Wearing waterproof headphones is now an absolute must-have gadget for swimmers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone serious about listening to music in tough conditions. Suited to house water exposure with the intent, these clever devices can be a great way to enjoy superior quality audio also during activities that see one in direction, the pool, the rain for a run or at the gym.
This guide will look at the best waterproof headphones 2024 has to offer — with the best performing models for various needs. From secure fits to premium sound quality, we’ll discuss what you need to know to make an informed decision. Along the way, you’ll find tips for finding the best pair for you and answers to commonly asked questions about finding the best waterproof earbuds for swimming and everyday use.
Whether you’re seeking great underwater audio, something for a budget, or a model with the latest features, this article has something for you. So let’s get on with the best waterproof headphones out there!
The List of the Best Waterproof Headphones
It can be challenging to find the right pair of waterproof headphones, especially when you consider the range of features and designs currently available. The following list exhibits the best of the best 2024 models based on performance, reliability, and usefulness. Whether you spend your days in the water as a professional swimmer, you enjoy outdoor adventures, or simply love music while doing aquatic activities, there’s a model here for you.
From advanced bone conduction tech to secure fits and onboard storage, these headphones deliver high-definition sound quality while meeting the demands of an active lifestyle. Here are this year’s best waterproof audio options.
Shokz Openswim Pro – The Best Waterproof Headphones Overall
The Shokz Openswim Pro prove themselves the best water proof headphones overall, with their groundbreaking bone conduction technology and design specifically for swimmers. Unlike standard in-ear designs, these headphones use vibrations to deliver sound through your cheekbones, which leaves your ears open. With the great sound performance underwater, it still provides a greater situational perception.
Openswim Pro is designed to tolerate complete water immersion using an IP68 rating, perfect for swimming sessions. Its lightweight design provides a secure and comfortable fit, even during rigorous activity. The onboard storage also allows you to listen to your favorite tunes without needing a paired device, an essential for any swimmer. Shokz Openswim Pro is wholly tailored to water functionality, and it remains among the premier options for swimming athletes looking for reliable waterproof headphones for swimming.
| Pros | Cons |
| Open-ear comfort with shock-proof bone conduction technology | Restricted to swimming and water activities. |
| Underwater superb audio quality. | |
| Rugged, swimmer-friendly design. |
JBL Endurance Peak 3 – Most Secure Fit
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 is competitively priced, and its ergonomic form factor complements its unsurpassed stability, making it more than suitable for swimming, and athletic endeavors. With their ear hook design, these earbuds swap out potential water slippage for a secure fit during your swim or workout, no matter how intense. With an IP68 waterproof rating, they can handle total immersion in water, placing them among the best swimming headphones for anyone that needs durability and dependability.
For audio, the quality is just as impressive, producing rich and thumping bass alongside crisp highs, which really brings your underwater sounds to life. The long battery life keeps you connected through those long swim or gym sessions. Though its slightly cumbersome design is not for everyone, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 is a winner in the comfort, performance, and durability stakes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ergonomic ear hooks for a secure fit. | Slightly bulky design. |
| Deep bass and crisp sound delivery. | |
| Long-lasting battery life. |
Zygo Solo – The Best Premium Waterproof Headphones
The Zygo Solo sets a new standard: the best premium underwater headphones that innovate and combine durability with sound quality. The Zygo Solo is not just a waterproof set of headphones, most of which work by downloading songs or podcasts to their onboard storage, which are last years solution, instead, it employs a new revolutionary wireless streaming system that means you can enjoy music, podcasts or guided workouts underwater. With dive pod technology, they become the elite choice for swimmers, who looking for a truly immersive experience.
With great build quality, these headphones are made for the avid swimmer and those who want to use them for extended periods. The clarity of the sound, even underwater, is unrivaled, making it the perfect choice for professional swimmers as well as audiophiles. Overall, while the Zygo Solo is certainly expensive, it wouldn’t have made the cut without its incredibly focused features and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone searching for the top tier underwater headphones.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sound clarity and quality, even under the water. | Higher Cost than Other Alternatives |
| New wireless streaming technology. | |
| Built for longevity with a premium aesthetic. |
YouthWhisper SuperQ3 – Lowest Price
The YouthWhisper SuperQ3 is a strong budget option for waterproof earbuds suitable for swimming. This model is a smart and affordable choice as it does not compromise performance, and serves well to swimmers and amateurs at their water sports activities as well. The SuperQ3 is rated IP68 waterproof, so it can be fully submerged for swimming.
It is also lightweight and relatively straightforward, making it comfortable to wear for longer periods, and while not incredibly high quality, the sound is decent enough for most people. For those who require waterproof earbuds with functionality that will not break the bank, the YouthWhisper SuperQ3 are a perfect solution. It might not boast advanced features like onboard storage or wireless streaming, but it’s a reliable entry-level swim buddy.
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly price point. | Fewer features than top-line models. |
| Good sound quality for light use. | |
| It has a cross-curricular, work-based, and lightweight and comfortable design dispositif. |
Naenka Runner Diver – The Best Waterproof Headphones for Music Storage
The Naenka Runner Diver is one of the best headphones for swimming and, best of all, it has onboard music storage. Packed with 16GB of internal storage, these headphones let you listen to that playlist while you swim, without a paired device attached. This makes them ideal for swimmers who want a seamless, wireless audio experience.
With an IP68 waterproof rating, the Naenka Runner Diver is designed to handle a full submersion and repetitive exposure to water. Its bone conduction technology still delivers clear audio quality, but leaves your ears unrestricted, so you can hear your surroundings at all times. The storage is also not as big as some premium models but given a balance of functionality, durability, and affordability, the Naenka Runner Diver does well for swimmers as an all-around great performing, workhorse of a device.
| Pros | Cons |
| Storage of onboard music for swimming without the device. | Smaller storage option than premium rivals |
| Bone conduction technology with a clear audio quality. | |
| Rugged and weatherproof, suitable for everyday use |
How Can I Choose the Best Waterproof Headphones
Use these tips to help you choose the right waterproof headphones. Whether you’re a swimmer, sunshine worshipper or fitness fanatic, achieving the perfect balance of comfort, durability and performance is key. Here are the most important factors to consider when selecting the best waterproof earbuds or headphones:
- Waterproof Rating:
- And always check for the IP rating which indicates the level of water resistance. Look for IPX7 rating, meaning the headphones can handle full submersion (or better). Most advanced is conspicuously water-resistant with IP68, ideal for day swimmers.
- Comfort and Fit:
- Select a design that seems comfortable for long periods of use. Bone conduction headphones are good if you want open-ear comfort and situational awareness, while the in-ear configurations could provide a more secure fit and better sound.
- Sound Quality:
- Pay attention to the sound quality of your headphones, both in water and on land. Good headphones should always produce high-quality sound, both in water and on land. If you begin to notice a deterioration in sound quality, this is a sign of some kind of malfunction
- Durability:
- This requires a durable design, with frequent exposure to water, sweat, and outdoor elements. Seek out materials and builds that are made to endure,
Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Model
- Note IP, Ratings Like IP68 – These ratings guarantee that the headphones can withstand substantially more exposure to moisture.
- Consider Bone Conduction vs In-Ear Design: For a snug and secure fit during the most intense cardio, in-ear designs are best, while bone conduction models allow for open-ear convenience.
- Check for Bonus Features: Onboard music storage, long-play battery life, and Bluetooth capability are nice to have and make the sunglasses easy to use.
Focusing on these aspects will help you choose the best underwater headphones for your individual lifestyle and preferences.
Waterproof Headphone Problems And Their Solutions
With waterproof headphones, users may run into a few common problems that may cause them to not perform as intended. Regardless of whether you’re facing poor sound quality or some other challenges like charging issues or Bluetooth issues, figuring out how to troubleshoot and solve such problems can help to get a better experience. In this segment, we will look at the most common issues with waterproof headphones and how to fix them.
Tips to Fix Sound Quality of Waterproof Headphones
A general problem with waterproof headphones – particularly after a few water sessions – is sound quality. This can stem from waterlogged components, build-up in the audio drivers, or even decay on seals. To attempt this, rinse all water out of the headphones with fresh water, and dry carefully, then check for visible damage. Simple maintenance, like removing debris or excess moisture, will usually bring clear sound back. If the issue continues, it may be worth checking the manufacturer’s manual for cleaning instructions or warranty coverage.
Waterproof Headphones Not Charging Issue Troubleshooting
If your headphones don’t seem to be charging, debris or moisture may be blocking the device’s charging ports. To fix it, ensure that the port is dry and clean before connecting it to the socket; use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to wipe it down. With headphones that have a waterproof cover for the charging port, make sure it is closed well before charging. Sometimes a defective charging cable or adapter is to blame, so feel free to switch one out if needed.
Conclusion
When it comes to enjoying music while swimming or exercising outdoors, selecting quality waterproof headphones can make a world of difference in your experience. All models mention have distinct strengths catered to different requirements:
- Shokz Openswim Pro relies on bone conduction technology, the battery in the Shokz Openswim Pro lasts up to 10 hours.
- The JBL Endurance Peak 3 have a secure fit that makes it great for heavy workouts and swimming.
- The Zygo Solo tops the premium range with innovative, underwater-ready wireless streaming.
- The YouthWhisper SuperQ3 is the best and most affordable offer, but it still lacks essential features.
- The Naenka Runner Diver offers built-in music storage, allowing you to swim without a device.
The best waterproof headphones for swimming for you will probably depend on your priorities, so whether you want comfort, sound quality, price or advanced features you’ll find something in our rundown below. Choosing the right equipment based on the way you operate helps you to use the same setup whether you are on the beach, by the pool or on the water for a truly scenic audio experience
