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Editor's Note: This article has been thoroughly updated to reflect current market trends and product availability in waterproof audio technology for surfers. While our original recommendations, including the TREBLAB XR700 as our top pick, remain solid choices, we've verified all products' availability, pricing, and performance standards as of October 2024. Our review focuses on thoroughly tested waterproof audio solutions that continue to deliver excellent performance in ocean conditions, though prices and availability may vary by region. As always, we emphasize the importance of maintaining environmental awareness while enjoying music during your surf sessions.
Music is an essential part of our lives, accompanying us through every mood and moment. While it's common to see people wearing headphones during various activities, many wonder how to listen to music while surfing without damaging their audio gear.
The good news is that with modern waterproof headphones for surfing, you can safely bring your favorite tunes into the waves. Whether you're a beginner or experienced surfer, specially designed surf earphones and waterproof earbuds for surfing have revolutionized the way we experience the sport.
Best
TREBLAB XR700
Best earphones for surfing
Custom Adjustable Fit For Any Ear Size
XR700 feature special ear hooks that bend and keep the shape you want, giving you the most comfortable fit that's custom-molded to your ear.
Unique-HD Sound For Increased Energy
Newest Bluetooth 5.0 technology with True-HD sound and bass boost function will boost up your energy and make your workout truly effective.
When it comes to selecting surfer headphones, there are several crucial factors to consider. Unlike regular earbuds, surf earphones must withstand not just water exposure, but also the intense pressure and salt water conditions of the ocean. The best surf earplugs and waterproof earphones for surfing combine durability with excellent sound quality, ensuring your music stays crystal clear even in challenging conditions.
After extensive research and testing, we've discovered that surfing earbuds have come a long way in recent years. Beyond basic water resistance, modern waterproof earbuds for surfing offer features like secure fit systems, extended battery life, and impressive sound quality. We've compiled a review of the top 5 models that excel in these areas.
Best Headphones for Surfing -Table of comparison
- Customizable ear hooks for the ultimate fit
- True HD sound with bass boost
- Passive noise canceling
- Inconvenient to wear with glasses
- Just pure, clear sound that blocks out background noise and allows for hours of play.
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 2100 Bluetooth Headphones
- User-friendly controls
- Sweat and waterproof
- Convenient
- Average sound
- Great for water and land activities.
TBI Pro PowerPro Sport Bluetooth TWS Headphones
- Comfortable memory foam ear tips
- Built-in microphone
- Energy saving battery
- Poor audio recording feature
- One of the finest waterproof Bluetooth headphones for professional swimmers.
Mpow FLAME2 Bluetooth Headphone
- Cost-effective
- IPX7: can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes
- Supplied with foam earplugs
- Could be more comfortable
- Good sounding, affordable wireless earphones.
Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones
- Extra earplugs for more comfort
- Back-up cable included
- Waterproof seal included
- Weak materials resistance to the heat
- Designed by experienced athletes to ensure high compatibility with swimming equipment.
TREBLAB XR700 – Best overall
Leading our selection is the TREBLAB XR700, which stands out as the best overall choice for surf enthusiasts. These premium surfing earbuds feature a specialized design that caters specifically to water sports and active lifestyles. Their innovative hook-in system ensures they stay firmly in place while riding waves, and the IPX7 waterproofing provides reliable protection against water damage.
What sets the XR700 apart is its combination of durability and performance. With over eight hours of continuous playback and quick-charge capability delivering an hour of use from just 10 minutes of charging, these earbuds are perfect for long surf sessions. The customizable fit system adapts to any ear shape, while the complete waterproofing technology safeguards against both freshwater and ocean conditions.
+ Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight and comfortable
- Integrated full HD stereo sound
- Ultra waterproof to safeguard your investment in these earphones
- Cons:
- Built-in microphone is not super crystal clear or effective
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 2100 Bluetooth Headphones - Great for water and land activities
The Plantronics Backbeat Fit 2100 earphones are highly secure and are resistant to both sweat and water. These headphones are great for rain, sweat, and water. Featuring Always-Aware mode, these wireless headphones function as an environment-aware mode that lets you be mindful of your environment.
Battery life is an average of 7 hours for prolonged audio sessions. The reflective surface of the earphones is for the purpose of attracting attention during the night. The design of the earbuds does not completely block the ear canal but ensures that some noise is allowed to get inside to help you notice your surroundings.
The Backbeat Fit 2100 provides natural mid-tones and crisp highs. The neckband is lightweight and stays in place during swimming and surfing. The in-app My-Tap function allows you to adjust and personalize your surfing experience. Ear controls let you switch your music and take calls effortlessly.
Sound is delivered by the 13.5mm drivers, which deliver Plantronics' trademark sound quality. The default Bluetooth operating range for these earphones is 10 m or 33 ft.
+ Pros:
- IP57 waterproof and dustproof
- My Tap function for personalization via the BackBeat app
- Always Aware ear tips allow ambient noise to seep in
- Ear hooks and a neckband for a snug and comfy fit
- 7 hours of battery life
- Cons:
- Submersion is safe, but Bluetooth is disabled underwater
TBI Pro PowerPro Sport Bluetooth TWS Headphones - Best for Battery Efficiency
TBI Pro has created this item as one of the best waterproof Bluetooth earbuds for serious surfers. Once the earbuds are on, they deliver athletes with crisp music and a built-in microphone for making hands-free calls.
The company has incorporated the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology for seamless audio transmission. This function removes all latency, even when the user is submerged in water. In addition, the earphones operate with enough energy to save battery life.
Offering up to 12 hours of music playback on a single charge, the TBI Pro Swim Earphones holds up throughout the day, allowing surfers to enjoy their playlist while keeping their ears from hurting. The portable charger delivers 5 charges, extending the operating time up to 60 hours.
These earbuds transfer audio up to a distance of 100 feet. When combined with the built-in microphone, it allows you to make calls during your pauses with no need to reach for your phone. Also, the memory foam ear tips offer a soft hold for the ear canals.
+ Pros:
- IPX7 waterproof
- Bluetooth 5.0 with a range of up to 100ft
- 12 hours on a single charge and a total of 50 hours inside the case
- Each earphone may be connected to a separate unit
- Perfect fit and noise-canceling
- Cons:
- There is no way to turn off the noise-canceling, yet you can wear only one earpiece at a time
Mpow FLAME2 Bluetooth Headphone - perfect for the ocean
The Mpow FLAME2 is a set of headphones with a neckband and ear hook connecting to your music source via Bluetooth 5.0.
It's perfect for the ocean, with IPX7 waterproofing and 12 hours of playtime. If you are a fan of music, you will not be surprised by this headphone, offering high fidelity and HD stereo.
You can listen to your music with no annoying background noise due to the CVC 6.0 noise-canceling microphones.
Think back to those moments when you're paddling and waiting for catching the next wave? These headphones are great for those times.
+ Pros:
- IPX7 waterproof
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 12-hours playback with 2 hours of charging time
- Noise-canceling
- Dual unit connectivity
- Cons:
- Bluetooth connection is not established underwater, despite the fact that the earphones are protected
Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones
These waterproof headphones from Swimbuds are equipped with second-generation HydroBeat technology.
They are wired and connected via a gold-plated 3.5mm stereo jack for premium audio quality.
The customized ear tips ensure a flawless seal and perfect fit for any size ear while improving audio quality.
The cable, like with all good surfing earphones, is quite short at 25 cm. So it stays out of the way while you are on a surfboard. But a waterproof extension cable is supplied if you need one.
+ Pros:
- IPX8 waterproof
- 25 cm extra short cable with 3.5 mm jack, gold plated
- 99 cm long extension cable
- HydroBeat technology
- Customizable earplugs
- Cons:
- No precise length, but long enough
- No spare note, but the buds are interchangeable
Conclusion
That's about it. Hopefully, this article provided you with a bit more insight into surfing and pointed you in the direction of your perfect pair of surfing headphones. All 5 headphones we've talked about here come with their own unique characteristics that we figured you should know about.
So we hope we've been helpful to you in picking your perfect pair of surfing earphones! Enjoy your experience!
FAQ
Can you listen to music while surfing?
Yes, of course! While surfing is a water sport, it doesn't mean you need to sacrifice your music in order to enjoy surfing.
Obviously, it's wisest to pick headphones that let you enjoy listening to music while not blocking out your environment, however, in a safe surfing environment, noise-canceling headphones can deliver stunning audio.
What kind of music do surfers listen to?
Although this response may be subjective, there appears to be a genre that has developed from rock music and is aimed particularly at surfers. This genre has been called simply surf music, along with later subdivisions named Instrumental Surf and Vocal Surf.
What are the benefits of listening to music while surfing?
Using waterproof speakers, earphones, and mp3 players, it becomes possible and extremely simple to enjoy listening to music when surfing. This can significantly enhance endurance and flow in the water, resulting in a prolonged and more effective surfing experience.
