Bluetooth does not work underwater; use MP3 mode for audio while swimming.
- Bluetooth does NOT work underwater.
- Use MP3 mode for swimming and phone-free listening.
- Bluetooth does NOT work underwater.
Bluetooth functionality is limited to land use; MP3 mode is required for underwater audio playback.
Who it suits
Works well if
- Swimming with MP3 playback
- Sporting activities with open-ear awareness
- Phone-free listening during workouts
Think twice if
- Underwater Bluetooth streaming
The numbers that matter
- MP3 mode for phone-free listening and underwater use
- IP68 Waterproof Rating
- Up to 9 hours of continuous battery life
- 4.3 out of 5 stars average rating across 2,717 reviews
What the evidence says
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| MP3 Storage | 8,000 songs |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Battery Average Life | 9 Hours |
| Item Weight | 27.3 Grams |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Max Submersion Depth/Duration | up to two meters deep for two hours |
Where buyers hesitate
Can I use OpenSwim Pro with my iPhone or Android phone underwater?
No, Bluetooth does not work underwater; use MP3 mode for audio while swimming. The listing and user reports confirm that Bluetooth connectivity is only for land use. For underwater listening, you must switch to MP3 mode, which allows storing up to 8,000 songs for phone-free playback.
Are they comfortable for 2+ hour swims?
Yes, users report they are comfortable and stay secure during long swimming sessions. One reviewer stated they used them for 3+ hour sessions with no issues, and another mentioned they feel secure during laps over a swim cap.
How do you download music?
Music can be downloaded via the Shokz App or by converting audio files to MP3 format. The listing mentions using the Shokz App to customize audio. Users also suggest converting audio files to MP3 format for offline playback, which is necessary as Bluetooth does not work underwater.
Do they fall off if you swim faster/flip turn, etc?
No, they are engineered for a secure and stable fit during intense workouts and swimming. The secure and stable fit is engineered for comfort and to stay in place through any workout, integrating seamlessly with swim gear. One reviewer noted they stayed in place well, even when jumping into the water.
Why we judge it this way
The SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro is designed for active users, particularly swimmers, offering an open-ear design for safety and situational awareness. This design allows users to remain engaged with their surroundings while enjoying premium audio, whether in or out of the water. Its primary advantage for water activities lies in its MP3 mode, which enables phone-free listening and storage of up to 8,000 songs for offline playback. This mode is essential because Bluetooth connectivity does not function underwater, a critical limitation clearly stated in the product's features and description. The headphones boast an IP68 waterproof rating, indicating they are fully sweatproof and can be submerged in water up to two meters deep for two hours. Furthermore, they are engineered for a slim, lightweight, ergonomic fit that stays comfortably in place through any workout and integrates seamlessly with swim caps, goggles, sunglasses, or bike helmets.
Despite its strengths for swimmers, the core limitation is the inability of Bluetooth to work underwater, a fact clearly stated in the listing and reiterated by users. This necessitates using the MP3 player function for any aquatic activity, which is a compromise for those expecting seamless Bluetooth streaming in all environments. The listing also specifies a battery life of up to nine hours of continuous use, with a 10-minute quick charge providing up to 3 hours of listening time. However, some community reports suggest inconsistent performance, with users experiencing only 4-5 hours at max volume or even initial failures after 60 minutes of swimming. This discrepancy between advertised and real-world battery performance is a notable concern for potential buyers.
Further community reports highlight potential glitches, such as the device spontaneously switching between MP3 and Bluetooth modes or turning on and off by itself after being used in water. While the product generally receives positive reviews for comfort and secure fit during long swim sessions, with users reporting no issues with tumble turns or 3+ hour sessions, these reliability concerns, alongside the Bluetooth restriction underwater, are significant drawbacks. The bone conduction technology, common to this product type, may also lead to sound leakage, meaning others nearby can hear the audio, especially at higher volumes. Additionally, bone conduction headphones often have insufficient deep bass, resulting in a flat or weak bass experience compared to traditional headphones. These inherent characteristics of bone conduction technology are important considerations for audio quality expectations.
The OpenSwim Pro offers a robust solution for underwater audio via its MP3 player, coupled with the safety and comfort of an open-ear design. Its IP68 rating and secure fit make it well-suited for various sports, including swimming. However, potential buyers must be aware that Bluetooth functionality is strictly for land use, requiring a switch to MP3 mode for aquatic activities. Furthermore, reports of inconsistent battery life and occasional glitches after water use suggest potential reliability issues that users should consider. The listing's detailed specifications and user reviews provide a clear picture, but the primary decision hinges on whether the MP3-centric approach for swimming meets your needs, given the limitations of underwater Bluetooth and the general characteristics of bone conduction audio.
The strongest objection we found
Bluetooth does NOT work underwater.
What this page does not answer
- What are the best waterproof headphones for swimming?
- How does SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro compare to Nank Runner Diver2 Pro?
- Nank Runner Diver2 Pro wins on battery life (10 hours) and large storage (32GB)
- H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport wins on streaming services compatibility and sound quality
How this analysis was built
Analysis of listing specifications, features, user reviews, and community forum posts. Discrepancies between listing data and user-reported issues were noted. The evidence base was assessed for consistency and reliability.
Statements regarding sound leakage and bass response are from general bone conduction headphones and not specific to this model.
Sources and verification
Everything on this page traces back to the listing published for this product on Amazon.com. At the analysis date that listing showed 4.3 stars across 2,717 reviews. The write-up works from 4 verified data points, drawn from buyer reviews for this product. Analysis generated on 2026-10-31.
