Just like working out in the gym, you can crush your swim workouts when you hit the pool with your favorite playlist. There is some motivation throttling benefit that comes with working out with music, and thanks to technology, it is not limited to dry-land anymore.
The water-borne athlete can freely listen to music underwater using waterproof mp3 players and iPod shuffles. There is a whole lot of them in the market, but you have got to pick the best for a perfect musical experience underwater.
In this guide, I am going to focus exclusively on the best waterproof iPod shuffles but, in case you want to check out waterproof MP3 players you can look up 17 Best Waterproof Mp3 Players for Swimmers.
So, which waterproof iPod player is the best?
I have provided detailed reviews of the five best waterproof iPod shuffles for swimmers together with a buying guide that will help you pick the best when you go shopping.
More Swim Gear Reviews:
Table of Contents
Why Would You Need a Waterproof iPod Shuffle?
Swimming is fun but, the repetitive sounds of waves and moving water can be dull. Music would add amusement and relaxation to your water activities, which in turn will help improve your performance and tranquility.
It’s pretty simple, you need a waterproof iPod shuffle to make swimming fun with your favorite playlist but here’s some more;
- It is better to waterproof an iPod shuffle with a pair of earphones than your phone or bigger headphones.
- iPod shuffles are easier to have on while swimming.
- Since they are smaller, they are more waterproof than most Bluetooth headphones.
- Their technology works best underwater.
My Top Picks
Here is a highlight of the best waterproof iPod shuffles for swimmers in 2024. Everything on this list can meet almost everyone’s needs in a waterproof iPod shuffle.
- Best Overall – Editor’s Choice: Silver Underwater Audio
“Remarkable and superior features with terrific color and design.” - Best Overall: Swimbuds Underwater Audio
“Top-notch functionality, sleek design, and excellent compatibility.” - Runner Up: Waterfi
“Reliable and straightforward, and conveniently lightweight.” - Best Budget: H2O Audio
“Save a few bucks and still get reasonably good iPod features.” - Best for Swimming Laps: Audioflood
“High-submergibility and excellent sound quality, nothing better for your lap swimming.”
Comparison Chart
This comparison guide will enable you to quickly look at the iPods’ features and what they are best for before you head on to read their detailed reviews.
The 5 Best Waterproof iPod Shuffles for Swimming Reviews
In this section, I have provided an all-around review with vast information for each of the five best waterproof iPod shuffles for swimmers. In case you’ll need to see them in action, you will click on the links to the video reviews I have put up at the end of every product’s review.
1. Swimbuds Underwater Audio
(Best Overall)
If you are an Apple iPod shuffle fun, this is you carrying it to your next swim workout. It is sleek, lightweight and you get all the features of the original Apple iPod shuffle unchanged.
This iPod shuffle is one of the waterproof gadgets ‘bigwigs’ sought for by triathletes and regular swimmers who value quality and high functionality in a device.
It retails in a package with a waterproof iPod, a charging or syncing cord, flip waterproof short-cord headphones, and a 0.5 earbud fit sealant. If you love water so much, you must have noticed the dryness, brittleness, and discoloration caused by pool and saltwater-all this is history with the 1oz travel-size Aquaguard it comes with.
You can use this iPod in any environment both on land and water because it is corrosion-proof and depth tested. Underwater Audio employs a waterproof technology that uses multiple internal layers that make it completely watertight. You can swim up to a depth of 200 meters underwater.
With a 15-hour battery life, you get to enjoy music for as long as you want. You can create multiple playlists consisting 500 songs or more given it has a 2GB memory space. Plus, you will have an uninterrupted swim thanks to its VoiceOver feature that allows you to control the music easily.
Not to forget, this iPod shuffle has an excellent sound quality that will leave you hooked to your music. You can also connect it to your Mac and PC systems to transfer music files.
Another praiseworthy feature is the 30 minutes swim workout by Rebecca Soni, the National Champion and Olympic medalist that will push you beyond your limits. You can download it for free. You also get quick charging so, no long waits before you hit the pool with some hot tunes.
Pros
- Comfortable and snug fit.
- Great waterproof capacity.
- VoiceOver feature.
- Sleek and lightweight.
- Compatible with Mac and PC.
Cons
- Low storage capacity.
See Also: Triathlon Watches
2. Silver Underwater Audio
(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)
This iPod shuffle is the same as the Swimbuds Underwater Audio iPod shuffle I have reviewed above. You will only be faced with the challenge of choosing a color; this is silver while the other is space grey.
Its price is also slightly lower than the Swimbuds Underwater Audio one.
This iPod shuffle comes in a package consisting of a waterproof iPod shuffle, short-cord headphones, and a charging cable. It has a compact shape and size, and it is incredibly light. This guarantees you an obstruction-free swim. You would even forget you have a music player on you.
Additionally, you get 0.5oz of FitGoo earbud fit sealant for a snug and watertight fit of the earbuds. You also get the Aqua guard pre-swim hair defense to prevent your hair from drying, losing color, and getting damaged in any way with the pool or saltwater.
Whether you are a marathon swimmer, a triathlete, an all-weather runner, or a casual swimmer, this iPod shuffle will give you a perfect musical experience in any environment you wish to take it. It has a waterproof capacity of up to 200Ft.
With 15 hours of battery life and 2GB memory space, you can have a seamless enjoyment of multiple playlists. You wouldn’t even have any difficulty controlling the music, thanks to its VoiceOver feature. You can also mix up your music the way you like with the easy-to-use shuffle feature.
If you are a swim workout novice, you’ll be lucky enough to have Rebecca Soni, the National Champion, and Olympic medalist, as your coach for a whole 30 minutes. You can download her audio swim workout for free.
With the syncing/charging cord in the package, you can connect the iPod to your Mac or Windows PC and easily sync to your iTunes library.
Pros
- Long battery life.
- Great compatibility.
- High waterproof capacity.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Snuggly fitting earbuds.
Cons
- Small internal memory space.
See Also: Waterproof Fitness Trackers
3. Waterfi
(Runner Up)
The first thing you need to know is that WaterFi is popularly known for an incredible waterproofing technology. This particular iPod shuffle can work up to 210 feet. That means you can go scuba diving with your music. You can as well use it for paddle boarding or swimming.
The iPod shuffle comes in 7 colors, versatility galore! You also get to enjoy a fuss-free swim on account of its short-cord earbuds that do not tangle when you do your strokes. It is made with solid Aluminium; thus, incredibly light that you will find it less cumbersome compared to other iPod shuffles.
Another reason why the Waterfi Waterproof iPod Shuffle is lighter than most iPods is because it eliminates the need for bulky cases because the interior circuits and contacts are 100% waterproof- some more assurance that if you dance in the rain with it, you won’t experience a shock, corrosion or any water-related damage.
You get 15 hours of your best tunes30-day, which you can easily control with the VoiceOver feature. Btw! You can also check the battery status with the VoiceOver feature.
You can use iTunes to stream your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks from your windows PC or Mac and create playlists of about 500 songs that you can store in the 2GB space.
One notable thing is that WaterFi offers a no-risk 30-day money-back return policy as well as a one year warranty that starts from the date of purchase.
Pros
- Available in multiple colors.
- Completely waterproof.
- Decent battery life.
- Easy to control.
- Compact and sleek design.
Cons
- Small internal memory space.
See Also: Waterproof Heart Rate Monitors for Swimming
4. Audioflood
(Best for Swimming Laps)
Ready for long swims in the ocean, lake or pool? You are going to need a little distraction to cure the boredom of water sounds and the bottom of the pool. The Audioflood Waterproof iPod Shuffle is the best solution you can get.
The iPod shuffle is a small square box with a sleek design. It is smaller than a two by 2 Rubik’s cube and incredibly light. This means it won’t get on your way during your laps.
In the package, you will get an iPod shuffle, a few sets of earbuds with different sizes so you can pick your perfect fit, a charger, a swim cap, and a pouch to fit in your gym or swim bag. Wholesome package, right?
If you have never used an iPod before, you needn’t worry because it comes with a user guide, and it is also pretty simple to use. After connecting it to either your Mac or Windows PC, you can stream music and other audio files from iTunes.
Unlike most current generation iPod shuffles, you can enjoy your favorite beats underwater with the Audioflood waterproof iPod shuffle up to a depth of 250ft both in the pool and open water. It offers you 15 hours playback time, and you can store up to 500 songs in the 2 GB space available.
You also get to control your playlists and artists thanks to the VoiceOver feature. Te independent control buttons it comes with are also handy, especially after clipping the iPod behind your head.
The Audioflood Waterproof iPod Shuffle has large speakers that offer an excellent sound quality for your music, podcasts, or audiobooks. You can play them in the MP3 and WMA audio formats.
Pros
- Highly waterproof.
- Decent battery life.
- Great compatibility.
- Excellent sound quality.
- VoiceOver feature.
Cons
- Small internal storage space.
- The earbuds keep falling off.
Check out this video of the fantastic Audioflood Waterproof iPod Shuffle for more information on its features and usage.
5. H2O Audio
(Best Budget)
If you want the iPod experience underwater on a budget, this is your prime pick. It is almost half the price of most iPod shuffles.
The iPod shuffle comes with two color options in a compact, ergonomic design. You also get multiple earplug options for a perfect personal fit. The ergonomic design ensures there is a proper alignment of your ear canal with the earbuds.
The short-cord headphones provided are waterproof and soundproof with noise canceling. However, you only get to go 12ft underwater with this iPod shuffle. So in case you intend to swim longer and deeper in the water, you better look elsewhere for a more submersible iPod shuffle.
The iPod is easy to use as it has push buttons that align with the control buttons for volume and playback. Since it is incredibly light, you won’t experience any drag, and you will be able to carry it wherever you want.
As for sound quality, it offers an improved bass quality powered by 8mm neodymium drivers with noise isolation by the high-quality earbuds. The only thing you have to overlook is its incompatibility with other headphones; otherwise, it’s a pretty terrific choice if you are looking for waterproof iPod shuffles.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Multiple earbuds options.
- Two color options.
- High sound quality.
- Noise isolation.
- Perfectly aligned earbuds.
Cons
- Not compatible with other headphones.
Here is a video of the H2O Audio Waterproof iPod Shuffle Case, watch, and see if you are considering it for your next water adventures.
How to Select the Right Waterproof iPod Shuffle for Swimming?
Here are some of the things you should know before you go shopping for a waterproof iPod shuffle. You will have little to no trouble choosing the best iPod shuffle for your water escapades after reading this guide.
1. Water Protection
First, you need to identify your need for a waterproof iPod shuffle. If you want to spend long hours in water or do activities that require you to go the deepest ends of the water, then you need an iPod shuffle that is submersible up to 200ft and above.
If you want one for a casual swim or cruising on a pool float on a warm summer afternoon, you can go for one with IPX8 waterproof rating like the H2O Audio.
2. Fit
You have to ensure you get an iPod that comes with multiple earbud options so that you can get a perfect fit. You don’t want to be adjusting your earbuds amid your strokes.
Also, short cord headphones are the best for an obstruction-free and comfortable swim.
3. Sound
Music is the reason you are buying an iPod shuffle, so the sound quality is a crucial aspect to look out for. Ensure you get an iPod shuffle that comes with headphones with excellent sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Know How to Waterproof an iPod Shuffle?
Yes. But it would be best if you buy one that has already been waterproofed because the process takes time, and you might not get it right.
How Deep Can I Swim with a Waterproof iPod Shuffle?
You can swim as deep as 250ft deep with some iPod shuffles, but most of them are submersible up to 200ft. Some have the IPX8 waterproof technology that allows you to go only 12ft deep.
How Will I Know a Waterproof iPod Shuffle Will Be Easy to Use Underwater?
The iPod shuffles that come with the VoiceOver feature are the easiest to use, and also look out for ones with large control buttons that you can easily press to control your music.
Must I Use the Headphones That Come with the iPod Shuffle?
No. There are iPod shuffles that are compatible with other headphones but others are not. In case you want headphone versatility, you should settle for the ones that are compatible with other headphones.
Swim Network Overview
Boredom when swimming laps are a thing of the past, thanks to technology. You can listen to your favorite music, podcast or even audiobooks underwater as deep as 250ft with the best waterproof iPod shuffles for swimmers.
There is a wide array of waterproof iPod shuffles from different companies, but they are not all the same. For an optimal musical experience you must ensure you get the best in the market. After you identify your primary need for a waterproof iPod shuffle, choosing one will be a walk in the park after reading this guide.
The Swimbuds Underwater Audio and the Silver Underwater Audio are the best iPod shuffles you can get your hands on in terms of general functionality and design.
If you feel you don’t want to break the bank for an iPod shuffle, you can go for the H2O Audio. It is affordable and has the basic features you would need on a waterproof iPod shuffle.
For swimming laps, you would never go wrong with the Audioflood. It is highly submersible and has a decent battery life that allows you to have a seamless enjoyment of your multiple playlists.
All in all, you should settle for an iPod shuffle with a high waterproof capacity, has a decent battery life, great internal storage, and is lightweight.
Kim G SHEPARD
Did Audioflood go out of business?
William
Oh, I don’t think so. Their products may be out of stock on Amazon sometimes but they will restock shortly.