Why Swimmers Look for Headphones in Training

Swimming is unlike most sports: once you push off the wall, you’re cut off from outside communication. Unlike running, cycling, or lifting weights, you don’t hear a coach’s voice mid-rep.

That’s why the idea of swim headphones is so appealing. Whether it’s to listen to music, hear pacing cues, or even get live coaching, swimmers are searching for the best swim headphones that make training more engaging and effective.

I’ve seen athletes experiment with:

Shokz Swim Headphones – great for music underwater.
Suunto Bone Conduction Headphones – crystal clear sound with additional head alignment feedback.
Zygo Swim Headphones – live coaching feedback, music, audio-guided workouts, and a built-in tempo trainer in one.

Each serves a slightly different purpose. But as a coach, I always ask: Does this tool actually help you swim better, or is it just another gadget?

The Barrier: Communication in the Water

One of the hardest parts of swim coaching is the delay between feedback and correction. Here’s the usual cycle:

Swimmer pushes off and focuses on the set.
Coach notices a dropped elbow, short kick, or poor head position.
By the time the rep is over, the swimmer has reinforced the wrong habit.
Feedback happens on the wall – too late.

That gap matters. When corrections come after the movement, the body doesn’t always connect the cue to the action. Over time, those missed moments add up.

This is why I was curious to test a headset system designed for underwater communication.

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best swim headphones for swim coaching session

Testing Zygo Swim Headphones

I tried Zygo swim headphones, which use bone conduction so swimmers can hear even with their heads underwater. Unlike most waterproof headphones that only play music, Zygo connects to a transmitter – meaning I could speak directly to swimmers in real time via walkie talkie.

What I noticed:

Immediate Adjustments – Instead of telling a swimmer to fix their catch after the rep, I could say it mid-length and see the adjustment instantly.
Better Retention – Because the correction came during the movement, swimmers felt the change instead of just hearing about it later.
More Focused Training – Sets flowed without interruptions. No stopping at the wall to talk through technique.

I’ve tried many ways to close the feedback gap – underwater cameras, hand signals, even waterproof whiteboards. Hearing me mid-lap? That was different.

My Experience: Live Audio Coaching in the Pool

Live Audio Coaching in the Pool with headphones

Swim Headphones: Music vs. Coaching

It’s important to separate two categories of headphones you can swim with:

Music-focused headphones – like Shokz OpenSwim headphones or Suunto Aqua. Both are designed for playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks underwater. The Shokz focus on simplicity and comfort, while Suunto adds head alignment feedback.

Coaching-focused headsets – like Zygo swim headphones, which allow live voice communication so technical cues can happen mid-stroke.

Both have value. Music can be a motivator; real-time coaching can be a game changer for technique.

Coach Dan Daly demonstrates how swim headphones work during real pool training

Do Headphones Make You a Better Swimmer?

Here’s my honest take: no device automatically makes you better. Improvement comes from fundamentals: proper technique, well-structured training, consistent recovery, and attention to detail.

But tools can help reinforce those fundamentals. Swim headphones can:

Provide rhythm (tempo trainers, playlists).
Keep motivation high during long sets.
Deliver timely feedback in ways you couldn’t get otherwise.

The headset I tested wasn’t about replacing coaching – it was about delivering feedback at the right moment. That’s where it has value.

Why I Still Rely on Video Analysis

Even after trying real-time audio, I come back to one tool above all: video swim technique analysis.

Here’s why it’s more effective for lasting improvement:

You see what you feel. Many swimmers think they’re streamlined, but video shows otherwise.
You can pause, slow down, and compare. That’s hard to do in real time.
The feedback lasts. A video breakdown is something you can revisit, not just hear once and forget.

That’s why I offer swimmers the chance to submit footage and get a Video Swim Technique Analysis from me. It’s not just pointing out errors – it’s giving you targeted corrections you can practice on your own, with clear examples from your own stroke.

Zygo Swim Headphones vs. Competitors

    
        
                Feature
                Zygo Swim Headphones
                Shokz OpenSwim
                Suunto Aqua
            

        
                Live Coaching Feedback
                ✅ Yes
                ❌ No
                ❌ No
            

                Bone Conduction
                ✅ Yes
                ✅ Yes
                ✅ Yes
            

                Music Streaming / Storage
                ✅ Yes
                ✅ Yes (load MP3s)
                ✅ Yes (Bluetooth + 32GB local)
            

                Tempo Trainer
                ✅ Yes
                ❌ No
                ❌ No
            

                Best For
                Competitive swimmers & coaches
                Swimmers wanting music simplicity
                Swimmers wanting music + head alignment feedback
            

    

In short: if you’re serious about improving technique with real-time feedback, Zygo is the clear winner.

Which Swimmers Benefit Most?

Competitive Swimmers – Great for fine-tuning mechanics with coach input.
Open Water Swimmers – Useful for pacing, safety communication, or music during long sets.
Masters & Fitness Swimmers – Music and guided workouts make training more enjoyable.

But remember: headphones are an accessory. The foundation of progress always comes from fundamentals and consistent feedback.

Pros and Cons from My Perspective

Pros

Real-time adjustments reinforce technique faster.
Music or tempo cues improve rhythm and motivation.
Helpful for open water safety and pacing.

Cons

Cost is higher than traditional gear.
Some setups (like Zygo) require a transmitter.
Doesn’t replace the clarity and detail of video analysis.

Final Thought

Swim headphones – whether Shokz, Suunto, or Zygo – make training more engaging. For me as a coach, the value lies in closing the gap between what I see and when you hear it. The faster the feedback, the faster the improvement.

But no matter the tech, excellence still lives in the fundamentals. Tools can assist, but it’s the application of feedback that changes your stroke.

Ready to get personalized, lasting feedback without any special device? Start with my Video Swim Technique Analysis. I’ll break down your stroke, show you exactly what to change, and help you make those corrections stick.

That’s the real path to faster, smoother swimming.

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