1. Swimbuds Flip Headphones and 8 GB SYRYN Waterproof MP3 Player
2. Tayogo 8GB Waterproof MP3 Player
3. Pyle Upgraded Waterproof MP3 Player
4. Sony NWWS413LM 4GB Sports Wearable MP3 Player
5. SEWOBYE Waterproof MP3 Player for Swimming and Running
Music is so much fun that a lot of us do not care what technological format it comes in as long as we get to enjoy it. There are more than ten different audio formats, and MP3 is one of them. As a matter of fact, this format is the most common and convenient, which explains why most (if not all) electronic players are compatible with it.
There are a whole lot of different brands of MP3 players on the market for you to buy and enjoy with the music of your choice. But if you want to use this device for a long time, you have to get a high-quality and durable one.
In this post, we will focus on waterproof music players. This includes what they really are, how they work, and what you should have in mind when shopping for one. We will also discuss some of the best options that we could not help but notice during the course of our research on this matter. All five of them were selected based on important factors like functionality, sound, quality, durability, cost, and design.
What Is a Waterproof MP3 Player?
The acronym MP3 stands for MPEG audio layer 3. The acronym MPEG stands for Motion Picture Experts Group, which is an international standard for encoding and compressing video images. Now, an MP3 player is a device used in playing compressed digital audio files. A waterproof player is a device designed specifically to be used in water without being damaged by the water.
There were other audio players before the advent of MP3 players, but they do not come with the level of convenience provided by MP3 players. With an MP3 player, you can enjoy a great level of convenience. Here are some of those benefits.
- Portability
This is one of the most outstanding reasons why MP3 players overshadowed other types of players. You can take an MP3 player with you wherever you go with very little inconvenience. This property is possible because the players come in cute little sizes you can easily hold in the palm of your hand or fit right into your pocket.
This means you can enjoy your music even while exercising at the gym, taking a walk, or just chilling. You can choose to play it out loud, or you can connect earbuds and enjoy your music or audio file without disrupting activities around you.
- Data storage
This is another notable feature of these players. You can store more data in the player than you can with other players of different formats. Since the invention of MP3 players in 1997 to date, there has been some modification in the area of data storage improvement, which is quite impressive and incomparable to other formats.
With the old CD players, you cannot enjoy your audio files if you do not insert a disc in it. With MP3 players, you get to enjoy a built-in storage system in the player that can hold much more music.
- Ease of use
You can store thousands of tracks with this device because it has a superior data storage capacity, which is quite convenient. You can customize them the way you want them so that you can access them easily. The tracks can be arranged by alphabetical order, date added, file size, and so on.
- Transfer and download
File transfers and downloads are also easier with MP3 players. The time it takes to transfer or download files is less than half of the time it takes to burn the same amount of data on a CD. Also, MP3 players are typically compatible with any computer. All you need to do is connect an MP3 player to your computer and have the files transferred to your device.
- Durability
A waterproof MP3 player can withstand a lot compared to the ones that are not waterproof or CD players. You do not have to worry about your device getting scratched like a CD can be. You also do not have to worry about water getting into it seeing that it is waterproof.
- Cost
You would think that MP3 players should be more expensive considering that they offer better convenience, quality, and functionality compared to the past types of players. Surprisingly, that is not the case. You can get a durable, water-resistant, and high-quality device at a very affordable price.
- ID3 tags
This feature is how an MP3 player can show the details of an audio file. Information such as title, album, track number, artist, and so on can be stored in your player as ID3 tags.
Despite all these benefits, it is still important to handle your devices with care. Just like every other device, it can break when handled carelessly.
How to Pick the Right Waterproof MP3 Player
If you must go for a waterproof player, it is best to select the best waterproof MP3 player you can find. There are many of them on the market, but not all of them are equal. Some are of higher quality than others. For instance, some of them are waterproof, and some others are water-resistant, while the rest cannot handle any amount of water at all.
Here are some of the features you should look out for when shopping for a quality device. Make sure that whatever product you settle on checks off everything on this list or at least eighty-five percent of it including being waterproof.
Brands
Some of the most popular brands that manufacture the best portable waterproof devices include Swimbuds, Tayogo, and Pyle-Reproductor. They come highly recommended because of their ability to function effectively while being used under water. Also, they are among the top best-selling brands, and they have a lot of great reviews from credible users.
Water Protection
This is one thing you must get right when buying a waterproof device. Can it withstand water all the way, or is there a certain level to which it is protected? Note that there is a difference between water-resistant and waterproof. When it is waterproof, it means that you can dunk it in water for a long time and that it would come out fine. When it is water-resistant, it means it can take just a little splash of water but may not withstand being submerged.
Before you make a purchase, find out if the model you are considering is actually waterproof and how waterproof it really is. Some brands state that their device can withstand water for up to ten feet, while some others would not say as much.
Battery Life
Unlike the old audio players, most MP3 players are rechargeable. When fully charged, you can use it for six hours straight if it is a good underwater MP3 player. You can also get as much as twelve hours of battery life depending on the strength of the battery. Generally, anything less than six hours of battery life is not worth it.
Configuration and Design
Most MP3 players are quite portable. This is true of some more so than others depending on the design. If you are looking to reduce bulkiness to the barest minimum, then you may want to go for the smaller ones. However, make sure they are not too small to the point of sacrificing other important features like battery life and shape.
The design should be such that you can easily wear it without stress even while swimming. The button configuration should be easily accessible as well.
Storage
How many songs do you want to have in your player at a time? You need to find out the storage capacity of a device to make sure it is in line with what you want before purchasing it. Experts recommend going for a device with at least 1 GB storage capacity, which can store approximately a hundred and fifty songs at a time. With a storage capacity of 2 GB, you can get as many as 500 songs at a time; 4 GB can give you about a thousand songs. 8 GB can store approximately a couple thousand songs.
Technical Features and Functionality
Are the technical features basic and functional enough at the least? This is an important question you need to ask yourself. You should be able to pause, play, select, rewind, fast forward, skip, and stop a track when needed. Some players come with additional features like shuffle, repeat current track, repeat playlist, and so on.
Sound Quality
You can have the best waterproof MP3 player with a large storage capacity, but all of that would be pointless if the sound quality is poor. This may mean a little extra expense, but it is worth it.
Top 5 Best Waterproof MP3 Players
In the course of our research, we were able to handpick some of the best devices that can play your MP3 tracks effectively while under water. We made it a point of duty to ensure that they are waterproof and not just water-resistant. We also ensured that they are durable, cost-effective, high quality, portable, and highly recommended by real users. If you do not have the time to carry out in-depth research before buying a waterproof MP3 player, feel free to go for any of these.
1. Our Pick: Swimbuds Flip Headphones and 8 GB SYRYN Waterproof MP3 Player
Features:
- Snag-free short cord
- Secure custom fit
- Crystal clear sound
- 8 GB memory capacity
- 10 hours of battery life
- Compatible with different computer operating systems
This is a little device with dimensions of about 2.4 x 0.9 x 1.3 inches, and it weighs less than one ounce. It comes with a lot of features that make it outstanding compared to the rest. Since it was first introduced on the market in 2015, it has remained one of the top portable waterproof MP3 players on the market. It can withstand water to the tune of IPX8, which is deeper than 3 feet submerged in water. It comes with one lithium polymer battery that can last for as long as 10 hours.
Pros
Pros
- Quality design to ensure durability
- Simplified high-tech functionality
- Completely waterproof
- Convenient and easy to use
- Sizable storage capacity for about 2000 songs or more
- Backed by a one-year warranty against manufacturer’s defect
Cons
Cons
- Advanced modes that are not easy to operate
- May not fit so well without a cap or goggles
The sound is basic but clear and it comes with a pair of earbuds to save you money. It includes a 360-swivel clip, which you can attach anywhere you deem fit. However, the manufacturer advises that it be attached to the back of your swimming goggles or swim cap if you have either of them on. It is compatible with both macOS and Windows operating systems as well as USB cables for easily transferring files.
Public Review Summary: This player is lightweight and very convenient to use. The battery lasts a long time, and the player comes with superior earbuds. Also, it has a nice clip, which is very easy to attach even to goggles. As far as drawbacks, it does not support AAC files, which is a negative for users who have music in this format.
2. Best for Adjustability: Tayogo 8GB Waterproof MP3 Player
Features:
- IPX8, which can withstand 3-meter submersion
- Storage capacity of 8 GB
- 0.2-inch sound unit
- Comes with earbuds
- Supports MP3 format and WMA, DRM, OGG, WAV, and AAC-LC
The Tayogo is our second-best device on this list. It has all the basic functions you would expect of it like IPX8 waterproof, great sound, compact size, great battery life, heat resistance, and so on. After purchasing it, you will find a pair of swimming headphones, 3 pairs of earbuds for land use, a USB cable, and a manual. The instructions in the manual are easy and comprehensive. It is important you read them to get a good understanding of how the device works.
Pros
Pros
- Can hold approximately 2000 songs at a time
- Good battery life of 6 to 8 hours
- Lightweight and durable design
- Can resist heat to the tune of 60 degrees Celsius
- Adjustable PP material
Cons
Cons
- Battery that dies if not used in 90 days
- Not very durable
One thing that makes this brand of player stand out from the rest is its adjustability. It is made from PP material, which is strong and flexible enough that you can adjust it to the size you want. To wear it, just put it on the back of your head from ear to ear and adjust it to fit you snugly. Charging it takes about 2 hours, and it can last for as long as 8 hours of use when fully charged.
Public Review Summary: This player has good longevity, and it is comfortable and does not snag on your goggles or ears. You can easily download songs or audiobooks to it and enjoy high-quality sound. Or just connect it to your phone and simply listen to music. The main con of this product that people mention is its durability. In some cases, it does not last as long as expected.
3. Best for Battery Life: Pyle Upgraded Waterproof MP3 Player
Features:
- Available in two styles—Bluetooth + MP3 and MP3
- Built-in 8 GB storage capacity
- Fully submersible and IPX8 rated
- Speaker power of 5 mW
- Lithium battery of 200 mAh
- Supports MP3 and WMA
Just like all other devices on this review list, the Pyle Flextreme player is very effective for anyone that lives a very active lifestyle. It has a pair of earpieces connected by an adjustable loop that goes behind the head and an outstanding design. It is available in two different styles—an MP3 player featuring Bluetooth connection and another option without a Bluetooth feature.
Pros
Pros
- Sleek ergonomic design
- Long-lasting battery life of about 10 hours
- High-speed USB 2.0 connection
- Compatible with macOS and Windows operating systems
- Clear and high-quality sound
Cons
Cons
- May not last for long
- Poor customer care service
The storage is great at 8 gigabytes, which can hold a couple thousand songs at a time. So, you can store your best music from time immemorial in it, and you will still have a lot of storage space left. It can be submerged 3 meters into water or even more without being damaged. The 200 mAh lithium battery is great and can last for as long as 10 hours before running down. Data transfer via Bluetooth does not take long thanks to the 2.0 Bluetooth connection. It is so lightweight that you will hardly know you have it on, and the sound is very clear and of high quality.
Public Review Summary: The Pyle MP3 player is a really great product for swimmers. Even under water, it offers loud and high-quality sound. It fits very well, and you do not need a cap. Just a pair of goggles will be enough to hold it on. But as it is quite often with this type of product, it can stop working very fast, so be careful with it.
4. Best for Durability: Sony NWWS413LM 4GB Sports Wearable MP3 Player
Features:
- Available in blue and black
- 4 GB storage capacity
- Ergonomic design
- Ambient noise function
- Quick-charge battery
- Completely waterproof and dustproof
Sony is one of the worldwide household names when it comes to electronics, and their swimming MP3 players remind us once again why that is so. Most other devices can withstand one-meter submersion, but the Sony brand went above that to give us a player that can be submerged as far as 2 meters in water, which is more than 6 feet deep.
Pros
Pros
- Capable of grinding the tough piece of meat easily
- Hard bones along with the softer piece of poultry bones can be grinded
- 3 blades available for the accurate meat coarseness
- Food stuffer and sausage horn included with the grinder
Cons
Cons
- Not safe for dishwasher washing
This product is available in two colors—blue and black. It has a storage capacity of 4 gigabytes, which is the least compared to others on this list. It can still hold as many as a thousand songs, and that is more than enough for most people. The design is ergonomic and adjustable. It has an ambient noise-cancelling feature that can completely shut out surrounding noise. Be careful how you use this though; make sure the volume is not too high because it may affect your hearing temporarily. It is compatible with both macOS and Windows.
Public Review Summary: The construction of this Sony MP3 player is solid, and the waterproof materials do their job well. Also, it is very easy to load music on it, and the player is simple to use. It fits snuggly and does not pop loose. But on the other side, not all customers are pleased with it because it can fall out while swimming and the volume is not always loud enough.
5. Best for Long Lasting: SEWOBYE Waterproof MP3 Player for Swimming and Running
Features:
- Multifunctional clips
- Compatible with Windows and macOS
- Supports MP3, WMA, FLAC, and AP
- 16 hours of battery life
- 8 GB storage capacity
- 3 pairs of earbuds and a USB cable
There is so much you can do with a portable MP3 player that has a storage capacity of 8 gigabytes and a battery life of 16 hours. If you do not have a power outlet close to you for charging your gadgets, this would make a great fit for you. If you use it for 2 hours daily, it can go for a week or more before it runs down. The manufacturer of this product went as far as giving a one-year warranty and thirty-day no-risk refund if you purchase this product. This is their own way of assuring you of the quality of their product.
Pros
Pros
- Sleek and beautiful design
- Lightweight and quite easy to operate
- Great sound quality
- 1.5 hours of battery after quick charge
- IPX8 (completely waterproof)
- Comes with a one-year warranty and a thirty-day no-risk refund
Cons
Cons
- May fall out during swimming
- Advanced controls that are not easy to figure out
Each pack comes with an MP3 player, 3 pairs of waterproof earphones, an extension audio cord, and a USB cable for charging and data transfer. It is compatible with both macOS and Windows, which are the most common operating systems in use. It supports not just the MP3 audio format but also WMA, FLAC, and AP. The design is aesthetically impressive, but it may not fit properly for everyone.
Public Review Summary: This player does its job really well. It is small and comfortable to use and gives users high-quality sound. Also, it has a long-lasting battery, which can last up to 8 hours on one charge. It is rubberized because it is waterproof, and that adds a bit of protection. But as usual, it has some problems with durability.
Best Waterproof MP3 Player FAQ
With all we have discussed about this device, anyone who reads this post should have the basic information needed to get a functional, cost-effective, and enjoyable waterproof MP3 player. There are still some other matters you may need to know about, so we have compiled this list of frequently asked questions. We answered them in the most comprehensive way possible to help you make the best out of your device.
How deep can one swim with a waterproof MP3 player?
How deep you can go with your device totally depends on what brand you use. Some brands can go as deep as 3 feet, while some others can go as deep as 6 feet. If you are a deep swimmer, then you should go for devices that have IPX8 ratings, which can go as deep as 10 feet without being damaged.
If not, you can go for IPX7 devices that can go roughly 3 feet deep. To determine the waterproof capacity of a device, take a proper look at the package, it should be written on it. If there is no specific information about how deep the device can go in water, it is best that you try other brands or models.
Can I use a Bluetooth waterproof MP3 player under water?
No, you cannot. You can only use the Bluetooth device on land when you wish to transfer files, but once you are in water, you are no longer able to enjoy that luxury because the water would interfere with the signal and stop it from being transmitted to earbuds.
Does the size of the MP3 player matter?
Since you will be using it under water while swimming, the size matters a lot. If it is too big, it may obstruct the smooth flow of water, making it harder for you to swim effortlessly. It may also fall off from your ears if the earbuds are too big.
On the other hand, an MP3 player that is too small may not be very easy to control considering that the buttons may be too small as well. Also, if the earbuds are too small, they might not fit into your ears without falling out. The idea is to get something that is not too small or too big to fit and secure on you while swimming.
Which brand is the best for waterproof MP3 players?
From our point of view (and that of many others), the Swimbuds flip headphones and Syryn MP3 player device stands out from the rest. It has a lot of great qualities. It is cost-effective, durable, functional, the right size, adjustable, easy to operate, and so on. If for any reason you are not able to get this device for yourself, you can try any of the other brands mentioned above.
How long should I expect my waterproof MP3 player to last?
It depends on the quality of the product you buy and how careful you are with it. All of the brands mentioned in this review are of great quality and can last for years when handled properly with care. This is why it is important to always go through the user manual first before using the device. The manual will provide you with the manufacturer’s point of view on how best to use the device to get the most out of it in terms of functionality, effectiveness, and durability.
Conclusion
It does not matter if you are an athlete or just a casual swimmer, playing some good music while you swim is one of the best combinations there is. It is more therapeutic than you can imagine. Investing in any of the five products reviewed above will give you a great experience while you engage in your active lifestyle.
Aside from using these devices in swimming pools, you can also use them in the rain, shower, or while sweating heavily. They can even work in a hot tub, steam room, hot spring bath, etc. since they have the ability to withstand hot temperatures up to about 60 degrees.