10 Best Swimming Headphones 2026 in the United States

The SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro is designed specifically for swimmers and active users who want music and calls both in and out of the water. It has an excellent waterproof rating (IP68), meaning it can safely be submerged up to two meters for two hours, making it ideal for pool and open-water swimming. Instead of relying on Bluetooth underwater (which doesn’t work), it uses built-in MP3 storage for up to 8,000 songs, so you can swim phone-free. This is a big plus for swimmers who want uninterrupted music.

The open-ear design is a standout feature, offering a comfortable and secure fit that works well with swim caps and goggles. It also allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, which can be important for safety during open-water swims. The bone conduction technology delivers sound through your cheekbones, which means your ears stay open and free. Sound quality is good for this style, though it won’t match the richness of traditional in-ear headphones.

Battery life is strong, offering about 9 hours of use with a quick 10-minute charge giving 3 hours of playtime—great for long swim sessions or workouts. On land, you can use Bluetooth to stream music and take calls, which adds versatility. The headphones are lightweight and durable, made to withstand sweat and tough conditions. They do not have noise-cancellation, so audio might be less clear in noisy environments, and Bluetooth can’t be used underwater, requiring users to switch to MP3 mode before swimming. These headphones are well suited for swimmers who want reliable waterproof gear with long battery life and the freedom to listen without a phone nearby.

The SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro headphones stand out in the swimming headphones category due to their unique open-ear design and impressive waterproof capabilities. With an IP68 rating, these headphones can be fully submerged in water, making them ideal for serious swimmers. They also feature a built-in 32GB MP3 player, allowing users to store up to 8,000 songs, which is perfect for swimming sessions where Bluetooth connectivity may not be available due to water interference.

One of the key strengths is the comfort and stability of the fit, which is designed to stay in place during vigorous workouts or swimming. The bone conduction technology allows users to hear their surroundings, enhancing safety while exercising outdoors. The battery life of up to nine hours is commendable, providing ample time for long workouts and swim sessions, and a quick charge feature ensures you won't miss out on your tunes.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The reliance on MP3 mode for underwater use limits the ability to stream music via Bluetooth while swimming. Additionally, while the open-ear design is great for awareness, it may compromise sound isolation, which some users might prefer for a richer audio experience. The control method, primarily through an app and physical buttons, may also be a bit cumbersome for those who are not tech-savvy or prefer more straightforward controls.

The JBL Endurance Zone earbuds stand out with their excellent IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, meaning they can handle sweat, rain, and even salt water, making them suitable for swimming and outdoor activities. Their open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings, which is a safety plus during workouts. They fit securely thanks to the silicone earhooks and memory wire, so they should stay in place during active use, though the open-ear style may let in some water while swimming. Sound quality is quite good for open-ear buds, delivering clear highs and balanced mids, plus a bass boost to keep your music lively. However, open-ear headphones generally don’t provide deep bass or strong sound isolation compared to in-ear waterproof models.

The earbuds offer impressive battery life with up to 8 hours of playtime plus 24 extra hours from the charging case, and speed charging lets you quickly top up when needed. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3 and features like Google Fast Pair and Google Finder add convenience. They include 4 microphones that deliver clear calls even outdoors in windy conditions. Durability is solid with rugged, scratch-resistant materials that resist stretching and twisting, ideal for intense workouts.

One downside is the lack of built-in storage for music, so you need a connected device to play audio. Also, being open-ear, they may let in water and ambient noise during swimming, so they might suit swimmers who prefer awareness over full immersion sound isolation. For those seeking waterproof headphones that balance workout comfort, good sound, long battery life, and call clarity with a focus on safety and durability, these JBL Endurance Zone earbuds are a strong choice.