In this comprehensive guide, we're here to serve you everything you need to know about swim goggles on a silver platter in an easy-to-understand language. It includes which ones are the best (and most popular), what to be aware of, and how to choose the best swim goggles for you.
Let's get started! Enjoy.
The Six Most Popular and Best Swim Goggles Right Now:
Arena Cobra Ultra SWIPE Mirror - Best for Competition and Meets
Arena Elite swim goggles - Cobra Ultra SWIPE Mirror - White/gold
4.82/5
Based on 82 reviews
If you're looking for the best and most popular pair of swim goggles right now, then Arena’s Cobra Ultra SWIPE Mirror is the one you should grab. This all-around swim goggle can be used for both meets and swim training.
With a remarkably small profile (small lenses), the Arena Cobra glides through water effortlessly. Compared to many other swim goggles, this one excels in hydrodynamics and speed. Additionally, it offers an unusually wide field of vision thanks to its uniquely curved lenses. This allows you to orient yourself much better in relation to other swimmers, turns, and finishes.
Plus, these Arena swim goggles boast an incredibly cool design, making you look like a pro swimmer just by putting them on. All the pro swimmers actually use Arena Cobra Ultra Mirror, including Viktor Bromer, Chad Le Clos, Cameron van der Burgh, Cate Campbell, James Magnussen, among others.
So, if you're looking to take your swimming to the next level, both speed-wise and style-wise, then Arena Cobra Ultra Mirror is what you should get!
Find all Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe Mirror here.
Watery Poseidon Ultra Mirror - Best Swim Goggles for Training
4.59/5
Based on 95 reviews
Watery Elite swim goggles - Poseidon Ultra Mirror - Black/silver
If you're looking for the best pair of swim goggles for training, which also perform excellently for both competition and recreational swimming, then our own Poseidon Ultra Mirror is a surprisingly strong contender. The goggles were developed by our team and produced in the very same factories serving the world's largest swim brands. The difference? You pay less - but get the same top quality.
Poseidon Ultra Mirror is designed with a low profile and a snug "close-to-eye fit," making the goggles super hydrodynamic in the water. This means less resistance - and more speed. With the rounded mirror lenses, you get an impressive 180-degree view while efficiently keeping out glare and sunlight.
The goggles are also optimized for longer training sessions. The larger eye cups ensure a comfortable fit, even after 1500 meters in the pool. The split straps come with centimeter markings, so you can always adjust them to be symmetrical - no matter how many times you take them on and off.
In short: Watery Poseidon Ultra Mirror is the perfect choice for those who want the most value for their money - without compromising on performance.
👉 Find Watery Poseidon Ultra Mirror here.
Watery Wade Mirror - Best Swim Goggles for Open Water and Triathlon
4.46/5
Based on 13 reviews
Watery exercise swim goggles - Wade Mirror - Blue/silver
Wade Mirror is the perfect choice for open water swimming - whether it's for training, triathlon, or just a leisurely swim in the lake. With its polarized mirror lenses, it effectively reduces glare from the water surface and provides a clear 180-degree view - even in murky waters. The photochromic coating automatically adjusts to the light, making the goggles ideal under changing weather conditions.
The eye cups have a strong suction, so they stay put - even if you take a swimming kick to the face. Additionally, the goggles feature anti-fog and anti-scratch lenses, along with a flexible nose bridge in soft silicone, making them extra durable and comfortable.
All in all: A complete and rugged open water goggle - at a very good price.
👉 Find Watery Wade Mirror here.
Watery Mantis 2.0 - Best Swim Goggles for Kids (4-12 years)
4.65/5
Based on 252 reviews
Watery swim goggles for kids - Mantis 2.0 - Atlantic Pink/clear
Ready for fun, splashing, and swimming? Watery Mantis 2.0 is the perfect choice for the smallest water enthusiasts. The swim mask is made with a scratch-resistant Plexisol lens, designed to withstand a lot - even when playing wildly in the pool or at the beach.
The mask frame and skirt are molded in one piece and adapted to children's faces with a suction effect, ensuring they fit snugly. The well-known "splash" when removing them is a good sign - they fit just right!
With a click system on the sides, even the youngest can easily adjust the straps - without any help from mom or dad.
👉 Find Watery Mantis 2.0 here.
Watery Raven Mirror - Best Swim Goggles for Beach and Relaxation
4.59/5
Based on 74 reviews
Watery exercise swim goggles - Raven Mirror - Black/white
For beach outings and relaxed swimming, Raven Mirror is an excellent choice for adults. With polarized mirror lenses, they effectively protect against glare and UV rays, so you can enjoy the sun without squinting in the water.
The eye cups are made with soft Premium silicone, ensuring a comfortable fit and strong suction - preventing water from seeping in. The high-definition lenses provide sharp vision all around, while the flexible nose bridge ensures no pressure on the nose.
👉 Find Watery Raven Mirror here.
Speedo Speedsocket - Most Popular Swim Goggles
4.69/5
Based on 29 reviews
Speedo Elite swim goggles - Fastskin Speedsocket 2 Mirror - Black/silver
An old favorite from Speedo makes it to our "top 6" - the Speedo Speedsocket. A nearly legendary swim goggle, with which Michael Phelps won his 8 medals at the 2008 Olympics. Additionally, the Speedsocket is known for its minimalist yet incredibly attractive design that many are absolutely crazy about. This, combined with its comfort, makes the Speedo Speedsocket a very capable swim goggle. Moreover, they can be used for both competitions and meets with great advantage!
Find the updated Speedo Speedsocket 2 Mirror here.
Other Popular Swim Goggles Worth Mentioning:
Best Swim Goggles for Triathlon and Open Water Swimming
While swim goggles for pool training often have a low profile (meaning generally small goggles with small lenses), goggles for triathlon/open water should have a somewhat larger profile (meaning larger with bigger lenses). When swimming outdoors, either in the sea or lakes, the water is simply murkier, and you need a better view. Therefore, the field of vision should be larger.
Additionally, especially at the start of triathlons and open water swimming, you're often more in contact with other swimmers. It is not uncommon to get a foot or hand in the face on your goggles. In such a situation, water must not enter, and you're guaranteed this with special triathlon or open water goggles. Due to the larger size of the goggles, they also cover a larger area, allowing them to seal firmly around your eyes.
Find special triathlon and open water swim goggles here
Best Swim Goggles for Kids
When choosing swim goggles for kids, there are a few things you need to pay special attention to. Firstly, ensure the goggles have a large field of vision (which provides the child more security in the water, as they can better orient themselves), and ensure they are comfortable around the eye sockets (otherwise, you'll risk the child wanting to take them off repeatedly). If your new swim goggles for your child have a large field of vision, sit comfortably around the eyes, then you've surely found a winner. It also doesn't hurt if the swim goggles look a bit cool.
The goggles best fulfilling these criteria are probably Watery Mantis 2.0 and Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 Junior. They are by far the most popular and best swim goggles for kids. Not only are they extremely comfortable for kids to wear, but the headband can also be easily adjusted (no assistance needed).
Explore all other swim goggles for kids here.
Best Swim Goggles with Prescription
Fortunately, it is now possible to get swim goggles with prescription - specially made for those who are farsighted or nearsighted, or have other eye issues. In fact, it's almost impossible to distinguish between regular and prescription swim goggles just by their appearance. They look identical. However, there's a lot of technology in the lenses that allows you to swim regardless of your vision problems.
If you're in the market for a pair of swim goggles with prescription, you should consider a variant like Primotec Optique, available for both adults and kids. Primotec Optique can be used whether you are farsighted or nearsighted - from -6 to +8. This pair is by far the most popular (and probably the best) swim goggles with prescription, not only for their extraordinary comfort but also because they look quite cool.
Discover our prescription swim goggles here.
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Essential Requirements for Your New Swim Goggles:
- Cushioned with Foam or Rubber Around the Eyes
This comes down mostly to personal preference as some people prefer goggles without foam or rubber. However, most people like it because it increases comfort when the goggles sit around the eyes. Plus, the foam/rubber also prevents the goggles from leaving marks while worn.
- 100% UV Protected
Most swim goggles nowadays offer UV protection, but you should always make sure they do. Without UV protection, the sun's rays pass straight through the lens, reaching your eyes directly (which is not ideal when swimming outdoors). This can harm your eyes and cause damage.
- Anti-Fog Treated
Nothing is more annoying and frustrating than fogged lenses in your swim goggles. Ensure the goggles have an anti-fog treatment, so you don't have to manage this yourself.
- Includes Interchangeable Nose Bridges
Some have big noses, others have small noses, and some are in between. Therefore, you're not guaranteed that the swim goggles will fit you upon arrival. You should ensure interchangeable nose bridges are included, allowing you to adjust them to your specific fit. Otherwise, you risk discomfort from day one.
- Easy to Adjust Strap Length
It's now common practice for even a 6-year-old to adjust the strap length on most swim goggles independently. While this might not be the most crucial point, it is a good feature that simplifies life at the poolside. Even if you don't change the length, they might feel too tight or loose for different training sessions. You need to be able to adjust the length yourself.
- Large Field of Vision
When you swim, you want the best possible overview. This provides not only security in the water but also general comfort. Ensure your swim goggles offer the widest field of vision possible. Generally, swim goggles should provide at least 180-degree views, which most goggles do.
- Durable Straps
Nothing is worse than straps breaking on your swim goggles, especially in the midst of training or just before a race. Therefore, it's crucial that the straps can withstand a lot without breaking suddenly.
- As Low Profile as Possible
Whether you need swim goggles for meets or training, go for the lowest profile possible (meaning the smallest size of the goggles) to minimize resistance while swimming.
5 Tips to Take Care of Your Swim Goggles
Once you have your new swim goggles, you want them to last as long as possible, right? Everyone does, but if you don't take care, they could either be damaged or lost within a few months (and mom/dad won't be happy!). There are several ways to prevent this, but you could start by considering these five concrete tips:
- Always Store Them in Their Case
It's no coincidence that many swim goggles come with a case - it's meant for you to use. Your goggles will thank you for it. It reduces scratches, and you’ll have a more consistent place to find your goggles every time. You can buy such a swim goggle case here.
- Don't Throw Them!
A simple yet effective way to avoid scratches is to refrain from throwing your swim goggles. It’s not that hard.
- Use Anti-Fog Spray
While not directly impacting durability, you should spray some anti-fog spray on your swim goggles occasionally. This will help prevent fogging.
- Have Separate Competition and Training Swim Goggles
Having separate swim goggles for competition and training will reduce wear and tear and therefore extend their lifespan.
- Place Them in the Same Spot in Your Swim Bag Every Time
The most common reason so many swim goggles are sold each year is that people lose them. You can prevent this from happening to you by deciding on a consistent spot in your swim bag to store your goggles after each swim session. This way, you’ll always know where they are.
Are Your Swim Goggles Fogging Up?
We've all been there. Your swim goggles fog up during the middle of your swimming session. It's super annoying and distracts your focus. But we have a solution for you and your swim goggles. First and foremost, you should use some anti-fog spray, which will keep the fog completely away. It's super easy, ensuring you avoid fogged swim goggles forever.
4.3/5
Based on 76 reviews
Watery Anti-Fog Spray
You've reached the end! I hope you are now wiser about swim goggles, enabling you to find the perfect pair just for you. You should have enough knowledge to make that decision yourself. :-)
Former elite swimmer and founder of Watery.dk
Daniel has over 10 years of experience in competitive swimming and has tested countless pairs of swim goggles. He founded Watery.dk, where he combines his passion for swimming with expertise in equipment and guidance.