These budget swimming earbuds get the job done, nothing more.
- Significantly cheap
- Decent sound quality underwater
- Good waterproof rating
- Built-in earbuds wire is too short, while extension cable is too long
- Loose fit
- Cheap build
- Subpar sound quality aboveground
- No in-line controls
- No built-in MP3
AGPTEK isn’t exactly a well-known brand, but they’ve been in the audio devices niche since 2008, aiming to provide affordable alternatives. The AGPTEK Swimming Earbuds are a direct reflection of that.
I’ve tested a few swimming headphones now, and most of them go beyond $100, so seeing a $20 option is a welcome experience. I don’t expect these to come with many advanced features, unlike higher-end options. But, their underwater sound quality and how well they match my laps are what I’m eager to dive into.
Let’s see how well these get the basics and if these are good enough for those on a budget or if it’s still better to save some more to splurge on others.
Waterproof
The AGPTEK Swimming Earbuds, with their IPX8 rating, are a great pick for swimmers and anyone into water sports. This rating means they’re well-equipped to handle up to 3-4 meters underwater, so I could swim stress-free, not worrying about damage.
However, the manufacturer advises against using them in salt water, like the sea, as it could harm the earbuds. So, I’d advise to just follow that.
In my tests, the earbuds’ waterproofing was faultless. There was no water leakage at all, even after using them for a long time.
I tested this by submerging them up to 2 meters deep for around an hour. Their performance didn’t falter; it was steady across various depths and lengths of time, with no change in performance.
Sound Quality
My initial impressions of using these earbuds on dry land left much to be desired, especially in the lower frequencies. The bass was barely there, making the music feel flat and heavily skewed towards higher pitches. This imbalance was disappointing for anyone looking for a rich, full-bodied sound experience out of water.
Yet, everything changed the moment I dived in the water. Underwater, the earbuds came into their own. The bass felt stronger and more present, thanks to the water’s natural effect on sound, which helped even out the audio across different frequencies.
The sound quality seems to be specifically optimized for aquatic use as the earbuds sound like they’ve been turned to counteract the water’s effect. The usual downsides of underwater audio, like muffling and distortion, turn into benefits, enriching the bass and midrange in ways you don’t get above water.
I didn’t have to keep adjusting the volume either. Setting it between 80-90% worked well for clear, consistent sound underwater.
Unfortunately, they don’t have any EQ or additional sound settings, something competitors like the Shokz OpenSwim offer. So, you can’t tweak the sound for dry land listening. This means these earbuds are really only at their best underwater, and they’re not as versatile as I had hoped.
Comfort and Fit
The AGPTEK swimming earbuds’ light design initially seemed comfortable. Yet, when I took them into the pool, they didn’t live up to that promise.
I often struggle to find earbuds that fit well, and unfortunately, these were no exception.
They didn’t stay put aboveground and were worse during my swims. I always had to readjust the fit. They didn’t feel secure while I was doing freestyle laps, and were definitely unusable on different swimming strokes like butterfly.
This didn’t change even when I tried out the different ear tips they come with.
These earbuds do have a useful feature: a clip that attaches to swimming caps or goggles, making them somewhat easier to manage with swim gear. And, since these are in-ear, I didn’t need my earplugs.
However, the fact that they’re wired presents a big drawback. The coil didn’t extend much, so I needed the extension cable that came with the box to connect to an iPod placed on my right arm. Unfortunately, the cable length is unnecessarily 1 meter long, which becomes an annoying and cumbersome distraction.
It’s far from ideal to have a wire trailing you in the water or to have to strap a device to your arm while swimming. This design feels like it missed the mark for what swimmers really need from their audio equipment.
Sure, you can use a smaller Apple Watch that straps in your goggles. But, I’m not someone who’d buy budget earbuds and then splurge on an Apple Watch just to use them.
Durability
Since these earbuds only come at around $20, I didn’t expect much when it comes to their durability. And, my tests met these expectations.
I immediately noticed that the earbuds felt cheap, as if they were generic earbuds that could be bought in a local appliance store.
The use of plastic and protective coatings of rubber or silicone on wires and connections is designed to keep water out and protect the inner workings from moisture and damage. But, their durability is just average at most.
They seem sturdy enough for long-term use, and there haven’t been any signs of wear like color fading, cracking, or peeling with regular use during my 2 weeks of testing.
However, how long they actually last might depend on the user’s care and handling.
UX
The AGPTEK swimming earbuds lack built-in controls, which means you have to use your device to change settings. This became a bit of a hassle while swimming because I had to stop and reach for my iPod each time I wanted to adjust something.
Despite this inconvenience, these earbuds work well with many devices, including MP3 players, phones, and laptops. So, your music is always within reach, as long as you don’t mind pausing your swim to make changes.
Built-in MP3
These are straightforward, wired earbuds designed for use in the water. They don’t come with a built-in MP3 player, which most other swimming headphones do. This means swimmers need to have a separate, waterproof device to play music, adding a step to their swim prep.
This choice has its pros and cons.
On the plus side, it lets you pick your audio source, potentially giving you better sound quality or more music choices. On the downside, it means dealing with an extra gadget while swimming, which might not be ideal for those looking for a simple, all-in-one solution.
Who Should Buy This?
The AGPTEK Swimming Earbuds are relatively cheap waterproof earphones that are great for common/daily use.
Would I use these in my lap swimming sessions? Probably not.
But if you want to chill or watch a movie in a pool with your device, these can help you do that. I’d say that these earbuds are not for serious swimmers who want uninterrupted laps, but maybe for casual swimmers who have a limited budget.
Final Thoughts
The AGPTEK Swimming Earbuds offer a mix of good and not-so-good features for those who love listening to music in the water.
Their top feature is excellent waterproofing with an IPX8 rating, making them a reliable choice for swimmers. The sound quality also shines underwater, where they deliver better bass and mostly balanced sound.
On the downside, these earbuds could be better in several areas.
They don’t have any additional sound features, which means they perform best underwater and aren’t as flexible for other uses. The fit and comfort also leave a lot to be desired, especially during active swimming, as they tend to not stay in place.
The wired design can be a hassle, too, since managing the wire and needing an extension cable can be annoying.
When it comes to durability, the earbuds feel a bit cheap and only offer average longevity, which mostly depends on how well they’re taken care of. The lack of built-in controls and an MP3 player also makes them less convenient, requiring you to stop swimming to adjust settings or to handle another device for music.
In short, the AGPTEK Swimming Earbuds are a great swimming earbuds option for those who don’t want to spend much and are looking for options that just get the job done. But, their limitations in comfort, usability, and versatility may make them less appealing for serious swimmers or those looking for a hassle-free listening experience underwater.
Where to Buy
What’s in the Box?
- Swimming earbuds
- Silicone ear tips
- Extension cable
Technical Specifications
- Form: IEM
- Driver: 10 mm Dynamic driver
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Waterproof IP Rating: IPX8
- Weight (g): 22.7 g
- Frequency Response (Hz): 20 Hz-22 KHz
- Source Jack: 3.5mm
- Mic: N