As the heat begins to intensify, there’s nothing quite like taking a refreshing dip in the pool (if you have one). And if you’re in the mood for some music while swimming or doing laps, we’ve compiled a selection of highly appealing headphones that are designed specifically for pool use and are water-resistant.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that the IP certification, which assesses water and dust resistance, isn’t the sole factor to consider in this case. This certification primarily evaluates resistance to splashes, including sweat and rain, and is not intended for submersion.
Similar to smartphones, when it comes to pool activities, we require headphones that are either waterproof or water-resistant. Traditional sports headphones are not suitable for swimming in the pool.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to properly wash the headphones after use. Pools contain chlorine to prevent algae growth, and chlorine is a corrosive substance. Therefore, it is recommended to rinse the headphones with tap water after using them in the pool, effectively removing any traces of chlorine.
Best headphones for the pool
We have curated a selection of options to suit different preferences and budgets. All of these headphones come with internal memory, which is particularly useful since Bluetooth coverage may not always be available during swimming sessions. Obviously, given that swimsuits do not typically have pockets, it is not the most practical choice to swim with a mobile phone in your pocket.
Sony NW-WS413
Our first recommendation is the Sony Walkman, a highly esteemed brand known for its exceptional audio solutions. These headphones are specifically designed to be resistant to both saltwater and chlorinated water, making them ideal for swimming. Notably, they are capable of immersion up to two meters.
These headphones feature an in-ear design, meaning they fit snugly inside the ear. They come with a generous 4 GB of internal memory, allowing you to store a significant number of songs. Additionally, you can enjoy up to 12 hours of battery life with these headphones, which is a crucial factor to consider.
SHOKZ ShokzOpenSwim
Next, we have a unique option based on bone conduction technology. These headphones, known as SHOKZ, provide a different listening experience as they don’t sit inside the ear canal. Instead, they transmit sound through vibrations on the surface, offering a more comfortable fit. However, it’s important to note that the support or fit may not be as optimal as traditional in-ear headphones.
Similar to the previous recommendation, these headphones are also capable of withstanding immersion in water up to two meters, making them suitable for pool use. They are completely waterproof and can even be used for activities like running.
With a built-in 4 GB memory, these headphones can store over 1,000 songs without any issues. In terms of battery life, they provide up to eight hours of usage, slightly less than the previous model but still adequate for most swimming sessions.
Mashine K9
We have another compelling option for swimming, which offers a bit more versatility. The Mashine headphones are of the in-ear type, following the conventional design. However, they excel in terms of water resistance, as they can withstand depths of 3 to 5 meters. While this may not be crucial for pool use, it provides added durability.
With an impressive storage capacity of 8 GB, these headphones can accommodate a vast number of songs. Unfortunately, their drawback lies in their battery life, offering only 4 hours of autonomy. This aspect makes them less appealing compared to other options.
Tayogo
Let’s explore another option that utilizes bone conduction technology, which can provide a more comfortable experience for swimming. These headphones stand out not only for music playback but also for their ability to play audiobooks and include an FM radio. These additional features are not commonly found, making them a unique choice in the market.
These headphones are designed for submersion of up to 5 meters, although it’s advisable not to push them to their limits. With 8 GB of internal memory, they offer ample space for storing a large collection of music and audiobooks. In terms of battery life, they provide up to 5 hours of playback for audio and 3 hours for FM radio.
It’s worth noting that these headphones have received mixed reviews on Amazon, with a rating of 3.5 stars and less than 100 reviews. Additionally, Tayogo specifies a 1-year warranty, which is against the law in Spain where the minimum required warranty period is two years. These factors suggest that the product may not offer the best quality or reliability.
