Open Swim Headset

As a Scuba Diver, I naturally enjoy the ocean and water sports like swimming. To keep my fitness up, I got back into swimming training (beyond Tennis). And one of the cool things I want to do is be able to listen to podcast and music while I swim and I ended up purchasing Shokz OpenSwim Pro (I am not affiliated). And it would be good to share the technology behind it so you don't buy it thinking you can wear this and jump into water and hear your music streaming from your iPhone 17 Pro Max to your ears:

Bluetooth does not travel through water effectively; water absorbs the 2.4 GHz radio frequencies used by Bluetooth, rendering them useless underwater. Devices like the Shokz OpenSwim Pro work by switching to internal MP3 storage, acting as a standalone music player and using bone conduction technology to transmit vibrations while swimming. 

How headwear like Shokz OpenSwim Pro Work Underwater

• Internal MP3 Storage (Crucial for Swimming): The headphones have built-in storage (often 32GB) that allows you to upload MP3 songs directly. This eliminates the need for a Bluetooth signal from a phone, which cannot reach you under water.

• Bone Conduction Technology: Instead of relying on speakers to send sound through the water to your eardrums, these headphones rest on your cheekbones and send vibrations directly to your inner ears.

• IP68 Waterproofing: They are designed to be completely submerged up to 2 meters. 

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Bluetooth Performance Limitations

• Zero Signal Penetration: Bluetooth is meant for air, not water. Once submerged, the signal is lost almost instantly.

• Exceptions: Some users report success in using Bluetooth by keeping the paired phone (or watch) exactly on the surface or by using a waterproof pouch to keep the device just inches away from the headset.

• Bluetooth Usage: The Shokz OpenSwim Pro can use Bluetooth, but it is intended for use out of the water (running/walking) or for switching between MP3 mode and Bluetooth mode in shallow water, not for deep submerged swimming. 

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In summary, the OpenSwim Pro solves the Bluetooth-water problem by acting as an MP3 player that happens to be waterproof and transmits sound through your bones instead of through the water.