9 Best Music Devices For Swimming

Best music devices for swimming

Swimming is great exercise, but it can get boring after a while, which is why a lot of swimmers search for the best music devices for swimming to stay focused.

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, and the experience can be enhanced by listening to your favorite tunes, but very few music devices are waterproof. In this article, we will explore the best music devices available for swimmers, specifically designed to withstand water exposure while providing excellent sound quality and convenience.

From waterproof MP3 players to water-resistant smartwatches, there is a range of options to suit every swimmer’s preferences and budget. We will discuss the key features and benefits of each device, as well as any potential drawbacks and compatibility considerations. 

What To Look For In The Best Music Devices For Swimming

Best music devices for swimming
Prioritize waterproof capabilities since your device will be submerged during use

When choosing the best music device for swimming, it is essential to consider several factors to ensure a seamless and enjoyable listening experience underwater. In this section, we’ll explore some key aspects to consider before purchasing.

Firstly, prioritize waterproof capabilities since your device will be submerged during use. Look for products with an IPX8 rating or higher, as these are designed to withstand continuous immersion in water.

Secondly, consider the audio quality of the device. For swimmers, selecting music devices that support different audio formats and offer adjustable EQ settings is essential. A clear and balanced sound output will enhance your swimming experience.

Comfort and fit are also crucial factors to consider. Look for devices with:

  • Multiple ear tip sizes
  • Secure and adjustable ear hooks or bands
  • Comfortable materials that don’t cause irritation

Moreover, it’s important to evaluate the device’s battery life. Aim for products with sufficient playtime to last your entire swimming session or multiple sessions before needing a recharge. Most quality devices offer at least five to seven hours of playback per charge.

Lastly, evaluate the usability and controls of the device. Opt for one with easy-to-use buttons or a touch interface that can be smoothly operated underwater, and make sure it has an intuitive file management system for seamless music organization.

How To Pick The Best Music Device For Swimming

You will have to consider your budget and how often you go swimming. There’s no point in splurging on a high-end product if you only use it a handful of times a year. You will also need to pick something with a battery life that corresponds with how long your swim sessions typically are. 

You should also pick something that works with your swimwear, whether it clips onto your swimming hat, goggles, or swimsuit itself. Then, when all that’s done, you can focus on aesthetics. 

Finis Duo 

Waterproof MP3 players are designed specifically for swimmers, providing high-quality audio playback while swimming. They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing users to choose the best fit for their swimming activities.

The FINIS Duo offers a unique bone conduction technology, allowing swimmers to hear audio through their cheekbones rather than their ears. This improves sound quality and prevents water from entering the ear canal, making it ideal for swimming.

With its IPX8 waterproof rating, it’s suitable for use at depths of up to three meters. It also includes four GB of storage and offers seven hours of battery life.

Pros
  • Affordable 
  • Easy to use
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Not the best audio quality
  • Needs to be adjusted

Swimbuds Syryn

The Swimbuds Syryn is an affordable, waterproof MP3 player with a capacity of eight GB. It comes with a simple button interface, making it easy to navigate through tracks while in the water. The Syryn is compatible with various features such as shuffle mode, FM radio, and audiobooks.

You can easily transfer MP3, AAC, and WMA files to your device. It’s also ideal for swimmers who love a challenge, as it can withstand sustained pressure for up to ten feet underwater.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Long battery life
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Some customers felt the buttons were poor quality
  • No rewind function
  • Shuffle isn’t for everyone

Delphin Waterproof Micro Tablet 

For a more advanced option, the Delphin Waterproof Micro Tablet provides swimmers with access to streaming services, audiobooks, podcasts, and more. It comes with a touchscreen interface and supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect to their favorite waterproof headphones or wireless swimming trackers.

Pros
  • Good audio quality
  • Comes with several earbud sizes 
Cons
  • Only compatible with Android
  • Reviews claim the battery is of poor quality 
  • Pricey
  • Must wait four hours after swimming to charge it

Underwater Audio iPod Shuffle

The Underwater Audio iPod Shuffle offers a familiar Apple interface in a waterproof design, making it a popular choice for swimmers who prefer the familiar Apple ecosystem. It’s compatible with iTunes and offers two GB of storage for a wide range of media files.

Pros
  • Long battery life
  • Clear sound
Cons
  • Shuffle isn’t for everyone
  • Earbuds can fall out

Jabra Elite Active 75t

Waterproof Bluetooth headphones
These headphones are specifically designed to withstand water and provide a secure fit during vigorous swimming sessions

Swimmers who want to enjoy music while doing laps need a reliable set of waterproof Bluetooth headphones. These headphones are specifically designed to withstand water and provide a secure fit during vigorous swimming sessions.

They can act as noise-canceling headphones so you can enjoy your swim uninterrupted. They also have a HearThrough setting for those who prefer to be more aware of their surroundings. 

Pros
  • Very long battery life
  • Good audio quality
Cons
  • Pricey 
  • Some customers find the earbuds uncomfortable

Garmin Swim 2

Swimming smartwatches with music capabilities are a perfect companion for swimmers who want to enjoy their favorite tunes while taking a dip. These smartwatches are built specifically for underwater use.

The Garmin Swim 2 has downloadable workout plans so you can get the best out of your sessions. It even tracks your heart rate. You control your music on your smartphone and get swimming.

Pros
  • Great features 
  • Ease to setup 
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Watch strap is too small for many customers

Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch

The Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch is great for deep divers as it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters. The heart rate tracing technology and guided workouts from Fitbit Coach help swimmers make the most of their workout. It also tracks sleep and body temperature. 

Pros
  • Very long battery life
  • Excellent features
Cons
  • Customers found the wrist strap doesn’t fit

AfterShokz Xtrainerz

One of the advantages of using bone conduction devices while swimming is the elimination of water interference. They allow users to maintain situational awareness since the ear canal remains open. 

The AfterShokz Xtrainerz is a popular choice among swimmers for its IP68 waterproof rating, which means it’s suitable for submersion in water up to two meters deep. It also features four GB of built-in storage for audio files and has a battery life of up to eight hours.

If you find earbuds uncomfortable, this device is for you. It is compatible with earplugs as well as swim goggles and caps. It supports MP3 files as well as WAV, AAC, and WMA.

Pros
  • Works without a phone
  • Good sound quality 
Cons
  • Not Bluetooth compatible

H2O Audio Stream 3

This device is compatible with both wired bone-conduction headphones and Bluetooth-enabled options. It boasts an IPX8 waterproof rating and has eight GB of storage for audio files. The H2O Audio Stream 3 also features a unique hydrodynamic design for minimal drag in the water.

This device supports iTunes, but it is also compatible with MP3, M4A, WMA, FLAC, and APE files. You might also be wondering, can you use a sauna before or after swimming?

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Bluetooth 
  • Comptabile with iPhones and Androids
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Some customers received faulty items

Testing Criteria 

We evaluated different types of devices, from MP3 players, watches, and bone conduction devices, so there’s something for everyone. We considered reviews, features, and prices to find the best options.

Why You Can Trust Me

We trawled the internet to find a good variety of music devices for swimming but provided enough variety that the final decision is up to you. If you liked this post, you might also be interested in our round-up of the best men’s swim shorts.

This article was researched with the help of OpenAI and fact-checked and edited by our human editor.