Grabbing a pair of the best waterproof headphones will never be a bad investment, especially when it comes to being more safe than sorry if you’re into rocking tunes near some H2O. These are essential for those who intend to use their pair for specific reasons, especially swimmers, scuba divers, exercise fiends, those in harsh weather conditions, as well as merely relaxing at the pool, lake or beach. Even you readers who need a pair of waterproof headphones for a more “just in-case measure”, today we took the time to find 10 of the best to give you some options when shopping. Although we do have a few top picks in mind to mention right off-the-bat, there are some crucial factors to keep in mind when sifting through the rubble, which we list below.
Picking the Best Waterproof Headphones
- Budget – The amount of money is always atop our checklists, and when it comes to headphones in general, we’d say there’s a decent range among the lower to higher price-points. In our opinion, electronics with more advanced-protection and technology should be taken seriously and spending a few more dollars on a more expensive never hurts. Otherwise, we did find a few cheap pairs to suggest; however, keep in mind you’ll be getting what you pay for. It all depends on your needs.
- Intended use – So why are you looking to buy some waterproof headphones today? Swimming? Running? Reading by a pool and merely want to be safe? The use of your waterproof headphones will really determine what type of headphones you need, whether it is a pair with fins to keep them secure for exercise, wireless connection if you need to keep your phone or player to the side, etc. All of these however are in-ear headphones if you begin notice — this is due to the fact that there really aren’t any over-ear or even on-ear headphones out there with waterproof protection worth looking at right now.
- Wired vs. wireless – What type of connectivity do you prefer? This may also coincide with your intended use — some who can’t have a wire in the way of their application (such as swimmers and even some runners) should grab a wireless pair, while those who aren’t into wireless connectivity with the risk of disconnection should keep it safe. Our best wireless earbuds had a few in there that were also waterproof, however below we list some of both.
- Extra features? Some are attached with microphones (do you foresee yourself making calls on these?), others with a control center on the headphones itself (volume adjusting, skip, pause, etc.), different color options, earfins (to keep them protected and snug on your ears during uses which you’ll be moving around a lot, such as swimming), and more. We’ll highlight each pair to give you a feel of what they’ll bring to the table.
The Top 10 Best Waterproof Headphones
Plantronics BackBeat Fit
These headphones are extremely popular among my types of uses. Engineered for sport, the BackBeat Fit’s design provide the comfort and security that will push your workouts to the limit, while not having to worry about rain or a rinse under tap with their waterproof design that meets the IP57 rating with an additional sweat proof nano-coating. These headphones are equipped with an 8-hour battery life — which suits best for you avid fitness people.
The BackBeat Fit are also designed to keep you aware of your surroundings with the open eartip, and on-ear controls that let you adjust volume, skip a track, or answer your phone. They also come with a companion app that may help you locate your headphones, update your firmware or switch devices, if needed. These waterproof headphones come in multiple colors, each color coming with a reflective finish so you may complete your night-time jogs safely.
They’re all-around great and for a price that fits within most budgets, really convinced us to list these first. The Plantronics BackBeat Fit are without a doubt one of the best waterproof headphones in the market today.
Sennheiser CX 680
Up next, engineered on Adidas performance, the earfin provide comfort and security so they will not fall out during your workouts. The CX 680 is equipped with a multi-sized earbud supply kit so that the headphones can fit to your comfort to enhance sound quality and concentration. The DuPont Kevlar reinforced cabling guarantees flexibility and durability where other sport headphones in this guide may not. These water-resistant, sweat-proof headphones allow you to train in any season, rain or shine.
The Sennheiser CX 680 headphones have the standard 1/8” plug and are compatible with iPhones and all iPods/MP3 players. The plug-in provides a high-energy stereo sound while blocking out up to 20dB of gym noise. Invest in these waterproof headphones if you want if you want very solid quality for a bargain price, and especially with that Sennheiser brand name, we know we can trust these when it comes to overall quality and longevity if you take care of them.
Head-Fi’s CX 680 review goes a bit more in-depth if you want some more information before buying them. The Sennheiser CX 680 earfin sports earbuds are another pair of the best waterproof headphones and great affordable options for you gym rats.
Photive PH-BTE50
Built to endure the fit life, these wireless headphones have a compact and lightweight design which makes them ideal for your workouts. They feature a built-in microphone that allows you to answer calls and on-ear buttons that directly control your workout tunes. The high-tech components of the Photive’s PH-BTE50 waterproof Bluetooth headphones are protected by a nano-coating of ‘Liquipel’, which safeguards electronic devices from any liquid damage or headphone corrosion. This coating protects the earbuds from everything to sweat and rain, to drinks and tap-water – making them one of the best choices for waterproof headphones.
They also come equipped with a long-lasting 7-hour Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, which charges quickly and supplies you with hours of music to power through your workouts. Grab these if you are looking for quality workout earbuds, while also being on the light-end of the price spectrum.
Their BTE70’s made it into our best earbuds under $100 guide. The Photive PH-BTE50 offer pretty good sound quality and serve as a great option to people who are on a tight budget.
Monster iSport Immersion
Known for their once upon a time partnership with Beats By Dre, Monster has always made good sports headphones. The Monster’s in-ear headphones offer a secure and comfortable fit, as well as a sweat-proof design and tangle-resistant cord – so they won’t fall out during your long runs or workouts. Monster take their in-ear fit serious in that each pair comes with 4 different sizes of SportsClips and silicone ear tips – you can mix and match these until you feel the best sound/comfort in your workouts.
Their sweat-proof design allows you to maximize your workouts without having to worry about damaging the hardware of the earbuds. The Monster’s also have an integrated iPhone-compatible ControlTalk remote feature that allows you to control the volume or change tracks. If you plan on getting sweaty during your workouts, then the Monster iSport Immersion are one of the best sport waterproof headphones.
Phillips ActionFit
Their customizable earbud fit work bests for people who want comfort and quality for their long workouts. They are designed with a water-resistant seal to protect your headphones from any water-related damage. The headphones also come with a 3-sized ultra-soft silicon cap kit that allow optimal sound to your preference. Like most in this guide, the ActionFit pride themselves on comfort with their lightweight design and 1.2m long cable which gives you the freedom to put your audio device wherever you’d like during your workouts.
In order to not only feel good in your workouts but track your fitness goals, Phillips created a ActionFit app which allows you to set your favorite music to whenever you reach a certain goal – pretty cool if you don’t use the typical apps for this. If you want something that is affordable, fits well, and provides very solid sound, then go for these to enhance your workouts. The Phillips ActionFit serve as another viable option for you sports junkies.
Pyle PWPE 10B
These are compatible with MP3 players & all Apple devices. They feature a black, ultra-slim design, and come equipped with a multi-sized earbud kit to ensure a secure fit for you avid swimmers. The airtight earbuds and sound quality (20mW input power and 10mm speaker driver diameter) make these headphones the best for people who are going to be in the water for hours at a time. Each pair is also equipped with a 4-foot cable that allows you to shift and maneuver in your workouts without having to worry about the wire being too short.
Their IP7 waterproof standard is better than most in the market, so if you’re planning on being in the water for a long time and want great sound quality, make sure to grab these waterproof headphones. Although we always recommend investing a bit more cash into electronics, these are for those who needed a simple pair without doing any damage on their wallet whatsoever.
The Pyle PWPE 10B’s are a pair of waterproof headphones that are great if you are seeking for a pair in the super lower-end price point of these headphones.
Underwater Audio Swimbuds
Like others on this guide, these headphones are specifically designed to be used in, under or around water. They design is pretty simple as you can see with no fancy coloring or design, however that may even be appealing to some (or irrelevant). These headphones are durable, proven to have worked in the steam room/sauna and even working after running them through the wash. The swimbuds are also equipped with an extra-short cord (10 inches long) so that you do not have to worry about it getting in your way during your swim routine. However, if you do like the long cord feel (which some people do) – then you will be pleased to know that it comes with a free extension cord.
To ensure your comfortable during your swims, each pair comes with 3 tree-shaped earbud sizes which create a watertight seal during your water activities – to get the best sound quality, make sure to pick a good seal. Grab these headphones if you want something affordable, durable, easy to use, and comfortable during your swims.
They were Heavy’s pick for the best swimming earbuds. Another pair of solid 100% waterproof headphones are the Underwater Audio Swimbuds.
Yurbuds Inspire
These headphones feature Yarbud’s patented TwistLock Technology which guarantees that the earphones won’t fall out, even during the most intense workouts, and deliver quality sound that rivals much pricier options. The soft medical-grade silicone earbuds are designed to match the contours of your ears providing solid comfort for long periods of time – perfect for athletes who have to get in those long offseason workouts. Yurburds headphones also come with alternate size enhancers to give you optimal sound.
With neodymium drivers and a gold-plated connector, they offer pretty good sound quality for a friendly price. The 3.5 mm gold-plated mini plug works with Apples products, MP3 players, and most cellular phones. The durable, water-resistant and sweatproof design of these headphones make these a good option for active people and a borderline must for athletes. Developed “by athletes for athletes”, the Yurbuds Inspire are among the most affordable and decent quality waterproof sport headphones in this guide.
X-1 Surge Sportwrap
With a waterproof rating of IPX8, these headphones allow you to submerge up to 12’ underwater for an unlimited amount of time, making them a great option for you swimmers. Their hydrodynamic design allows the earbuds (which come in 5 different sizes) to sit flush in your ear to promote the best alignment for better sound and less drag in and out of the water. The latest waterproof technology equipped with these headphones deliver warm sound and dynamic bass powered by Surge’s waterproof 8mm neodymium drivers – pushing you to the limits in your workouts. They have a heavily-coiled cable which attaches to the Sportwrap neckband to ensure a stable and comfortable fit.
Combining the stable fit of the behind-the-neck Sportwrap with the sound quality of an in-ear headphone, the X-1 Surges are designed for high impact, and will have you competing at the top-level in or out of water. Now if you are looking for something that can withstand heavy water and even submersion, then the X-1 Surge Sportwrap (100% waterproof) are one of the best waterproof headphones in the market.
Aquapac 100%
Lastly, these have been tested to work up to 30 feet underwater – making these best suited for you snorkelers or scuba divers. As seen in the photo, they are equipped with fitted silicone earloops that are designed to firmly keep the headphones in place, while also coming with 3 different sizes to make sure the earbuds fit to your preference. The silicone also ensures that the headphones will not slip out during your pool workouts. Like most products in this guide, the Aquapac 3.5 mm nickel-coated stereo jack is compatible with Apple products and most music players.
Their output is solid sound across the charts with 100 dB sound pressure level, 19Hz – 20KHz frequency response, and 32 Ohms impedance – all above the standard for headphones. Consider the Aquapacs if you want something affordable, and plan on doing heavy underwater activity in the future. To end our guide, we have the 100% Aquapac headphones which are relatively reliable waterproof headphones in the market.
