Are There Headphones for Swimming? | Built To Go Underwater

Yes—swim-specific headphones exist. They are waterproof bone-conduction or MP3 models, not standard Bluetooth earbuds.

If you’ve wondered whether headphones for swimming actually exist, the short answer is yes, but picking the right pair takes knowing one key limit: Bluetooth signals don’t travel well through water. That’s why dedicated swim headphones come with onboard music storage instead of relying on your phone’s wireless connection. Shokz dominates this niche with two models built for lap swimmers and water-sports fans.

Why Bluetooth Fails Underwater

Water absorbs and scatters the radio frequencies Bluetooth uses, so the signal between your phone and earbuds collapses within a few inches of submersion. Your music stutters, drops, or never connects at all. That’s why swim headphones store files directly on the device.

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro packs 32GB of onboard storage specifically so you can load playlists before you hit the pool. In MP3 mode, the headphones work as a standalone player with no phone required.

Bone-conduction designs are also common in this category. They rest on your cheekbones and transmit sound through your skull, leaving your ear canals open. That keeps you aware of lifeguard whistles, other swimmers, and poolside announcements while you swim.

Shokz OpenSwim Pro: The Premium Pick

The current flagship is the Shokz OpenSwim Pro, listed at $229.95 on Shokz’s US site. It carries an IP68 waterproof rating and can be submerged up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) for 2 hours. Shokz is explicit that it is not intended for deeper depths.

It weighs 27.3 grams and runs 9 hours in Bluetooth mode or 6 hours in MP3 mode per charge. A full charge takes 90 minutes, and a 10-minute quick charge delivers 3 hours of playback. The specs sheet lists Bluetooth 5.4 with support for A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and AAC/SBC codecs.

Outside the pool, the OpenSwim Pro works like a standard Bluetooth headset for podcasts, calls, and gym sessions. It’s a two-in-one device—you just switch modes depending on where you are.

Shokz OpenSwim: The Budget Alternative

Shokz also sells the OpenSwim at $104.95 (on sale from $149.95). It shares the IP68 waterproofing but drops the Bluetooth function entirely—it’s a dedicated MP3 player for swimming and water sports. Shokz lists 8 hours of battery life and rates it for submersion up to 2 meters for no longer than 30 minutes.

The OpenSwim is the better pick if you only want a swim device and don’t need Bluetooth for dry-land listening. If you want one pair that does both, the OpenSwim Pro is worth the premium.

What To Check Before You Buy

“Waterproof” does not mean depth-proof or duration-proof. Shokz explicitly limits both models to 2 meters with different time caps, so they’re for pool lanes and surface swimming—not diving or snorkeling. Shokz also notes that waterproof performance is not permanent; seals and coatings degrade with wear, so inspect your pair regularly.

You’ll also need to load your own music before swimming. Neither model streams from your phone in the water, so plan your playlist ahead of time. If you’re ready to compare the top contenders side by side, our roundup of the best bone conduction headphones for swimming walks through tested picks and real trade-offs.

FAQs

Can you use normal Bluetooth earbuds in the pool?

No. Standard Bluetooth earbuds—even ones with an IPX7 splash rating—won’t stream audio underwater because the signal can’t travel through water. For swimming, you need headphones with built-in music storage designed to function as a standalone MP3 player.

Do swim headphones work for open-water swimming?

Yes, as long as you stay within the rated depth and duration limits. Shokz rates the OpenSwim Pro for 2 meters for 2 hours, which covers surface swimming in lakes or the ocean. If you dive deeper or stay submerged longer, you’ll exceed the spec and risk damage.

Can you wear swim headphones with goggles?

Yes. Bone-conduction designs sit on your cheekbones and wrap around the back of your head, which leaves room for goggle straps. Most swimmers find the two fit comfortably together, though it’s worth trying before you buy if you can.