Do you love listening to music while swimming but have been struggling to find a way to make it work? You’re not alone. Many people want to be able to listen to their favorite tunes while in the pool, but there are a few main problems that people face.
Whether you’re training for a competition or simply trying to relax, listening to music while swimming can be a great way to stay motivated and focused.
But why can’t you listen to music while swimming?
The first problem is that Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater, so you can’t use your wireless headphones. Have you ever tried to listen to music while swimming only to have it cut out after a few minutes because your headphones went underwater? It’s frustrating!
The second problem is that most MP3 players and smartphones aren’t waterproof, so you can’t take them into the pool. You could leave them out by the pool, but you have to worry about the earbuds and connection.
6 ways to listen to music while swimming
And the third problem is that traditional earbuds and headphones can fall out of your ears when swimming. This blog post will explore six ways to listen to music while swimming!
1. Use a waterproof MP3 player with wired earbuds
If you want to use traditional earbuds or headphones, your best bet is to invest in a waterproof MP3 player. This way, you can keep your device while swimming and not worry about getting wet. A few different models are on the market, so be sure to research before purchasing.
A well-known choice is the SYRYN MP3 Player.
- Stay Active & Be Safe - We are excited that pools have begun to reopen around the country. Swimming with music is a great way to shake off the quarantine blues!
- Easy to Use Shuffle Mode - Three large, tactile buttons enable you to easily operate the SYRYN mid stroke. Engage the onboard shuffle feature while you swim to instantly refresh your favorite playlists on the fly
- Timeless Design and Functionality - Not everyone wants another complicated gizmo or tethered smartwatch. The SYRYN draws from the compact form and function of players past, without tying you to a smart phone like other compact devices today.
- 100% Waterproof (IPX8) - The SYRYN is built for swimmers and protected by a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects! It is fully submersible and can withstand sustained pressure up to 10 feet below the surface.
- Superb battery life & plenty of storage - Get 10 hours of real playback time from a single charge + 8Gb of storage is enough for up to 2,000 of your favorite songs. Universal compatibility - Uploading music to your SYRYN is drag & drop simple. SYRYN supports all popular formats, including MP3, AAC, and WMA files. (Protected iTunes AAC files purchased before April 2009 are protected and not playable due to DRM). Connects seamlessly to Mac &
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The key here is also to use waterproof wired earbuds. Luckily, the SYRYN MP3 player has “swim buds,” you can clip it to your swimsuit or goggle strap.
This option gives you the most control over your music while swimming because you can choose any song and change the volume as needed. You don’t have to worry about your device getting wet or losing your earbuds! The only downside is that you must be careful not to get tangled in the cord.
Another option is the AGPTEK swimming MP3 player. With 8GB of memory and 18 hours of battery, you can enjoy music while swimming with a light and convenient design.
- ❤ Waterproof MP3 with Screen: IPX8 underwater waterproof allows to bring music to swimming, surfing, running and other activities. Support songs catalog and folder viewer, and with screen off mode for easy operation underwater.
- ❤ Powerful Multi-Functions: Different from other swimming mp3 player with music playing and shuffle, it also gets functions of radio, folder viewer, music choosing and setting.
- ❤ 360-Degree Rotatable Clip Design: Comfortable and soft grip feeling, stylish and elegant design, easy to carry. Just attach it to your goggles or shower cap, enjoy amazing music experience !
- ❤ HIFI Lossless Sound Quality: You can download your favorite songs from your computer, support audio formats: MP3/WMA/APE/FLAC, up to 18 hours of playback time and more than 2000 songs (8GB) of storage capacity. Kindly Note: Please charge by computer USB port or use 5V/500mA charger. If use mobile phone charger may damage the battery of the device.
- ❤ Selecting one suitable size of 3 layers earplugs from the comes accessories, to resistant water leaking into ears and also isolate noise outside, focus on your swimming and swimming faster! The comes audio extension cable for your more sports or flexible applicatio
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Use a waterproof micro tablet
Micro tablets are smartwatches with essential functions for downloading apps and music. The Delphin Waterproof micro tablet is a popular choice.
In addition to Bluetooth, the Delphin has WiFi to download said apps. However, WiFi doesn’t work well underwater either, so it’s best to download everything you need before diving in.
- Listen to your favorite streaming services underwater! Install apps like Spotify, Pandora, and Audible, then listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks underwater. NOTE: Wifi does not work underwater. You must download your playlists at home before swimming.
- The Delphin features a compact touch screen interface, Android 5.1 operating system, a built in metal clip, and 5 raised buttons for easy, tactile control.
- Bundle includes Delphin with 8GB or 16GB of memory, your choice of waterproof headphones, 11 different earbud tips, a FREE 1 oz. bottle of AquaGuard and a FREE 30-minute narrated swim workout.
- Choose from Swimbuds Sport, or Swimbuds HydroActive headphones in your bundle. There’s a perfect choice for everyone!
- Delphin, Swimbuds Sport, and Swimbuds HydroActive headphones all come with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defec
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This small device attaches to your goggles or swimming cap, and you still need waterproof earbuds (included).
If you’re surprised a device such as the Delphin micro tablet exists, we are too! But it’s a great option if you want to control your music while swimming and access other apps.
3. Bone conduction headphones
Again, if you have never heard of bone-conduction headphones, don’t worry. You’re not alone.
Bone conduction headphones don’t go in or over your ears. Instead, they sit on top of your cheekbones and vibrate the sound waves into your inner ear. Crazy, right?
Bone conduction headphones are fabulous because they allow you to hear your music clearly while swimming and don’t block out ambient noise. The sound quality won’t be as good as traditional headphones, but it’s an exciting option to hear your music while swimming. Bone conduction headphones have multiple pros and cons if you consider getting a pair.
One famous brand of bone-conduction headphones is the AfterShokz Xtrainerz. They are designed for swimmers and have a secure fit, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off.
- Open-Ear Design - Patented bone conduction technology delivers audio through the cheekbone, keeping you comfortable and aware of your surroundings in or out of the water.
- Internal Music Storage - Load your favorite audio and dive into your workout with 4GB of built-in MP3 storage, holding up to 1,200 songs. Not compatible with Bluetooth or audio streaming services.
- 8-Hour Battery Life - Enjoy 8 continuous hours of premium audio while you’re cross-training.
- IP68 Waterproof Rating - Fully waterproof, Xtrainerz headphones perform in and out of the water. Submersible in depths up to 2 meters for 2 hours.
- Comfortable + Secure - An open-ear design enables bud-free listening and keeps the headphones in place for every stro
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
They come with a built-in MP3 player; you need to download the songs from your computer via a USB cable as there are no Bluetooth or WiFi connections.
4. Apple watch + H2O Audio Interval
Everybody knows what an Apple watch is. The Apple Watch is waterproof, and you can use it while swimming. However, you can’t control the music directly from the watch as no waterproof headphones or earbuds connect to it.
That’s where the H2O Audio interval comes in. It’s a small device that you attach to your goggles strap and connects to your Apple Watch.
- APPLE WATCH ACCESSORY: Get the most out of your workout with the Interval Swim Headphones by H2O Audio. Specifically designed to be use with the Apple IWatch Series 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and SE. Compatible with all face sizes 38mm, 40mm, 42mm and 44mm. BLUETOOTH: Please do not pair the Interval with your iPhone. Apple Watch will use offline play.
- DESIGNED FOR SWIMMERS: The headphones come with an ergonomic sheared shape which sits flush with the ear and is designed to promote proper alignment and fit, plus less drag in the water, the integrated goggle loops make it easy to attach and remove the case from almost any swim goggles. Includes five sets of Elastomer earplugs (XS-XL) and one set of “Tree Tip” earplugs
- BASS AMPLIFIED SOUND: The Surge earphones provide a premium sound quality with more bass than any other waterproof earbuds on the market, while sound-isolating; the watertight earplugs provide clear warm sound and dynamic bass response. Powered by Surge’s waterproof neodymium drivers, which delivers plenty of volume without any distortion
- 100% WATERPROOF: The Interval is the only waterproof headphone system for Apple Watch designed just for swimming, with the highest waterproof rating of IPX8. H2O Audio technology ensures these headphones can withstand heavy perspiration, and complete submersion up to 12ft / 3.6 meters underwater
- Optional MY SWIM TRACKER APP: Download our free My Swim Tracker Apple App to log all your swim workouts. My Swim Tracker will keep track of your PRs, distance and provide audio lap counting. It will coach you and encourage you to reach your goals. Complete your Apple Activity Rings and enjoy lap swimm
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It comes with waterproof earbuds and multiple tips to fit all ears. Your Apple Watch becomes attached to a carrier that goes above your swimming cap and sends the signal via Bluetooth to the earbuds. Since the distance between the watch and the earbuds isn’t far, Bluetooth still works, but the system isn’t perfect, and signal interruptions can happen.
Overall, this is a half-done solution, and we wouldn’t recommend it unless you have tried the rest without success.
5. Wireless waterproof headset with a built-in music player
Instead of looking for a waterproof MP3 player and then trying to find waterproof earbuds that fit your swimming cap or goggle strap, you can buy a wireless waterproof headset with a built-in music player.
This way, you wouldn’t rely on your phone or Apple Watch to play music, but you would still be able to control your music from your headset. No wires are needed.
The Pyle Flextreme is a compact headset with 8GB of storage and an IPX8 rating. While the design isn’t beautiful, it works underwater, and the ear tips block the ear canal properly to avoid getting water inside.
- MP3 player underwater - store hours of music with built-in 8GB flash memory. With simple touch controls enjoy music without carrying your smartphone or external music player
- Fully submersible - Waterproof and dust-proof (IPX8) designed for athletes in all sports, and for use in water up to two meters Deep. Along with being sweat proof and dustproof, The sports MP3 player is built to endure the toughest training
- High speed USB 2.0 connection - drag and drop files from iTunes for Mac or Windows and enjoy Multi-Format playback with MP3 and WMA compatibility. With up to 10 hours of battery life on one charge youll never be caught out again.Do not use the player in an extreme environment. the player may not work on temperature over 104°F or below 23°F or in very dry environment
- Wire free - ideal for sports and active lifestyles, This unique digital music player allows you to be wire-free, hands-free, and without distraction whether you’re working out at the gym, playing outdoors or even swimming
- Ergonomically designed - for long-lasting comfort hours on end. The secure, behind the ear design will never fall out even during the most rigorous physical activit
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There’s a Bluetooth option, but even the basic USB version will do the job.
6. Buy a waterproof iPod Shuffle
Before you go and grab your old iPod Shuffle, you should know it isn’t waterproof. However, the Underwater Audio company made a waterproof version of the iPod Shuffle.
This solution might be the weirdest on this list, and the iPod costs around $250, but if you’re a diehard Apple fan and want to use an iPod while swimming, this is the only way to do it.
It has a 2GB storage capacity (limited if you compare it against other options) and an IPX8 water-sealed, 10-feet depth rating. The earbuds are also waterproof and have a secure fit.
And no, your AirPods aren’t waterproof. Many people believe that since the Apple Watch and iPhone are waterproof, so are the AirPods. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Don’t shower with them or take them to the pool unless you want to buy a new pair.
The bottom line: how to listen to music while swimming?
There you have it, six methods to listen to music while swimming. Some are better, and some are more expensive, but hopefully, you can find one that works for you. You have to choose the best for you based on your needs and budget.
We hope you found this article helpful and that you’ll be able to find a way to listen to music while swimming! Let us know in the comments below if you have other questions or suggestions. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends who love swimming and music!
Patricia Striar Rohner
Tuesday 13th of December 2022
I am 80 yrs old and swim laps. which method is the easiest form if I want to hear music while swimming?