Best Swimming Goggles
Brian 
Marko Whether you want to fuel your competitive streak with some swimming races or swim laps for low impact exercise, or simply have fun with friends and family, goggles are a necessary part of the sport. Here we will examine the top ten best swimming on the market today. We will go through their strengths and weaknesses, and what makes them great for certain types of activities.
The great thing about these products is that they are pretty simple and straightforward. The main things to look for when buying have to do with comfort, durability, and a few special features such as anti-fog and mirrored or tinted lenses. These products also come in a lot of fun styles and colors.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 15 hrs of research
Designed with a low profile
Hydrodynamic
Good for peripheral vision
Has a good, tight seal
Free from latex
Top 10 Picks
1. Speedo Speed Socket
Designed with a low profile
Hydrodynamic
Good for peripheral vision
Has a good, tight seal
Free from latex
Some users thought these were too tight and pinched the nose
We like that the Speedo Speed Socket is great for being able to use your peripheral vision. It is specially designed for this which makes it perfect for competitions.
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The sleek fit of the Speedo Speed Socket along with its low profile makes it hydrodynamic and ideal for competitive swimming. The lenses protect you from UV rays as well as prevent fogging. The lenses are mirrored.
Durability
The lenses are made out of polycarbonate for excellent durability. The straps are stretchy yet strong and the gaskets around the eyepieces are tight and secure. Some users reported that the anti-fog feature did not last and wore away.
Adjustability
The strap has the ability to be adjusted for length, and included with the Speedo are three different sized nose pieces so you can find the one that fits best for you. Even so, some people still had trouble with the product fitting without being too tight or pinching the nose. This is always a potential problem.
Comfort
The seals of the Speedo are hypoallergenic and are free from any PVC or latex. The straps are made out of silicone and are the double length for a more secure and comfortable fit. The seals around the eyepieces are built to be comfortable.
Value
The Speedo is a mid-range price and is a good all around and reliable product.
Overall
We love the simple and sleek design of the Speedo Speed Socket. It is a great option for casual laps in the pool or for serious competition.
2. Arena Cobra Ultra Mirror
Comes in six different colors
Design is high tech for optimal performance
Field of view is expanded
Comes with five different size nose bridges
Dark lenses for outdoors
Some users thought they were not dark enough to be used in the sun
We love the multicolored and highly technical designs of the Arena Cobra. The Cobra is great for several different uses.
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The Arena has a really cool design and comes in several styles and colors. The available colors are all black, multicolored, pink, silver with white and red, or yellow copper with blue. The lenses are multicolored. The lenses are curved and slanted for a better view out the front and out the sides. This design helps you both see better and be able to swim faster. The Arena is shaped like a blade for gliding through the water.
Durability
The lenses are hard, durable, and made out of strong materials. They are coated with an anti-fog treatment. The temples are over-molded and are in one piece with the lenses which makes them more durable and less prone to breaking.
Adjustability
The Cobra comes with five different sizes of nose bridge inserts. Users report that the Cobra is easy to adjust.
Comfort
Users report that the Arena Cobra is very comfortable and does not hurt your nose or face. The Cobra avoids putting pressure on sensitive areas of your face such as the bridge of your nose. The double straps allow the product to evenly distribute the pressure around your head. The seal around the lenses is adaptable and provides an ideal seal around your eyes.
Value
The Cobra is in the upper midrange as far as price goes. It costs extra due to some extra engineering and design features.
Overall
The thoughtful design of the Cobra has a lot of technical engineering put into it to make it a practical and good looking product.
3. Aegend
Built to be flexible
The anti-fog feature is safe for the environment
The lenses are tinted
Heavy duty seal
Made for high performance
Some users reported that the lenses were blurry
One great thing about the Aegend is that it comes with a case to keep the product safe and protected and free from scratches while in your swim bag.
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The Aegend features a clip in the back for convenience. Instead of being mirrored, the lenses are clear so that they don’t distort your view of colors. They are easier to see through than mirrored lenses and include some tint for use when out in the sun. the tint is best for use in mildly bright environments, not extremely bright and not too dark.
Durability
The lenses are made out of strong polycarbonate and will never shatter. The brand includes instructions for making the anti-fog coating last longer. These instructions include rinsing the lenses to activate the coating and letting them sit in the pool for a bit to acclimate. A number of users, however, have reported that they could not get the anti-fog to work and that the lenses just became blurry and were hard to see out of. Fortunately, the brand offers a twelve-month warranty.
Adjustability
Unlike most designs, the Aegend has an easy to use clip on the back of the strap. You can push the button on the clip and separate the straps into the two sides. The clip also has the ability to adjust the length of the straps.
Comfort
The nose piece is designed to be comfortable, and the seals around the eyepieces are designed like a cushion and have a double deck style that keeps water out while still being comfortable. The clasp on the back allows you to put on and take off the product without pulling your hair.
Value
The price of the Aegend is extremely low.
Overall
The unique design of the Aegend is definitely something special. The lenses have a unique shape and provide good visibility with their tinted style.
4. MP Michael Phelps XCEED
Made out of synthetic materials
Comes in eight product and lens colors
Is easy to adjust
Comes with a case
Soft and comfortable gasket
Some have mentioned that the adjustable strap has a tendency to slip
The unique thing about the MP Xceed is that the lens is designed to allow you to see the person in the lane next to you without ever having to move your head which is extremely great for use in competition.
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The eight colors that the MP Xceed comes in are white with titanium gold lens, blue with smoke lens, blue with titanium blue lens, yellow with clear lens, blue with titanium blue lens, yellow with the mirrored lens, gray with smoke lens, and white with blue lens. The lens comes in four different styles which are titanium mirror (in several colors), plain mirror, smoke, and clear. The titanium mirror is a coating of layered metal and is best for glare protection. The plain mirrored lens is great for use in bright light situations. The smoke lens is great for both bright lights and outdoor use. Finally, the clear lenses are good for indoor use or use in cloudy outdoor conditions.
Durability
The exoskeleton is partly rigid and partly flexible giving you the best of both worlds. It is both durable and strong while still being flexible for comfort. The MP Xceed is made in Italy and is a highly researched and well-crafted design. Users have mentioned that you have to be gentle with the product and should not let any water come in contact with the inside of the lenses.
Adjustability
The double straps are designed in such a way as to be very quick and easy to adjust. You can pull one strap out more which tightens the other one. The nose bridge is interchangeable
Comfort
The gasket seal is extremely soft for maximum comfort. This also helps it get a really good seal. The lenses have both UVA and UVB protection from the sun’s rays.
Value
The MP Xceed is in the upper middle end of the price range. It is designed for highly competitive swimming which adds to the features and the cost.
Overall
The MP Xceed is certified and legal for all kinds of swimming competitions.
5. Aqua Sphere
Lenses are extra large
Comes in twelve different styles
Lenses are resistant to scratches
Has two easy release buttons
Unique curved lens technology
Some thought the inside of the lens was poor quality
The Aqua Sphere has a unique and practical design and comes in a whole bunch of different color options. The Aqua Sphere may not be as hydrodynamic or competition geared as other models, but it is great for fun and casual use and allows you to see a much wider view.
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The lenses of the Aqua Sphere are curved and provide 180 degrees of view. Both sides feature a buckle that has a quick release button to make it extremely easy to put on and take off. The lenses are available in clear, smoke, polarized, or mirror. The Aqua Sphere is available in several different colors and style combinations. The colors include black, gray, clear, and white. Some designs include pops of color accents in bright green lime, yellow, or orange. The clear model is very unique since the whole product, not just the lenses, is clear.
Durability
The lenses of the Aqua Sphere are made out of plexisol which makes them strong and durable and also prevents any kind of distortion.
Adjustability
The buckle requires one touch for adjustments and allows you to change the tightness of the product.
Comfort
The Aqua Sphere is built to fit well around the shape of your eyes and head. The lenses are oversized for better visibility since being able to see better makes the product more comfortable.
Value
The price of the Aqua Sphere is surprisingly low relative to other models and considering its well-engineered design.
Overall
The unique four-point design of the lenses with their three radii make the Aqua Sphere one of the best options for maximum visibility.
6. Zoggs Original Predator Flex
Offers excellent clarity
The strap is a split yoke design
Comes with a fabric pouch
Has three options for lens darkness
Great for all face shapes
Some users experienced the nose piece breaking
We love the cool style of the Zoggs Predator. It is a nice, basic design.
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The Zoggs are silver with blue or red accents depending on the lens style you choose: mirror, blue tinted, or clear.
Durability
The nose piece is supposed to be quite flexible with four-point flexibility which allows it to adapt to different face sizes and shapes, but some users have reported a few problems with durability. The nose piece broke for some, and others found that the anti-fog feature did not work or wore out.
Adjustability
The Zoggs have an adjustable feature on both sides which changes the tightness of the band.
Comfort
Users report that the Zoggs does a great job of fitting well. They are tight as they should be, but also still comfortable.
Value
The price of the Zoggs Predator is in the low to mid range of the price spectrum.
Overall
We are glad to report that the Zoggs Predator comes with a cloth bag which protects the product from scratches.
7. Speedo Vanquisher 2.0
Blocks UVA and UVB
Includes four nose pieces
Has an inner eye fit
Won the 2017 and 2018 Women’s Choice Award
Seals are made of soft silicone
Some users had problems with the durability of the plastic
We like that the Vanquisher comes from a well-known brand and has a great design for fitting close to the eye and keeping out water which helps prevent fog.
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The Vanquisher is designed for performance. It has a wide panoramic lens for a great field of view. It comes in several colors including red, blue, gray, horizon blue, pacific blue, rainbow, citrus green, gold, and key lime.
Durability
Some users report that the Vanquisher is very durable and lasts for a long time with a lot of use. Others say that it is a nice product but breaks easily in the middle and does not last very long. The nose piece is made out of plastic and could be less durable than the rest of the product. One nice thing is that the product comes with four nose pieces, so if one breaks you could replace it with one of the other three as long as the size of each one fits you just as well.
Adjustability
The Speedo Vanquisher comes with four interchangeable nose pieces of different styles.
Comfort
The product fits close to your eye for comfort and practicality. Most users report that they are comfortable, while a few do not like how tight the product is.
Value
The price of the Speedo Vanquisher is really quite low on the spectrum.
Overall
This award-winning product from Speedo is definitely a great find. Although some users have had trouble with its durability, most say that it is a great product.
8. Zoggs Adults Panorama
Versatile for indoor and outdoor use
Provides the maximum UV protection
Specially curved lens technology
Patented Fogbuster lenses
Hypoallergenic
Some had trouble keeping water out of the eyepieces
The Zoggs Panorama has great lenses which prevent distortion and give you a clear, wide-angle view.
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The Zoggs Panorama comes in red with smoke lenses, blue with blue lenses, or clear with smoke lenses. One downside might be that they do not come with any kind of case.
Durability
The strap of the Zoggs Panorama is made out of strong and flexible silicone.
Adjustability
The Zoggs Panorama features an adjustable option that is easy and quick to change. Unfortunately, the nose piece is not adjustable.
Comfort
The design of the gasket seal on the Panorama allows it to mold around the shape of the wearer’s eyes providing comfort. The strap is designed in such a way as to evenly distribute the pressure and to reduce discomfort on the face. Users report that the product fits well and really does hug the face for maximum comfort.
Value
The price of the Panorama is extremely low.
Overall
The great thing about these is that they come from a brand that has been around for over a couple of decades and has had a lot of experience in making quality products.
9. Aqua Sphere Seal Xp2
Designed to be similar to scuba goggles
Extra comfortable design
The lenses resist any scratching
Comes with a big case
Part of it is made out of gentle softeril
Probably not suitable for small faces
The Aqua Sphere Seal is one of the most unique on this list. It has a very large lens design and is perfect for situations where you need a wide field of vision.
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The Aqua Sphere Seal looks like a pair of scuba goggles. It has all the strengths and none of the downsides of large scuba goggles. The Seal is a product with an outer eye fit. It sits on the cheekbones and doesn’t squeeze around the eyes which prevents raccoon eyes from occurring. The Seal is designed to fit a variety of face shapes and to prevent leaks.
Durability
The lenses are made out of plexisol, and the nose bridge is designed in a way that prevents it from being a weak point and breaking. These are a very sturdy pair.
Adjustability
The Seal has an easy to adjust the system. You simply pull the straps backward to tighten, and life the buckle up and pull the product forward to loosen. The adjustable system is designed to not get in the way.
Comfort
The large eyepieces mean that this product isn’t going to be tightly squeezing your eyes and nose. The gasket is made out of softeril which is more gentle to your facial skin than other products.
Value
The Seal is at a low to mid-range price. It is a unique design and the only one of its kind on this list.
Overall
The Aqua Sphere Seal is probably not the best option for any kind of competitive swimming. It is, however, great for recreational swimming.
10. Speedo Fastskin Elite
The seal has a unique 3D design
Prevents leaking
Special fitting technology
Helps prevent marks around the eyes
The strap is a patented special design
Some thought the product was too small
Here is a product that is excellent for use in competition. It is streamlined and prevents a lot of the common problems these kinds of products have such as raccoon eyes or fogging.
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The Speedo Fastkin is small and minimal to prevent creating any drag in the water. The Fastkin has a unique strap that has a tape measure painted on it so you can see exactly how tight you need it and so you can be consistent and precise. The lens is hydroscopic and provides an excellent view.
Durability
Some users have had trouble with parts of the product breaking, which is surprising since this is a high-end product. Though it is made out of strong materials and good design, it is possible for some of the parts to break.
Adjustability
The tape measure on the strap is one thing that makes the Fastkin very easy to adjust. Another thing is the fact that the strap is a special patented design that will help you get the right fit quickly. The strap is in one piece and has no loose, dangling ends which would create drag or get in the way. The Fastkin has a special design that allows you to adjust it by touch before using it in a race.
Comfort
The gasket around the eyepieces is designed to fit the contours around your eyes. They prevent leaks and prevent creating marks around your eyes. The brand has done extensive research to create a product that fits well and works well.
Value
The Fastkin is in the middle of the price range, which is amazing considering that it is pretty high tech and well designed for serious sporting competitions.
Overall
Not only is the printed measuring tape on the strap extremely practical, but it also adds a bit of style to the product.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
Style determines function!
While all of these products have a lot of similarities in style, they all have some differences in style, too. We wanted to find a variety of styles that would fit a variety of users and needs. We looked at things like how the product was shaped, if it was designed for competition or not, how hydrodynamic it was, what color options were available including the overall product color and the color and design of the lenses. We looked at options available for tinted or mirrored lenses. Some users might need to protect their eyes from the sun if they will be swimming outdoors, so we looked to make sure UV protection was available for many of the products on this list.
Durability
These products get a lot of use.
We know that these kinds of products can be notorious for not lasting very long. They certainly do have some common weak points like the nose piece and the strap. That is why we worked to find products that have an extra strong design made out of durable materials. We wanted to make sure that these products will last a long time before needing to be replaced. Often times the straps of the products we looked at were made out of silicone which is very practical and durable. It is stretchy, yet extremely strong. We also looked at the material the lenses were made out of. We wanted to make sure that it was a good quality material that would not break and that would not cause any other problems such as fogging.
Adjustability
Adjustability can aid in comfort!
No one has the same size and shape head. We are all unique and need equipment that fit us personally. That is why we thought it was so important to find products that had several methods of adjustability. Most, if not all, have the ability to be adjusted by the strap, making it longer or shorter, looser or tighter. Some even have a handy quick release button or buckle which allows you to take off the product without pulling your hair. Another adjustable feature that we thought was important was interchangeable nose pieces. In order to get the product to fit your nose comfortably, you need to have the option to find the right size nose piece. We featured many products that come with several different sizes of nose pieces which makes it very likely that you will be able to find the right one for you. Some of the products we looked at did not have this option, and instead relied solely on the adjustability of the strap.
Comfort
These products need to be comfortable.
The comfort of these products was high on our list of priorities when researching. No one likes to be uncomfortable when exercising, competing, or having fun. We know that users are less likely to wear these products if they can’t do so in comfort. Since these products are supposed to be tight, we had to look for other ways to make sure they were comfortable. We looked at the gasket around the eyepieces to make sure it was made out of soft, flexible material that was cushioned and fits the contour of your eye. We also wanted to make sure that the strap was able to distribute pressure well so that the tightness is not terribly uncomfortable.
Value
Value is important!
The great majority of these types of products are quite affordable. They are usually relatively simple products that do not cost too much. Even so, they would not be a very good value if they did not turn out to work or did not last very long. When researching, we assumed that it would be better to pay a little more for a quality product, than to have to buy several products because they keep breaking. We looked at specifications, materials, design, and user experiences to make sure these products were of good value.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Durability Adjustability Comfort Value
It is helpful to know what parts of goggles you tend to be especially hard on. Is it the nose piece that usually breaks for you? Or the straps? If you know this, then look for a product that compensates for this by having an extra strong build, design, and material in that area. If you use these products to their limit, be prepared to have to replace them regularly. None of these can last forever, and having to replace them is just a sign that you have been using them a lot.
This kind of products, in order to do their job, have to be very tight. This, by nature, is not exactly comfortable. There might be a certain amount of discomfort you will have to endure in order to get a good fit that doesn’t leak. But there’s no reason you can’t try to find a good compromise that works well and is comfortable. Try adjusting the product, both the nose piece and straps. Try moving it around your face and moving the straps in different positions on the back of your head to try to distribute the pressure more evenly. Try different designs of products. You should be able to find something that is at least fairly comfortable.
Other Factors to Consider
Brand
When you check out this list, you will see at least one brand name that you have heard of. Speedo is one of the leaders in the swimming world, and with good reason. It was founded in Australia in 1914 and has continued, and continues, to grow. Another big name that you might notice on this list is MP, by Michael Phelps. While brands like this can quickly catch your eye and typically have reputable customer service, we added in a few underdogs. We scoured the reviews to make sure each product was worthy. Even if it's a brand you have never heard of, you can have confidence in it if it is on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What are mirrored lenses?
Mirrored lenses have a special lens design that makes it so you can’t see the eyes of the person wearing them. Instead, you see a reflection of yourself, hence the name mirrored. Mirrored lenses are great for use outdoors. They reduce glare and act as a kind of sunglasses. Another benefit of mirrored lenses is that the competition can’t see your eyes. This may be an advantage.
q: What are raccoon eyes?
Racoon eyes are something that occurs when you wear tight goggles for a long period of time, which creates marks around your eyes, giving the look of a raccoon eye. Often times this is not painful and you won’t know you have it until someone tells you or you look in the mirror.
q: How do I prevent raccoon eyes?
This is tricky, because if you adjust the goggles so they are loose enough to not create raccoon eyes, then they will probably leak. But if you make them tight enough to not leak, they will probably make rings around your eyes. Racoon eyes are not necessarily harmful, so you could just deal with them. But you could also try different pairs of goggles that are designed to prevent this from happening. Some pairs have wide lenses and an outer eye fit. These would prevent the problem altogether. Other models have specially designed gaskets that are cushioned and are supposed to prevent both leaking and raccoon eyes.
q: What are blue lenses?
Blue lenses are different than mirrored or smoke lenses. They have a blue tint to them and make it easier for you to see underwater, especially when in open water like lakes or the ocean.
q: What are polarized lenses?
Polarized lenses block glare from the sun. It is a feature common in sunglasses, especially those sunglasses worn by people who are around water. Water can cause a lot of glare from sunlight, and so swimmers who plan on swimming outdoors or in the open water will want to have goggles that act as sunglasses and are polarized to block that annoying glare. Glare is when sunlight hits the surface of the water and reflects in a more concentrated beam to your eyes. It can damage your eyes and cause temporary bright spots in your vision. It can hinder you especially if you are participating in a competition. Polarized lenses work by having a kind of filter that blocks this kind of concentrated light.
q: When would I need clear lenses?
Clear lenses work well in indoor swimming, as long as the lights are not so bright that they cause glare for you. Clear lenses are also great for outdoor use on cloudy days, or for swimming at night.
q: How do I care for these products?
Make sure and keep them clean, for one thing. Rinse them with fresh water after every single swim. Make sure to follow all manufacturer directions that came with the product. They will often tell you how to care for it and what not to do. Another thing to keep in mind is that after washing the product, you should let it air dry, and you should be careful to keep it out of direct sunlight.
