workout with music
Waterproof headphones: These models provide the sound for swimming
Waterproof headphones are a popular training tool for swimmers. But the choice is limited. You should pay attention to this when buying.
© Shokz
One can excellently discuss whether waterproof headphones were still missing in the jam-packed technology market. The fact is: In addition to joggers, swimmers also want music to their ears during their sport. And you should pay attention to this when buying headphones for the water.
Music is multi-talented. Music makes you happy. music comforts. Music makes people laugh. Music awakens emotions. And: Music motivates. Millions of amateur runners around the world have long recognized this. There are now more joggers with their favorite sound or a podcast in their ears than those who have left Airpods and the like at home. Now, water is an element that struggles with electronics of all kinds. Nevertheless, water rats can also listen to music while swimming laps in the outdoor or indoor pool. Even superstars of the swimming scene like record Olympic champion Michael Phelps or Natalie Coughlin train with music. The market leader from California does not have any suitable models in its range. So Airpods alternatives are in demand.
In this article you can read what you should consider when buying headphones for crawling and which models are even possible.
Waterproof headphones have to be able to do that
Headphones that are to be used while swimming must three important criteria fulfill.
- The electronic components must not come into contact with water. So it has to be waterproof. (more on that later)
- It should seal the ears as well as possible, but neither press them uncomfortably nor interfere with training in any other way.
- It should deliver an appealing sound quality.
Which headphones for swimmers are there anyway?
Here, too, there are three options to choose from.
- Headphones with an integrated MP3 player like the JBL Endurance Dive
- Headphones connected to a smartphone with a cable
- bluetooth headphones
A distinction is also made between the widespread in-ear models and so-called open-ear headphones, which sit next to the ears and work with bone conduction. A system that was specially developed for enjoying music under water. So-called transducers do not transmit the sound vibrations via the air but via the cranial bones into the inner ear. Small disadvantage: The ears are exposed and are therefore also open to all background noise. For undisturbed sound during swimming training, earplugs must be worn, which are usually included in the scope of delivery. With the in-ear variant, the buds act as earplugs. This model should also reliably deliver music in sea water.
Pros and cons: in-ear vs. open-ear headphones
advantages | Disadvantages | |
in ear | – Selection significantly larger – comparatively cheap | – slip a little easier – Water gets into the ear more easily |
open ear (bone sound) | – sit securely on the head – higher quality sound | – additional earplugs necessary – slightly higher price |
Still completely (water)tight?: What the IP protection classes mean
An international standard has been established for all technical devices that could come into contact with water or liquids in general. The International Protection (IP) Codes provide information about the waterproofness of a product, among other things. While headphones for jogging easily get by with the certification IPX4 (protection against splash water) or IPX5 (protection against water jets), headphones for swimmers must be marked with at least the IPX7 label. With this number, the manufacturer assures that the headphones are protected against “temporary submersion”. Sports swimmers should therefore use models with the highest certification if they want to enjoy their headphones for longer. Protection class IPX8 means “Protection against permanent immersion”. Of the Xtrainerz by Shokz and this cheap one NoName model has been certified with the highest protection class.
Waterproof Headphones: MP3 beats Bluetooth
Bluetooth technology, which is widespread for headphones “on land”, has not yet been able to establish itself in headphones for swimming, despite smartwatches. The radio connection between transmitter and receiver is not stable enough and usually breaks off just below the water surface. In short, the best option for swimmers is headphones with an integrated MP3 player. It must then be equipped accordingly on the laptop at home before the training session. When buying, you should pay attention to the storage capacity in addition to the battery life. It should be at least 1 GB. Some manufacturers now offer 4GB devices or more on. a current one Bluetooth headphone review read here.
Note: The article was first published in March 2021.
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