Most "waterproof" earbuds can't handle more than a light sweat.
Try swimming with them, and they'll cut out, slide off, or short entirely. Marketing promises rarely match reality - those "swim-proof" claims often mean they'll survive a splash, not actual laps in the pool.
The chlorine, pressure changes, and constant submersion destroy most earbuds within weeks.
But some earbuds are genuinely built for water. With specialized seals, secure-fit designs, and proper waterproofing, they'll keep playing through pool workouts, ocean swims, and torrential runs.
Whether you're training for a triathlon or just hate pausing your playlist for a post-gym shower, the right pair changes everything.
👇 Check our quick picks for the best waterproof headphones below.
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- IPX8-rated earbuds offer the highest water resistance, but not all stay secure during movement.
- Bluetooth won’t work underwater - for lap swimming, go with MP3-style or bone conduction models.
- Splashproof earbuds are fine for surface use, like paddleboarding or rainy runs.
- Fit and form factor are just as important as waterproofing - especially for active use.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
Featured in this article
Here are our top picks for the best waterproof earbuds on the market.
Along with each product choice you will find notes on their key specs, customer reviews, and the reasons we consider them best in class. 👇
Zygo Solo
Zygo Solo
- Underwater Audio Streaming: Effortlessly streams music, podcasts, or audiobooks straight from your phone underwater.
- Guided Workouts & Lap Tracking: Zygo App offers guided workouts, lap counting, and pacing tools to enhance swim training.
- Secure, Comfortable Fit: Bone conduction design stays secure on your head, providing a comfortable experience without ear tips.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of battery ensures consistent audio for extended swim sessions.
Zygo Solo Underwater Headset delivers a unique solution for underwater audio streaming, designed for swimmers and triathletes aiming to keep their workouts engaging.
- Effortless Underwater Streaming – The Zygo Solo enables streaming from any app directly from your phone to your headset, allowing uninterrupted access to music, podcasts, or audiobooks even underwater.
- Enhanced Features for Swimming Workouts – The Zygo App provides guided audio workouts, lap counting, and a tempo trainer, adding functionality and motivation for structured, enjoyable swim training.
Ideal for water-focused fitness routines, the Zygo Solo supports versatile, audio-enriched workouts that elevate the underwater experience.
- Clear Sound Quality Underwater: Users appreciate the crisp, clear sound even during underwater swims, enhancing both music and podcast listening.
- Comfortable Fit for Long Sessions: Many find the bone conduction design comfortable, staying secure through swim laps without needing ear tips.
- Battery Life Meets Swim Needs: With an 8-hour battery life, it holds up well for extended workouts, though some wish for even longer playtime between charges.
- Motivating Audio Workouts: The Zygo App’s guided workouts and lap counting add structure, helping swimmers stay engaged and push their limits.
- Easy to Pair and Control: Users note that pairing with their phone is simple, and the controls are easy to manage, even mid-swim.
- Minor Drawback – App Subscription: Some mention the app’s subscription for full functionality, which adds value but isn’t included with the initial purchase.
Overall, swimmers and triathletes find the Zygo Solo a reliable, user-friendly choice for enjoyable pool sessions.
- Easy underwater streaming directly from any app on your phone.
- Provides guided workouts, lap counting, and tempo tools for effective swim training.
- Bone conduction design avoids ear tip discomfort and stays in place securely.
- 8-hour battery life is ideal for longer swims and training sessions.
- Comfortable and secure fit for both short and extended use in the water.
- Full functionality of guided workouts and lap tracking requires a subscription to the Zygo App.
- Limited battery life for swimmers needing multiple hours over consecutive days without charging.
- Bone conduction design may have less sound immersion compared to traditional earbuds.
SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro
SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro
- Dual Listening Modes: Supports Bluetooth and MP3 playback for flexible use in and out of water.
- Waterproof Design: IP68 rating protects against sweat and submersion up to two meters.
- Secure Fit: Lightweight build stays comfortably in place during swimming or high-movement workouts.
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours of use plus a quick 10-minute charge for 3 hours of listening.
The Shokz OpenSwim Pro is a versatile pair of open-ear headphones designed for active users who want flexibility across land and water.
- Dual listening modes offer adaptability – Switch between Bluetooth for podcasts and calls or MP3 playback for swimming, with up to 8,000 songs stored directly on the device. The Shokz App also allows for custom audio adjustments based on your activity.
- Fully waterproof and built for movement – With an IP68 rating and secure fit, these headphones stay in place during swims, workouts, and bike rides, even when worn with goggles or helmets.
The combination of water-ready performance, open-ear awareness, and device-free listening makes the OpenSwim Pro a practical pick for anyone who trains hard and values safety, comfort, and convenience.
- Great for lap swimming – Works best when fully submerged, especially in MP3 mode. Many swimmers say it makes laps more enjoyable.
- Solid build & comfort – Comfortable fit that stays put during swims, even with goggles or caps. Feels more durable than cheaper alternatives.
- MP3 mode is essential – Bluetooth won’t work in water, so users rely on MP3 playback. Transferring songs is simple via USB and the app.
- Battery life & case get praise – Lasts through several sessions on one charge. The included soft-touch case is compact and travel-friendly.
- Sound quality varies – Audio is rich when both ears are underwater but can drop in quality during strokes like freestyle or breaststroke.
- Waterproof up to 2 meters for swim use (MP3 mode only)
- Built-in MP3 storage holds up to 8,000 songs
- Open-ear design helps maintain environmental awareness
- Quick charging for added convenience
- Seamless integration with swim caps, goggles, and helmets
- Bluetooth does not function underwater
- Sound quality can drop during strokes that lift the head
- Controls may take time to learn
- High price point compared to other bone conduction options
JBL Endurance Peak 3
JBL Endurance Peak 3
- Rich Sound Experience: Delivers bold audio with JBL Pure Bass, enhancing workouts.
- Long-lasting Use: Provides up to 50 hours of total playback with speed charging.
- Resilient Design: IP68 rating ensures protection against water and dust (but not suitable for swimming).
- Clear Communication: Features dual beamforming mics for crisp calls in any setting.
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 offers a balanced mix of durability, sound quality, and convenience, appealing to active users.
- With JBL Pure Bass Sound powered by a 10mm dynamic driver, these earbuds deliver rich, bold audio, enhancing your workout experience with immersive sound.
- The IP68 dust and waterproof rating provides resilience against harsh conditions, allowing you to use them in rain or while surfing without concern for damage.
These earbuds are a solid choice for those seeking reliable performance and robust sound quality, ideal for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
- Impressive Sound Quality: Users appreciate the rich bass and bold sound, enhancing their workout and outdoor experiences.
- Secure Fit for Active Lifestyles: Many find that the earbuds stay securely in place during intense activities, ensuring comfort and stability.
- Long Battery Life: Reviewers highlight the extended battery life, with many experiencing over six hours of continuous use, ideal for long workouts.
- User-Friendly App: The easy-to-use app with an equalizer is praised for allowing personalized sound settings, enhancing the listening experience.
- Durable and Waterproof: The IP68 rating ensures resilience against water and dust, making them suitable for various environments.
- Minor Drawbacks: Some users note the lack of advanced sound cancellation and occasional design quirks, such as the charging case.
Overall, users find these earbuds to be a reliable, budget-friendly option that balances quality sound with durable design.
- Long battery life supports extended usage without frequent recharging.
- Secure fit ensures stability during intense physical activities.
- Waterproof and dustproof design suits various environments.
- Lack of advanced noise cancellation might let ambient sounds in.
- Some users find the charging case slightly cumbersome.
- Design may not suit all ear shapes or preferences.
AGPTEK IPX8
AGPTEK IPX8
- Waterproof Design: IPX8-rated for submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
- Snug Fit Options: Comes with multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a secure and comfortable seal.
- Tangle-Free Cord: Coiled design prevents tangling and offers flexible movement during swims.
- Wired Compatibility: Works with devices using a standard 3.5mm jack, including waterproof MP3 players.
The AGPTEK IPX8 is a budget-friendly pair of waterproof wired earbuds designed for swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for reliable audio in wet environments.
- IPX8-rated with nano-coating allows for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, making these earbuds suitable for activities like swimming, surfing, and skiing without compromising performance.
- Coiled, tangle-resistant cable and included extension cord provide practical flexibility both in and out of the water, while multiple ear tip sizes help ensure a secure fit during movement.
While they require a compatible player to function, the AGPTEK IPX8 remains a practical choice for anyone seeking a straightforward, low-cost solution for underwater or high-moisture environments.
- Secure Fit During Swims: Swimmers often note that the included ear tips provide a snug fit, keeping the earbuds in place during laps or vigorous activity.
- Helpful Coiled Cable: The coiled cord design prevents tangles and offers some flexibility, though a few found the length slightly limiting without the extension.
- Budget-Friendly Option: Users frequently highlight the value for money, seeing these as a practical choice for testing waterproof audio without a large investment.
- Works Well with MP3 Players: Many pair the earbuds with waterproof MP3 players, appreciating the straightforward setup and compatibility.
- Durability Varies: A handful of reviewers mention wear and tear after regular use, but most see this as reasonable given the cost.
- Fully waterproof with IPX8 rating and inner nano-coating
- Multiple ear tips help ensure a secure fit during activity
- Coiled cable reduces tangling and adds flexibility
- Compatible with a wide range of 3.5mm jack devices
- Extension cable included for added reach
- Requires a separate waterproof music player (no Bluetooth)
- Cord may feel short without the extension cable
- Some users report reduced durability over time
- Occasional reports of earbuds slipping during long swims
Jabra Elite 7
Jabra Elite 7
- Secure Fit: ShakeGrip technology ensures earbuds stay in place during intense workouts.
- Customizable Sound: Adjustable ANC and HearThrough technology let you control your listening environment.
- Clear Calls: Four microphones with SAATI Acoustex mesh provide excellent call clarity.
- Long Battery Life: Enjoy up to 8 hours of use per charge, extended to 30 hours with the case.
The Jabra Elite 7 earbuds offer a robust mix of stability and sound quality, appealing to active users seeking reliable performance in various environments.
- The unique ShakeGrip technology and IP57 rating ensure these earbuds stay securely in place during intense workouts, providing comfort and peace of mind for fitness enthusiasts.
- With adjustable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and HearThrough technology, users can tailor their listening experience, making it easy to focus on music or stay aware of surroundings during outdoor activities.
Overall, the Jabra Elite 7 provides dependable sound and durability, making them a solid choice for those who need versatile earbuds for both workouts and daily use.
- Impressive Sound Quality: Users appreciate the rich audio experience, noting the earbuds' ability to deliver clear and balanced sound.
- Reliable Comfort and Fit: Many find the Elite 7 Active comfortable and secure, especially during workouts, with minimal readjustments needed.
- Effective Noise Control: The customizable noise cancellation and HearThrough features are frequently praised for enhancing listening experiences in various environments.
- Long-lasting Battery Life: Reviewers highlight the impressive battery performance, often lasting several days of regular use without needing a recharge.
- Durable Design: Users commend the earbuds' durability, mentioning instances where they survived minor accidents like falls or water exposure.
- Minor Drawbacks: Some mention difficulty with the case design and express a preference for foam tips for improved fit.
Overall, the Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds are valued for their performance, making them a reliable choice for both active users and everyday listening.
- Secure Fit: Stays comfortably in place with ShakeGrip technology.
- Durable Design: IP57 rating makes them water and sweatproof.
- Customizable Sound: Offers adjustable ANC and personalized audio settings.
- Case Design: Some users find the case challenging to open.
- Fit Options: A desire for foam tips for enhanced comfort.
- Occasional Fit Issues: May feel loose during heavy sweating.
- Not suitable for swimming: only surface-level workouts and wet environments.
How do these earbuds actually transmit music?
Waterproof earbuds might seem like the stuff of magic, but there’s a simple science to these devices.
To start off, manufacturers gear up their earbuds or headphones with a hydrophobic paint coating. Once water comes into play, this coat steps up to repel water particles and keep them from sneaking into the device's insides.
If you’re considering a device to use while swimming underwater, the technology is different. You’ve got three options:
- FM transmitter
- Bluetooth
- Analog set (aka, wire and plug)
Connection Method #1: FM Transmitter
An FM transmitter is ideal if you’re keen to fully submerge underwater while playing music, which means traditional earbuds are out. (Note: You cannot go under the surface with earbuds and stream music—Bluetooth will not work at all.)
So, how exactly do these headphones with an FM transmission work?
In the case of the Zygo Solo pair we recommend below, these bone conduction headphones connect to a separate FM transmitter device via Bluetooth. The transmitter will stay above—and away from water—with your phone.
Essentially, ultra-low frequency sound waves connect to the headset through the radio transmitter. And since these headphones are bone conduction, music will be directly transmitted into your head.
Connection Method #2: Bluetooth
Bluetooth earbuds are perfect for folks who swim above the surface and don’t want to worry about regular splashing damaging their earbuds. These earbuds can withstand water exposure and light submersion (think, up to 1.5 meters or 30 minutes of exposure to the elements). They won't keep your connection for lap swimming.
Connection Method #3: Analog (wire and plug)
Simple and easy, a plug-in pair of headphones or earbuds is right up your alley if: 1) you already own a waterproof mp3 player, 2) you self-describe as a casual swimmer, and 3) prefer an analog device to a wireless one.
This wired earbud simply plugs into a device and you can start streaming music or podcasts. While the earbuds will have a protective coating, you cannot fully submerge underwater with this device either.
Okay so, what should I look for in waterproof earbuds?
Regardless of budget, there’s a few things you’ll want to look for in a pair of headphones.
Keep these considerations in mind:
- Price
- Fit
- Ear protection
- IP Rating
- Noise-canceling capability
- Connection type
- Battery life
Will waterproof earbuds protect my ears in any way?
Yes and no. Dr. Amy notes that waterproof earbuds can help keep your ears dry and help guard against swimmer’s ear. “A properly fitting earbud can help keep water out,” she says. “Drying the ear with a towel or low-heat hair dryer setting will help to remove any remaining moisture.”
But, remember: earbuds will not protect your hearing, “but safe listening levels allow you to enjoy music without damaging hearing.”
Whether swimming is your main workout of choice or you’re training for a marathon, you’ll want to reach for a pair of waterproof earbuds more often than not.
“A rating of IPX7 works in humid or moist environments or for swimming laps in the pool for 30 minutes or less,” notes Dr. Amy. “However, IPX7 is not meant for submerging in water beyond one meter or for long periods of time.”
Even so, if you’re engaging in regular physical activity (that produces a fair amount of sweat), waterproof earbuds can come in mighty handy.
Waterproof earbuds are a great addition because you don’t have to stop streaming tunes or your hit pause on a podcast while engaging in physical activity in the water. Essentially, any sport where you might encounter water—like a hike near a swimming hole or winter skiing—makes waterproof earbuds a solid investment.
So if you’re looking to log a few miles on the treadmill and hit the pool after, you’ve come to the right place. Mixing in a pair of these buds will help your training (and motivation), but more importantly you’ll be ready for any physical activity. (FYI: For Apple fans, AirPods are not water resistant nor are they waterproof!)
And if you’re seeking waterproof earbuds that you can submerge, you’re in luck. “An IPX8 can be submerged in at least three feet of water for longer duration, while an IPX9 can withstand powerful water jets and has maximum waterproof capability,” says Dr. Amy.
That being said, are waterproof earbuds safe? It’s a good question to ask, and according to Dr. Amy earbuds are safe for use while swimming. “Earbuds designed for swimming and watersport use are typically equipped with earfins or shaped to stay put in the ear, keeping the ear dry,” she says. “Ensuring the right fit is important, which helps to keep a tight seal in the ear and keep water out.”
While water may not get stuck in your ears (thankfully!), it’s also important to be mindful of listening volume, too. “A good rule of thumb is to limit volume to 70% of maximum,” says Dr. Amy. “Keeping the volume below 80 dB is best to protect your hearing.” And, there are ways to limit output on your phone or mp3 player before you start swimming with earbuds.
After all, it’s important to be conscious of your hearing health before you splash around. But overall, your ears—and hearing—should be in tip-top shape with these devices.
Which waterproof earbuds are right for me?
First things first: net out your frequency of use (aka, how often you plan on working out with these devices) type of use (open water swimming versus just splashing around or jogging in the rain), and settle on a budget.
As for a budget, decide on how much you want to invest in this product based on how much you’ll use it. If you’re planning on swimming several times a week, you may want a pair that offers more technology (like, an FM transmitter so you can fully listen to music underwater) or a longer battery life in between charges.
And to be frank, if you plan on doing some serious swimming (that may often involve submerging your full head) versus freestyling in a pool, you’ll more than likely want to option for headphones that use an FM transmitter or plug into a waterproof mp3 player or listening device, because Bluetooth will not work.
Once you confirm the kind of swimming you’ll be doing, then check out the IP rating* for each product you’re considering. That way, you’ll only truly be focusing on products that can withstand water and the duration you’ll use it for.
⭐ FYI: IP stands for Ingress Protection Marking, a system that rates the level of defense mechanical and electrical casings offer against intrusions like dust, water, and more.
After that, fit is everything: Do you want in-ear or a bone conduction device? What will feel comfortable to wear for an entire swim session?
With these factors at play, you should be able to choose a pair that best fits into your fitness routine and your lifestyle.
Swimming Earbuds and Beyond: A Recap for Active Lifestyles
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to waterproof earbuds, and most models aren’t built for real submersion. The right choice comes down to how you’ll use them.
Need a Bluetooth-free option for swimming laps? Go with a bone conduction or MP3-style pick. Prefer something for sweaty workouts or rainy runs? A secure-fitting, splashproof pair might be all you need.
Whatever your routine, waterproof earbuds should keep up without cutting out or slipping off. The ones above do exactly that.
