The Complete Guide to Listening to Music While Swimming

Swimming is one of the most enjoyable and effective full-body workouts. Many runners and cyclists train with music or podcasts because audio helps maintain rhythm, motivation, and focus. Naturally, many swimmers would also like to listen to music while training in the pool.

In recent years, swimming headphones have become increasingly common. Several brands now offer headsets specifically designed for underwater use. These devices typically use bone conduction technology, which allows sound to be transmitted through the cheekbones while leaving the ears open.

For many swimmers this technology works surprisingly well. Music can be heard clearly underwater while maintaining awareness of the surrounding environment. Listening to music during swim training can make long sessions more enjoyable, just like running or cycling with headphones.

However, swimmers quickly discover one major limitation of most underwater audio devices: Bluetooth does not work underwater.

Why Bluetooth Does Not Work Underwater

Most modern wireless headphones rely on Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth uses high-frequency radio signals that travel well through air but are quickly absorbed by water.

Even a few centimeters of water can significantly weaken a Bluetooth signal. As a result, Bluetooth connections between a phone and headphones usually fail as soon as the swimmer submerges underwater.

Because of this limitation, most swimming headphones cannot stream music directly from a smartphone. Instead, they rely on internal memory inside the headset.

This means swimmers typically have to download music files from a computer and transfer them to the device before swimming.

The Limitations of Offline Music for Swimmers

For many swimmers this offline approach works, but it also has several drawbacks.

First, it requires extra preparation before every swim session. Music or podcasts must be downloaded from a computer and manually transferred to the headset.

Second, many people today primarily use streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, or podcast apps. These platforms do not always allow simple downloading of music files due to copyright restrictions.

As a result, swimmers often cannot easily use their existing playlists when swimming. Instead they must create separate offline files for their swimming headset.

For swimmers who train frequently, this process can become inconvenient and time-consuming.

Because of this, many swimmers have been hoping for a system that allows direct streaming from a smartphone while swimming.

New Technologies for Streaming Audio While Swimming

Until recently, streaming music underwater was considered nearly impossible. However, several companies have begun developing solutions that use alternative signal technologies instead of Bluetooth.

Around 2025, a few systems appeared on the market that attempt to solve the underwater streaming challenge. Among the most notable are systems developed by Zygo, Sonr, and Rayofi.

Each of these systems uses different approaches to transmit audio signals underwater.

Zygo: Underwater Audio with a Dedicated Transmitter

Zygo introduced one of the first systems designed to stream audio while swimming.

The system includes a headset and a separate transmitter box placed near the pool. The transmitter connects to a smartphone and sends an audio signal to the headset in the water.

Many swimmers report that the system works well for listening to music or receiving coaching instructions while swimming.

However, the headset is designed primarily for swimming and cannot easily be used as a normal pair of headphones outside the water. In addition, the Zygo system typically requires a monthly subscription for full functionality.

Sonr: Audio for Coaching Communication

Another system in this category is Sonr. This system is mainly designed for coaching communication rather than music streaming.

Sonr allows coaches to send voice instructions to swimmers in the water using a dedicated communication system.

For listening to music, however, the headset still relies on internal memory rather than streaming.

Rayofi SwimComm: Streaming Music Underwater

Rayofi introduced the SwimComm system as a solution for swimmers who want to stream music directly from their smartphones.

The system consists of two components: a swimming headset and a small transmitter that connects to a smartphone.

Instead of Bluetooth, the transmitter sends an FM radio signal to the headset. FM radio signals can travel through air and water much more effectively than Bluetooth, which makes streaming underwater possible.

With this approach swimmers can listen to music, podcasts, or audio from streaming apps directly while swimming.

Platforms such as Spotify or podcast apps can be used normally without downloading files in advance.

The SwimComm headset also includes Bluetooth connectivity, which allows it to be used as normal wireless headphones outside the pool for activities such as running, cycling, or commuting.

Another important difference is that the SwimComm system does not require a monthly subscription.

The pricing of the SwimComm set, including transmitter and headset, is typically just over 120 USD or around 99 euros.

SwimComm Pro: Improved Streaming Stability

Users of early underwater streaming systems sometimes reported occasional audio distortions when streaming in the water.

While streaming generally worked, signal quality could vary depending on the environment and swimming movements.

The newer Rayofi SwimComm Pro was developed to improve streaming stability and reduce these distortions.

Although the SwimComm Pro is priced higher than the basic SwimComm model, it remains significantly less expensive than some other underwater streaming systems and still does not require a subscription.

The Future of Swimming Audio

Underwater audio technology is evolving quickly. What once seemed impossible—streaming music directly while swimming—is now becoming a practical reality.

For swimmers who enjoy listening to music or podcasts during training, these new technologies can transform the swimming experience.

Long swim sessions can become more engaging, pacing can be improved with music rhythm, and training motivation can increase.

As technology continues to develop, underwater audio systems will likely become more advanced, offering swimmers even better sound quality and reliability in the future.