Updated September 11, 2024.

While swimming is the most worthwhile, rewarding sport to get into  — at some point, paddling back and forth as fast as you can gets a little boring — unless you have something to keep your mind as busy as your muscles. Luckily, we’ve got just the worthwhile investment every swimmer needs to transform time in the pool from laps of drudgery to glorious “me time” gliding through the water listening to your favorite songs or audiobooks — waterproof MP3 players. 

Think about it: everyone else at the gym gets to enjoy the luxuries of audio entertainment, so why shouldn’t swimmers? 

Regardless of what you listen to, waterproof music players are a game-changer for keeping your mind and motivation at an all-time high. The extra lap becomes reachable, the impossible becomes possible, or sometimes you just want another five minutes to finish up the really interesting part of the podcast. 

Luckily, we’ve transcended the challenge of transmitting clear-cut sound quality through a giant body of water by creating waterproof MP3 players. Hooray! There’s only one problem: most of your options are shoddily made, not fully waterproof, or have a whole plethora of other problems. Don’t worry! We took the liberty of sorting and ranking them out for you.

Our 2024 Top 9 Best Waterproof MP3 Players for Swimmers

1. Underwater Audio Delphin 2.0 Waterproof Audio Player
2. Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2
3. Waterproof SYRYN 2 Bundle for Swimming
4. Tayogo Waterproof Mp3 Player (2nd Generation)
5. Sewobye Waterproof MP3 Player for Swimming
6. Swimbuds Bone Conduction for Swimming
7. H2O Audio Stream 3 PRO and Surge S+ Earbuds
8. Pyle Waterproof MP3 Player
9. AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof in-Ear Earphones

 

16 Other Waterproof MP3 Players to Consider

Underwater Audio Delphin 2.0 Waterproof Audio Player

Pros

Cons

IPX8 100% Waterproof Rating. Compatible with Wi-Fi for easy audio downloads. Compatible with many popular audio apps, including Apple Music, Spotify, Audible, Libby, and Amazon Music. Compatible with MP3, AAC, M4A, FLAC file types. 12-hour battery life. Long-lasting, shock-proof manufacturing. Easy to navigate, like a smartphone. Clips to goggles or swim cap. 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB storage options available. Excellent customer service. Excellent sound quality. Get a perfect fit with 11 comfortable, watertight seal earbud tips to choose from with the Swimbuds Sport bundle option. Get excellent Bone Conduction sound quality with a wireless Bluetooth connection with the Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2 bundle option.

N/A

Audio technology designed with swimmers in mind. 

The Underwater Audio Delphin 2.0 Waterproof Audio Player is a state-of-the-art music player with all the bells and whistles. Not only is it compatible with most music and audio apps, like Spotify and Apple Music — it’s also the only waterproof MP3 player that has apps for Audible, Libby, and Amazon Music. On top of that, there are many extra built-in features such counting your laps and audibly reminding you of your most recent lap count and times. The best part? One charge will last 12 hours. Most swimmers report they use the Delphin for 3-8 swims before needing another charge.

Nervous about learning to navigate the screen? Not to worry — the Delphin 2.0 has a keyboard designed specifically for its small screen to enable users to type in their usernames and passwords. You’ll be right at home with all your favorite music and audiobooks before you know it! If you’re looking for the best in swimming audio technology, the Delphin 2.0 is your one-stop shop. 

It’s also durable, designed with shock-proof manufacturing and includes a 1-year warranty with free replacements. While many devices only include one set of earbuds that either fit your ears or don’t, the Delphin 2.0 arrives bundled with Swimbuds Sport that include 11 different sizes and shapes of earbuds to ensure a comfortable, watertight seal. Alternately, swimmers can choose the Delphin 2.0 bundle that includes Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2. With Bone Conduction technology, swimmers simply rest the headphones on their temples and the sound transmits through their cheekbones instead of their ears.

Some devices rely on streaming audio from FM Radio or Bluetooth phone connections, which can suffer from static noise, distortion or lost signal — especially underwater where the signal can barely penetrate. That’s not a problem for the Delphin 2.0 since the audio is stored on the device resulting in ZERO interruptions. No static noise, and no lag. With 8-to-32 GB of storage options available, the Delphin 2.0 is among top of the class for storage capacity. That’s more than 2,000 to 8,000 songs!

Retail Price: $ 220.00 USD

Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2 for Swimming

Pros

Cons

Best bone conduction design. IPX8 100% Waterproof Rating with a depth rating of 60 feet. Compatible with iTunes files. 6-hour battery life. 16 GB of storage, capable of storing over 4,000 songs. Easy “drag and drop” music file management system like a flash drive. Wireless Bluetooth compatibility makes Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2 the perfect companion to the Delphin 2.0. Since swimmers wear both devices on their head, the wireless connection maintains a perfect connection underwater.

No microphone. No compatibility with apps like Spotify, and Audible without a Delphin 2.0.

One of the most common complaints about waterproof headphones observed over decades has finally resolved with Bone Conduction technology. While earbuds work well for most swimmers to create a watertight fit, everyone's ears have different shapes. While many different earbud shapes and styles can help a user find the fit that work for them, ultimately, not everyone's ears can find a watertight fit for swimming with earbuds.

While Bone Conduction technology has taken a long time to mature, Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2 have cracked the glass ceiling. While the physics of the method for bone technology to transmit sound prevent the audio quality from approaching the level of earbud headphones, Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2 have come devilishly close. For a typical user, they won't notice a difference between listening to these headphones and in-ear earbuds.

Bone technology reverberates the swimmer's cheekbones to transmit audio instead of using tiny speakers to transmit sound through the ear canal. Due to this revolutionary method of sound reproduction, users don't need a watertight seal between their earbuds and their ears to maintain excellent audio quality while they swim.

Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2 do include earplugs for users to wear. While swimming, users block sound completely when they enter the water. Then, when they raise their ears above the water, their ears receive a barrage of sound from kids splashing, whistles blowing, and even stereos playing music. Earplugs block out sound whether the swimmer's ears rise above the water level or not. We recommend wearing earplugs while swimming with Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2 to maintain the best sound quality and consistency of volume possible.

Let me shatter the reasonable assumption many first-time users have about Bluetooth and water. It doesn't work. Bluetooth travels at a high frequency and only transmits a few inches through the water. This revelation certainly causes many people heartache, but there is a fantastic caveat to this fact of physics. The Delphin 2.0 and Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2 maintain a perfect connection while you swim because they rest within a few inches of each other on the back of the swimmer's head.

While an excellent option all by itself to listen to MP3 files while swimming and connecting to your phone on land, the Swimbuds Bone Conduction 2 really open up new possibilities when paired with a Delphin 2.0.

Retail Price:  $ 139.99 USD

Waterproof SYRYN 2 Bundle for Swimming

Pros

Cons

Best affordable option. 5-button design enables easy Fast-Forward, Rewind of audiobook files. IPX8 100% Waterproof Rating. Easy “drag and drop” music file management system just like a flash drive. Compatible with iTunes files. 10-hour battery life. 8 GB of storage, capable of storing over 2,000 songs. Small and lightweight.  Simplified design.  Excellent customer service Supports most common file types including MP3, AAC, WMA, and FLAC. MAC and PC compatible. Headphones come with multiple earpieces for a perfect waterproof fit. Voice feature confirms it has been turned on and off and battery level when device is turned on.

No compatibility with Spotify, Audible, or other apps.

Want a simpler music management experience and own your own MP3 files? Underwater Audio’s Waterproof SYRYN 2 MP3 player is a highly recommended option for a reason. 

Many swimmers struggle with the technology part of managing an audio player and often need additional help from the manufacturer to navigate the program they need to set up their music library. This audio player is known, however, for having an easy “drag and drop” approach to loading music. Simply just plug it into your computer using a USB cable, drag what you want into the folder, and you’re good to go. 

It comes with earbuds designed to completely block out water, or regular sports buds in case you want to take them to the track. The waterproof headphones are crafted to work with the pressure seal of water, and the bass comes alive underwater! While water pressure can cause other headphones to sound tinny, the sound from these headphones has patent protected technology to produce excellent sound quality underwater. 

It comes with a rotatable goggle clip, making the SYRYN 2 easy to attach and go. It’s lightweight, durable and easy-to-use. 

Retail Price: $ 79.99 USD

Tayogo Waterproof Mp3 Player (2nd Generation)

 

Pros	Cons
IPX8 100% Waterproof Rating. Comfortably fits around your neck, or the back of your head. 8 GB of storage, capable of storing more than 2,000 songs. 20-hour battery life. Three play modes: shuffle, order, and single. Built-in FM Radio function. Excellent sound quality above water or when not streaming FM Radio or Bluetooth..	Some customers have been confused by the music loading instructions. Music loading software is not compatible with all computers.

If you’re looking for affordable underwater tunes and more wearability options, the Tayogo Waterproof MP3 player is a good choice. 

This audio device is known for its unique, comfortable shape and silicone feel, making it much easier to rely on when you’re bobbing in and out of the water. You can wear it either behind your neck or behind your head, but rest assured, your music won’t interfere with your swim cap or goggles. Tired of the usual music rotation? There are three play options: shuffle, order, and single. 

Don’t wanna go through the trouble of building a music library? The Tayogo Waterproof MP3 player does not have another option. You'll have to look at other options if you want Spotify, Audible, Libby, Apple Music, or other apps while you swim.

With just 1.5 hours of charging, the Tayogo Waterproof MP3 player holds 20 hours of battery life, which should last a few days at the pool! If you’re new to exporting and building a music library, it even comes with a detailed instruction manual to guide you through the process.

Retail Price: $ 59.99 USD

Sewobye Waterproof MP3 Player for Swimming

Pros	Cons
IPX8 100% Waterproof Rating. Excellent sound quality. Supports the following audio formats: MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, WAV, AAC-LC, and ACELP. 16-Hour battery life. Raised buttons, easier to push.	Some charging issues reported.  Some users find the device bulky. Some run into problems connecting to a computer and loading audio files. Some users report the device or earbuds were prone to breaking or issues.

If you’re looking for a device that’s built for swimmers with a lower price point and simpler functionality, Sewobye’s Waterproof MP3 Player for Swimming is also a great pick. 

Out of all the other waterproof MP3 players on this list, this is the one with the most compatibility to other audio formats. It can play just about any of them: MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, WAV, AAC-LC, and ACELP. If you’re not into keeping your music around your neck, the MP3 player comes with a built-in clip, making it super simple to attach to your goggles or swim cap as well. One of the more unique features is the raised buttons: we all know the pain of trying to handle technology with wet fingers, after all. 

Many users report that, even underwater, this MP3 player has powerful audio quality. “This is the only swimming MP3 player I have ever had to turn down the volume on, which is impressive,” raved one user.

Retail Price: $ 59.99 USD

Swimbuds Bone Conduction for Swimming 

Pros	Cons
Great bone conduction design. IPX8 100% Waterproof Rating. Compatible with iTunes. 6-hour battery life. 8 GB of storage, capable of storing over 2,000 songs. Easy “drag and drop” music file management system. Guided workout instructions free with purchase.	No Bluetooth compatibility.

Wanna skip the hassle of trying to find the perfect air-tight earbuds? Look no further than Underwater Audio’s Swimbuds Bone Conduction for Swimming.

Instead of projecting audio through an earpiece like a typical MP3 player, the Swimbuds Bone Conduction directly transmits all your favorite music through your cheekbones. Don’t be fooled — the sound quality is just as clear as a typical headset and is designed to rest comfortably on your cheek. Great for those who don’t want anything in their ear, or don’t want to block out the sounds around them. With 8GB of storage, it holds up to 2,000 songs.

This unique underwater MP3 player is compatible with iTunes files, perfect for anyone who already owns a diverse audio collection like audiobooks and podcasts. In comparison to other bone conduction audio devices, this model is known for its impressive bass, storage, and battery life.

Retail Price:  $ 99.99 USD

H2O Audio Stream 3 PRO and Surge S+ Earbuds

 

Pros

Cons

IPX8 100% Waterproof Rating. “Playlist +” offline streaming capabilities enables users to record Spotify and Pandora directly into mp3 files stored on the device. Built-in clips designed to attach to goggle straps or swimsuit. Optional short-cord earbuds OR bone conduction audio. 7-hour battery life. 8 GB of storage, capable of storing over 2,000 songs. Supports multiple audio formats: M4A, MP3, WMA, FLAC, and APE.

Bulky and weighted compared to other players.  Some customers have been confused by Spotify music loading instructions. Like all Bluetooth connections between a device and a phone, the signal is cut off when the device is submerged underwater.

Another option for an underwater MP3 player that can play your favorite music through every stroke. For its claims about playing Spotify while swimming, we wanted to make sure to explain the technology fully. The H20 Audio Stream 3 PRO records audio from Spotify and stores it as MP3 files on your device. Think of recording songs from the radio using a cassette tape back in the 80's. H2O Audio has streamlined the process and enables users to play music on Spotify or other apps and record the audio onto MP3 files. We don't know about the copyright or Spotify terms and conditions surrounding this technology, but that's how it works.

Also keep in mind, Bluetooth streaming audio will cut out when the device is submerged underwater because the signal is disrupted by water.

The biggest selling point for many swimmers is the ability to listen to Spotify playlists while they’re in the pool. However, the listening experience for this MP3 player — from the way you listen to what you’re listening to — is far more customizable than what music you choose. Between the short-corded earbuds or the bone-conduction audio option, you’ll get to choose the headphones that work best for you. The device can also store a diverse collection of audio formats: M4A, MP3, WMA, FLAC, and APE. 

Retail Price: $ 159.99 USD

Pyle Waterproof MP3 Player

Pros	Cons
IPX8 100% Waterproof Rating. Bluetooth-compatible. Easy “drag and drop” music file management system. Compatible with iTunes.  Flexible wiring designed to firmly shape around your head while you swim.  Comes with general sports and water-blocking earbuds.  Simple touch controls, including a ‘shuffle’ option.	Only 4GB of memory.  Short battery life. Touch controls can be overly sensitive.

If you don’t mind a modest memory capacity, the Pyle Waterproof MP3 Player packs quite the punch. 

Many other swimmers who have purchased this MP3 player can agree on one thing, and that’s the audio quality. It’s truly impressive, delivering a clear and immersive audio experience that leaves so many satisfied and immersed. If you feel like mixing up your usual playlist order, it comes with a reliably random “shuffle” function, but that’s about as complicated as it gets; you don’t have to be a tech expert to get around. Don’t worry about struggling with the buttons, either; it’s designed with touch controls. We all know what a pain poking at anything with wet fingers can be. 

If audio quality, a comfortable fit, and ease of use are important to you, this is certainly not a bad pick!

Retail Price: $ 51.91 USD

AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof in-Ear Earphones

Pros	Cons
IPX8 100% Waterproof Rating. 8 GB of storage, capable of storing over 2,000 songs. Attaches to swim cap or swimsuit with 360-degree swivel clip. Comes with 1-layer and 3-layer sets of waterproof earbuds.  8-10 hours of battery life.	Sound quality isn’t the clearest. Clip can break easily. Screen can break easily.

You’re looking for a simple-as-they-come option for your next, or first, underwater MP3 player, right? Although you’ll find many options on this list, if you want something dependable and affordable that just gets the job done, the AGPTEK IPX8 Waterproof MP3 player is one option.

Despite its tiny size, it still holds 8 GB of storage space. Its most unique feature is the swivel clip, designed to move with the water rather than against it if the tide gets rough, or you accidentally smack it with your arms (don’t worry, it happens). If sound quality isn’t a dealbreaker and you need something affordable, this waterproof mp3 player is a solid, dependable choice. 

Retail Price: $ 45.99 USD

16 Other Waterproof MP3 Players to Consider

 

Name	Pros	Cons	Price
H2O Audio Stream 3 and Surge S+ Earbuds - Waterproof MP3 Player for Swimming	Short cord. Compatible with iTunes. Shuffle function.	Iffy sound quality. No current charge display.	$89.99 USD
H2O Audio Sonar IPX8 Bone Conduction Headphones	Drag and drop audio file. management Compatible with smartwatches. Radio functionality.	Reported charging issues. Radio piece is often submerged and unclear during swim.	$99.99 USD
idoooz IPX8 Swimming Music Player with Clip	Compact design Drag and drop audio file storage Short cord	Users report inconsistent waterproof strength Pricey for the limited features	$69.97 USD
Saycker Portable FM Radio Diving MP3 Music Player	FM radio functionality Low price point Simple design	Low battery life compared to other models Iffy sound quality Limited radio stations	$26.96 USD
Waterproof Delphin v1.0 Smart Player Bundle for Swimming	Wifi-compatible Easy-to-navigate touchscreen 8 or 16 GB storage  Compatible with Spotify, Pandora, Audible, and more Excellent sound quality	Small buttons Shorter battery life compared to other Underwater Audio players	$320.00 USD
UooEA Bone Conduction Waterproof Swimming Headphones	16 GB of storage 360 day warranty  Lightweight and comfortable Clear sound quality	Buttons are difficult to feel	$79.99 USD
Pyle Upgraded Waterproof MP3 Player - V2	8 GB of storage Clear sound quality Comfortable to wear Simple controls	Manual unclear in how to load/unload music Charging device doesn’t indicate if charge is active	$47.15 USD
FINIS Duo Underwater Music MP3 Player with Bone Conduction Audio	Supports MP3 and WMA audio formats USB connectivity  Simple controls Good sound quality	4 GB of storage, lower than average Flimsy clip	$109.18 USD
TOHUNZO Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones for Swimming	32 GB of storage space Supports MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, and FLAC Drag and drop audio file management	Microphone isn’t useful underwater Can’t skip through a song Low volume level	$59.71 USD
Tayogo Waterproof MP3 Player for Swimming	8 GB of storage Supports MP3, APE, FLAC, WMA, WAV, and OGG Clear sound quality Drag and drop audio file management	Earbuds reportedly go out after a few months	$43.99 USD
Tayogo IPX8 8GB Underwater Music Headsets for Sports (4 Pairs Earplugs)	Comfortable wear 8 hours of playback Ergonomic earbuds Affordable price point	Iffy sound quality Hard to determine charge level	$43.99 USD
Shokz OpenSwim - Bone Conduction MP3 Waterproof Headphones	Clear sound quality Comfortable wear Easy, intuitive design Rubber casing	4 GB of storage, lower than average Only connects via USB-b plug No Bluetooth	$149.95 USD
Vicfiud Bone Conduction Waterproof Headphones	32 GB of storage space Magnetic charging clip Lightweight, comfortable fit	Low max volume Awkward button placement	$69.99 USD
Gogailen Bone Conduction Headphones	32 GB of storage space 10 hours of playback Drag and drop audio file management Magnetic charging clip	Limited sizing Iffy audio quality	$35.95 USD
Fojep Bone Conduction Headphones	Comes with a voice assistant Noise cancelling capabilities Rich bass	Buttons are difficult to feel	$79.99 USD
Dnniakm Bone Conduction Headphones	32 GB of storage space Magnetic charging clip Clear sound quality Good volume level	No shuffle function	$75.99 USD

The Bottom Line

 

From the poolside workouts, lap practice, therapy, or even some fun in the sun, these aquatic music companions are a game changer for keeping your concentration crystal clear. Whether you're looking for an afternoon of floating around on your back, or a high-intensity practice session, waterproof MP3 players have something to offer for everyone. Whether you're looking for top-notch sound quality, shockproof durability, ease of use, or advanced features, these waterproof players are guaranteed to make you smile.

We hope you’ve found your future poolside staple among our recommendations here. Grab your goggles, strap on your audio controls, queue up your favorite tunes, and dive right in! Let go of your tension and have fun swimming and grooving to the beat of your underwater playlist!