Top 10 Best Waterproof MP3 Players of 2023

For those of us who love to exercise with our favorite tunes encouraging us to keep pushing, there is one item that makes the whole experience even better, especially for those who love water sports.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to run in the rain, worrying about sweat on long runs, or actually get in the water and splash around; a waterproof MP3 player is a great piece of kit to have in your arsenal.

To help with this, we have put together a list of reviews of the best waterproof MP3 players on the market, as well as a buying guide. So, just keep reading, and we’ll answer all your need to know as we find the best waterproof MP3 player for you…

Top 10 Best Waterproof MP3 Players of 2023

1 Underwater Audio 100% Waterproofed Space Grey Apple iPod Shuffle

If you’re looking to swim laps to the sound of your favorite tunes, then look no further than the custom waterproofing offered by Underwater Audio. They have produced what is widely considered one of the best waterproof MP3 players for swimming, and they have done so with one of the most popular devices on the market.

Starting with an iPod Shuffle in Space Grey, Underwater Audio then perfects the Apple design with a process to waterproof, corrosion-proof, and depth test the device to ensure no leaks remain. These are so good in fact that they have received an endorsement from Rebecca Soni, National Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist (2008 and 2012). In fact, the MP3 player includes a free 30-minute swim workout audio by Rebecca.

The iPod Shuffle holds 2GB of music and audiobooks, and a battery that lasts for about 15-hours. It’s also both Max and PC compatible, because there’s nothing worse than having a device that doesn’t sync with everything else.

Included with the waterproofed iPod Shuffle, you also get Swimbuds Flip waterproof short-cord headphones. With these, you can clip the iPod to your swim cap or goggles strap and be off for hours in the water. FitGoo is also included to help achieve a seal in the ear canal, as well as a trial size AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense.

We’d say this is a pretty nice setup, though we have heard reports that the device failing in a shorter time than many feel is reasonable at this price point.

2 FX-Sport VRX Premium Wireless Sport Headphones

FX-Sport has put together the VRX Premium Wireless Sport Headphones in a slightly different style, with an MP3 player built into the headphones themselves, so there’s no need for a separate unit. They also are not fully waterproof as bought.

We really like that this option provides both a larger storage space (8GB) and that it has hundreds of professionally constructed workouts preloaded on it. These workouts cover all levels of fitness and many training categories, as well. You can even customize your own workout with instructions, time notifications, and motivational messages.

Not only that, but there’s a Race a Virtual Athlete mode.

With both race and pace modes for the ultimate mix of workouts. We would say that the hundreds of training sessions with 12-week programs alone make this a great option.

You’re unlikely to find many options that are both waterproof and have amazing sound quality. However, FX-Sport has embedded an extra amp for a better depth of bass and volume, and you can adjust the bass and treble settings as well.

The manufacturer advertises that this is sweat and rain resistant, but if you want to wear them swimming, you will need to invest in the waterproof Silicone Skin Accessory. This is, of course, usually sold separately. Still, it provides a great option for use both in and out of the water for those not looking just for an MP3 to use while swimming laps.

3 Sony Walkman NW-ZW273-S 4GB Waterproof Sports MP3 player w/Earbuds

When it comes to sound quality, Sony is one of those brands that has earned quite a good reputation over the years. They also tend to have their fingers in just about every segment of the market, and the waterproof MP3 is included with a few models available.

This particular model (NWZW273S) provides 4GB of music storage and includes earbuds, as they are after all built into this design. The design is cordless, single-piece design with everything all built into one, so there is nothing to drop and lose when swimming or running.

Sony claims that the waterproof design keeps moisture out, providing true-to-life sound with deep bass. We would say this is a bit of a reach with this particular model. Though it does provide excellent sounds for a waterproof MP3 device, the headphones are not the most comfortable of the options we reviewed here.

Yes, just drag and drop the songs or playlists that you’d like added once you’re connected and away you go. We really like how simple this aspect was, but we will note that this particular model is not the top end Sony model and thus is lacking in quality in some aspects of its construction.

4 Diver DB-10 4GB Waterproof MP3 w/Waterproof Earphones

If you would like to have a waterproof MP3 player, but don’t have a big budget, then you’re in luck. Diver has built the DB-10, which not only competes with the options above but does so at a considerably lower price point.

Diver provides 4GB of memory, which is more than most of us could use in a single swim before exhaustion sets in anyhow. The Plug-n-play connection via a USB cable is set to function with both Mac and PC, so there are no limitations there either. You even get hooked waterproof earphones, with guaranteed waterproof performance.

For the price, we’d consider this one of the best cheap waterproof MP3 players. We really like the way it can attach to the headband of swimming goggles, removing any chance of knocking it loose in the water.

You get what you pay for, and many users have noted that this model tends to suffer water damage and stop functioning. We didn’t experience any issues, though we will note that the manufacturer recommends these to be waterproof for up 24 hours in the water, but neglects to offer any depth rating.

5 Swimbuds Flip Headphones w/8GB SYRYN Waterproof MP3 Player

SYRYN and Swimbuds have teamed up to offer another excellent option on our list of the best swimming MP3 players, and this option is definitely waterproof. Every manufacturer uses its own criteria of ‘waterproofing,’ but when it meets industry standards, you get…

Meeting IPX8 stringent waterproof standards, both the headphones and player are protected in ways that you can count on not failing anytime soon. Plus, there’s 8GB of memory to hold all of your favorite tunes or workout routines.

Yes, in fact, you could probably switch songs mid-stroke with the large tactile buttons on the SYRYN unit. There’s also an onboard shuffle feature, so you can adjust the rhythm you’re training at any time.

With four unique earbud sizes and styles, everyone would be able to find a good fit, which is something that we really appreciate after trying so many different earphone styles. We also like the low-profile goggle clip, as well as the extra-short, snag-free cable on the Swimbuds Flip earphones.

We will note that while these are not the cheapest, they are certainly amongst the less expensive options on our list, and yet…

A year’s Manufacturer’s Warranty is included to keep you protected from factory defects!

6 Underwater Audio 100% Waterproofed Silver Apple iPod Shuffle

If you like the look of the very top item reviewed, but wish you could get the unit in silver rather than space grey, then keep reading. This is exactly the same setup as the other option from Underwater Audio, but a different color.

The manufacturer still starts off with an iPod Shuffle (in silver this time), and then takes the Apple design and perfects it by making it waterproofing, corrosion-proof, and then depth testing it to ensure it is a leak free unit.

And as mentioned, these are done so well that they are endorsed by Olympic Gold Medalist (2008 and 2012), Rebecca Soni. And the MP3 player even includes a free 30-minute swim audio workout by Rebecca herself.

No, it really is the same in a different color with the iPod Shuffle holding 2GB of music and audiobooks, and it has the same 15-hour battery life. It’s also both Max and PC compatible, as you would expect.

Yes, included with the waterproofed iPod Shuffle, is the Swimbuds Flip waterproof short-cord headphones, FitGoo to help achieve a seal in the ear canal, and a trial size AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense.

7 Sony NW-WS620 16GB Waterproof & Dustproof Walkman w/Bluetooth

Another option from Sony that differs from the option we’ve already reviewed is the NW-WS620, which shares some similarities to its cousin and yet is a different beast in a few aspects, at least.

Yes, it does. This option from Sony holds twice as much as any other MP3 player that we have reviewed, and that’s really nice for those of us who intend to use it regularly. After all, no one likes having to update their playlist too often, nor do we generally want the same exact songs every swim.

With built-in Bluetooth, you can connect without having to worry about wires, and you’re good to go with the 3-minute quick charge that provides 60-minutes of playback. We’d say that all seems handy enough to give you one less excuse not to go swim some laps.

Sony has included in this model their Ambient Sound mode, which uses the microphones built into the left and right side of the Walkman to keep you connected to what’s around you while you listen to music. This means your fitness instructor won’t get drowned out by your music, so you can keep getting the training and advice you need.

8 H2O Audio Waterproof iPod Shuffle Case & Headphone Swim Solution

For those looking to use an iPod Shuffle that they already own, H2O Audio makes an outstanding waterproof case and matching waterproof headphones that encase what you already own. This is a great option if you don’t want a separate device entirely just for swimming.

The provided headphones are sweatproof, waterproof, and noise cancelling with an IPX8 rating down to 12-ft. This means you can swim laps until you’re exhausted without needing to be concerned about water damage. Equally, the ergonomic sheared shape of the headphones sits flush in the ear for both comfort and superior sound quality.

The more recent designs, yes. H2O Audio has engineered this case to fit the Shuffle 4-7, while also keeping weight and bulk to a minimum. The buttons align with the enclosed MP3, which means that you have full control of the volume and playback buttons. We think this is a brilliant design as it frees you to upgrade/replace the Shuffle without needing to worry about purchasing a whole new waterproof version.

Not only that, but there are five sets of high-quality earplugs included, so no matter who you are, there should be a comfortable option for your ears. Plus, the short headphone wires keep things tangle free and ideal for moving around in the water.

9 Pyle Flextreme Sports 8GB Waterproof MP3 Player Headset

Producing one of the least expensive options on our list of the best waterproof MP3 players, Pyle has built the V2 Flextreme at a ridiculously low price point. In fact, it’s so much less than some other options here that it’s hard to believe it is really waterproof at all.

With the IPX8 rating, you should be good to go when it comes to dust, sweat, and water protection down to about 6-ft. Plus, there’s 8GB of storage, which is a fair bit more than some higher-end models that we have reviewed already.

We did note some leaking issues during our investigation, so ensure you are fully sealed before diving in. This can get more difficult throughout the life of the device, due to the minimal build quality that you’d expect for an item at this price. Still, as long as you take care of the device, you should get some good usage before experiencing any issues.

Designed with a high speed USB 2.0 with drag and drop style loading, you’re good to connect this Pyle MP3 to either iTunes or Windows for an enjoyably multi-format playback. It even supports WMA, and the 10-hour battery will keep you swimming laps until exhaustion.

10 Tayogo 8GB Waterproof MP3 Player & Headphones

The final entry on our list of Waterproof MP3 reviews comes from Tayogo in an 8GB all in one design MP3 player/earphone set. There’s no need to be worried about losing the player, as it’s built into the headphones with this product.

Yes, unlike many options in the range, this device can play back WMA, DRM, OGG, WAV, and AAC-LC files in addition to the MP3. This all takes place in the 8GB memory capacity, so you should be able to load more songs that you could possibly listen to in a single workout session. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, but maybe not if you’re half fish…

Yes, you can even take them in the sauna! This design is approved for up to 140ºF, which is great if you want to relax in the bath after a workout. In fact, this alone means this may be the best shower MP3 player, though we expect most of these will do fine in a shower.

That depends on your ears, as we all need something slightly different in the way of fit for comfort. Still, the three-pointed triangle head-mounted design keeps the unit stable on your head, and the earphones are specifically designed for use in water.

Best Waterproof MP3 Players Buying Guide

Now that you’ve read through our list of the best waterproof MP3 player reviews, the only thing left is to decide which of their features is the most important to you. To help you with this aspect of the purchase, we have put together the below list of questions that you should consider.

The First Thing To Think About Is Sound Quality…

If you’re purchasing earphones and an MP3 to listen to music or training motivation while doing laps, then you will want something with decent sound quality. This is more difficult when underwater, but there are some decent options out there.

One Thing To Note Regarding Bluetooth…

It doesn’t really work well once you place water as a barrier between your earphones and the MP3 player. This is due to the way Bluetooth operates, as it is strongly diminished by water. So, we’d actually recommend steering clear of Bluetooth options (for playback at least) for now.

Wires Can Be A Pain In The Water…

For this reason, most options have short wires to keep you from getting tangled up as well as minimize drag. This means that you either need an all in one unit that has the MP3 player built into the earpieces, or one that clips to a swim cap or goggle strap.

What Is The Most Important Feature?

Comfort, comfort, comfort. Yes, you need to ensure that your device will not get ruined completely by water damage caused by leaks. And yes, you will want a device that holds enough music for you to keep pushing yourself without getting bored with the beats.

But, Even a Top-notch Waterproofing Will Sit On The Shelf If The Earbuds Aren’t Comfortable…

For this reason, we highly suggest that you first ensure that the earpieces fit well in your ears. We all have different sizes and shapes to our ear canals, so there’s unlikely to be one option that is perfect for everyone. More music is definitely better, but not if you want to ditch the device after a couple of laps due to an earache…

Need some accessories?

Not much point having the very best of waterproof MP3 players and skimping on the all-important things that go with it. So, please check out our reviews of the Best Waterproof Headphones and the Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones currently available.

If you’re not that worried about the waterproof aspect, the Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, the Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds, and the Most Comfortable Headphones may also be of interest?

So, What Are The Best Waterproof MP3 Players?

Now that you have read through the above reviews and buying guide, we expect that you’ve got all the information that you could possibly need to make an informed decision. Hopefully, you’re ready to purchase a set of waterproof headphones and accompanying MP3 player to keep you motivated no matter where you intended to take them.

If you still need some guidance on the best option, we would recommend the…

…due to its high-end waterproofing, and decent underwater sound quality.