Waterproof headphones for swimming can get expensive quickly. They’re designed to withstand conditions that regular headphones and earbuds cannot, which often reflects in the price. Many come equipped with onboard storage to counter the unreliability of Bluetooth signals underwater.
However, testing your everyday wireless earbuds in the deep end is not the only way to save money. There are several strategies to find waterproof headphones under $100/£100, and you don’t need to wait for Black Friday to snag a deal. That said, keeping an eye out for upcoming sales can be advantageous.
In the following sections, we’ll provide tips to help narrow down your options to a more affordable price point. Of course, if you’re inclined to splurge, options like the Zygo Solo are available. If you’re unsure what qualifies as waterproof headphones, we recommend checking out our waterproof vs. water-resistant headphones guide to understand what features to look for.
1. You Don’t Have to Get Bone-Conduction Headphones
Bone conduction technology is excellent for headphones that need protection from water. Unlike traditional headphones, which only partially shield the drivers, bone-conduction headphones encapsulate the sensors that transmit audio. This design is often why many earbuds for workouts are classified as water-resistant rather than waterproof.
However, bone-conduction options can be niche and thus a bit pricier. Don’t dismiss them entirely, as models like the H20 Audio TRI Multi-Sport Headphones may fit within your budget and are worth considering. You can also find traditional headphones that incorporate extra protection in the sub-$100/£100 range, such as the HydroActive Waterproof headphones and H2O Audio Surge SX10.
The H20 Audio TRI Multi-Sport are perfect for water sports and activities thanks to its bone conduction speakers, Bluetooth, MP3 player, and stable fit.
Pros
- MP3 player built-in
- Stay in place during swims
Cons
- Sound quality could be better
HydroActive Waterproof Headphones
The Swimbuds HydroActive boasts both top-quality sound and maximum security, along with a unique ridged earbud tip that prevents water from entering.
Pros
- Stays in place
- Up to 10ft of submersion
Cons
- Build quality could be better
With a waterproof rating of IPX8, these in-ear headphones are suitable for complete submersion up to 12 feet / 3.6 meters underwater.
Pros
- Short cord
- Complete submersion to 12ft
2. Compromise on Sound Quality
When opting for more budget-friendly waterproof headphones, it’s essential to manage your expectations regarding sound quality. Many models employ specific technologies to function underwater, which often comes at the expense of audio fidelity.
While you shouldn’t settle for something that sounds awful, it’s likely you won’t achieve the same immersive audio experience found in high-end earbuds or headphones. As long as the headphones can deliver reasonable audio clarity, they should suffice for motivating your workouts in the pool.
3. Don’t Cheap Out Too Much
(Image credit: Shutterstock / Olga Pink)
While we won’t point out specific waterproof headphones to avoid, it’s wise not to settle for unknown brands with unclear specifications. Opting for the absolute cheapest options may lead to purchasing low-quality products that fail after a few months, ultimately costing you more in the long run.
Instead, ensure that the headphones you choose, irrespective of price, are made well and equipped with the features you need, allowing for one solid investment rather than multiple replacements. Unless you intend to create a collection, aim for buying the right quality the first time.
4. Don’t Skip Certain Features
Many waterproof headphones are equipped with onboard storage for audio files. Despite the dominance of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, current Bluetooth technology struggles to provide reliable connectivity underwater.
This means that while you could opt for headphones that lack onboard storage—thereby reducing costs—you will likely face connectivity issues when submerged in your pool, lake, or ocean.
5. Take Advantage of Sales
While the above tips can guide you toward budget-friendly options, being aware of sales can extend your options even further. Though items like the Naenka Runner Diver might be slightly above the standard $100/£100 price point, you can expect periodic price cuts if you shop strategically.
Being mindful of upcoming sales events or any regular markdowns can allow you to snag a premium model at a more affordable price. For those who don’t need a pair right away, most headphones in your wishlist are likely to see temporary price drops throughout the year.
Staying vigilant during shopping seasons, like Black Friday or regular sales, will help you capitalize on great deals. Bookmark our buying guide above and check back periodically to stay updated on current prices.
For more information on finding waterproof headphones for under $100, click Here.
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