Top Waterproof Headphones to Buy in 2025: Ultimate Guide

Explore the best waterproof headphones in 2025 designed for swimming and all-weather workouts with excellent water resistance and sound quality.

Understanding Waterproof Headphones

Waterproof headphones are a special breed compared to typical water-resistant ones. They're built to withstand full immersion in water, perfect for swimmers hitting the pool or open water. Most models double as regular headphones on land, making them ideal for runners and athletes training rain or shine.

What sets them apart? All top waterproof headphones have at least an IPX7 rating, meaning they can survive submersion. Many use bone conduction technology since sound travels poorly underwater. Plus, they often include built-in music storage because Bluetooth signals struggle underwater, and it's tricky to keep your phone poolside.

Still confused about the difference? Waterproof means fully submersible, whereas water-resistant just means they can handle splashes, sweat, or rain. Many in our lineup rely on bone conduction for a freer ear experience.

Our #1 pick for 2025? The Shokz OpenSwim Pro. Let’s dive into the full rundown!

Quick Picks Summary

Pressed for time? Here’s a brief overview of the top waterproof headphones, tailored to your needs and budget.

Best Overall

Shokz OpenSwim Pro - Best overall waterproof headphones

Best for Multi-Sport

H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport - Versatile for various sports

Best Premium

Zygo Solo - Top-tier waterproof headphones

Best Music Storage

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro - Massive built-in storage

Best Stability

Shokz OpenSwim - Secure fit during intense workouts

Best Streaming Budget Option

YouthWhisper SuperQ3 - Affordable streaming headphones

Comprehensive Reviews of the Best Waterproof Headphones in 2025

1. Shokz OpenSwim Pro - Best Overall Waterproof Headphones

Pros:

• Excellent IP68 waterproof rating
• Bluetooth and MP3 playback options
• Bone conduction keeps ears unobstructed

Cons:

• Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater
• Drivers aren’t as crisp as OpenRun Pro

Shokz OpenSwim Pro is the king of waterproof headphones thanks to its top-tier bone conduction tech and solid water resistance. While Bluetooth streaming works on land, underwater use relies on 32GB of built-in MP3 storage since Bluetooth signals don’t travel well in water. Perfect for swimmers with a music library who want freedom from phones in the pool.

“Great battery life, comfort, and performance make these our top pick for a reason.”

Great battery life, comfort, and performance make these our top pick for a reason.

2. H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport - Best for Multi-Sport Use

Pros:

• Bone conduction frees your ears
• Combo of storage and Bluetooth options
• Solid IPX8 waterproof rating

Cons:

• Controller takes time to master
• Bass can be overwhelming

These open-ear swimmers pump out bass-heavy sound and store your favorite workout tunes in 8GB memory. Easy to upload music and podcasts, they also offer Bluetooth for dry land streaming. The controls require some patience, but once you get the hang of it, they're excellent for pool workouts and beyond.

3. Zygo Solo - Best Premium Waterproof Headphones

Pros:

• FM streaming works underwater
• Easy to use
• Includes guided audio training

Cons:

• No play button on headphones
• No built-in storage

Zygo Solo is unique in offering underwater FM streaming, overcoming Bluetooth’s underwater limits. The headset pairs with a large FM transmitter you keep poolside, delivering music and coaching podcasts wirelessly underwater. While bulkier than others, it’s comfortable and reliable during swim turns.

The companion app delivers coach-led workouts — a brilliant feature for serious swimmers.

4. Nank Runner Diver2 Pro - Best Music Storage

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Twice the storage of competitors
• Supports high-quality formats like FLAC

Cons:

• Audio quality could improve
• Earplugs recommended

This powerhouse offers a massive 32GB storage – enough for thousands of tracks or podcasts. It also supports Bluetooth streaming on land and lets you connect multiple devices. The flexible design accommodates comfort preferences, though some users will want earplugs for quiet listening during swims.

5. Shokz OpenSwim - Best Stability

Pros:

• Lightweight, secure fit
• Good ambient sound awareness

Cons:

• No Bluetooth connection
• Limited storage

Great for swimmers and triathletes, these lightweight bone conduction headphones fit comfortably with swim caps or goggles. The built-in MP3 player holds enough tunes for workouts without needing a phone. Bluetooth is missing, but if swimming’s your top priority, these are a solid pick.

6. YouthWhisper SuperQ3 - Best Budget Streaming Option

Pros:

• Streams music near surface well
• Very affordable
• Simple controls and design

Cons:

• Better with earplugs
• No internal storage

If you’re near the pool’s edge and can keep your streaming device close, these budget-friendly headphones are excellent. Controls work well even when wet, and hands-free calling is supported. Bluetooth struggles underwater, but sound quality is great, especially for podcasts, when paired with earplugs.

How to Choose the Best Waterproof Headphones for You

• Check the IP rating: IP (Ingress Protection) ratings measure dust and water resistance. The first digit (0-6) rates solid protection, second (0-9) rates liquid protection. For underwater use, look for IPX7 or higher.
• Style matters: Want earbuds that feel familiar? Go with in-ear waterproof earbuds. Prefer to keep ears open and hear surroundings? Bone conduction is your friend.
• Music access: If you want to keep your phone poolside, pick headphones with an FM transmitter (like Zygo Solo) or built-in MP3 storage. Regular Bluetooth won’t cut it underwater.

Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones While Swimming?

Usually no. Bluetooth signals don’t transmit well underwater. Some smartwatches can stream music to headphones near the water surface, but it’s hit or miss depending on devices.

Are Apple AirPods Waterproof for Swimming?

No. Apple AirPods, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro aren’t fully waterproof. Only dedicated waterproof swim headphones should be used in pools or open water.

Our Testing Process

Every headphone here was tested for:

• True waterproof durability with repeated submersions
• Sound quality on land and underwater
• Battery life and charging speed
• Fit, comfort, and secure wear
• Ease of controls and overall value

We also assessed Bluetooth or alternative wireless tech like FM radio and built-in memory. Our testing is independent, ensuring our recommendations are trustworthy.

“Great battery life, comfort, and performance make these our top pick for a reason.”
– TechRadar Review Team

Conclusion

Choosing the right waterproof headphones depends on your swimming habits, music preferences, and budget. Whether you want streaming, massive storage, or the best stability in the pool, there’s a perfect pair for you in 2025's lineup. Ready to make a splash with your tunes?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does IPX7 waterproof rating mean?
  It means the headphones can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes without damage.
• Why do many waterproof headphones use bone conduction?
  Because sound waves travel poorly underwater, bone conduction sends vibrations directly to your inner ear for clearer audio.
• Can I listen to music underwater via Bluetooth?
  No, Bluetooth signals don’t carry well underwater, so wired or MP3 storage options are better.
• How much music can built-in storage hold?
  Models like Nank Runner Diver2 Pro offer up to 32GB, enough for thousands of songs or podcasts.
• Are waterproof headphones comfortable for daily use?
  Most bone conduction models are lightweight and comfortable for extended wear both in and out of water.

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