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Swimming laps in the pool can quickly become boring and monotonous for many casual swimmers. Just like at the gym, music can really boost your motivation and energy. That’s why a waterproof MP3 player and waterproof headphones can be a great investment.
In this guide, I have set out to help you navigate the wide jungle of waterproof MP3 players and headphones, so you can find the best model for your exact needs.
👆 Click on each model to jump straight to the section where we review each one in detail.
Best all-in-one solution for the price 
Cheapest all-in-one solution 
Best MP3 player with headphones for the price 
The best to use with your mobile 
Best waterproof in-ear MP3 player for the price 
Watery S20 Vision Waterproof Headphones are an all-in-one unit – allowing you to listen to whatever you want, either via audio files or via Bluetooth. The MP3 player is built-in with 8GB of memory, equivalent to storing more than 1,000 songs. Additionally, it has a battery capacity that lets you listen to music or other audio for up to eight hours.
This gives you the option to switch between two modes: MP3 or Bluetooth. Whichever you prefer, they are waterproof and IPX8 rated, meaning the headphones can withstand extended periods underwater. On top of that, the headphones are lightweight at just 46 grams, so they won’t cause discomfort even during prolonged use.
The headphones are also equipped with a microphone, allowing you to take phone calls via Bluetooth, with a battery life of up to seven hours of talk time. In addition, the charging mechanism has been upgraded to a magnetic connection – a full charge takes between 2 and 3 hours.
“Great earphones that make swimming fun again. Works like an MP3 player. I’m really pleased with them!” – (Leoni K.)
“Perfect gift! Bought them for my husband, and he loves them!” – (Julie F.)
The Watery S10 Aspire is our original all-in-one solution that set the standard for waterproof audio experiences. We have subsequently taken all the experience gained from this model and refined it in its bigger brother, the S20.
With advanced bone-conduction technology, sound is delivered directly through your cheekbones. This means your ears remain completely open, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings or wear swimming earplugs with ease.
You can easily switch between MP3 mode for swimming and Bluetooth mode for use on land. The headphones are IPX8-rated, fully equipping them for prolonged sessions underwater. The lightweight design and comfortable fit ensure they stay secure and comfortable, even during high-intensity workouts and extended use.
“User-friendly headset, fantastic sound quality. Fully lives up to all expectations for swimming 🏊 in the pool” – (Tina C.)
“Fast charging, long battery life, and great sound” – (Jesper)
With this waterproof MP3 player, you can listen to exactly what you want by importing your preferred audio files, whether it’s music, podcasts, or audiobooks—and if you prefer listening to the radio, that is also possible. The MP3 player has built-in 8GB of memory, which corresponds to over 1,000 songs, and features a 120 mAh battery capacity providing 6–8 hours of playback time.
Headphones that sit comfortably in the ears are also included with the MP3 player. In addition, there are two pairs of silicone ear tips included that you can swap to achieve the optimal fit. The headphones simply plug into the audio jack, and this exact same connection is also used for transferring audio files and charging.
The Watery MP3 player is available here in a classic black model, as well as in a white model.
“Really pleasantly surprised by the sound, so it is definitely worth the money” – (Nicklas)
“Extremely happy with the purchase, I can definitely recommend it to others” – (Lotte)
One of the really great and practical features of these headphones is the short cord. With standard headphones, you might want a long cord that can reach from your ear down to your pocket. But when it comes to headphones designed for swimming, the short cord works much better.
Naturally, it is also important that these headphones are waterproof. These certainly are—you can dive down to 3.6 metres without any issues, making them perfect for use in the swimming pool.
“They are great.” – (Bruno K.)
I can definitely recommend Watery’s “Camille” waterproof MP3 player if you are looking for an MP3 player with in-ear headphones. Earphones that fit comfortably in the ears are also included with the MP3 player. The earphones are attached to the main unit, making it an all-in-one device.
The MP3 player weighs just 37 grams, making it easy to carry so it won’t bother you while swimming. Furthermore, it is easy to operate the device using four buttons on the back.
“Great product. Finally got me back into swimming in the mornings again 🙂” – (Lene N.)
“Worked fantastically!” – (Towe)
Swimming – and particularly swimming in a pool – can easily start to feel quite monotonous. Unlike cycling and running, where you constantly see new scenery, the only thing you see during pool swimming is the black line at the bottom.
For many fitness swimmers (including myself), other motivating stimuli are therefore preferred to avoid getting stuck in a boring loop of thoughts after a short time in the water.
Music tends to inspire, excite, and motivate. You know the feeling from the gym, which is why many fitness swimmers also prefer listening to music when they swim.
Where you might otherwise start getting bored after 15 minutes of swimming, having music in your ears can easily keep you going for an hour without boredom. And that is why so many people prefer swimming with music in their ears.
When my swim mates and other swimmers at the pool see me swimming with my waterproof MP3 player and headphones, I often get a lot of different questions about how they work.
And the questions I get asked most often are listed below. Along with the answers to them, of course.
Generally speaking, the answer is no. If you are wearing regular waterproof headphones in your ears, you won’t be able to hear anything other than the music. If, on the other hand, you use AfterShokz Xtrainerz, you will be able to hear everything happening around you.
The reason is that regular waterproof headphones block your ear canals, preventing outside sound from getting in. AfterShokz Xtrainerz, on the other hand, transmit music through your cheekbones, leaving your ear canals completely open.
Generally speaking, no. Bluetooth does not work if you dive underwater, as the wireless technology in Bluetooth isn’t strong enough to penetrate the density of water. However, if you stay at the surface, as you do during normal swimming, Bluetooth gets through just fine.
So for regular swimming, Bluetooth works fine. But for diving (even just a metre below the surface), Bluetooth will not work.
Yes, you can. Either via Bluetooth or using a cable. If you want to use your mobile with Bluetooth, you will need a pair of waterproof headphones or an MP3 player with Bluetooth. If you want to use a cable, you will need a waterproof case for either your arm or your waist. And of course, a pair of wired headphones as well.
Generally speaking, yes. But for outdoor use, I would go for a solution where you carry a waterproof MP3 player paired with a set of wired headphones. Bluetooth often has a maximum range of 10 metres, and outdoors you will most likely move much further away than that.
Along with waterproof MP3 players and headphones, there are also a few supplementary products. I will give you a brief overview of them here.
Instead of having music directly in your ears, you can also have a small waterproof speaker sitting on the edge playing music. It might not be equally popular in every public pool, but for use on the beach, such a speaker is a fantastic gadget.
You can buy a waterproof speaker here.
If you want to play music from your mobile phone in the water and prefer to do so with a pair of wired headphones, you will need a waterproof phone case. An obvious place to carry your phone is around your arm, just like many runners do.
You can buy a waterproof armband case for your phone here.
Instead of wearing your phone on your arm, you can alternatively wear it around your waist. For this, you will need a waterproof phone case on a waist belt.
The advantage of having your phone on your waist is that your midsection moves far less than your arms. The risk of accidentally ripping the headphones out of your ears is therefore much lower when it is attached to your waist.
You can buy a waterproof waist case for your phone here.
These days, there are many shops that can sell you a waterproof MP3 player and headphones. However, I would recommend choosing a model made by a manufacturer that specialises in exactly this type of gear. And not many shops carry those.
One of the few places where you can find these exact models is with us at Watery.ie. Here, we have gathered the best and most acclaimed models on the market, while also keeping prices very reasonable.
I bought my own AfterShokz Xtrainerz here, and the very next day after ordering, they were in my hands. Plus, their TrustScore on Trustpilot is top-notch, which guarantees the best possible shopping experience.
That is why we recommend buying your waterproof MP3 player, waterproof headphones, or both from us at Watery.ie!
