Best Waterproof Earbuds for Swimming 2025 (Tested by a World Championship Swimmer)

I've been competing in swimming since I was 8 years old, and over a career that includes the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, a silver medal at the 2008 FINA World Championships in the 4x100 Medley Relay, and an American Record in the 100 yard butterfly for ages 35–39, music has been part of my training routine for decades. The right waterproof earbuds can make a long yardage set feel shorter, keep you locked in during dryland work, and survive the daily abuse of pool water, chlorine, and sweat. I've tested earbuds built for swimmers at every level.

The best waterproof earbuds for swimming need true IPX8 waterproofing (not just splash resistance), a secure fit that stays in place through flip turns and kick sets, and clear sound quality even when your ears are partially submerged. Whether you want bone conduction technology, built-in storage for offline music, or Bluetooth that works poolside, there's an option for every swimmer. Here are my top 5 picks for 2025.

#1 Shokz OpenSwim Pro — Best Overall (~$180)

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro is the best dedicated swim audio device on the market. It uses bone conduction technology to transmit sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ear canals open — which means no water getting trapped and no muffled audio underwater. It's rated IP68 waterproof, holds up to 32GB of internal storage for offline music, and delivers up to 9 hours of battery life per charge. The lightweight, wraparound design stays secure through every flip turn. At around $180, it's the benchmark for serious swimmers.

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#2 Sony NW-WS413 — Best Waterproof MP3 Player (~$80)

The Sony NW-WS413 is a fully integrated waterproof MP3 player and earbud in one unit. Unlike bone conduction models, these are traditional in-ear earbuds with IPX5/8 waterproofing that sit completely in your ears. They use pressure equalization technology to maintain audio quality underwater, and with 4GB of built-in storage you can load up to 900 songs. At around $80 they're significantly more affordable than the Shokz while still delivering solid sound quality and excellent water resistance.

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#3 Swimbuds Flip — Best for Underwater Use (~$50)

Swimbuds Flip earbuds are specifically designed for underwater use and pair with compatible waterproof MP3 players. They feature a flip-style earpiece that can be worn multiple ways for a custom secure fit, plus four included ear tip options to accommodate different ear shapes. The short cable design reduces drag and stays out of your way during swimming. At around $50 for the earbuds alone, they're the go-to choice for swimmers who already own a waterproof device and want the best in-water audio experience.

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#4 Deboer Swim — My Training Brand

As a member of Deboer Swim's Team Elite program, I train in and recommend their gear to every serious swimmer I coach and compete alongside. Deboer builds high-performance swimwear and training equipment designed for elite athletes who demand the best. Their products are built to last and engineered to help you train harder and race faster.

Shop Deboer Swim → (Use code TE_RANDALL10 for 10% off)

#5 H2O Audio Interval — Best Budget (~$35)

The H2O Audio Interval is the most accessible entry point for swimmers who want music in the pool without spending a lot. At around $35, it's a waterproof earbud solution that pairs with your existing device at the pool deck or clips onto your goggles strap. It's IPX8 rated for pool depth, features secure ear fins for stability, and includes multiple ear tip sizes. Sound quality and battery life won't match the premium options, but for recreational swimmers who want music during practice without breaking the bank, it delivers solid value.

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Final Verdict

Best Overall: Shokz OpenSwim Pro — bone conduction technology, 32GB storage, 9-hour battery, and IP68 waterproofing for serious swimmers at ~$180.

Best Waterproof MP3 Player: Sony NW-WS413 — fully integrated in-ear earbuds and player with 4GB storage and IPX5/8 waterproofing at ~$80.

Best for Underwater Use: Swimbuds Flip — flip-style design with multiple fit options and minimal drag for the best underwater audio experience at ~$50.

My Training Brand: Deboer Swim — use code TE_RANDALL10 for 10% off

Best Budget: H2O Audio Interval — IPX8-rated, secure ear fins, and multiple ear tip sizes for recreational swimmers at ~$35.

Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally used or thoroughly researched.