Cool Swimming Goggles: We Tried 6 Top Picks From Amazon

We finally found goggles that don’t leak, don’t hurt, and work great as open water swim goggles too. Here are some photos along with hands-on reviews.

Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing.

1. FORM Smart Swim 2 - Triathlon-Designed App-Connected Goggles

I picked up my first pair of Form V1 goggles off eBay, and honestly, they completely changed my swim training. I ended up using them for almost two years. I even got a brand new pair for my son, who was 12 back then and swimming with our local club. These goggles can do a lot if you buy the subscription, you can build custom workouts and load them right onto the goggles, which is pretty cool. For me though, I really just use the Pool Swim feature, which works fine without any subscription. I just push off the wall and instantly get all the stats I need. Current time, last split, last interval, how far I’ve swum, it’s a lifesaver for people like me who lose count during longer sets. You can customize the display screens to show whatever stats you want, so it’s really motivating to see small changes in your stroke show up as better split times. The only thing missing is a live speed in meters per second, but honestly, I haven’t seen any goggles offer that yet. Maybe that’ll show up in Form V3 someday.

WHAT PUSHED ME TO BUY THE V2:

The real reason I ended up buying the V2 was kind of a headache. One day at the pool, I tried to turn on my trusty Form V1 goggles and they just sat there on the logo boot screen, then told me to connect for an update. They wouldn’t connect to the app, so I went through every possible troubleshooting step, even hard-resetting to wipe the memory. Eventually I got them to reconnect, but then they just froze up during the updating process. At this point, I’d already reached out to Form, but of course, the goggles were out of warranty. I’m pretty sure I did this to myself, too, leaving my smart goggles in the case in the trunk of my black car during a week of Houston, Texas, heat in the mid 90s. Lesson learned, never again.

So, I reluctantly bought the Form V2 goggles because who knows if or when my V1s would ever come back to life. Since I already had plenty of experience with the V1, I can really talk about the differences.

ANTIFOG:

First, the antifog coating on the V2 is excellent, way better than what I got from the V1. With my old V1 goggles, I was always stopping to wipe the lenses so I could see clearly. For the first couple weeks with the V2, I never had any fog at all, even after long swims. Now, about a month in (swimming two hours a day, five days a week), the insides are starting to fog up a little. I’ve been careful not to touch the inside of the lenses, but honestly, I’ve never found any goggle where the antifog lasts forever. It was great while it lasted.

FASTER BOOT UP:

V2 boots up much faster than V1, which is nice. There’s also a built in heart rate monitor that actually works, and it’s so much easier not having to keep another accessory charged. I really like the extra line of text that shows my current heart rate during swims. With the V1, I had to get the goggles super tight to avoid leaks, but with the V2, I can keep them comfortable and still not worry about water getting in. About a month in, I noticed a slight leak, but tightening the straps fixed it. I might swap to a smaller nose piece, but even with that, they’re more comfortable than the V1 ever was.

VIEWING EXPERIENCE:

The screen brightness feels the same on both, but the V2 is a bit easier to see on bright days. I should mention my V1 was pretty beat up by then and had lost most of its sun blocking coating. I also noticed that the push off detection feels different, V2 sometimes starts the clock a bit sooner than the V1 did, so at first, my splits seemed slower. After a few weeks, I stopped noticing, so maybe the goggles adapted, or maybe I just got used to it.

SMALL DETAILS:

The V2 storage case is more compact, which I like, though I do wish the divider inside did a better job protecting the lenses. So far, no scratches or issues, though. The buttons are a little bigger and easier to press than on the V1. As for field of view, the V2 might be just a bit wider, but if you’re expecting a super wide angle look like those old Swedish goggles, this isn’t quite that. Personally, the data on the screen is much more important to me than a few extra degrees of vision.

MEMBERSHIP ACTIVATION:

I do have one real gripe about the V2. To activate them, you’re required to set up a Form account and sign up for a membership, which kicks in after a two week trial. It’s one thing to have to create an account, but forcing you to hand over your billing info just to start using the goggles is just wrong. After jumping through the hoops, I had to log in and cancel my membership to make sure I wouldn’t get charged. I’ve mentioned this to Form, and from what I’ve seen, they are at least listening to customers about it. I just use my goggles for basic pool tracking, so I’d rather skip all that and get swimming right out of the box. I originally gave the V2 a low rating for this activation hassle, but since Form reached out and seems to be trying to fix things, I’m feeling a little better about it.

POWERFUL FEEDBACK:

If you’ve never used goggles with live stats, the first time you swim down the pool, do a flip, and see your split time pop up in front of you, it’s honestly addictive. That instant feedback keeps me motivated and makes every set more interesting.

FROM AN OPEN WATER SWIMMER’S PERSPECTIVE:

I wanted to include a quick take from my swim buddy Rick Alberti in Hartford, Connecticut, since he’s had some cool experiences with the V2s. Rick told me he’s been really impressed by all the features, especially the built in heart rate monitor. He likes being able to see his heart rate zone live, so he knows exactly when to push harder or ease up. He also mentioned that the sensor sits right against his temple and feels basically invisible. For open water swimming, Rick wanted goggles that would help him sight and swim straighter, and the SwimStraight feature totally delivered.

He said it’s easy to calibrate the goggles before a swim, and the built in compass actually keeps him on course so he isn’t wasting energy zig zagging. Rick noticed the seals are really comfortable and don’t leak, even during pool flip turns and open water swims. He’s been uploading his own workouts to the goggles, so now he never has to look at his phone or a piece of paper during practice. All the important metrics show up right in the viewer, in real time. Rick’s verdict was that these are the best goggles he’s used for both pool and open water, and the technology makes a real difference in his training. - Brandon Hayes

Buy it on Amazon today for: $279.00 with FREE returns

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2. Aqua Sphere Kayenne - Italian-Made Anti-Fog Goggles

After a bit of trial and error getting the fit right, I’m really happy with these goggles for open water swimming. I saw a bunch of mixed reviews about the Kayenne goggles before I bought them, and most complaints mentioned leaking, sometimes a lot. I totally get it, since everyone’s face is different. For reference, I’m 5'9" and 167 pounds, and when I’m picking pool goggles, I always go for ones where I can adjust the nose bridge with the smallest connector, so I was extra skeptical about the Kayenne. Still, I’d used the Aqua Sphere Kaiman Swim Goggle before, which has a smaller eyepiece and only comes with tinted lenses, and I’d never had problems with leaks. The only thing that bugged me about the Kaiman was the narrow field of view, especially when I was trying to sight buoys in open water, whether it was sunny or cloudy. That’s why I decided to take a risk and order the polarized Kayenne.

My first pool session with them was pretty rough. I put on the goggles right as I got in, and one eye started leaking like crazy. Tightening the straps did nothing except make the goggles feel uncomfortable. Then I tried shifting the side that was leaking closer to my nose, which stopped that leak, but then the other side started leaking instead. At that point, I just took them off, tossed them in my bag, and went back to my usual pool goggles. The next time I tried the Kayenne was after a swim workout, and this time I loosened the straps a bit. Still had a little leaking, but not as much. I realized the oils from my face must have been mostly gone after the workout, which probably helped get a better seal. The third try, again after a workout, I put the goggles on and then pushed both eyepieces closer to my nose before pressing them down toward my eyes. This time, no discomfort and no leaks at all. I did notice the polarized lenses looked a bit distorted underwater, which a few other people mentioned too, but it didn’t bother me and didn’t seem like a problem for open water.

My first open water swim with these, after all the trial and error, was honestly awesome. Before I got in the lake, I wiped my face with a towel to get rid of any oils or sunscreen, then wet my face, put the goggles on, pushed the eyepieces toward my nose, and pressed them down to make the seal. After dunking my head, there was zero leaking. Once I started swimming, I found sighting the buoys so much easier because of the wider field of vision and the polarized lenses. I could swim straighter, didn’t have to look up as often, and my swim time actually dropped by more than two minutes for a 1500 meter swim. My GPS watch even showed that my swim was straighter than before, on the same course. I’m really happy with these goggles and hope other people have the same luck.

On that note, my friend David Cowan did a lot of research before buying his own pair and said he was seriously glad he chose these. He pointed out how they do exactly what you want in a goggle, keep water out of your eyes, and they look pretty good doing it. The case makes storing them super easy. David had to tighten them the first time, but once he hit the water, he was impressed.

Over the years, he’s tried tons of goggles because his eyes are really sensitive, and these were the most comfortable and reliable he’s ever used. His eyes stayed dry and comfortable the whole swim. What really sold him was how they perform like $50 goggles, but for a way better price, so he feels like he got a bargain. He didn’t even have to readjust them the next time he swam. His only suggestion is to grab some anti-fog spray, since they do start fogging up after a while, which pretty much happens with every pair he’s tried. Once you have the spray, though, you can just swim as much as you want and not worry about your eyes.

And then there’s Danny Folsom, a friend from California, who would rate them 4.5 stars, just because of the fogging. He can’t really complain at this price point, though. He finds them comfortable and the fit is great. Adjusting the straps is super easy. Danny only swims indoors once or twice a week right now, so he hasn’t put them through a heavy test for durability yet. He’s not an experienced swimmer, and this is his first new pair of goggles in a long time, but he likes the wide field of view and the clarity. He also has no hair to snag, so that’s not an issue for him. Danny actually bought them because of other reviews and agrees that, for the money, they’re a great buy so far. His only real knock is the fogging, but he figures that’s just how it goes with most goggles in this category. If fogging was a huge concern, he probably would have gone for a model with better anti-fog features. - Zachary Bennett

Buy it on Amazon today for: $63.08 with FREE returns

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3. Zoggs Predator - Ultra-Fit Gasket Goggles

Since I usually wear prescription goggles, I’m always careful about what I use for swimming. Most opticians warn against swimming with contact lenses, but I have to admit, I like the convenience they bring during open water races and swimrun events. I just need to keep water out of my eyes to avoid any risk of infection, so I rely on goggles that I know won’t let me down. That’s where the Zoggs Predator and Predator Flex have really won me over. I can trust them not to leak, even if I get bumped around in rough water or knocked by another swimmer. The vision is crisp too, which is a bonus. So, I was genuinely excited to see what the latest versions of the Predator and Predator Flex could do.

Zoggs gives you a lot of options when it comes to styles and tints, so at first it might seem a little overwhelming. It’s actually not so complicated once you get the hang of it. The main thing is finding a frame style you like, then using Zoggs’s lens guide to pick a tint that suits your needs. Every goggle comes in two sizes, regular and small. I used regular the whole time, and that was a great fit for me, but if you’re not sure, I recommend trying their online fitting tool. It asks for your gender and whether you want goggles to fit inside or outside your eye socket, then uses your camera to scan your face and suggest the right size. You can even see what you’ll look like in them before you order.

There are a few little differences between the Predator and the Predator Flex that are worth pointing out, but let me start with what they have in common. Both goggles are made as all in one pieces, meaning the nose bridge, frame, and gaskets are molded together. You can’t swap the nose bridge out like you can with some other goggles, but the frame is flexible enough to suit different nose shapes. The soft silicone gaskets are super comfortable and always keep things watertight for me. I’ve honestly never had any leaks with either model.

When it comes to differences, the biggest one is the strap design. The Predator Flex has a ratchet style strap attachment that lets you adjust the fit while the goggles are on your head. That’s a nice touch if you want to tighten them up right before a race, though it does make the frame feel a bit bulkier. The regular Predator uses a classic strap with adjustments behind the head, so it sits closer to your face and has a slightly sleeker profile. Both are low profile, but the Predator sits so close that sometimes I can feel my eyelashes brushing against the lens.

As for all the different lens tints, the best bet is to use Zoggs’s lens guide to find what works for your usual conditions. There’s this idea that tinted lenses make it hard to see, but in my experience, that’s just not true. In fact, they can really help by cutting glare, especially when the sun’s low, almost like having a great pair of sunglasses. I actually found the tints pretty calming, and they made my swims feel more relaxed. One lens I didn’t try this time, but have used before, is the polarized lens. You can get these in both the Predator and Predator Flex. They’re especially handy for sunrise or sunset swims since they knock down the glare.

Honestly, my only problem with Zoggs now is that there are too many choices, I want them all. My top pick turned out to be the most expensive one, the Predator Flex Reactor. These are the goggles I’d save for long swims or events where lighting could change a lot. They’re comfortable for hours and adapt to different conditions. My next favorite is the grey black mirror tint, which works for just about any lighting, and I’d be happy with that tint in either frame.

My cousin Rebecca Gleason has her own take. She swims in everything from pools to lakes to the sea, and sometimes it’s dark and overcast, other times she’s swimming right into the sun. For her, having goggles that fit well and have the right lens makes all the difference between a quality swim and a stressful one. She’s a huge fan of the Zoggs Predator line and says she relies on them for all her swims. After trying different models in different conditions, she narrowed her favorites down to three. She likes to keep things simple for pool training with the Predator Flex and a clear lens, nothing to fuss about with lighting indoors, just focus on the swim. For open water, especially in the sea or a lake, Rebecca thinks the polarized ultras with glow are unbeatable, especially those designed with Adam Walker, who’s a record breaking open water swimmer. They work just as well indoors too and are made for comfort during long swims, so she recommends them for events like the Henley Mile. The comfort, the fit, and the field of vision are just spot on. - Connor Blake

Buy it on Amazon today for: $54.54 with FREE returns

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4. Speedo Biofuse 2.0 - Adult Swim Goggles

Biofuse 2.0 Mirror Goggles are supposed to work for everyone, no matter your experience level or gender, but what does it actually feel like to swim with them? I remember being genuinely curious on my first trip to the pool. The goggles looked kind of big to me, so I wasn’t sure if they’d actually fit or if they’d stay in place without leaking. The minute I put them on and did a couple of laps, all those worries disappeared. The goggles stuck to my face just right, shaping themselves perfectly, and didn’t leak at all. That’s all down to the Biofuse tech, which uses soft, flexible gel materials paired with a solid frame to give you a really secure, comfortable fit.

I was surprised by just how much I could see underwater with these. Because the goggles are bigger, you get a lot more peripheral vision. There were moments when I almost forgot I had goggles on at all. I’ll admit, the non-replaceable nose bridge had me a little concerned, especially since my nose is on the narrow side and goggles don’t usually fit me perfectly. But this wasn’t an issue. The flexible bridge shaped itself around my nose, no pinching, just a really comfortable fit.

As you’d guess from the name, the lenses are mirrored, so along with the UV coating, you get a darkening effect. This really makes swimming more pleasant when the sun is out, especially if you’re like me and prefer open pools in the summer. I tend to avoid indoor pools on sunny days and love swimming backstroke, so being able to swim without squinting into the sun is a huge plus. Indoors or outdoors, these goggles have you covered.

Another win for these goggles is the anti-fog coating. Even during longer, tougher sessions, I never had to stop and wipe them off or dip them in water. The anti-fog really does its job, so you just get on with swimming and enjoying a clear view.

The adjustable rubber strap is split into two parts around the head. As someone with long hair, I really appreciated this little design tweak. I could wrap the straps around my bun without pinching, and the goggles always stayed put, fitting a little better than most I’ve tried.

The soft, comfortable feel makes these a good pick not just for training but also for triathlons. Anyone who’s been hit by another swimmer at the start of a race knows the pain, but with these, the silicone softens the blow a bit. You’ll still feel the impact, but it’s nowhere near as bad.

So here are the things I love about the Biofuse 2.0 Mirror Goggles, they’re soft and comfy, they shape to your face, they’ve got UV protection and mirrored lenses, they never fog up, and the adjustable straps really work for all head shapes.

My cousin in New York, Gina Jenkins, had her own struggles finding the right goggles. She has really thin, sensitive skin around her eyes, and regular goggles leave awful, dark marks that stick around for hours. She’d almost given up and was about to buy some super pricey ones just for comfort. Deciding to give the Biofuse 2.0 a shot was the right call for her. She found them easy to adjust, loved the seal and clear vision, and, most importantly, didn’t end up with a tension headache. There were still some marks left, but nothing deep or bluish, and for her, that’s a big win. Gina’s only complaint is that these didn’t come with a case, unlike her old Speedos. She likes to keep her goggles scratch free, so now she needs to pick up a case on her own.

And my best friend in Dallas, Texas, Tony Keegan, couldn’t stop talking about the quality and comfort. He said the clarity underwater was amazing, and he never had any distortion. The anti-fog coating worked every time, even on long swims. Tony really liked the soft silicone seals, which gave him a perfect, snug fit, no irritation, no pressure, even if he wore them for ages. The adjustable straps made it easy to get the right fit, and the goggles always stayed put without feeling too tight. For him, these are the kind of goggles he’d recommend to anyone who’s serious about swimming. - Dylan Parker

Buy it on Amazon today for: $44.00 with FREE returns

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5. Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 - Unisex Adult Mirrored Goggles

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a sleek, stylish creature in the water, these goggles really do the trick. I had no idea just how much a good pair could transform the whole swim, but here I am, basically turning into the best-dressed fish at the pool. Their design is slick and the color options are seriously fun, so now when I swim, it actually feels like I’m making a little fashion statement. Whoever said you can’t be trendy underwater never tried these goggles, that’s all I’m saying.

When it comes to protecting your eyes, they do the job and then some. I never have to deal with stinging or red eyes, which makes the whole post-swim routine a lot nicer. The fit is snug but stays comfortable, and that watertight seal gives me real peace of mind. I just put them on and go, knowing I won’t be dealing with annoying leaks halfway through my laps.

The clarity you get underwater is next-level. It’s honestly like seeing in high definition, from the pool tiles to any little fish that might wander by. It makes swimming a lot more interesting and lets me really take in everything going on below the surface. And the mirrored lenses are a total win for sunny days, cutting glare and making it way easier to see what’s ahead, whether I’m doing laps or just floating around on my back.

Adjusting these goggles couldn’t be easier. Finding the right fit takes maybe a few seconds, and once I’ve got it set, I don’t need to mess with it again. No more lines on my face from tight straps, no slipping off at random times, just a reliable, comfy fit every time. I can focus on swimming and not on fixing my gear.

Honestly, one of my favorite things about these goggles is being able to make goofy faces underwater, knowing nobody can see me. Sometimes I pretend I’m on some secret underwater mission or lip-sync to whatever song is in my head. It’s just one of those silly little perks you don’t expect until you try them.

A close friend of mine and I spent a lot of time figuring out what we loved about these, so here are a few highlights from our swims. The comfort is fantastic, and the straps adjust so well that I never feel pinched, even during longer sessions. The silicone seals always stay put, so leaks aren’t a problem at all. Visibility is a real standout, especially with the mirrored lenses knocking down glare and keeping everything super clear, even when the sun is bright. As for durability, I’ve used them in both saltwater and chlorinated pools, and they’ve held up great, with no scratches and still feeling solid after a bunch of uses. They work for pretty much any water activity, whether I’m racing, training, or just hanging out in the pool. They seem to perform just as well no matter what I throw at them.

Just as a reminder, swim in designated areas and always play it safe in the water. Goggles might make you look like a sea creature, but they don’t give you gills or superpowers. Safety always comes first, but having a little style never hurts either. - Chase Morgan

Buy it on Amazon today for: $32.00 with FREE returns