Choosing Songs and Underwater Headphones for Better Swim Workouts
If you are an avid swimmer, you may be looking for a little something to make those swims a little more exciting. You already love your time on that crystal clear water, the rhythmic strokes of your swim creating harmony with the surface of the pool. Now, imagine enhancing that experience with the perfect soundtrack.
Let’s dive right in and explore the science behind music and swimming, how swimmers can listen to music underwater, and the songs that will keep you kicking long after you start running out of steam.
How Can You Listen To Music Underwater?
Listening to music while swimming is possible—but it requires technology designed specifically for underwater conditions. Traditional wireless headphones rely on Bluetooth, which doesn’t transmit well through water. Even a small amount of water can weaken Bluetooth signals, making standard earbuds unreliable once you start swimming laps.
To solve this, modern underwater audio systems use bone conduction technology.
Instead of sending sound through the ear canal, bone conduction headphones transmit vibrations through the bones of the skull and jaw directly to the inner ear. Your brain interprets these vibrations as sound, allowing you to hear music clearly without earbuds blocking your ears.
Waterproofing also plays an important role. While waterproof headphones are nothing new, newer designs are far more reliable and purpose-built for swimming workouts. Combined with bone conduction, they allow swimmers to hear audio comfortably and safely in the water.
Because Bluetooth alone isn’t effective underwater, some swim headphones use a separate transmitter that stays poolside. This transmitter connects to your phone on land and sends audio to the headset using a signal that travels much more effectively through water. The result is a stable listening experience without needing to keep your phone on you while you swim.
With the right setup, swimmers can listen to music, podcasts, or guided workouts while staying focused, motivated, and fully immersed in their swim.
Benefits of Listening to Music While Swimming
- Motivation & endurance
- Rhythm & pacing
- Mental focus & stress relief
Many people have found listening to music during a workout enjoyable, and now science has confirmed there is a good reason for this. Studies have shown that listening to uptempo music while exercising can boost the effectiveness of your workout.
In a study of female participants ages 24 to 31, researchers found that listening to high-tempo music while exercising resulted in the highest heart rates and the lowest perceived exertion. In laymen’s terms, listening to music yielded a more effective workout, while making the women feel the least tired.
Of course, music can also set a particular mood. Not everyone swims to get a killer workout. There are those of us who appreciate the other benefits of swimming, such as stress relief, a boost in mood, etc.
Being able to experience swimming in the exact way you want, with the sounds you want, can improve the entire experience.
How To Choose the Right Tempo for Your Music
One of the key factors in selecting music for your swim is finding the right tempo. Tempo in music is measured in beats per minute, or BPM, and can significantly impact a swimmer’s rhythm. Ideally, you’d want to choose a tempo that matches or maybe even slightly exceeds your swimming pace.
Music with a BPM between 120 and 140 is perfect for a moderate swimming pace and provides a steady, energizing beat. Songs with a continuous, vibrant rhythm can sync seamlessly with the fluidity of a swimmer’s strokes, turning an average moderate swim into a water dance.
We all know that swimming means different things to different people. While some are striving to keep a moderate to fast pace, others swim for the opposite purpose: relaxation.
For those people, a slower tempo is obviously going to be ideal. If you like making your own playlists for swimming, you may choose to coordinate songs for your warm-up, main workout, and cool-down.
Songs To Listen to for a Relaxing Swim
Here are a few ideas for songs and artists to listen to for a relaxing underwater audio experience. These would also be fantastic choices for a cool-down, recovery swim, or post-swim stretch playlist.
Relaxing swim music can help set the tone for a slower, more mindful session in the water. Whether you’re using your swim as a way to decompress, recover after a harder workout, or simply enjoy a peaceful lap swim, the right playlist can make the pool feel even more calming. These songs lean into softer vocals, steady rhythms, atmospheric production, and emotional melodies that pair well with relaxed swimming.
#1. Everything I Wanted: Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is known for her soft, breathy vocals, introspective lyrics, and experimental sounds. Her music often features a minimalist quality while also being cinematic and atmospheric.
This makes it perfect for a swim, and this song, in particular, has a haunting quality. Thematically, there is even a line that laments, “I tried to scream/ But my head was underwater.”
For swimmers looking for music that feels immersive without being distracting, this track is a strong choice. Its slower pace can work well during warm-ups, easy laps, or a recovery swim where the goal is to stay relaxed and present in the water.
#2. Circles: Post Malone
This song features a catchy melody and an emotionally resonant message about a failing relationship. The poppy tune keeps it from feeling dark, and the line “Run away, but we’re running in circles” is relatable to many and echoes the reality of swimming in circles in the lap pool.
“Circles” works well as relaxing swim music because it has enough rhythm to keep you moving without pushing the pace too aggressively. It’s mellow, familiar, and easy to settle into, making it a good option for swimmers who want something smooth and steady during longer laps.
#3. Enya: Caribbean Blue
Honestly, if relaxation and a meditative state are what you’re looking for, just about any Enya song will do! We chose this one for its soothing, haunting melody and thematic title. Who doesn’t want to be thinking about the Caribbean blue while they're swimming?
This is the kind of music that can make a swim feel less like exercise and more like a reset. The layered vocals and dreamy arrangement create a peaceful atmosphere that pairs naturally with slow, controlled breathing and an easy swimming pace. If you use swimming for stress relief, this is a great addition to your underwater playlist.
#4. Jennasea: The Morning Of
This lesser-known indie band from Poughkeepsie, New York, came out with their album The Way I Fell In in 2010, but it still holds up today. This first track of the album starts slow, with just vocals and a guitar, and builds up to a crescendo before ending just as it began.
That gradual build makes it a great song for easing into a swim. It starts quietly enough for a warm-up, then grows into something more expansive as your body gets moving. For swimmers who like music that feels emotional and atmospheric without being too overpowering, this track fits beautifully into a relaxing swim playlist.
#5. Safe and Sound: Alex Keeper
This song features soft, EDM beats with mellow, whispery vocals. It is relaxing, yet the beat is steady and fast enough that it will keep you going. This would be a great song to end your warm-up as you transition to a more energizing swim.
“Safe and Sound” strikes a nice balance between calm and momentum. It can help you maintain a steady rhythm without feeling like you need to sprint through your workout. For swimmers building a playlist around different phases of a pool session, this is a strong bridge between slower warm-up music and more upbeat training songs.
#6: Come and Get Your Love: Redbone
It’s upbeat, it’s refreshing, it’s infectious! Redbone blends rock, funk, and Native American musical influences to bring you this uplifting tune you can’t help bopping to. Or, swimming to, in this case.
While this song is more energetic than some of the slower tracks on this list, it still has an easygoing, feel-good quality that makes it great for a relaxed swim. It’s the kind of song that can lift your mood without making the workout feel intense. Add it to your playlist when you want your swim to feel light, fun, and positive.
#7: Time to Say Goodbye: Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
This song is characterized by its operatic, orchestral arrangement, which creates a grand and emotional atmosphere. It features a blend of classical and contemporary elements, operatic vocals, and a pop-infused orchestral composition.
For swimmers who enjoy dramatic, cinematic music, this song can make a lap swim feel almost theatrical. It is especially well-suited for slower, more intentional swimming where you are focused on breath, movement, and flow. The sweeping sound can make a simple pool session feel more immersive and memorable.
#8: Fast Car: Tracy Chapman (or Luke Combs)
“Fast Car” has been getting a lot of publicity lately since Luke Combs brought Chapman’s acclaimed song into the modern consciousness. Whichever version you prefer, they’re both amazing, and you’ll enjoy a relaxing experience.
This is a great choice for swimmers who want something familiar, emotional, and easy to listen to. The steady rhythm works well for relaxed laps, while the storytelling quality can help pass the time during longer swims. Whether you prefer the original Tracy Chapman version or the Luke Combs cover, “Fast Car” brings a reflective, grounded feel to a swim playlist.
Songs To Listen to for an Energizing Swim
When you’re gearing up for an energizing swim, you might want to add some of these to your next playlist!
Energizing swim music is ideal for interval sets, endurance workouts, sprint efforts, and those days when you need an extra push to get moving. Songs with stronger beats, faster tempos, and motivational lyrics can help support rhythm, pacing, and focus in the water. If relaxing music helps you ease into the pool, energizing music can help you stay there longer and work harder.
#1. Get Ready: Pitbull, Blake Shelton, and Joe Perry
This genre-bending energy booster is an undeniable force of nature! It’s your typical pump-up song, encouraging the listener to “work that thang,” to “put your hands up,” and to, of course, “get ready.” We love this to start a workout playlist.
As an opening track, this song sets the tone immediately. It brings energy, attitude, and movement, which makes it a strong choice for the start of a main set or a higher-intensity swim workout. If you need something that gets you out of warm-up mode and into training mode, this is a fun pick.
#2. Take a Walk: Passion Pit
We love this as another option to start your swim off right. This upbeat, sync-driven ditty has a catchy melody and positive energy, making it the perfect choice for an uplifting swim.
“Take a Walk” has the kind of bright, propulsive sound that works well for steady lap swimming. It is upbeat without feeling too aggressive, making it a good fit for moderate-paced swims where you want energy but still need to maintain control. Add this to your playlist when you want your workout to feel lighter and more fun.
#3. Dog Days Are Over: Florence and the Machine
Immerse yourself in the powerful, anthemic sounds of this Florence and the Machine song. The chorus is uplifting, and Florence Welch’s powerful, dynamic vocals will keep you going even when your energy starts to wane.
This track is a great choice for the middle of a swim workout, especially when fatigue starts to set in. Its gradual build and explosive chorus can help push you through tougher sets, longer intervals, or the final stretch of an endurance swim. For swimmers who respond to big, emotional music, this one delivers.
#4. Stronger: Kanye West
One of West’s most popular songs, “Stronger,” features powerful beats and a combination of hip-hop and electronic elements that will leave you feeling accomplished, strong, and fast!
The driving beat makes it a natural fit for faster swimming, interval work, or sprint sets. It has a confident, high-energy feel that can help you lock into a stronger pace and stay motivated through challenging laps. If you’re building a playlist for speed work, this song deserves a spot.
#5. We Will Rock You: Queen
It’s a little on the nose, but we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put this timeless anthem on an energizing playlist. Keep your energy high with these iconic stomping beats!
Few songs are as instantly recognizable, and that steady stomp-clap rhythm can be surprisingly useful for helping swimmers feel a beat. It’s bold, simple, and motivating, making it a great option when you want a confidence boost before a hard set or final push.
#6. Cake By the Ocean: DNCE
Ocean theme aside, this is an awesome song to keep you moving during an energetic swim. It’s funky, fun, and upbeat. You’ll want to sing along, but keep it in your head, lest you may find yourself at the mercy of your pool’s lifeguards.
This track is perfect for swimmers who want their workout playlist to feel playful rather than overly serious. The tempo and groove can help keep your energy up during a steady swim, while the fun tone makes repetitive laps feel less boring. It’s a great reminder that swim workouts can be productive and enjoyable at the same time.
#7. The Getaway: Ten Foot Pole
This guitar-driven punk rock anthem might not be for everyone, but those who like a somewhat harder sound will appreciate the speed and power of this song. As the lead singer sings, “My gas pedal’s to the floor,” you’ll find the energy to pick up your pace, too!
For swimmers who like fast, aggressive music, this is a strong choice for sprint intervals or more intense training days. The driving guitar and high-energy pace can help create urgency, which is exactly what some swimmers need when trying to increase speed or break through a sluggish workout.
#8. Lose Yourself: Eminem
This motivational, intense song, with its powerful lyrics and driving beat, is perfect for setting a determined pace in the water. In general, this hit should be on everyone’s workout playlists.
“Lose Yourself” works because it feels focused and determined from the first few seconds. For swimmers pushing through a tough set, it can help create the kind of mental edge that keeps you moving. Add it near the end of your playlist when you need motivation to finish strong and make the last laps count.
Conclusion
Whatever your music preferences, it’s worth making an effort to curate a music playlist that will motivate you to get yourself moving in your swim workout. Science tells us that music is the ultimate motivator and can really encourage us to do more with our workouts. Plus, music just makes everything better.
Hopefully, some of our carefully chosen musical picks will help inspire you to create your next workout playlist. Thanks to modern technology, we can now enjoy our music and our swim simultaneously.
Listening to music while swimming isn’t just possible—it can completely transform your workouts. With the right underwater audio technology, swimmers can stay motivated, focused, and consistent lap after lap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you listen to music while swimming?
Yes. You can listen to music while swimming with audio technology designed for underwater use. Standard Bluetooth headphones do not work reliably underwater, so swimmers need waterproof headphones or an underwater audio system built specifically for swimming.
Why doesn’t Bluetooth work well underwater?
Bluetooth signals weaken quickly in water, which makes regular wireless headphones unreliable for swimming. That is why many underwater audio systems use alternative technology, such as a poolside transmitter or built-in MP3 storage, to help swimmers hear audio in the pool.
What type of headphones are best for listening to music underwater?
The best headphones for swimming are waterproof, comfortable, and designed to stay secure during laps. Many swimmers prefer bone conduction headphones because they deliver audio without blocking the ears, making them a practical option for pool workouts and underwater listening.
What is the best music for swimming?
The best music for swimming depends on your workout goal. For relaxed swims or cooldowns, slower, calmer songs can help create a steady rhythm. For faster swim workouts, higher-tempo music with a strong beat can help support motivation, pacing, and endurance.
What BPM is best for swimming music?
Music between 120 and 140 BPM is often a good range for moderate swimming because it provides a steady, energizing tempo. Slower songs may be better for warm-ups, cooldowns, recovery swims, or more relaxed pool sessions.
Can music improve swim workouts?
Yes. Music can help make swim workouts feel more motivating and engaging. A good playlist can support rhythm, pacing, focus, and endurance, especially during longer lap swims or repetitive pool workouts.
Can I listen to podcasts or audiobooks while swimming?
Yes. With the right underwater audio system, swimmers can listen to podcasts, audiobooks, music, guided workouts, and other audio content while swimming. This can make longer pool sessions feel more enjoyable and easier to stick with.
Does Zygo let you stream music while swimming?
Yes. Zygo Z2 Waterproof Headphones are designed to let swimmers stream audio from their phone while swimming. With Zygo, you can listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, guided workouts, and audio from your favorite apps in the water.
Sources:
The 50 Best Workout Songs To Motivate You | Time
Review of Bone Conduction Hearing Devices | PMC
Uptempo Tunes Boost the Cardio Value of Exercise | Medical News Today
The Influence of Music Preference on Exercise Responses and Performance: A Review | PMC
