Now you can eliminate the need for the bulky waterproof cases (that you always wonder if they’ll leak anyway). Today’s waterproof MP3 player, like the Waterfi, is waterproof on both the outside and inside – and all contact points as well.
You can use them for all sorts of water sports and activities where you may be exposed to the elements – like snow or rain. A waterproof MP3 player can bring whatever you’re doing to a whole new level, which may mean you end up doing more of it (a good thing!).
But first,we need to know which gear to buy. What performs the best, what features can you get, which gadgets are the best buy for your money and maybe more importantly – which ones do music listeners like the most?
You’ll find out the answers, and my opinion, of course =), below…
Waterproof MP3 Player Reviews
Waterfi 100% Waterproof iPod Shuffle Swim Kit with Dual Layer Waterproof/Shockproof Protection (Slate)
Both interior and exterior components are waterproof – as well as the contact points. It can hold up to 500 songs and has a 15 hour battery life.
Just like the regular iPod Shuffle, you can conveniently clip it on to anything – your goggles, a swimsuit strap or other gear or clothing that you are wearing. Made for swimming laps and all sorts of other water sports like kiteboarding, windsurfing and more.
For swimming, some people recommend using goggles with multiple straps, so it’s easier to attach the iPod. Another tip is using a simple zip tie to wrap the extra wire around so there is minimal slack.
Earbuds and velcro mounting strips are included, as well as a USB charge cable and a 2-year waterproof warranty.
QQ-Tech® 3rd Gen 4GB Waterproof MP3 Player FM Radio
Do you want to listen to FM Radio? This is your MP3 player. Most models don’t have this unique feature, but the QQ Tech does.
It comes with waterproof earphones, arm band, USB cable and a clip. It touts a large LCD display, which may be useful for some, but many people don’t find a need for it.
UWaterG4 Waterproof MP3 Player
This unit holds up to 1,000 songs (4GB) and plays about 6-8 hours on a single charge. This is about twice the capacity of the Waterfi, but about half the battery life.
Comes with earphones, ear tips, arm band, detachable flex clip, USB cable and extension cord. (NOTE: they also include a $15 dual USB car charger for free).
Some people say the sound quality of the UWaterG4 is not as good as that of the iPod. However, this doesn’t matter to some people, since there are usually a lot of other background sounds when on the water.
Pyle PSWB4BL Waterproof Neckband MP3 Player and Headphones
Multiple colors
4GB memory with about 10 hours playtime. Supports MP3 and WMA music formats. The package also includes USB cable for re-charging. Here’s a bonus – it includes multiple pairs of earbuds for both water use and land use!
The headphones re ergonomically designed for comfort, and the neckband fits snugly, so you don’t have to worry about securing stray wires.
Users love the fact that this MP3 player does not have lots of wires. One complaint, however, is that it is not compatible with iTunes files and you can’t load iTunes files on it. However, there are several resources online that show you how to convert the files and solve this issue.
That said, if the majority of your songs are iTunes downloads, you may prefer to get an iPod device.
JLAB Go Waterproof/Sweatproof/Sports MP3 Player Headphones
Multiple colors
The JLAB has almost identical features, equipment and benefits as the Pyle model above. It has noise-isolating in-ear style cushions as part of the headphone system.
I forgot to mention that in both of these models, the neckband design is created to work well with people who wear goggles, as each stays out of the way of the other. Something to consider of you plan on using your MP3 player mainly for swimming.
Common Complaints of Waterproof MP3 Players
From what I’ve heard, people really like their waterproof MP3 players, but they are not usually impressed with the sound quality or the headphones.
In my experience, this is to be expected. Your music has to compete with a lot of outside sounds, so even if the sound quality is crystal clear, you may not hear it that way anyway.
As far as headphones go, the ones I have tried have been extremely cushiony and comfortable. They provide a snug fit – as long as you have the right size for your ear. For this reason, many companies provide multiple earbuds in the package, so that you can get the correct fit.
That said, it you are actively moving (ie. swimming, windsurfing, kiteboarding, boogie boarding etc..), It will be difficult for your earbuds to stay in one position as well. This takes some getting used to, and over time, users generally find strategies that work for them. Getting used to the re-positioning of the earbuds is also part of the territory.
