Best Swimming Goggles
- Last Updated: August 23, 2020
- by Jason S.
Not sure which are the best swim goggles to buy? We’ve broken down six of the best swimming goggles covering every type of swimmer.
Of all the swimming gear, your swim goggles are perhaps the most important. They help you to clearly see other swimmers, flags and pool walls, while also protecting your eyes from becoming irritated from chlorine in the pool.
Our Top Pick
Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles
Top Reasons To Buy
- Best value competition goggles
- Streamlined comfortable fit
- Stylish
Key Features
- Four interchangeable nose pieces
- Panoramic and mirrored lenses
- Hypoallergenic —100% PVC
These recommendations the best swimming goggles for both competitive and training use based on our combined 14 years of experience in and around the pool. While competition swim goggles can be used for training, they tend to be very expensive, so it’s generally cheaper to keep a separate pair for training.
Let’s look at the googles!
Contents
- Our Top Pick
- Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles
- The Best Training Swim Goggles
- #1 - Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles - Our Top Pick
- #2 - Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 Swim Goggle
- #3 - ROKA X1 Anti-Fog Low-Drag Large Swim Goggles
- #4 - TYR Black Hawk Racing Goggles
- #5 - Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles
- #6 - TYR Socket Rockets 2.0 Racing Goggle
- Best Swimming Goggles FAQ
Image | Product Information | Features | Price |
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Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Goggles
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| Check Price On Amazon | |
Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 Goggles
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| Check Price On Amazon | |
ROKA X1 Large Swim Goggles
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| Check Price On Amazon | |
TYR Black Hawk Racing Goggles
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| Check Price On Amazon | |
Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles
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| Check Price On Amazon | |
TYR Socket Rockets 2.0 Racing Goggles
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| Check Price On Amazon |
The Best Training Swim Goggles
There are hundreds of different types of goggles for swimming laps. They come in all shapes and sizes, and over my years churning around the black line I’ve had a chance to try just about all of ’em.
Here are my top picks for best goggles for swimming laps and training.
Specifications
- Four interchangeable nose pieces
- Panoramic and mirrored lenses
- Hypoallergenic —100% PVC- and latex-free
BenEfits
- Best value competition goggles
- Streamlined comfortable fit
- Stylish
Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 goggles are suitable for both male and female swimmers and are easily adjustable for a secure yet comfortable fit. Each box contains four nosepieces, letting you pick one that best fits your face. You can modify the strap with an ergonomic clip to loosen or secure the goggles for a comfortable fit.
Aside from being adjustable, the strap is silicone for increased durability. Other notable features are the goggles’ panoramic lenses, which let you see a wider range, and cushioned seals over the nose bridge that prevent leaking. Because the eye seals are silicone, you can expect them to stand the test of time, regardless of whether you prefer to swim in salt or freshwater.
Vanquisher 2.0 goggles are suitable for professional and leisure swimmers that prefer swimming outdoors or indoors. Their inner eye fit design features a rubberized socket for your comfort and keeps water out. The UV-protected lenses offer optimal protection against harsh light, and their low-profile structure reduces drag during competitive swimming.
Plus, there’s an anti-fog feature that prevents condensation buildup that could disrupt your view. On the downside, the goggles’ ultra-mirrored lenses make them less than ideal for swimming in low-light conditions.
In summary, if you swim mostly outdoors and in good lighting, Vanquisher 2.0 goggles are a superb option.
- Versatile swim goggles: Vanquisher 2.0 goggles are suitable for competition and leisure swimming. Their durable silicone components also make them a reliable option for swimming in salt or freshwater.
- Adjustability: You can easily adjust the goggles’ strap and nosepiece for a comfortable fit. Plus, the goggle’s design is a good fit for most face shapes.
- Affordability: Despite their high-quality components and versatility, Vanquisher 2.0 goggles are very affordable.
- Low Lighting Use: In poor light conditions, especially in an indoor pool, the ultra-mirrored lenses offer poor visibility.
- Limited Peripheral Vision: While the Vanquisher’s panoramic view is okay, it doesn’t offer as much peripheral vision as some competitors.
- Anti-Fog Fading: The anti-fog coating begins fading after a few uses. You can rectify this with a fresh coat of anti-fog.
Specifications
- Made with silicone and Softeril
- Outer-eye fit and anti-fog design
- Curved lens technology with a 180-degree view
BenEfits
- Excellent field of vision
- Easy to put on & adjust
- Comfortable & fog resistant
Being a mask-style goggle that fits over the outer eye, Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 goggles are quite comfortable for extended use.
For a secure fit and superior protection, these goggles have a curved design that sits over your lower forehead and cheekbones. Their cushioned silicone gasket and customizable buckles keep everything in place while diving or swimming.
Aside from providing a watertight fit, the goggles’ curved lens technology delivers an excellent panoramic view. Just as important, the curve of the mask reduces drag, delivering exceptional hydrodynamics while swimming.
Other noteworthy protection features are the goggles’ 100% UV protection and anti-fog layer. The UV protection shields against glare, while the anti-fog feature prevents condensation. Despite their protective coating, your visibility will remain top-notch, even in low-light conditions.
Durability wise, the Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 goggles are among the best swim goggles on the market. Their surgical-grade silicone straps and Softeril material are as comfortable as they are resilient. The mask’s skirt is also a patented AFT material that provides superior comfort and a watertight seal around your eyes.
However, note that the Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0’s mask shape can’t fit all faces. If the goggles fit your face structure, and you don’t mind the high price, these durable and comfortable goggles are a fantastic choice.
- Top Protection: The Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 goggles keep out water and offer glare protection. That makes them reliable for clear vision in and out of water.
- Ergonomic Design: Everything about the Seal 2.0 is comfortable, from the goggles’ buckle and strap system to their mask style fit.
- Versatile: The goggles’ clear lenses make them suitable for indoor and outdoor use, including low-light situations.
- High price: These are one of the more expensive swimming goggles on the market.
- Limited fit: The goggles’ curved design isn’t a good fit for all face shapes.
Specifications
- Soft silicone construction
- Anti-fog coating
- Large frame
Benefits
- Comfortable soft plastic build
- Crystal clear vision
- Big field of view
ROKA X1 goggles are a fantastic product for broad visibility while underwater. The expansive view comes from the goggles’ large frame, which is 53mm wide and 44mm high.
For vision clarity, these goggles feature premium-grade polycarbonate lenses. You can also get the lenses in several colors to suit your needs. For optimal clarity, go for the clear lens design. If you want optimal protection against glare, and harmful UVA and UVB rays, choose one of the mirrored lens options.
Regardless of which lens color you choose, the goggles feature an anti-fog coating that prevents disruptive condensation.
When it comes to comfort, the ROKA X1 goggles are a winner. Their gaskets are hypoallergenic silicone, which is watertight yet soft to prevent chaffing. The split straps are also silicone with an easy-to-adjust clip for the perfect fit.
The nose bridge features a unique design that sits off-frame to fit over most nose shapes. The goggles are also completely latex- and PVC-free.
Even though the frame is large, the ROKA X1 goggles have a low-drag profile, making them suitable for training and competitive swimming.
On the downside, there are complaints that the frames are better suited for those with smaller heads. The goggles are also a bit pricey but come with a 90-day warranty if you are unhappy with the product.
- Modifiable Fit: You can easily modify the straps and clip for a comfortable fit. The unique design of the nose bridge also ensures the goggles fit over most noses.
- Minimal Drag: Despite the large size of the frames, you get minimal drag while moving through water. The large lenses also deliver high forward visibility.
- Dependable Protection: These goggles provide excellent water protection and keep out light that could hurt your eyes.
- Not for Everyone: The frame’s shape isn’t a good fit for larger head sizes.
Specifications
- Durafit silicone gaskets
- Adjustable straps
- Comes with five nose bridge sizes
BenEfits
- Excellent water tight seals
- Resists fogging
- Durable for frequent use
TYR Black Hawk Racing Goggles are suitable for a triathlete or master swimmer for several reasons. The first? The goggles’ Durafit silicone gaskets are watertight, yet soft enough to ensure a comfortable fit.
If you are worried about latex allergies, the goggles’ gaskets are hypoallergenic silicone. The goggles also have a unibody frame that can fit most face shapes.
But those aren’t the only comfort features. The TYR Black Hawk goggle’s adjustable dual straps deliver a snug fit and prevent them from slipping off while diving or intensive swimming. You also get five interchangeable nose bridges so that you can pick one that’s a perfect fit for your face.
The goggles have a low-profile design that ensures minimal drag during competitive swimming. Despite their streamlined design, the TYR Black Hawk goggles don’t compromise on peripheral vision. Their polycarbonate lenses are broad enough to give you a full view of what’s ahead.
Just as important, the lenses deliver full UVA/UVB protection and keep out glare during outdoor swimming. Since these aren’t mirrored lenses, they are also suitable for indoor use or swimming in low light conditions. Plus, the lenses are panoramic for a wide peripheral range.
TYR Black Hawk Racing goggles are affordable and come with a 30-day manufacturer warranty to protect your purchase.
- Minimal Drag: The goggle’s low-profile design keeps you as hydrodynamic as possible while underwater.
- Affordable Price: These are one of the more budget-friendly swimming goggles on the market.
- Clear Visibility: The goggles’ clear lenses and panoramic view ensure you see as wide and as far as possible.
- Customer Complaints: Some customers claim the eyecup support quickly deteriorates and breaks. If you experience this problem while the 30-day manufacturer warranty is valid, you can get a refund.
Specifications
- Smoke lens
- Oversized Plexisol lenses
- One-touch buckle
BenEfits
- All the benefits of Swedish goggles
- Affordably priced
- Very comfortable
The Aqua Sphere Kayenne goggle’s frame isn’t as large as the Seal 2.0’s, but that doesn’t mean it provides less protection or performance. It features large Plexisol clear lenses with curve technology for clarity and 180-degree vision. The curved lenses also keep things streamlined for top hydrodynamics.
The lenses are scratch-resistant, ensuring clear visibility that will last for years. The goggles also feature smoke-tinted lenses for UV and glare protection. The smoke lenses make Aqua Sphere Kayenne goggles ideal for outdoor professional or leisurely swimming.
Another protective feature is the anti-fog coating, which eliminates the need to pause mid-swim to wipe away condensation. If comfort is a priority, the goggles’ outer medium-eye fit lets you swim for hours without discomfort or “raccoon eyes.”
Durability wise, the goggles are impressive with scratch-resistant lenses, a one-piece frame, and silicone straps. The Softeril frame and silicone straps are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Plus, silicone straps don’t quickly deteriorate when exposed to saltwater or chlorine.
That said, these goggles aren’t a good fit for swimmers with smaller faces. Other swimmers can make the goggles snug by using the quick-fit buckle.
To summarize, the Aqua Sphere Kayenne goggles are pricey, but they’re also durable, comfortable, and efficient. That makes them a solid investment for pro and hobby swimmers. Plus, they’re available in various colors to suit your unique style.
- Versatile Goggles: The goggles' clear panoramic view offers better visibility than most swim goggles. That makes them one of the best choices for indoor and outdoor swimming, regardless of the lighting conditions.
- Excellent Features: Aqua Sphere Kayenne goggles have every feature to keep you safe and comfortable while underwater. Their components are also highly durable, meaning you can use them for years without issues.
- Options: They available in several colors to match your style, and the one-touch buckle allows for quick adjustments to the strap.
- Not for Everyone: The goggles’ design and fixed nose bridge are not a good fit for all face shapes, especially swimmers with small faces. To be safe, test the goggles before buying them.
- Expensive: Aqua Sphere Kayenne goggles are pricey, but they’re worth your money if they fit, and comfort and durability are your priority.
- Anti-fog Fading: The anti-fog coating fades rather quickly, but you can easily fix that by re-spraying it with anti-fog.
Specifications
- Silicone barrel and latex straps
- Low profile design
- Swedish-style customizable nose bridge
BenEfits
- Extremely comfortable
- Great water seal vs other goggles
- Less likely to cause eye circles
TYR Socket Rockets 2.0 goggles make our list of best swim goggles because of how well they perform in low lighting despite having metalized lenses and anti-fog coating to protect your eyes. The metalized lenses offer UV and glare protection when swimming on sunny days.
Regarding water protection, the TYR Socket Rockets 2.0 goggles get high scores for staying leak-free during leisurely or competitive swimming. They accomplish this with a silicone frame and a flexible gasket for a watertight seal. Aside from being waterproof, the gasket and frame are comfortable because of the rubberized seal’s soft texture.
The goggles are also low profile, keeping you as hydrodynamic as possible while swimming. Plus, you get a wide peripheral for a panoramic view. For the perfect fit, the straps and nose bridge are both adjustable.
Even though these are one of the most affordable products on our list, the TYR Socket Rockets 2.0 goggles are versatile, comfortable, and efficient. Plus, because they have few rigid structures, they are small enough to fit in your pocket.
On the downside, they have latex straps, which are not as durable as silicone. Latex quickly deteriorates with regular exposure to saltwater or chlorine. You can extend their lifespan by rinsing them after each use.
- Multipurpose Design: Suitable for swimming in bright- and low-light conditions, as well as for competitive or hobby swimming.
- Comfort: The soft silicone seals are ideal for extended use without discomfort or leakages. Plus, you can adjust everything from the straps to the nose bridge to suit your needs.
- Budget-friendly: You can get TYR Socket Rockets 2.0 goggles in various colors, and they are all affordable.
- Latex Straps: Aside from being less durable than silicone straps, latex straps can be a problem if you are allergic to latex.