Ever wanted headphones you can actually take in the pool? The SHOKZ OpenSwim is a bit of a curveball compared to the usual waterproof earbuds.
These use bone conduction, not in-ear buds, and they’re built for underwater sessions. Instead of Bluetooth, your music sits right on the device.
The OpenSwim holds about 4GB of tunes, which is roughly 1,200 songs. Battery life clocks in at around 8 hours per charge—enough for most swim sessions, unless you’re Michael Phelps.
Bone conduction means your ear canals are free, so you don’t get that stuffed-up feeling after a long swim. Some folks swear by this for comfort, especially during marathon laps.
These have an IP68 rating, so they’re good for full-on submersion up to two meters deep. The titanium wraparound frame is snug, and it works with swim caps, goggles, and the included earplugs.
People seem to like the sound quality both in and out of the water. The open-ear design means no more sore ears after a long day at the pool.
You get a nose clip and earplugs in the box, which is a nice touch. Some users say the buttons take a bit of practice, and with no Bluetooth, you’ll need to plug in and transfer music files the old-fashioned way.
There are a few reports of battery hiccups after a few months, but most folks find these reliable for regular swim workouts.
Overview of the SHOKZ OpenSwim MP3 Waterproof Headphones
These headphones ditch Bluetooth completely and go all-in on built-in MP3. Audio gets piped through your cheekbones, not your ear canal, thanks to bone conduction tech.
That means your ears stay open, and you skip the pressure that comes with traditional earbuds. It’s a relief, honestly, if you’ve ever had sore ears after a swim.
4GB of storage gives you space for about 1,200 songs. Battery life? A respectable 8 hours per charge.
IP68 waterproofing lets you swim in pools or open water without worry. The titanium wraparound frame fits securely and plays nice with your swim gear.
Just remember, this is an MP3 player only. No wireless streaming here.
Built-In MP3 Player With 4GB Storage
You get 4GB of built-in storage—enough for about 1,200 songs. That means you can leave your phone in the locker.
To load music, you connect the headphones to your computer and drag over your files. Some people find this simple, others miss the convenience of streaming.
Key Storage Details:
- Holds about 1,200 songs
- 4GB total capacity
- Requires manual file transfer from computer
There’s no way to expand storage, so you’re capped at 4GB. For most swimmers, that’s more than enough for their workout playlists.
Open-Ear Bone Conduction Design
Bone conduction tech sends sound through your cheekbones, skipping the ear canal entirely. No more earbuds digging in or causing irritation.
This design is great for long swims since nothing sits inside your ears. You can still wear earplugs, swim caps, and goggles without a problem.
Key Design Benefits:
- No ear canal pressure
- Works with swim gear
- Titanium wraparound for a secure fit
The 7th-gen bone conduction driver keeps the audio steady, even as you power through laps. Ambient noise isn’t blocked—by design, not accident.
IP68 Waterproof Durability
Waterproofing is a must for swimmers, and the OpenSwim doesn’t mess around. With an IP68 rating, you can submerge these up to two meters.
That means they’re safe for pool laps, dives, and most water activities.
Key Protection Details:
- Fully submersible for swimming
- Sealed build keeps MP3 components safe
- Works in pool and open water
Bone conduction and waterproofing work together to keep audio clear underwater. Most people find them reliable, though the IP68 rating is mainly for fresh water.
The titanium-nickel frame and silicone coating help with water resistance, and the headphones are lightweight at just 30 grams.
Underwater Sound Performance
Audio comes through bone conduction, not traditional earbuds. The 96 dB sensitivity and bone conduction driver send sound through your cheekbones, so you still get music even when submerged.
Users say sound clarity is solid during swims, but it does feel a bit different from regular headphones. You’ll still hear pool noise alongside your music.
The 8.5 Ohm impedance is tuned for underwater listening. No exposed speakers means water can’t block the sound.
Getting a good fit is pretty important—bone conduction works best when the headphones sit just right.
Secure and Versatile Fit
The titanium wraparound design keeps these headphones in place, even through flip turns and all your swim strokes.
You can wear them with swim caps, goggles, and earplugs. Most swimmers find the fit stable, even during intense sessions.
Some say the fit improves when using the included earplugs, which also help with underwater sound. The hook-shaped frame spreads pressure evenly, but comfort can depend on your head shape.
Comfort for Long Swim Sessions
Open-ear design means no more sore ears after hours in the pool. Bone conduction gets rid of earbuds entirely, so you skip the usual pressure and pain.
The titanium frame flexes but stays put—even during flip turns. You can use these with your regular swim gear without any fuss.
Key Comfort Features:
- No earbuds, so no ear canal irritation
- Lightweight build reduces pressure
- Plays nice with standard swim accessories
Eight hours of battery life means you won’t have to stop mid-workout to recharge. Some users mention a little trial and error to get the fit right, but once you do, they’re comfortable for most head sizes.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick look at what works—and what doesn’t.
Pros
The OpenSwim delivers solid performance for swimmers who want music in the pool. Bone conduction means no ear pain, even after long sessions.
IP68 waterproofing lets you swim worry-free, and sound quality holds up underwater—especially if you use the included earplugs.
4GB of storage is enough for most playlists, and battery life lasts through several workouts. The titanium frame keeps things secure, even with swim caps and goggles.
Cons
No Bluetooth means you have to manually load music—no streaming or phone connection here.
A few users have had durability issues, like charging problems after a few months. The button controls can be a bit fiddly, especially when wet.
They’re pricier than basic waterproof MP3 players. Bone conduction audio feels different from regular headphones, and some people need time to adjust.
This is strictly an MP3 player, so it’s not as versatile as some might want outside the pool.
Customer Reviews
Swimmers generally give the OpenSwim high marks for in-pool performance. The bone conduction tech gets a lot of love for clear underwater sound, and many say it’s better than other waterproof MP3 players they’ve tried.
Sound quality stands out, especially with the earplugs. People also appreciate that the design actually feels made for swimmers, not just as a generic waterproof gadget.
Common Positive Points:
- Clear sound underwater
- Easy controls and song loading
- Durable for regular pool use
Notable Concerns:
- Some units have charging issues after a while
- No wireless/Bluetooth—MP3 only
- Higher price than basic alternatives
Thousands of reviews keep the overall rating strong, but keep in mind: this is an MP3 player, not a streaming device.
The OpenSwim headphones really carve out a spot for swimmers who crave music during pool sessions. Bone conduction tech actually works underwater, which is still a little wild to me.
You get storage for about 1,200 songs, so unless you’re swimming for hours on end, you won’t run out of options.
Key Considerations:
- Best for: Dedicated swimmers looking for in-pool audio
- Not ideal for: Folks who want Bluetooth or to pair with more than one device
There’s no Bluetooth here—these are strictly MP3 players. Some people say they last a long time, but others have run into charging problems after just a few months.
Sound quality gets solid marks, especially if you use those earplugs that come with it. If you do a lot of lap swimming and want music, these might be worth the splurge, even if the price feels a bit steep.
