conduction headphones transmit sound vibrations to your ears by transmitting them through the cheekbones, which leaves your ear canals unobstructed. This means that you are able to be more in tune with the environment around you. Bone-conduction headphones benefit people with difficulty hearing since they transmit sound without going through the eardrums.
On the other hand, the sound quality is not even close to that of in-ear models. The primary reason for this is that they transmit sound through solid things, which is not how sound typically moves through the environment.
FAQs
Why should you avoid wearing Bluetooth headphones when you’re in the pool?
Because the signal does not transmit the same way underwater, headphones that employ Bluetooth technology will not work when submerged to a great depth. Wireless signals like Bluetooth are readily absorbed by water due to its porous nature.
Because of this, using wireless Bluetooth headphones when swimming is impossible since the connection will not function.
Is it possible to use Spotify while swimming?
You are able to use any music streaming service you choose to listen to music. You are unable to stream the music; thus, you will need to download it all (or at least your playlist) before you can listen to it while you are not connected to WiFi. Underwater, neither Bluetooth nor WiFi will operate for you.
Is it possible to listen to music on your Apple Watch while swimming?
I’m afraid not. The Apple Watch and other smartwatches provide audio to the headphones via Bluetooth, which fails to work when the wearer is submerged in water.
Do the AirPods come with a water-resistant case?
Unfortunately, neither variant of AirPods is entirely waterproof. The Apple AirPods Pro only possesses an IPX4 rating, which indicates that they can withstand mild sprays of water, such as rain, as well as perspiration.
Why does Bluetooth not work when you’re swimming in the pool?
The frequency of 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) is frequently utilized in wireless communication systems like Bluetooth and WiFi. However, the precise frequency is also what interacts with the water molecules, which are responsible for absorbing the majority of the energy.
When your headphones come into contact with water, you will immediately begin to encounter signal interference. After some time, the Bluetooth connection will be lost, and the headphones will become inoperable.
Although it operates at a considerably greater power level, the microwave in the home’s kitchen makes use of the same frequency for heating the food. Because of this, the food gets heated, not the dish it’s served on.
Despite the fact that the microwave is quite powerful, there is still a chance that thicker sections of food will not heat up completely. You can imagine, therefore, how challenging it would be for a typical wireless headset to make its way through an entire swimming pool’s worth of water.
As of the present day, we do not yet have a technology that is both inexpensive and wireless which could be utilized for streaming underwater sound.
Consequently, using a waterproof music player is the one and only option to play music underwater without having to deal with interruptions.
Conclusion
So if you want to buy an MP3 player that provides underwater audio, then all of these MP3 player options we have here for you are one of the best. You will find the best MP3 player with Bluetooth and a waterproof MP3 player that tick your boxes. Let the pros and cons help you finalize your decision to make the right choice!
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Bethany Wilson 
Sarah Durrani 
