Thanks to the help of this subreddit, I got a pair of Shokz Open Swim Pro headphones.
Today I used them for the first time and wow was it amazing! I usually swim on my own and listening to music helped me swim longer than I have in a few months and stay motivated longer. It was awesome, and the sound quality was way better than I was expecting!!
If you’ve been debating whether or not to invest in some underwater headphones (like I was), just do it!
Edit: I already wear ear plugs anyways.
I got my Shockz 3 weeks ago and I’m so happy swimming with music! I wore the ear plugs last Monday for the first time, and I think sounds improved a little, but it might be just my imagination, haha.
Blue said:
I got my Shockz 3 weeks ago and I’m so happy swimming with music! I wore the ear plugs last Monday for the first time, and I think sounds improved a little, but it might be just my imagination, haha.
Nope, earplugs make a huge difference!
Swimming is sooo much better with headphones. For those looking to buy, just remember that Bluetooth signal doesn’t carry through water, so be sure to look for one with an MP3 player. If not, they will behave like a CD skipping (if you’re old enough to remember how that sounds).
@Jody
The reason I haven’t bought the AfterShokz ones is that I thought they weren’t Bluetooth compatible? I get that the Bluetooth won’t work while swimming, but I’d like it to work while doing other workouts. If they’ve added Bluetooth I’ll get on Amazon right now.
@Aza
The original Swim version did not have Bluetooth, but they recently released the Swim Pros, which allow you to switch between MP3 and Bluetooth.
I have them and they are generally great, however they removed the ability to shuffle between folders in MP3 mode so I don’t know of a way to switch albums or artists besides just the general shuffle song mode. Disappointing change but I’d still recommend them.
@Aza
I’m not sure on AfterShokz. The ones I got have both MP3 & Bluetooth. I was confused about the MP3 until I remembered about the water.
@Aza
I’ve got the Open Swim Pro’s. They have Bluetooth and local storage. I use them in and out of the water constantly; they’re awesome.
Ellison said:
@Aza
I’ve got the Open Swim Pro’s. They have Bluetooth and local storage. I use them in and out of the water constantly; they’re awesome.
Can you transfer music via Bluetooth? The hassle of adding music to them is a deal breaker for me.
@Logan
No, only via the proprietary USB cable.
Was the sound quality good? Even I’m debating whether or not I should buy one! And would it be good for my runs as well?
Dylan said:
Was the sound quality good? Even I’m debating whether or not I should buy one! And would it be good for my runs as well?
After reading some posts and reviews about the sound quality not being the best, I was really worried. But I have been so pleasantly surprised!
I’ve used them for phone calls and music via Bluetooth plus the MP3 (underwater) mode, and the sound quality is great. I would say it’s better than my AirPods, but not quite as nice as my noise-canceling Beats. Due to the size and sound quality together, I think these Shokz just became my go-to headphones both in the water and on land.
I’m super impressed with the sound quality! You could absolutely use them for runs as well.
The swim ones come with ear plugs and a nose plug, which I think is a nice touch, as well as a silicone storage pouch with holes to drain any excess water.
@Noah
Sounds perfect for my needs! Thank you for the response!
@Noah
I’ve also been using it while watching TV! No more CC needed haha.
Dylan said:
Was the sound quality good? Even I’m debating whether or not I should buy one! And would it be good for my runs as well?
The sound quality isn’t good, but it’s perfectly fine for swimming.
Everyone has different standards for sound quality so I would ignore anyone saying they’re terrible or fantastic—they’re neither. Bone conduction headphones will never have great sound quality. They’re worse than even my much cheaper in-ear buds and far, far worse than my over-ear Audio-Technica headphones, but when I’m swimming they’re good enough that I don’t notice the lack of quality. You could definitely use them for running if you wanted, but you might notice the lack of bass.
@Carson
Oh fair haha, I’m not too particular about sound quality in general (can’t tell the difference most of the time). I was just finding out for general knowledge; I’ve been looking at bone conduction as I hate the intrusive nature of headphones/earbuds while working out and wanted to be able to hear my surroundings without having to use the feature that allows sound through the mic.
@Dylan
I think they’d be perfect for you!
@Dylan
This. I like to work out and be aware of my surroundings.
I’m not a sound quality geek either, but I notice the lack of low sounds (like bass). However, for me, it’s more important to be aware of my surroundings than a bass sound. I use my Shockz in the office, I take calls and meetings with them, and they are pretty good (more than good enough). But again, I don’t put a lot of weight on sound quality.
@Carson
Can you listen to a podcast and understand it?
Fintan said:
@Carson
Can you listen to a podcast and understand it?
I haven’t tried yet but I would assume so. Happy to test it out and report back if you like! I’ve seen people say good things about it.