Waterproof Mp3 players are the answer to overcoming boredom on long swims. There is nothing better than listening to your favorite tunes or podcasts while you are swimming long-distance sets in the pool or doing a long open water swim.
Some of the best underwater and waterproof Mp3 players for swimming have state-of-the-art technology that provides crystal clear sound in the water whether you are listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. Waterproof Mp3 players are not just for the pool – you can use them when surfing, kayaking, canoeing, or hiking and running in the rain too!
How to Choose A Good Waterproof Mp3 Player for Swimming
There are several important factors to take into consideration when deciding on which model of underwater and waterproof Mp3 player to buy. It is better to spend a bit more on a good quality player that will last longer in the water and have all the features you need. Below are some of the factors to think about when shopping for a waterproof Mp3 player.
Waterproof Capacity and Durability
Waterproof Mp3 players have different waterproof ratings for each model in an IPXX form. The IP (Ingress Protection) includes the first “X” value that presents liquid resistance (water), and the second “X” value shows stable (dust/particle) resistance.
If you are looking for a waterproof player for swimming or diving, always look for one with an IPX8 and IPX7 waterproof rating as the devices can be used in deeper depths of water. For example, a device with an IPX7 waterproof rating can be submerged in up to three feet of water for 30 minutes without causing any leaking or damage. IPX8 waterproof rated devices are more durable in over three feet of water when submerged.
Be aware that water-resistant means something different from waterproof. Waterproof devices can work underwater without being damaged, while water-resistant ones can only get wet and should avoid being submerged. If you are looking for a device to swim or train with, always go for a waterproof device.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of your device is also an important factor when deciding on a waterproof Mp3 player. You want clear sound both in and out of the water without the sound of the water disturbing your listening. The sound transmission technology of the device and the headphones contribute to the quality of sound.
Good Fit
Your waterproof Mp3 player must fit securely to avoid moving or falling off while you are swimming. It may be easy to retrieve in a clear swimming pool but could be lost forever in a murky lake or the ocean if it comes off.
There are two types of devices – integrated players with built-in headphones and two-piece devices with separate headphones that hook or clip onto the straps of your goggles or swim cap. It’s also important to take note of the headphone cord – a short and non-tangle cord is better for swimming to avoid it getting in the way.
Features
The features of a waterproof Mp3 player are also an important factor when choosing the correct model. Take into consideration things like the depth that the player can be used at, the battery life and charging time, the audio format support and storage space, and whether it has a shuffle feature.
Spend a bit more on a good quality player that will last longer in the water.
There is a wide range of underwater and waterproof Mp3 players on the market, some of which have separate players and earphones and others that are integrated into one piece of equipment. I tried and tested a host of waterproof Mp3 players and here is my list of some of the top underwater and waterproof Mp3 players on the market.
SYRYN Waterproof Mp3 Player – Best Overall Waterproof Mp3 Player
The SYRYN Waterproof Mp3 player is by far the best device on the market. It has three large, easily accessible buttons for two-volume and track control and play and pause, which are easy to use in the water. Its shuffle model makes it super easy to use.
The device has a waterproof rating of IPX8 and can be used up to 10 feet below the surface of the water, which is great for both swimming, snorkeling, or shallow diving. It has up to 10 hours of a single charge, which lasts for a few swims before having to be recharged.
The player can store up to 2,000 favorite songs in Mp3 or WMA format and songs can easily be transferred from your computer by dragging and dropping when the device is plugged in. It is equipped with a 360-degree angle swivel clip which provides a secure fit onto your goggle strap or swim cap.
The SYRYN Waterproof Mp3 player has fit earbuds, which are very comfortable with superb sound quality, and eliminate decreasing volume when going into the water.
Pros
- Easy-to-use shuffle mode with three large buttons
- Can be used up to 10 feet below the surface of the water
- Long battery life – up to 10 hours of playtime
- Large memory storage for up to 2,000 songs
- Sleek, fit earbuds with tangle-free cable
- 360-degree angle swivel clip for a super-secure fit
- Excellent sound quality
- Moderately priced
Cons
- No ACC support for some models
No products found.
FINIS Duo Underwater Bone Conduction Mp3 Player – Best Sound Quality
The FINIS Duo Underwater Bone Conduction Mp3 Player is one of the integrated models of waterproof Mp3 players on the market and does not have separate earphones. This player has outstanding sound quality in all depths of water and was one of my favorite players to use.
The player has a sleek, two-piece design with Bone Conduction audio transmission, which provides crystal clear audio through your cheekbones to the inner ear, so you don’t need earphones. The integrated clip design provides a secure fit on your goggle straps or swim cap.
Sound quality is excellent even in the deep water of up to 10 feet and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts for seven hours, allowing for long swims without having to recharge. The four-buttons interface makes it very easy to use while swimming, and it has a memory that can store up to 2,000 files in Mp3 or WMA format. The device is compatible with iTunes and can play music, audiobooks, podcasts, and more.
The FINIS Duo Underwater Bone Conduction Mp3 Player is recharged via a USB charging dock but it is not waterproof so make sure your Mp3 player is dry before recharging.
Pros
- Integrated design without earbuds/earphones
- It has superb sound quality in all depths of water
- Compatible with iTunes
- Sleek two-piece design with four buttons makes it easy to use
- Includes a USB charging dock
- Long battery life
Cons
- Charging from a computer can be intermittent
No products found.
Delphin Waterproof Micro Tablet Mp3 Player – Best Waterproof Mp3 Player with Screen
The Delphin Waterproof Micro Tablet Mp3 Player is a top-notch device with a screen and one of the best on the market for Mp3 players with screens and modern technology applications. The device features an Android operating system and has a touchscreen, so it’s like using a smartphone in the water.
It also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities (although they do not work underwater), and you can download music, audiobooks, and podcasts from apps set on the device like Audible, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, SoundCloud, and more.
If you are looking for a device that gives you feedback from your coach while swimming, then this is the one for you. Walkie-talkie apps like Zello enable you to receive constructive feedback from your coach during your workout.
The compact touch screen interface is super easy to use, and it comes with 8GB or 16GB of memory. You can choose between Swimbuds Sport or Swimbuds HydroActive headphones, both of which come with 11 different earbud tips and a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
The Mp3 player has a solid metal clip that ensures a snug and secure fit into your goggle straps or swim cap and quick attachment. Five raised buttons on the side of the device make it easy to use while in the water.
Pros
- Direct downloading capabilities via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- A choice of two different earbuds with 11 earbud tips
- Syncs with Android operating system apps such as Spotify, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, etc.
- Great battery life and easy to recharge
- A one-year warranty
Cons
- The small screen can make typing difficult
No products found.
AudioFlood Mighty Audio Spotify Player – Best Compatibility with Spotify and Amazon Music
The AudioFlood Mighty Audio Spotify Player is one of the best waterproof Mp3 players to use with Spotify. The 100% waterproof device uses the Mighty mobile app to sync with your Spotify or Amazon Music playlists via Bluetooth and automatically replays them.
It is lightweight and easy to use and has a large clip that provides a secure fit to your swim cap or goggle strap. The iPod-style face is simple to use in the water with play, forward, skip, shuffle, and volume buttons very accessible. The headphones are comfortable and provide a secure fit with high-quality sound in the water.
Pros
- Compatible with all Bluetooth devices such as headphones, speakers, and more
- Automatically reconnects for updates and playbacks using the Mighty mobile app
- Good quality sound in the water
- Comfortable headphones with different earbud tips
- Battery lasts offline last for over five hours
Cons
- The device takes some time to boot-up
No products found.
Sony NWWS413BM Sports Wearable Mp3 Player – Best Active Lifestyle Waterproof Mp3 Player
The Sony NWWS413BM Sports Wearable Mp3 Player has the most comfortable and secure earphones of all the models I tried. Designed for running, this waterproof Mp3 player can also be used for swimming and the ergonomic design of the player promises long-lasting comfort.
This Mp3 player is wireless and completely hands-free which is great! It has internal 4GB memory so can hold thousands of songs, audiobooks, podcasts, and more. The battery lasts up to 15 hours and has a quick charge – it takes just three minutes to charge for an hour of playtime. The waterproof player is also sweat- and dust-proof and has an anti-motion control.
The Sony NWWS413BM Sports Wearable Mp3 Player comes with both running and swimming earbuds, an adjustment band for different head sizes, and a USB charging dock. This is a fantastic all-around active and outdoor lifestyle underwater and waterproof Mp3 player.
Pros
- The ergonomic design promises a super comfortable and secure fit
- Excellent battery life – up to 15 hours
- Quick charge battery
- Superior-quality sound
- Waterproof, sweat, and dust-proof
- Hi-Speed USB 2.0
Cons
- Can only be used in depths up to six feet
No products found.
H2O Audio 100% Waterproof Mp3 Player – Best Mp3 Player for Depth
The H2O Audio 100% Waterproof Mp3 Player is a great player for snorkelers and divers as it plays at depths of up to 12 feet. It also has excellent storage capabilities with space for over 2,000 files in a range of various formats (MP3, WMA, FLAC, APE).
The player has a sleek, hydrodynamic design and an IPX8 waterproof rating, which provides excellent waterproof capacity. The battery has long-lasting power with a 10-hour playtime in the water and a rotating 360 snap-clip on the back offers a secure fit while swimming.
Control buttons are easily accessible, and headphones have a tangle-free cord and a selection of earbuds in multiple sizes to ensure a comfortable fit. Files can be uploaded to the device via Bluetooth, or from your computer with the USB connector.
Pros
- The ergonomic design makes it easy to use and control
- Rotating 360 snap-clip ensures a secure fit
- Superior sound quality
- Variety of earbud sizes and shapes for the most comfortable fit
- 10-hours playtime
- Large memory that can store up to 2,000 songs
- Bluetooth connection and compatible with iTunes
- One-year Warranty
Cons
- The buttons are quite small
No products found.
Sewobye Waterproof Mp3 Player – Best Mp3 Player for Training
Long-distance swimmers will love this underwater and waterproof Mp3 player with its easy-to-use design and 16-hour playback capability. It can store up to 2,000 songs in a variety of formats such as MP3, WMA, FLAC, and APE and takes just 1,5-hours to fully charge.
The player has a sleek, ergonomic, and hydrodynamic design so it doesn’t feel bulky in the water and a solid clip for a secure fit onto goggle straps and swim caps. The headphones come with an elasticated, tangle-free cord and a selection of earbuds for a comfortable fit. The player has HIFI Lossless sound quality which provides clear sound in moving water.
Pros
- The ergonomic and hydrodynamic design makes it streamlined to use
- Super battery life with 16 hours of playtime
- Large memory with storage space for over 2,000 songs
- Secure clip
- Ridged buttons for easy feel in the water
- HIFI Lossless sound quality
- Elasticated, tangle-free headphone cord
Cons
- Songs are arranged alphabetically which may not suit everyone
No products found.
Blue Voice Swimming Headphones Mp3 Player – Best for Stereo Sound Quality
This underwater and waterproof Mp3 player is a cordless music player with high watertight capacity, great sound quality, and a firm fit, making it a good choice for swimmers and snorkelers looking for an inexpensive, simple-to-use device.
The device has built-in headphones with High Fidelity stereo quality sound and two sizes of earbuds for superb comfort. A snug head-fitting strap wraps around the head and can be used beneath or on top of the cap. A rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of playing time and the device comes with a waterproof charging clip.
Pros
- Cable-free, built-in headphones
- High Fidelity stereo quality sound in the water
- Long battery life and 10 hours of playing time
- Snug head-fitting strap for a secure fit
- Optional sizes of earbuds for comfort
- Comes with a waterproof charging clip
Cons
- The headset may not fit small head sizes
No products found.
AGPTEK Waterproof Mp3 Player – Best Multifunctional Waterproof Mp3 Player
The AGPTEK Waterproof Mp3 Player is one of the best multifunctional waterproof Mp3 players out there with a great design, a high waterproof rating, and excellent HIFI lossless sound quality. This device has a 2-1 function and can be used to listen to FM radio as well as downloaded songs and other audio files. The screen-off mode shows a song catalog and folder viewer for easy underwater operation.
This waterproof player works in depths of around three feet of water and can play for 16 hours when fully charged which is great for long-distance swimmers. A full charge takes two hours, and the memory supports up to 2,000 audio files. A 360-degree rotatable clip provides a secure and adjustable fit to the back of your goggle strap of the edge of your swim cap, and the device comes with three pairs of three-layer noise-isolating earplugs.
Pros
- HIFI lossless sound quality
- Super battery power – 16 hours of playtime
- FM radio capabilities
- Quick two-hour charge
- Flexible 360-degree adjustable clip for a comfortable and secure fit
- Three-layer, noise-isolating earplugs
Cons
- The screen is relatively small and might not be easy to see in the water
No products found.
Oakcastle MP100 16GB Mini Portable MP3 Player – Best for Storage and Playtime
The Oakcastle MP100 16GB Mini Portable MP3 Player has fantastic storage capabilities so if you are a music lover and have a massive library of songs and other audio files, then this is the waterproof Mp3 player for you.
The device has a 16GB internal memory, and you can insert another Micro SD card into the device to extend the storage up to 128GB. The device also supports a wide range of file formats, including MP3, AAC, APE, FLAC, WMA, WAV, and OGG.
Despite the huge storage space, the device is lightweight and portable, and super comfortable to swim with. It takes 90 minutes to fully charge and can play for up to 30 hours without being interrupted. It also has a voice record function and FM radio, and Applied 4.0 Bluetooth enables you to transfer files quickly and efficiently.
The player has a screen showing features playing files in detail and raised buttons of volume and playback which makes them very easy to use in the water. The inner electronic functions of the waterproof player are protected by a water-resistant case made of silicon and a solid clip provides a secure fit to your goggles strap or swim cap.
Pros
- Massive storage of up to 128GB
- Compatible with Micro SD card for extra storage
- Short charge of 90 minutes and 30 hours of playtime
- Multifunctionality includes music, radio, and voice recording
- Lightweight and portable
- Compatible with Micro SD card for extra storage
- A water-resistant silicone case for high waterproof quality
- A 36-month warranty
Cons
- The screen resolution is fairly low
No products found.
Tayogo IPX8 8GB Waterproof MP3 Player – Best Value for Money
The Tayogo IPX8 8GB Waterproof MP3 Player has a compact, sleek design with the headphones integrated into the player in a secure triangular headband design. The body of the player can be removed from the headphones for charging, and the player has large memory storage of up to 8GB, enabling storage of over 2,000 songs in various formats.
The player has an IPX8 waterproof rating and can be used in depths of up to 10 feet of water, and the ergonomically-designed earbuds offer a super comfortable fit.
Pros
- Integrated design that is comfortable and streamlined
- Ergonomically-designed earbuds provide a secure fit
- Integrated 8GB memory that can store up to 2,000 songs
- Long battery life and supports various audio formats
- Convenient to remove for battery charging
- IPX8 waterproof level
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Limited functionality
No products found.
Waterfi 8GB Waterproof MP3 Player – Best with FM Radio
The Waterfi 8GB Waterproof MP3 Player is the best player for listening to FM radio. Its small, compact design makes it lightweight and portable and very easy to use when swimming, surfing, and enjoying other watersports.
It has a clip that secures the player to your goggles, swim cap, rash vest, or lifejacket, and easy-to-use raised buttons are great for changing songs or switching modes in the water. You can drag and drop songs into the player from your computer or iTunes, and the device can be used in depths of up to 30 feet of water.
It is coated in a matte silicone finish which protects the device from chlorine and saltwater and provides excellent durability and a long lifespan. A variety of earbuds and a short, tangle-free connection cord allow the perfect and secure fit.
Pros
- Built-in FM radio
- Short, tangle-free cord headphones limits drag
- Waterproof up to 30 feet depth
- A 360° rotating clip provides a secure fit
- Long playtime – 8-10 hours continuous playback when fully charged
- Four different pairs of silicone earbuds
Cons
- The playlist sometimes switches to random during playtime
No products found.
HunDun 4 GB Waterproof MP3 Player – Best Budget Waterproof Mp3 Player
The HunDun 4 GB Waterproof MP3 Player is a budget-friendly waterproof Mp3 player that has all the basic functions of an Mp3 player and offers up to 10 hours of playtime. If you are looking for an inexpensive player to try in the water, this is a good bet.
The device has a flying saucer-shaped design and a high-quality rubber waterproof coating. It has a fairly good sound quality for a budget model with EQ functions for adjusting the sound. A fully charged battery offers eight to 10 hours of playback time, and the device can be charged via the USB cable. Remember to dry the player thoroughly before charging.
Pros
- Budget-friendly with great features
- Stylish design and high-quality rubber coating for a high waterproof rating
- Adjustable back clip for secure fitting
- Noise-isolating headphones
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Fast charging function (1.5 hours) with 10 hours of playtime
- Great sound quality with EQ functions
Cons
- Battery life is not as long as other models
No products found.
Caring for your Waterproof MP3 Player
While most waterproof MP3 players are fairly robust, it’s important to take care of your device to ensure a long life span. Always rinse your MP3 player off thoroughly in fresh water after using it, especially if you have used it in chlorinated or saltwater, and let it air dry. Only recharge your device when it is completely dry and keep it in a cool, dry space.
Happy swimming!
Mia Russell is currently the head swim coach at Aquasharks Swimming Academy in South Africa. She has worked as the head swim guide at SwimQuest Open Water Swimming Holidays in London and was previously a Swim Coach at Cybersmart Aquatics. She has a AIDA International Level 3 Freediving Certification, PADI Open Water Advanced Certificate, SSI Level 1 Free Diver Certificate and RYA Beach Lifeguard Certificate.