SHOKZ OpenSwim Review: Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones for Swimming

It’s always been a struggle finding ways to listen to music while swimming. Earbuds constantly fall out, while traditional waterproof headphones muffle the sound and feel uncomfortable. It’s like having to choose between enjoying your favorite tunes and actually getting a good workout. For a while, I simply resigned myself to listening to the sounds of the pool, but I knew there had to be a better solution. I was desperately searching for a way to enjoy my swimming workouts while listening to my favorite music, something that would stay put, deliver quality sound and actually be waterproof.

SHOKZ OpenSwim(formerly Xtrainerz) Swimming MP3 Headphones, Open-Ear Bone Conduction Headset, IP68...
  • [No more ear pain] Unlike in-ear headphones, OpenSwim wireless earphones are equipped with an open-ear design powered by bone conduction technology, ensuring...
  • [IP68 waterproof] OpenSwim bone conduction waterproof headphones withstand total submersion in up to 2 metres of water. Fully waterproof and submersible so you...
  • [Excellent Underwater sound quality] Boosted by 7th generation bone conduction technology, OpenSwim waterproof MP3 gives you a clear and consistent sound...
  • [Versatile And Secure Fit] OpenSwim bone conduction earphones are compatible with swim caps, goggles, and earplugs. OpenFit titanium design equipped with...

A Deep Dive into Open-Ear Swimming Headphones

Open-ear swimming headphones are specifically designed to address the challenges of listening to music underwater. These headphones utilize bone conduction technology to deliver sound vibrations to the skull, bypassing the ear canal entirely. They’re waterproof and offer a secure fit, making them ideal for swimming, running, or any other activity where traditional headphones fall short.

But before you dive headfirst into purchasing a pair, there are a few things to consider. First, consider your budget and how often you’ll be using the headphones. If you’re a serious swimmer looking for a high-quality, durable option, you might be willing to invest in a pricier pair. However, if you’re only a casual swimmer, a more affordable option might be better.

Secondly, think about the level of sound quality you need. Some headphones focus on delivering clear, crisp audio while others are designed for a more bass-heavy sound.

Lastly, check out the features offered by different models. Some headphones include built-in storage for music, while others require a Bluetooth connection. You’ll also want to make sure the headphones are comfortable and secure enough for your specific activities.

Introducing the SHOKZ OpenSwim: A Waterproof MP3 Player for Swimming

SHOKZ OpenSwim (formerly known as Xtrainerz) are a pair of bone conduction headphones specifically designed for swimming. They boast an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning they can withstand total submersion in up to 2 meters of water. With 4GB of storage, you can load up to 1200 songs and enjoy up to 8 hours of playtime. These headphones are an excellent choice for swimmers who want to listen to music while getting their workout in.

The OpenSwim are targeted towards serious swimmers and athletes who want to enjoy music while swimming. However, they’re not ideal for everyone. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that you can use for everyday listening, you might be better off with a different model.

Here are some pros and cons of the SHOKZ OpenSwim:

Pros:

* IP68 waterproof rating
* 4GB of storage for up to 1200 songs
* 8 hours of playtime
* Secure and comfortable fit
* Open-ear design for situational awareness
* Decent sound quality for bone conduction headphones

Cons:

* No Bluetooth connectivity
* Can be a bit pricey
* Sound quality might not be as good as traditional headphones

The Features that Make Swimming With Music a Reality

The Open-Ear Design: Hearing Your Surroundings While Enjoying Music

One of the biggest advantages of the SHOKZ OpenSwim is the open-ear design. This means that you can still hear your surroundings while listening to music. This is particularly important for swimmers, as it allows you to be aware of other swimmers and any potential hazards in the pool.

Bone Conduction Technology: Vibrating Sound for Clear Audio

The headphones utilize bone conduction technology to transmit sound vibrations to the skull, bypassing the ear canal entirely. This allows you to hear music even while swimming, as the water doesn’t obstruct the sound vibrations. While the audio quality might not be as rich as traditional in-ear headphones, it’s surprisingly clear and consistent, especially in a water environment. I’ve noticed that the sound quality is particularly good when doing freestyle or backstroke, with the continuous submersion. It’s still enjoyable for breaststroke, but the sound does vary slightly due to the water coming in and out of the ears.

Waterproof Design: Submersible for Any Swimming Style

With an IP68 waterproof rating, the SHOKZ OpenSwim can handle even the most intense swimming workouts. I’ve used these headphones for freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and even butterfly without any issues. I’ve even taken them into the ocean, and they’ve held up beautifully.

Secure Fit: Designed for Stability in the Water

The OpenSwim are designed for a secure fit, even during vigorous swimming. The titanium frame provides a comfortable and stable fit, making sure the headphones stay in place through any stroke. I’ve found that they also work well with swim caps, goggles, and earplugs. The wraparound flexibility of the headphones ensures that they stay put even when you’re turning or pushing off the wall.

Built-in MP3 Player: Enjoy Music Without a Phone

The OpenSwim have a built-in MP3 player, so you can listen to your music without having to bring your phone to the pool. This is a great feature for swimmers who want to leave their phones behind and focus on their workout. The headphones support various music formats, including MP3 and WMA. Transferring your music is a simple drag-and-drop process, with no software required.

Long Battery Life: Power Through Your Workouts

The OpenSwim offer up to 8 hours of playtime, which is plenty of time for most swim workouts. The battery life is also impressive considering the headphones are waterproof and have a built-in MP3 player. I’ve never had to worry about running out of battery during a swim, and it’s one less thing to think about while working out.

Swimming With Music: What Others Are Saying

Online reviews for the SHOKZ OpenSwim are generally positive, with users praising the headphones’ waterproof design, secure fit, and decent sound quality. Many swimmers report that these headphones have made their workouts more enjoyable and have helped them to stay motivated.

The Verdict: A Great Option for Swimmers

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy music while swimming, the SHOKZ OpenSwim are a great option. They are waterproof, comfortable, and offer a secure fit, making them ideal for swimmers of all levels. While they don’t offer the same level of audio quality as traditional headphones, the sound is still clear and consistent, especially underwater.

Click here to check out the SHOKZ OpenSwim and elevate your swimming workouts.

Last update on 2025-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API