DIVE IN!

SORTING OUT YOUR TUNES BEFORE THE POOL REOPENS? Gareth May DIVES INTO THE WORLD OF WATERPROOF BUDS

Sealing tunes in with consistency is the win here thanks to JBL’s patented TwistLock technology, a mechanism that creates a sound-isolating vacuum once the headset is turned into position – even if the buds themselves are best further secured with a swimmer’s cap. The touch controls work well enough but Bluetooth connectivity is unreliable, although who’s likely to take a call in the water? Thank goodness, then, that it has a built-in MP3 player – but with only 1GB storage for roughly 200 randomised songs, drag-and-dropped from a PC, you do have to restrict your playlist.

Best for

listening ChoiCe

The big sell of H2O Audio’s Apple Watchpaired device is on-the-go choice, with music, audiobooks and podcasts all available at the touch of a button. The downside? A pricey Apple Watch is a must and set-up is a faff, requiring you to unclip the watch bands, then attach the face to the Interval control system, which in turn securely clips to the back of the goggles. With a design focused on reducing drag, however, the Interval caters for all kinds of swimmers, from training pro to doggypaddler, and with a waterproof rating of IPX8 it’s ideal for both lido and ocean.

Best for

Versatility

If absolute fit is the desire, Swimbuds’ short-cord headphones don’t disappoint. They don’t come with a waterproof MP3 player but they are designed with individual listening pleasure in mind – each Swimbud pack includes a variety of headphone tips for a snug, ergonomic, water-free fit for any and all lugholes. In addition, we found the tree-shaped bud design really could endure a rigorous aquatic workout. Swimbuds’ recommended SYRYN MP3 player is the obvious pairing choice but while storage is great (2,000 songs) the chunky clip makes for an uncomfortable fit on the back of the head.