Buying guide for best swim goggles
If you occasionally swim for fun, you might want a pair of swim goggles to ensure you can see clearly underwater. However, if you swim competitively or regularly, goggles can not only improve your vision both above and under the water but also prevent your eyes from getting irritated or dry. They can even keep you from losing your contact lenses in the pool. Goggles are also a good idea for kids who want to protect their eyes from the sting of pool chemicals.
Aegend Swimming Goggles are our favorite pair. They have a flexible silicone frame and a higher nosepiece that makes them comfortable enough for long swims, and they don’t fog up. If you’re looking for a bargain, we also like the Allpaipai Swimming Goggles, which come in a two-pack for a reasonable price and feature an ergonomic sealed silicone gasket to prevent any leakage.
Best swim goggles
These popular goggles top our list because we love how comfortable and practical they are. The frame is made of high-quality, flexible silicone that feels soft against the skin, and the nosepiece rests higher on the nose, which means it doesn’t pinch or leave any marks.
The goggles boast a unisex design, comfortably fitting men, women and older children and teens. The buckle and strap are designed for easy size adjustments and have a quick-release clasp to get them on and off quickly.
Looking for a clear view underwater? You’ll definitely appreciate the polycarbonate lenses, which are treated with an anti-fog coating that lets you see underwater without any issues. The lenses provide UVA and UVB protection to block the sun’s rays. They're impact-resistant in the event that you drop them.
The best value on our list, these swim goggles come as a two-pack, making them a bargain for a family or anyone who tends to lose their goggles when traveling to the public pool. They don’t feel as tight around the eyes as some other models, so they’re comfortable enough to wear for long swimming sessions. The gaskets still form a firm seal, keeping water from leaking inside and irritating your eyes.
The headband is made of soft, stretchy silicone, designed with comfort in mind. It’s fully adjustable and has a one-click button release that makes the goggles easy to get on and off. The anti-fog, UV-protected lenses provide a clear, long-distance view for underwater swimming and soften any glare from the sun if you swim outdoors.
From a trusted brand in the swim gear game, these high-performing goggles work well for competitions and training. The lenses’ anti-fog layer lets you see clearly underwater, while their UV coating offers protection from the UVA and UVB rays and cuts down on glare off the water.
The goggles’ design provides a wider view than other models and improves your peripheral vision while swimming. The low-profile frames reduce drag as you move through the water to keep your speed up. They come with four interchangeable nosepieces to allow you to get the most precise, comfortable fit possible.
These simple, stylish goggles are another solid option for swimmers on a budget. They come as a two-pack, making them a fantastic value. The lenses are made with UV and anti-fog protection, meaning you won’t struggle with glare and can see at long distances underwater.
The flexible, medical-grade silicone frames have cushioned gaskets that provide a tight seal that prevents leaks, but they're still comfortable enough for long swims. The adjustable head strap lets you customize the fit without snagging your hair. You can choose from seven cool color combinations.
If swimming is part of your workout routine, you’ll love these comfortable, low-profile goggles. The lenses have both anti-fog and UV protection to ensure you always see clearly, while the frame is soft and comfortable enough for a wide range of face shapes to wear.
The gasket is secure enough to prevent leaks, but it fits inside your orbital bone, making the goggles feel less restrictive than other models. The frames’ design also cuts down on drag to keep your speed up in the water. These goggles are PVC- and latex-free to prevent irritation if you have sensitive skin.
Keep your little one’s eyes protected in the water with these goggles designed specifically for children. They come in 14 colors, allowing your kids to pick their favorite. They won’t fight with you when it’s time to put them on — the soft, premium silicone frames provide even pressure with no pinching, so your kids won’t tug at them all day. They won’t leave annoying red marks behind.
Your children will always have a clear view underwater since the lenses have anti-fog technology. The stretchy straps keep the goggles securely in place, allowing your child to swim, play and cannonball to their heart's content.
These goggles may be the most expensive on our list, but they offer many impressive features that make them a wise investment for avid swimmers. Their cushioned, flexible frame stretches and adapts to your nose and face contours, providing a secure fit that’s still comfortable enough to let you power through plenty of laps.
They really stand out for their crystal-clear, mirrored lenses, which give you an extended peripheral view while swimming. They also have an anti-fog coating and UV protection, so you can see clearly both above and below the water. It’s easy to get the fit right for these goggles since their push-button mechanism lets you adjust the strap quickly.
If you have trouble with the glare while swimming, these polarized swim goggles may be a game-changer. The polarized lenses are designed to keep even the brightest sunlight from obstructing your vision. They have an upgraded anti-fog coating to keep your view clear underwater. The lenses are curved to give you a 180-degree field of vision as you swim.
The frames are crafted with a soft, flexible silicone gasket that always feels comfortable and never pinches or leaves marks on your nose. They’re still non-slip, meaning they stay put and won't move around while you're swimming. The one-touch button to adjust the straps is convenient.
If you have younger kids, these premium swim goggles are perfect for children aged 3 to 8. They're designed to have a less constrictive fit and sport a soft, comfortable frame that won’t have kids pulling at them too much. The goggles are latex-free, so they’re less likely to irritate your children’s delicate skin.
The lenses offer both anti-fog and UV protection to keep your kids seeing clearly both above and below the waterline. Best of all, the convenient side-release fit clip lets you adjust the strap quickly and easily.
Types of swim goggles
There are various types of swim goggles available, each with its own specific purpose, benefits and drawbacks.
Racing/performance goggles
These swim goggles have a smaller, more aerodynamic design, and the gaskets fit tightly around the eyes. Their secure fit makes them the best choice for situations where performance is paramount. The smaller design may not be comfortable for leisurely swims or daily training.
In this category, you'll also find Swedish-style goggles. They lack the traditional eye gasket and fit right around the eyes. They're great for reducing drag, making them a popular choice for competition purposes. They can be adjusted in many different ways to fit various face shapes. However, they're not particularly durable. It's worth noting that some Swedish-style goggles must be assembled before use.
Leisure goggles
Goggles meant for recreational swimming, swim training and other water sports feature a more comfortable fit than performance models. The gasket surrounding the eyepiece provides a seal that's gentle on the skin. They're usually larger than racing goggles, so they aren’t as effective at reducing drag.
Mask goggles
These goggles cover a larger portion of the face — picture a snorkeling mask minus the snorkel. They provide strong suction, staying put on the face and preventing leaks. Some swimmers find this type of goggles more comfortable, and they like the greater field of vision when swimming. A mask is not a suitable choice for competition, however.
Prescription goggles
You can purchase different types of swim goggles with a prescription, so this is not technically a separate category, but it's a type worth mentioning. If you wear glasses in your daily life, rest assured that there are swim goggles available that will help you see clearly while you swim.
Children’s goggles
Children's goggles are smaller in size than adult-specific ones, though some children may find adult goggles provide a better fit.
Swim goggle features to consider
Lens type and color
There are a variety of lens types. Each is best suited to specific conditions.
- Mirrored: This type of lens reduces glare and is best for sunny outdoor conditions.
- Clear: These are best for providing high visibility indoors or on cloudy days outdoors.
- Tinted: These provide mild sun protection and are appropriate for various lighting conditions.
- Polarized: These provide maximum sun protection and are best for outdoors.
- Transition: Also known as photochromic lenses, the tint of these lenses changes according to the light level. They’re good for situations where the lighting changes randomly (e.g., open-water swimming in overcast conditions).
Anti-fog properties
Some lenses are coated to keep them from fogging up and ruining your field of vision as you swim. This coating helps you see without having to stop and rinse out your goggles. The coating doesn't last forever, though. Even the highest-priced goggles don't have permanent anti-fog coatings. Proper care can help the coating last as long as possible.
UV protection
If you’re training in an outdoor pool or swimming in open water, opt for goggles that provide ultraviolet light protection from the sun. Tinted lenses sometimes protect against UV rays, but for the highest level of sun protection, opt for polarized lenses.
Face shape
Just because a type of swim goggles works for one person doesn't mean it will fit your face shape correctly. Most eyepieces are oval while others are round. Your eye shape will determine which is right for you. Your nose width also plays a part in getting the right fit. Many goggles come with interchangeable or adjustable nose clips so each swimmer can get the right fit.
Gaskets
You can choose swim goggles with or without gaskets. Gaskets help create a seal between your eyes and your goggles while offering a bit of protection and comfort for the skin around your eyes. Goggles without gaskets are usually made for racing.
Gasket materials include silicone, foam, rubber and neoprene. Silicone is the most durable. The soft feel of neoprene makes it the most comfortable.
Fit
- Seal: A good seal around the eyes keeps water out of your goggles. Without a proper seal, you'll periodically have to remove your goggles to drain water. Your chosen goggles should stay put around your eyes even if you’re not using straps.
- Strap: A proper strap keeps your swim goggles snug and secure on your head, but don't rely on the straps for a good seal. Split straps offer better security.
- Nose clip: An adjustable or replaceable nose clip offers a better and more secure fit.
Caring for swim goggles
Follow these tips to keep your goggles in good condition for training or summer dips in the pool.
- Rinse goggles after each use. Give your goggles a good rinse in tap water to get rid of debris and chlorine residue.
- Don't leave goggles in the sun. This can degrade the plastic and cause premature wear.
- Dry goggles before packing them away. Storing moist goggles could promote mold growth.
- Don't store goggles loose in your bag. The lenses may get scratched or warped.
- Don’t rub the lenses with your fingers. Keep your fingers away from the lenses as much as possible to prevent scratches and help the anti-fog coating last longer. Excess rubbing could cause the coating to come off.
FAQ
Q. How much do swim goggles cost?
A. For $20 and under, expect to find basic goggles and children's models. Swedish goggles also fall in this price range. Notably, while Swedish goggles are an excellent performance goggle, they aren't as durable as other options. For $25 to $50, you can find recreational or racing goggles with adjustable straps, nose clips and anti-fog coating on the lenses. If you’re willing to go over $50, you're looking at high-quality performance goggles, including those with polarized or transition lenses. Custom-made prescription goggles also fall within this highest price tier.
Q. Water always gets into my goggles. What’s going on?
A. It means your swim goggles aren't sealing properly on your face. This could be because you've been improperly storing them and they have bent out of shape. It may be because the gasket that helps create the seal has deteriorated due to chlorine exposure. You might be adjusting the strap too tightly, which can do the opposite of providing more suction. Or, it may simply be time to replace them.
Q. Why do my goggles always fog up?
A. It's possible they have no (or low-quality) anti-fog coating. If you've had them for a while, it's likely the coating has worn off. Even if you have brand-new goggles with a good anti-fog coating, excess condensation can still form and hamper your vision. Some companies sell spray-on anti-fog solutions that provide an extra bit of help in preventing cloudy lenses.
Q. How often should I replace my goggles? How will I know it’s time for a replacement?
A. Frequent swimmers who train in chlorinated water will probably go through two pairs of swim goggles a year. You'll know it's time to replace your goggles when the seal starts to leak or the lenses frequently fog up.
Q. Do I need a special type of swim goggles for a triathlon?
A. There's no such thing as triathlon-specific swim goggles, but the right combination of features makes a pair suitable for this kind of event. The type of lens you choose depends on whether you'll be racing in open water or an indoor pool. Goggles for open-water swimming need to provide superb visibility and sun protection while minimizing glare. For indoor swimming, a clear lens might be better for visibility.
In all racing situations, a secure fit is critical. It's especially important in cases where flip turns are necessary. Any competition swim goggles will do for a triathlon. Just pick the right lens tint, and make sure you have a good seal to prevent water from seeping in.
