Swimming headphones have moved from novelty to a practical tool for athletes and casual swimmers who want music, podcasts, or coaching audio while staying aware of their surroundings. Bone-conduction designs keep ear canals open, which improves safety around pools and open water while delivering sound through the cheekbones. For swimmers who need phone-free audio, many models include built-in MP3 storage so playlists travel with the headset even when Bluetooth cannot.
Buying the right pair requires attention to several factors. Waterproof rating and tested immersion depth determine whether a set is suitable for laps, open-water swims, or short dives. Playback modes matter: Bluetooth is convenient above water but often fails underwater, so internal MP3 storage and robust physical controls are essential for pool use. Fit, weight, battery life, and sound signature round out the decision criteria, along with microphone quality for users who expect to take calls on the go. The following four models represent the range from value-focused options to premium swim-specialized designs, with details to help select the best match for training, triathlon, or casual laps.
1. Guudsoud Bone Conduction Swimming
Best Value with Built-In 32GB MP3 for Phone-Free Swimming
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Bone conduction open-ear • Waterproof Rating: IP68, rated for full immersion up to 2 meters • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 (above-water use) • Built-in Storage: 32GB MP3 player (approx. 8,000 songs) • Battery Life: Estimated 6-8 hours playback See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS |  £39.99 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Large 32GB internal storage supports phone-free swimming sessions +IP68 full-immersion rating suitable for pool laps and showers +Open-ear bone conduction keeps ears clear for safety and comfort +Bluetooth 5.4 for stable above-water streaming and pairing +Slim lightweight fit that stays secure during workouts |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Bluetooth mode not functional underwater; MP3 mode required for swims -Bone conduction delivers less bass than in-ear alternatives -Physical buttons can be awkward to operate with wet hands or gloves |
Review
This model stands out by combining a true phone-free experience with a mainstream feature set. The 32GB MP3 player is the defining benefit for swimmers who need reliable audio in the water, removing the dependency on a phone or smartwatch during laps. Above water, Bluetooth 5.4 provides a stable connection for running or gym sessions, but the onboard storage is the practical choice for pool use where signals do not penetrate.
The open-ear bone conduction design keeps ear canals clear, which improves situational awareness around pool decks and open water. Sound is clear and intelligible for podcasts and tempo tracks, though the physics of bone conduction limits deep bass and absolute loudness compared with sealed in-ear designs. The ergonomic frame is slim and lightweight, designed to work with swim caps and goggles and to remain secure during flip turns.
Controls are handled via physical buttons that offer straightforward track and mode switching. Those controls work well for most users but can be fiddly when fingers are wet or when wearing gloves. Build quality appears focused on value rather than premium materials, but overall durability is adequate for regular swim sessions and outdoor training. For swimmers prioritizing a phone-free setup and a modest price-to-feature ratio, this option represents a practical balance.
2. Guudsoud Swimming Headphones
Best Lightweight Everyday Training Headphones
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Bone conduction open-ear • Waterproof Rating: IP68, rated for full immersion up to 2 meters • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 (not usable underwater) • Built-in Storage: 32GB MP3 player • Battery Life: Up to 8 hours playback per charge See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £33.98 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Comfortable, barely-there fit suitable for long workouts +32GB onboard storage lets swimmers leave phones poolside +IP68 rating allows pool laps and heavy rain use +Long battery life supports multi-session training days +Clear voice and adequate bass for spoken-word content |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Bluetooth cannot transmit underwater, requiring MP3 for swims -Open-ear design leaks sound to bystanders at higher volumes -Physical buttons may wear faster than touch controls |
Review
This pair is built for daily training and multisport athletes who prioritize comfort and reliable performance. The lightweight frame remains unobtrusive during long runs or extended pool workouts, reducing neck and ear fatigue common with bulkier designs. When used in MP3 mode, stored playlists play without a phone, which is a dependable solution for lap swimmers.
Sound delivery favors clarity for spoken content and midrange-focused music. Bone conduction produces less low-frequency impact than sealed in-ear options, so listeners who prioritize heavy bass may be disappointed. Still, the balance of clarity and safety makes these ideal for intervals, coached sessions, and open-water swims where ambient awareness is critical.
Durability and battery life align with the needs of everyday users. The IP68 rating protects against sweat, showers, and pool immersion, while 8-hour runtime covers multiple workouts. Controls are simple physical buttons that give confident feedback during activity, though repetitive wet use could accelerate wear compared with higher-end models with sealed controls.
3. SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro Bone
Best Premium Swim-Focused Option
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Bone conduction with PremiumPitch 2.0+ tuning • Waterproof Rating: IP68, rated for up to 2 meters for 2 hours • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 • Built-in Storage: 32GB MP3 player • Battery Life: Approximately 9 hours playback See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £169.00 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Refined sound profile with improved bass for bone conduction +Reliable dual-mode operation: Bluetooth for above water and MP3 for swims +Noise-cancelling microphones deliver clearer calls in noisy environments +Long battery life and rugged IP68 durability for regular training +Companion app and tuned sound modes for personalized listening |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Priced above budget alternatives -Bluetooth streaming cannot be used underwater -Some users may prefer sealed in-ear isolation for maximum bass |
Review
This offering pushes the performance envelope for swim-capable bone conduction headphones. The sound tuning emphasizes clearer mids and improved low-end impact compared with most bone conduction peers, which makes music and coaching cues more satisfying without sacrificing the open-ear safety advantage. The dual-mode setup is practical: Bluetooth handles above-water streaming and calls, while the onboard MP3 player is ready for pool sessions.
Microphone performance benefits from active noise reduction, so voice calls remain intelligible even in windy or crowded settings. Physical controls are optimized for sport use and provide tactile feedback that is useful when hands are wet or gloved. The companion app extends functionality, allowing mode switching and firmware updates for longer-term value.
Durability and battery runtime support frequent training schedules. The rated immersion capability covers standard pool and shore swims, and the overall build quality feels more robust than economy models. For athletes who want the best balance of audio fidelity, call quality, and swim-ready reliability, this model represents a top-tier choice among open-ear headphones.
4. IFECCO Waterproof Headphones Swimming
Best for Deep Water and Long Sessions
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Bone conduction open-ear • Waterproof Rating: IP68, rated for up to 3 meters for 60+ minutes • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 6.0 (above-water use) • Built-in Storage: 8GB MP3 player (approx. 2,000 songs) • Battery Life: Around 8 hours playback See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £35.99 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Higher immersion tolerance makes it suitable for deeper or longer swims +Titanium frame keeps weight low while remaining durable +8-hour battery supports extended sessions and multi-event training +Onboard MP3 player allows phone-free use in water |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Only 8GB storage limits music library compared with 32GB alternatives -Bluetooth mode cannot transmit underwater; switch to MP3 for submerged use -Fewer advanced audio features compared with premium competitors |
Review
This headset prioritizes waterproof robustness and endurance. The tested immersion depth and duration are useful for swimmers who perform longer underwater sets or participate in water sports beyond casual laps. The titanium frame keeps weight minimal and provides a secure fit that resists slippage during turns and vigorous strokes.
Audio delivery emphasizes practicality over high-fidelity theatrics. The 8GB MP3 player is adequate for carrying essential playlists and interval tracks, but it constrains users with large libraries. Bluetooth connectivity is reliable above water and useful for warmups or land training, while the MP3 mode is the required option for submerged playback.
Controls and charging are designed for sport use, with physical buttons that work when wet and a magnetic cable for simple dock-free charging. This model makes sense for swimmers who need a tougher shell and comfortable long-wear fit more than audiophile-grade sound. For triathletes and frequent open-water swimmers who value durability and uninterrupted playback during extended sessions, this headset is a practical choice.
Summary
Selecting the best swimming headphones depends on how the device will be used. For swimmers who want the most storage and phone-free convenience at a reasonable value, the 32GB models provide the best balance of MP3 capability and daily usability. Lightweight, comfort-oriented designs suit frequent training and multisport use, while premium models deliver refined sound and better call quality for those who split time between the pool and outdoor workouts.
For deep-water or extended session users, choose the option with the higher immersion rating and a robust, lightweight frame. For athletes who want clearer vocals and slightly stronger bass from a bone conduction device, the premium swim-focused option offers superior tuning and app support. Finally, remember that Bluetooth is primarily for above-water streaming; if underwater playback is required, prioritize models with built-in MP3 storage and reliable physical controls. These considerations will help match a headset to training style, safety needs, and audio preferences.
