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Wireless earbuds for swimming are an essential technology that, until recently, wasn’t feasible.
The challenge is Bluetooth signals struggle to transmit through water, meaning that even if you wear wireless earbuds while swimming, their performance will suffer. Additionally, earbuds often fail to create a perfect seal, letting water in and disrupting your focus.
Fortunately, thanks to recent advancements in technology, swimmers now have options for enjoying podcasts, music, and shows while in the water.
Read this article written for the Australian market before making a purchase.
Fitlybone H2O GenX2 Wireless Earbuds For Swimmers With Inbuilt Music Player- AU$ 149.99 at Fitlybuy store →
Where to buy Fitlybone pro bone conduction headphones in Australia
Fitlybone have created a product specifically for swimmers, on a patent-pending bone conduction sound platform and fully waterproof case. In addition, the H2O features an inbuilt music player to play without connecting to a smartphone or watch.
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Why Fitlybone H2O Earned Top Marks for Best Earbuds for Swimming from Our Team
Fully waterproof technology makes the H2O the best earbuds for swimmers, no question. Engineered specifically for swimmers, every feature of the H2O is designed for full submersion without any issues.
Inbuilt music player with 8GB of memory. Since Bluetooth signals can’t travel underwater, having an inbuilt player is essential. Fitlybone swimming headphones delivers with an impressive 8GB of memory, easily accommodating all your music, podcasts, and more.
Outstanding battery life. With over 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, swimmers won’t be left wanting. The included magnetic charging cable also allows for quick recharging.
Open ear technology won’t disrupt your gear. Thanks to open ear bone conduction tech, the H2O ensures comfort even when wearing ear plugs, a swim cap, or goggles.
Mostly drag-free, but with room for improvement. Swimming with the H2O is generally comfortable and trouble-free, though it does introduce a slight amount of drag underwater. Only experienced swimmers may notice it, but it is there.
Australia-based customer support. Previous experiences with earbuds, even from major brands, have often left us disappointed, particularly due to poor customer service. We tested Fitlybone on multiple occasions with questions, and each time, we received prompt responses within an hour. This level of support demonstrates a strong commitment to the Australian market, significantly contributing to our Editor’s Pick award.
Shokz OpenSwim: Bone conduction runner tech that works for swimmers – $219.00 at Amazon.com.au →
Where to buy the OpenSwim in Australia
Shokz is well-known for launching some of the first consumer-grade bone conduction products globally. The OpenSwim model is built on the OpenRun platform (which is discussed later in this list) and shares many of its features. While it performs well for swimmers, newer competitors offer better value options.
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Why Shokz make the list of best waterproof earbuds for swimming
Top-quality bone conduction sound. Shokz has invested considerable time in innovating within the bone conduction space, and it shows. Like all bone conduction audio products, the bass is weaker, but the high and mid tones are crisp and transmitted effectively even underwater.
Inbuilt MP3 player delivers for swimmers. Unlike their earlier attempts at bone conduction sports headphones, Shokz has incorporated a 4GB MP3 player into the design.
Not specifically designed for swimmers. The design of the OpenSwim is derived from the OpenRun. While the shape is suitable for runners, it wasn't originally tailored for swimming, which can result in some uncomfortable drag around the head when submerged.
Battery life needs improvement. Shok rates the battery life of OpenSwim at approximately 8 hours, but in practice, users may experience around 5 hours. This could be enhanced to better compete with other options like the Fitlybone H2O.
Finis Duo MP3 Music Player: Unique device that fails to fully deliver on promises – $180.00 at Amazon.com.au →
Where to buy the Finis Duo waterproof earbuds for swimming in Australia
Finnis has developed a distinctive approach for listening to music while swimming by using bone conduction audio transmitters that attach to swim gear. Although it shows potential, this solution lacks the refinement of competing products.
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What Finis gets right (and wrong) with their Duo swim earbuds
Sound quality needs improvement. The Duo attaches to goggles or other equipment, which can cause the bone conduction transmitters to shift, disrupting sound quality and making it difficult to hear clearly. Competing products with a more rigid design avoid this issue.
Difficult to use earbud controls. The built-in controls can be somewhat challenging to press, and using them can be uncomfortable as they push against the side of your head.
Excessive drag underwater. The Duo’s pods are large and not streamlined, resulting in noticeable drag when submerged. They create the most resistance underwater compared to our top products.
Poor battery life. With less than 3 hours of continuous play, the Duo falls short of competitors that offer 2-3 times more battery life.
H2O Audio Interval Swim Headphones for Apple Watch: Tech that works for Apple Watch owners only – $164.99 at Amazon.com.au →
Where to buy the H2O Audio Interval Swim Headphones in Australia
You can think of the H2O Audio Interval product as a case for Apple Watches. This clever device mounts the Apple Watch face at the back of your head and features corded earbuds that transmit audio directly to your ears. It’s a unique concept that generally performs quite well.
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Please use our best value link if you intend to make a purchase. This directly supports our Australia-based staff of writers and editors.
Why Interval stumble on features and value
Functions as promised. While it’s more of an attachment than a standalone device, the Interval earbuds operate effectively when connected to an Apple Watch.
Exclusively for Apple Watch owners. If you don’t have an Apple Watch, the H2O audio is essentially useless. The core of the watch is necessary as the audio player and attaches quickly once detached from the watch band.
Low drag and comfortable fit. Overall, the Audio Interval headphones create minimal drag due to their behind-the-head design, making them comfortable to wear.
Earbuds don’t keep out water. The in-ear earbud design works well for dry conditions, but underwater dynamics are different. Drag can shift the earbuds' position, allowing water to seep in from time to time.
Controls are hard to reach. With the Apple Watch face positioned at the back of your head, the screen isn’t visible. Manual controls are located below the watch face and require an awkward reach to access the buttons.
Raycon Fitness Wireless Earbuds: Sports Earbuds That Don’t Work Underwater – $260.00 at Amazon.com.au →
Raycon markets the Fitness earbuds as fully waterproof and suitable for swimmers. While this is technically accurate, the earbuds lack an inbuilt MP3 player or any mechanism to keep them securely in place while moving through water. Additionally, since Bluetooth signals can be disrupted, promoting the Fitness earbuds for swimming is ultimately misguided.
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