Whether you are going to the pool, lake, or any other body of water to swim, chances are you will need to make sure to bring along a solid pair of swimming goggles – if you want to be able to see anything anyway.
Swimming goggles not only allow you to open your eyes underwater if it is otherwise unwise to do so, they often provide other benefits as well.
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In a Hurry? The test winner after 5 hrs of research
This is especially true for competition swimming where the stakes are so high that every little advantage could be the final push over the edge that allows one competitor to claim victory over the others.
Of course, there are plenty of other, more relaxed situations where a different type of swimming goggles might be better suited which does not even take into consideration the swimmer.
Best Swimming Goggles for Laps in 2023
As such, figuring out which pair is the best goggles for you can be a difficult and confusing task. That is why we have put together a list of the 10 best swimming goggles, highlighting what each one does best. Then we provide a helpful buyer’s guide.
1. Aegend – Best Swimming Goggles for Laps (Editor’s Choice)
If you are not already familiar with the brand, it makes a great deal of sense that you would have never heard of them considering they have only been in existence for a couple of years. On top of that, Aegend does not even specialize in swimming goggles or even swimwear though the company at least does specialize in sports accessories.
Even better, they only focus on 3 different sports and swimming happens to be one of them. Still, it might come as a bit of a surprise that the Aegend swimming goggles are actually rated our Editor’s Choice.
Lenses
When first considering the lenses of the Aegend swimming goggles, you might not consider them too terribly remarkable. They are made of polycarbonate like the overwhelming majority of other swimming goggle lenses though they do come with all of the relevant lens treatments.
Still, the primary reason that the lenses of the Aegend swimming goggles are so remarkable is that they incorporate many of the same principles of higher end sunglasses into their design. Specifically, the Aegend swimming goggles are the only pair of swimming goggles on our list to use tinted lenses for different types of lighting conditions.
This means that you can potentially get a pair for every setting if you are involved in competitive swimming especially those that are outdoors.
- Comes in 11 different styles
- Has mirrored lenses
- Provides UV protection
- Has anti-fog treatment
- Lenses made of polycarbonate
- Has quick-release clip
- Comes with complete kit
- Strap made of silicone
- Frame made of silicone
- Nosepiece is not the most comfortable
- Not the best mirror film
2. Incite Elite – Water Tight and Fog Free (Best Price)
The Incite Elite swimming goggles are entirely focused on providing the best value that they possibly can in fact, outside of a set of swimming gear accessories, this is the only product that Incite Elite makes.
That said, these are still a decent pair of swimming goggles even if they have a some of the more frustrating drawbacks. Still, you can only expect so much when you are looking for the Best Price swimming goggles. Thankfully, Incite Elite believes in their product, which is backed up by a 100 percent guarantee.
Frame
Even though the Incite Elite swimming goggles are similar to most of the other swimming goggles we reviewed, it still has some qualities to differentiate it from the rest. In this case, by far one of the more notable qualities of the Incite Elite swimming goggles is its frame. Specifically, the frame is made of rubber, but not silicone rubber like most of the other swimming goggles on our list.
Instead, the Incite Elite swimming goggles use a more traditional rubber, which is more durable in a generalized way than silicone though it may be more reactive to those with rubber allergies and will be more susceptible to UV, chemical, and other types of damage. On top of that, the frame is made of a single mold that is 20 mm thick, which provides some additional strength and durability.
- Is the least expensive pair of swimming goggles reviewed
- Has mirrored lenses
- Provides UV protection
- Has anti-fog treatment
- Lenses made of polycarbonate
- Has quick-release clip
- Comes with complete kit
- Has rubber-sealed gaskets
- Strap made of silicone
- Not the best fit
- Not the best anti-fog
3. Speedo Skoogles – Fun Introductory Goggle for Kids Ages 4-6 (People’s Choice)
When it comes to swimming gear and swimming accessories, Speedo is easily one of the most well known and well-respected companies on the planet. In fact, Speedo is so well known and well respected that their iconic swimming trunks are nearly a generic trademark with people referring to the brand more than the categorical term “swimming briefs.”
On top of that, children have a tendency to swim far more than many adults, and Speedo is a brand that covers every niche and submarket within the broad swimming product category. As such, it only makes sense that the Speedo Skoogles are the People’s Choice swimming goggles.
Build
Considering their reputation and market presence, it properly follows that Speedos would have some of the best-designed swimming goggles on the market. Keep in mind, by this we do not necessarily mean that the swimming goggles are especially nice looking though you may consider them to be just so but that the engineering of these swimming goggles is definitely superior to that of most of the others that we saw.
For one, the frames are made out of a single piece, which increases the tensile strength of the silicone material. On top of that, the Speedo Skoogles swimming goggles also feature a middle eye fit, making them ideal for the widest number of people possible though these swimming goggles do have a tendency to run a bit small compared to other brands.
- Is a less expensive pair of swimming goggles
- Comes in 4 different styles
- Features G.O. Fit system
- Has side release Speed Fit
- Provides UV protection
- Has anti-fog treatment
- Has a middle eye fit
- Has a 1-Piece frame
- Lenses made of polycarbonate
- Size runs small
- May irritate sensitive skin
4. COOLOO Kids – Swimming Glasses for Children and Early Teens
When you purchase pretty much anything for a toddler, chances are that you are not looking for something that can handle the “long haul” considering your child is likely to grow out of whatever you purchased for them at some point in time or another whether physically or mentally.
As such, your biggest concerns should focus more on price and safety.
While the COOLOO Kids swimming goggles may not necessarily be the least expensive swimming goggles that we reviewed, they are very nearly so.
On top of that, these swimming goggles come in a 2-pack, so you do not really have to worry about your toddler breaking or losing them making them the best goggles for toddlers.
Value
With a pair of toddler’s swimming goggles, by far the most important quality is value, especially since there is a fairly good chance that these swimming goggles will be used for a handful of years at best and certainly not in any serious situation like for a competition.
As such, the fact that the COOLOO Kids swimming goggles provides most of the industry standards in terms of design and build is solid. With polycarbonate lenses that are treated for UV protection as well as for anti-fog, the COOLOO Kids swimming goggles check the boxes for lenses while the silicone strap that features quick-adjust buttons checks the other boxes as well. The biggest issue with the COOLOO Kids swimming goggles is that they do not provide the tightest seal.
- Comes in 11 different styles
- Is a less expensive pair of swimming goggles
- Strap made of silicone
- Provides UV protection
- Lenses made of polycarbonate
- Has flexible nosepiece
- Has anti-fog treatment
- Has dual layer gaskets
- Has quick-adjust button
- Not the most durable
- Not the best seal
5. i-Sports Pro – New Level of Comfort
i-Sports Pro is another one of those brands that specialize exclusively in narrow band of products not to even consider the actual categories. In fact, outside of a leg compression sleeve, the i-Sports Pro brand specializes exclusively in these swimming goggles. As such, it should make sense that these swimming goggles are well-made and fill a bit of a specific niche: fit.
Due to a unique, build design, the i-Sports Pro swimming goggles may be one of the best fitting pair that we saw which is especially useful for situations where you will be using the swimming goggles for an extended period of time. That is why we have ranked the i-Sports Pro swimming goggles as the best goggles for laps.
Build
The i-Sports Pro swimming goggles are definitely a bit different than the rest of the products that we reviewed on our list primarily due to its build. This is one of the few pairs of swimming goggles that we reviewed that features a 3-part design where the strap, frame, and nosepiece are all separate components.
This provides the i-Sports Pro swimming goggles with far more flexibility than most of the other products on our list. This flexibility will inherently provide some additional durability to the i-Sports Pro swimming goggles, but it will also allow them to provide a better fit for a wider range of people than most of the other swimming goggles that we reviewed.
- Comes in 6 different styles
- Lenses made of polycarbonate
- Provides UV protection
- Has anti-fog treatment
- Has Quick-Release clip
- Strap made of silicone
- Gaskets made of silicone
- Has cushioned gaskets
- Has flexible nosepiece
- Not the clearest vision
- Nosepiece is hard
6. Aqua Sphere – 100 % UVA and UVB Protection
Of all the brands on our list, there are likely few that could give Speedo a run for its money quite the same way that Aqua Sphere could. In fact, if you were to take away the prestige and history that Speedo has over Aqua Sphere, there is a good chance that Aqua Sphere would come out the winner between the two.
In fact, Aqua Sphere is so committed to their focus on manufacturing the highest quality of swimming products that they even work with the most decorated swimmer in the history of the world, Michael Phelps.
Materials
When it comes to the materials used in the construction of swimming goggles, there are usually not too terribly many departures from the industry standards. The lenses are generally made of polycarbonate, the straps are usually made of silicone, and the frames are generally made of either a rubber or plastic.
With the Aqua Sphere Kaiman swimming goggles, none of that is the case as the strap and frame are made of Softeril while the lenses are made of Plexisol. For the frame and strap, this means that the material functions fairly similarly to silicone except that it is far less likely to pinch your skin or pull your hair.
For the lenses, the Plexisol material provides more flexibility than polycarbonate while still being incredibly impact resistant. This by far makes them the best goggles for ocean swimming.
- Comes in 14 different sizes
- Easy-adjust buckle system
- Lenses made of Plexisol
- Provides UV protection
- Scratch-resistant coating
- Has anti-fog treatment
- Frame made of Softeril
- Has Exo Core Frame
- Has micro gaskets
- Is a more expensive pair of swimming goggles
- Lenses can come off
7. Only U – Best Eye Protection and Clear Vision for Swimming
Only U is really similar to many of the other companies on our list, specifically in that it is an only online brand that saves on overhead with their business model and passes those savings on to their consumers.
On the other hand, only U is also one of the few companies that we looked at that did not actually specialize in either swimming gear and swimming accessories specifically or even sports gear and accessories more broadly.
That said, companies with little focus are often more willing to take risks some of which pay off. That is why we are surprised to report that the only U are the best children’s swimming goggles.
Customization
When making swimming goggles, manufacturers are far more liable to use a single mold that can accommodate a wide range of face shapes. Only U sees that approach and raises the manufacturers to keep up as they incorporate a changeable nosepiece into the design of the only U swimming goggles.
This provides a number of benefits, but by far one of the most important is that it allows you adjust the fit of the swimming goggles beyond tightening or loosening the strap. On top of that, the ability to switch out the nosepiece and essentially resize only U swimming goggles means that this is a pair of swimming goggles that can effectively grow with children well into adolescence or even adulthood.
- Comes in 11 different styles
- Has mirrored lenses
- Provides UV protection
- Has anti-fog treatment
- Lenses made of polycarbonate
- Has quick-release clip
- Comes with complete kit
- Strap made of silicone
- Frame made of silicone
- Nosepiece is not the most durable
- Strap not the most durable
8. COOLOO – One Set Covers All Your Needs
COOLOO makes our list once again because they understand how to provide exceptional value combined with legitimate quality. In fact, though this is a company that utilizes the only online business format, they also specialize in various types of sports eyewear though not specifically or exclusively swimming goggles.
That said, the brand is known for at least manufacturing sturdy products that are durable and more than capable of holding up out in the field. Still, with a price that hovers near the average of the market and the fact that COOLOO throws in an additional pair free of charge makes this an easy read as the best swim goggles for kids.
Value
While one way to judge a pair of swimming goggles for kids is to consider whether or not the swimming goggles can grow as the children grow, but another way is to consider the overall value of the swimming goggles. This is because there are likely many children who are either not careful enough, not responsible enough, or both to be able to use the same pair of swimming goggles for more than a year or two before they either lose or break them.
As such, the fact the COOLOO swimming goggles come in a 2-pack with a neutral appearance in 9 different styles is a great value especially considering they are known for providing both a tight, leak-free fit as well as solid durability in their own right.
- Comes in 9 different styles
- Has collocated goggles
- Has anti-fog treatment
- Has moderate gaskets
- Strap made of silicone
- Has connected earplugs
- Provides UV protection
- Lenses made of polycarbonate
- Features strap clip
- Not the best vision quality
- Nosepiece may not be comfortable
9. Speedo Hydrospex – One Piece Hypoallergenic Flexible Frame
Speedo, unsurprisingly, makes it back onto our list once again, except this time it is not for the kids but for the adults. Not only that, but Speedo went so far as to make a pair of swimming goggles that are suitable virtually anywhere. Of course, with a storied history that stretches back 9 decades, it is pretty much par for the course for the swimwear giant.
Still, the inclusion of a few choice materials as well as some common designs common for Speedo anyway these are easily the best goggles for open water swimming that we reviewed. That said, thanks to certain features, these are by far the best goggles for open water swimming.
Frame
Considering Speedo is one of the biggest manufacturers of swimwear in the world; it only makes sense that they provide a number of products in a variety of niches. Of course, that does not mean that the brand does not understand the need for a product with broad appeal, to which they made the Speedo Hydrospex swimming goggles.
These swimming goggles, much like many others in the Speedo catalog, use a one-piece frame design to provide additional support and durability to the flexible TPU material. On top of that, the outer eye gasket positioning makes these swimming goggles well suited for the unpredictable conditions in open water by maintaining their fit regardless what happens.
- Provides 97-percent UV protection
- Has shatterproof Lexan lenses
- Has anti-fog technology
- Frame made of TPU
- Strap made of silicone
- Has Speed Fit Headstrap
- Has a 1-piece frame
- Has an outer eye fit
- Has G.O. Fit system
- Size runs large
- Warps in heat
10. Swim Elite – Better Underwater Vision
Swim Elite is a fairly new company, but they understand what their intention is and make no bones about saying so. This brand is an only online business that sells exclusively through Amazon.
On top of that, Swim Elite also specializes exclusively in face and head swim gear, like caps, plugs, and goggles.
Though they may not have the history or reputation, Swim Elite is every bit a contender as some of the other more notable brands on our list offering innovative solutions for old problems that have plagued the industry forever.
Design
Though it is not the only pair of swimming goggles on our list to do so, the fact that the Swim Elite swimming goggles have an adjustable nosepiece is still noteworthy. On top of that, this is actually the only pair of swimming goggles we reviewed that has an adjustable nosepiece that is not changeable.
Instead, the Swim Elite swimming goggles have a nosepiece, which can be opened or closed to provide the best fit possible. Another nice feature, especially for competition swimming, is the mirror coating because the indoor lights can otherwise make seeing while swimming even more difficult. As such, we think there is little doubt about the fact that the Swim Elite swimming goggles are by far best swim goggles for competition.
- Silicone cushions for comfort
- 100% U.V. Protection
- Anti-Fog Coating
- Lenses made of polycarbonate
- Mirror Coating
- Adjustable Head-Strap
- Comes with a swim cap
- Comes in 3 different styles
- Has interchangeable nose piece
- Not ideal for flip turns
- Adjusting is not easy
How to Clean Swimming Goggles
You should wash your goggles regularly to eliminate buildup and prevent fog. Always rinse your goggles with fresh tap water. Create a soapy lather all over the lenses, straps, and buckles. Use mild dish soap to remove stuck-on dirt and grime. Then, rinse the goggles with water, making sure to eliminate any remaining soap residue.
Allow your goggles to dry thoroughly. Store them in a dry, protective container. Keep in mind that leftover soap residue may irritate your eyes the next time you use your goggles. As such, take care when cleaning and rinsing your goggles.
How to Prevent Swimming Goggles from Becoming Foggy
Foggy swimming goggles are quite a nuisance. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to prevent your goggles from becoming foggy. One of the most tried and true methods requires a bit of spit. A simple pre-swim coating may be all you need to retain visibility under the water.
Keep in mind that fog is the product of heat and moisture. You can also fend off fog by lubricating your swimming goggles. Simply coat your face with water before putting on your goggles. This will bring down the temperature of your skin and reduce the chances of foggy lenses.
Of course, you can avoid fog altogether by investing a pair of fog-resistant goggles. Many goggle manufacturers produce goggles with fog-resistant coatings. There are also many aftermarket products you can use to fend of reoccurring fog. Anti-fog coatings are inexpensive and effective. You can use an old eyeglass cloth to apply a bit of anti-fog coating.
If you want to maximize your underwater visibility, take the time to wash your google lenses after each swim. Chlorine and other chemicals can cause unsightly buildup. A quick soap and water cleanse or vinegar dip may be all that you need to fend off future condensation.
How to Wear Swimming Goggles
Swimming goggles provide swimmers with eye protection and enhanced underwater vision. However, goggles are only effective when they are worn properly. Most experts recommend wearing goggles so that the strap extends horizontally over the back of the head. Swimmers should aim to create a comfortable level of tension. Otherwise, the goggles may slip up and over a swimmer’s eyes.
Swimming goggles should be snug against your head and eyes. Goggle lenses are typically lined with a flexible material, such as plastic or rubber. The liner should be tight enough that it creates a watertight seal around your eyes.
The strap should also have a snug fit across the circumference of your head. You may use the buckle to adjust the tension of the strap. Remove the goggles before attempting to loosen or tighten the strap. Some goggles also have an adjustable bridge between the two lenses. You may adjust this piece to shorten or lengthen the distance between the eyepieces.
Best Swimming Goggles for Laps – Buyer’s Guide
Anti-Fog
This is by far the most coveted feature for swimming goggles, but it also happens to be one of the most difficult for manufacturers to figure out. This is because an anti-fog treatment must be so hydrophobic that it even repels condensation and simply forcing the droplets down.
That said, there are a number of different ways that manufacturers can approach this problem, and they are definitely not equal in terms of quality.
For instance, a film can potentially be a great anti-fog treatment, but it can also wear away potentially rather rapidly. It is also not uncommon to make a layer of the lenses hydrophobic with the inclusion of various additives, but this method has mixed results at best. Generally, the best type of anti-fog treatment is to simply use a proprietary material that is exceptionally hydrophobic, but that is not common.
UV
Considering that swimming goggles are worn over the eyes, it only makes sense that they should offer some form of protection for that eyes. While the gaskets are designed to protect the eyes from water, the setting and design of swimming goggles make it difficult to provide alternative methods of protecting your eyes from sunlight.
One thing to keep in mind is that you want to make sure that the swimming goggles provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays as some manufacturers may attempt to simply advertise their protection against one type of UV radiation.
Anti-Scratch
This is an uncommon type of protection found on a pair of swimming goggles due to the fact that most swimming goggles use lenses made of polycarbonate. Though polycarbonate may be nearly shatterproof and provide excellent optical clarity under normal conditions, it is definitely prone to be scratched.
As such, whatever swimming goggles proclaim to be anti-scratch likely do not use lenses made of polycarbonate. If they use a proprietary material for their lenses, make sure that the brand is trusted as there are plenty of treatments, films, or materials that can be anti-scratch, but they may not necessarily provide the same kind of optical quality that you get from polycarbonate.
Mirrored
Mirrored swimming goggles are not so much a type of protection as much as they are designed to specifically eliminate a particular type of visual distraction: bright light. While some swimming goggles may attempt to prevent the light from penetrating the lenses, a mirrored lens also provides a layer that attempts to reflect the light back out rather than simply absorb all of it.
Conclusion
As we can see, there is no single pair of swimming goggles, which will indisputably be the best swimming goggles for all people. For one, there are far too many different sizes and ages of people for that to even remotely be a reasonable consideration.
Instead, it is better to identify a general target and look for the pair of swimming goggles that best satisfies those needs while also providing a fair number of other beneficial features.
That said, we awarded our Editor’s Choice Best Performing swimming goggles to the Aegend swimming goggles.
On top of that, the silicone gaskets provide some of the best seals that we found.
Of course, children likely do most of the recreational swimming done, and as such, we recommend the Speedo Skoogles swimming goggles. In fact, these are not only the most popular children’s swimming goggles; they are actually the most popular pair of swimming goggles altogether right now. With solid lenses and a low price, it is not difficult to see why so many people would be interested in them.
- ✓ BETTER EYE PROTECTION AND VISION ~ Polarized polycarbonate lenses with advanced anti fog coating and UV-proof plating (Cat3 UV400 Standard). Polarised lenses increase your visual comfort since the eyes aren't constantly challenged by glare, thus making it easier to view objects in bright conditions. Reduces eyestrain. Enhances clarity of vision and contrast for ground level objects and for seeing into water, making them ideal for outdoor swimming, surfing and other water related sports
- ✓ MORE COMFORT ~ This swim goggles offer soft & flexible silicone double seals designed to expand and contract to hug the unique contours of a swimmer’s face and achieve the right level of suction without applying excessive pressure around the eyes. In addition, the ergonomic 3D frame design ensures low water resistance and the best fit for a wide range of face shapes, men or women, adults or teenagers
- ✓ SUPERIOR DESIGN ~ Unlike other single strap swimming goggles, our split Y-shaped strap design has no trouble in ensuring a fixed position of the goggles on the head even during the most vigorous swimming. Adjusting the size of the strap is easier, faster and can be done even during swimming with our one-click buckle system
- ✓ LONGER-LASTING ~ The swim goggles is made entirely of high quality silicone and the lenses are made of polycarbonate which guarantees excellent impact resistance
- ✓ HIGHER VALUE ~ AqtivAqua swimming goggles also include our special "Shock" Protective Case made of premium materials with drainage holes to promote quick drying
- Engineered with exo-core Technology, combining two materials for maximum performance
- Ultra soft Softeril gasket provides a water tight seal and maximum comfort
- Semi regid exoskeleton maximizes the structure, strength and stability of the goggle
- Expanded field of vision allows the swimmer to sight walls and the competition without altering head position
- Made in USA or Imported
- Why choose this set? Introductory Offer! Two sets for the price of one! You can own both clear and mirrored swim goggles. Clear are excellent for winter, night or indoor swimming and mirrored are perfect for sunlight. Two great colours to suit your mood or colour co-ordinate with your swimmers.
- Fog-up? No! The inner surfaces of the lenses are coated with the latest anti-fog Environmental Treatment Technology, that provides maximum anti-fog protection for your goggles, and is safe for your eyes and skin. Use our quality protective case to keep your googles looking brand new.
- Leaking? No! The specially manufactured Premium silicone material plus the Ergonomic design of the goggles ensures a snug fit on all face shapes, and STOPS annoying leaks.
- UV protection? Yes! The outer surfaces of the lenses are carefully coated to enable the lenses to filter out harmful rays, and protect your eyes from heat and damage of UV sunrays.
- Stylish look? Absolutely! Our fashionable colours, and our smooth sleek lines, create a sporty high-fashion look that will make you stand out in the crowd.
- G.O. FITSystem: Expand your comfort with the outer eye fit
- Gasket shape offers the most universal fit outside your eye socket with the security and reliability of Speedo's other goggles
- Durable Lexan lenses provides optimum safety
- 【Polarized Swimming Goggles】--OMID swim goggles featured with polarized lens, provides better eyes protection against harmful UV rays and lights,and at the same time restore the true colors.
- 【Comfortable Fit】--Ergonomic design with soft silicone gasket, that creates a perfect seal around your eyes, ensuring no water in. 3 different size nose piece and adjustable strap fit the unique contours of your face, giving you comfortable wearing experience. Highly curved, replaceable nose bridge, don't worry about your high nose bridge being pressed.
- 【Anti-fog & Wider Clear View】--Curved Lens Design offers 180° wide field of vision with exceptional hydrodynamics. The inner surface of the lens has an advanced anti-fog coating, which offers you a clear and long distant view so that you could focus on swimming under water.
- 【Unique Fish Scale Hollow Design】--The hollow frame combined with soft gasket design reduces the weight of the swimming goggles. It is more comfortable and lighter to wear the swimming goggles. The unique shape with 18 different colors. Go and choose a outstanding look that belongs to you.
- 【Suitable for】--The outer eyes fit and Lightweight design will satisfy your daily use and training or competition for non-professional athletes. Perfect swim goggles for adult men women youth.
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