If you’re looking for a complete body workout, swimming has many proven health benefits.
Not only does swimming burn lots of calories and strengthen your muscles, but it achieves this without putting any undue stress on your joints. Even swimming at a modest pace can burn over 600 calories per hour, making swimming an excellent component of any weight loss plan.
Now, while swim goggles might not be the most complicated pieces of kit – you could argue that all goggle are broadly similar – there are nevertheless a few pointers worth considering when you’re on the buying trail.
Focus on these elements when you’re comparing the best swim goggle for adults and kids and you can’t go far wrong.
- Recreational or professional: Swim goggle come in both recreational and professional iterations. Unless you’re planning to compete seriously, most of the standard recreational models should provide you with a leak-free swimming experience and keep your eyes chlorine-free
- Lens: A clear lens works best in pools with low light or when you’re swimming outdoors in gloomy and overcast conditions. If you mainly swim in brighter light, you could consider a blue lens or a tinted lens. A polarized lens works especially well if you’re planning to spend lots of time swimming outdoors. For competitive swimmers, there is no substitute for a mirrored lens. This will allow you to check out your competition without revealing your eyes while also minimizing glare. If you wear glasses, you can also find swim goggles with prescription lenses, but these fall outside the realm of our guide today. Getting the lens choice right is arguably the most crucial element when you’re choosing swim goggles
- Seal: While you need to first ensure the lens is the right type for your needs, you must also pay attention to the seal. This obviously needs to be tight enough to keep any water from penetrating, but if the fit is too tight, this will be uncomfortable during lengthier swims. Anti-fogging is a vital property of the best swim goggles. Goggles that constantly mist up will quickly end up cast aside
- UV protection: If you spend most of your time swimming indoors, UV protection on goggles is no biggie. If you often swim in an above-ground pool at home, though, you should look for goggles that keep the sun out. The same applies if you compete in triathlons or swimming events outdoors. While most goggles will offer some form of UV protection, some will boast a total shield against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for these if you swim outdoors on the regular. Sun damaging the retinas of your eyes is called photic retinopathy. This can build over time, and it can even come about as a result of swimming outdoors in seemingly overcast conditions. UV rays are surprisingly strong!
- Lens curve: Curved lenses promote a super-wide field of vision through 180 degrees. This allows you to see clearly and without distortion. A nice extra for casual swimmers, this feature is a must if you swim competitively
- Nosepiece: You can now find many of the best swim goggles with an adjustable nose bridge. Since not every set of goggles will come with different frame sizes, this allows you to tweak to fit
- Brand heritage: If you stick with the bigger brands in this space, you’ll be assured of a certain level of quality. Speedo and Aqua Sphere are the two heaviest hitters in this space, with both brands well-represented in our reviews today
- Head strap: The head strap on your goggles will keep them firmly in place. Split straps typically work better than single straps. These are not only more secure, but they also tend to be more comfortable. If you’re swimming outdoors, a secure head strap is even more important
Now, with that simple framework in place, you should now find yourself ideally positioned to quickly and accurately compare all the best swim goggles for adults and kids. All that counts if finding what works for you or your little ones, so jump right in!
I. The 14 Best Swim Goggle for Adults and Kids
1. Our #1 Pick: Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Mirrored
- Frame material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.1 x 2.1 inches
First up and our overall favorite in today’s hunt for the best swim goggles comes from industry specialist Aqua Sphere.
This line of goggles is called the Kayenne, and this iteration comes in a muted gray and lime.
The frames are made from a durable yet soft thermoplastic rubber. This gives you strength and rigidity without any discomfort.
Any swim goggles stand or fall on the strength of the lenses. The curved lens technology baked into the Kayenne ensures you enjoy a wide and unobstructed field of vision through 180 degrees.
These lenses pack UV protection for both UVA and UVB light. This allows you to stay fully protected from the sun’s fierce rays, whether you’re swimming indoors or outside.
Scratch-resistant and also anti-fogging, you should stay in full control whatever the conditions in the water. The anti-fogging was the only area where we found a number of complaints from users. In all other respects, user reviews for this model of swim goggles are overwhelmingly positive.
Another worthwhile addition is the mirrored treatment on the lenses. This minimizes light transmission to the eyes, perfect for swimming outdoors when the conditions are sunny.
Favored by competition swimmers and home swimmers the world over, these are some of the best swim goggles you’ll find, so what are you waiting for?
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2. Best Budget: Speedo Unisex Child Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Blue
- Frame material: Soft silicone
- Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 1.5 inches
Speedo is a brand that needs no introduction in the swimming space, so how do these goggles fare?
Firstly, these are suitable for both boys and girls aged from 3 to 8. We found some negative blowback from users who tried these goggles with younger toddlers, so we would advise sticking to these age guidelines.
Ideal as starter goggles, your kid won’t feel too restricted when wearing them due to the way the gasket sits in the eye orbit.
You’ll find it easy to adjust these goggles using the strap on the side. This should avoid any of your kiddo’s hair getting caught in.
Packed with anti-fogging properties, the lenses won’t mist up when your little one is gaining his water wings.
Free of latex and other contaminants, you can buy this swim goggle with complete confidence and no niggling safety concerns.
The frame is strong and supportive without sacrificing comfort to achieve this. The soft silicone is molded from a single piece to improve durability.
If this starter goggle doesn’t seem to make the right fit for your little ones, Speedo has a deep bench of alternatives, many of which we review below.
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3. Speedo Unisex Adult Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Clear
- Frame material: Soft silicone
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.2 inches
If you liked the look of the above swim goggle for kids by Speedo, you might want some for yourself. If so, scope out this adult unisex model from the industry heavyweight.
The soft frame is made from hypoallergenic materials, ideal if you have any allergies or sensitivities. The PVC frame is complemented by a soft silicone strap keeping comfort uppermost.
This line is called the Hydrospex Classic and boasts a split head strap.
The lenses are treated against fogging, so you should keep your visibility sharp even in gloomy water.
As you would expect from any of the best swim goggles, you’ll also benefit from powerful UV protection, safeguarding you against both UVA and UVB light.
The generous universal fit should sit outside your eye socket for maximum comfort.
Although most reviews of this goggle are positive, we found some complaints concerning this new and uprated model. As always with redesigns, some consumers prefer elements of the older design, so do you due diligence if you have purchased these goggles in the past and you’re expecting more of the same.
You can also find goggles in this line with a bungee for security in the pool, and there are also goggles available with mirrored lenses. See which makes the right fit and let us know how you go.
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4. Aqua Sphere Kayenne Junior Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Clear
- Frame material: Softeril
- Dimensions: 8 x 5.25 x 2.5 inches
Next up is another entry from Aqua Sphere, a dominant force in this vertical contending with Speedo for primacy. How do the Kayenne Junior fare in a crowded field, then?
The large Plexisol lens offers you 180-degree visibility, ideal in crowded pools.
Your kids will appreciate the anti-fogging properties of this goggle, especially valuable when they are just starting out in the home swimming pool. The lens is also highly resistant to scratching, useful in goggle intended for kids.
If your kids hate fiddling around when adjusting their swim goggles, treat them to the easiest time of their life with these one-touch adjusters.
The frames are soft and slender, so littles ones won’t feel burdened wearing these things. The way the goggle sits close to your face reduces drag and delivers a truly aerodynamic swimming experience.
Available in a range of vibrant colors, there’s something to suit everyone in this impressive line of swim goggles.
The only surprising drawback of this goggle is the reasonably flimsy build quality. While they are a pleasure to use and promote superb visibility in all conditions, don’t expect this goggle to last for years.
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5. OutdoorMaster Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Clear and tinted
- Frame material: Soft silicone
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.6 x 0.8 inches
OutdoorMaster has a deep bench of swim goggles ideal for both adults and kids. What do you get with this 2-pack, then?
The first thing you’ll appreciate is the value for money delivered here, albeit at the cost of lifespan. We found a few gripes from consumers about the breakable nature of these goggles, so handle them carefully.
On the plus side, this fragility means the goggles are very soft and comfortable, so if you take the price tag into consideration, you may consider this a trade-off worth making.
You get 2 goggles per pack, and you can choose from a decent selection of color combos to suit. The lenses are both clear and tinted, giving you everything you need for a great swimming experience bundled at reasonable cost.
The goggles are very easy to adjust thanks to the soft elastic strap.
Efficient anti-fogging technology means you’ll be able to see clearly when you’re swimming, whatever the conditions.
Ideal for swimming indoors or outdoors thanks to the choice of clear and tinted lenses, you have everything you need from the OutdoorMaster Store, so why not give these goggles a try? You even get a carrying bag thrown in, so what are you waiting for?
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6. Aqua Sphere Junior Swim Goggle
Features
- Lens: Blue
- Frame material: Rubber
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 2.6 inches
These junior swim goggles from Aqua Sphere are certainly not cheap, so are they worth the money?
Firstly, you get a fantastic choice of bright colors ideal for introducing even more fun to swimming time for the kiddies.
Intended for kids to 13 years old, you can comfortably use these goggles for kids as young as 3 or 4, still ensuring a leak-free swimming experience even on smaller faces. The only reported issue with much smaller kiddies is the amount of excess room at the bridge of the nose. Think carefully if you have a small tot as you don’t want them to get a face full of water and chlorine when they’re swimming.
You can choose from a variety of lenses as well as colorways. This iteration comes with blue lenses to contrast with the bright pink frame.
The frame is made from 100% rubber, giving you a hardwearing build going some way to justify the stiff price tag.
Quick-fit buckles make these goggles a cinch to put on, ideal if your little one is always climbing in and out of the pool.
The construction and design of these swim goggles means they are a neat choice for diving as well as swimming, giving you one of the most flexible goggles on our shortlist.
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7. Speedo Unisex Child Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Clear
- Frame material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 2 inches
Next in line in our hunt for the best swim goggles for adults and kids is another entry from Speedo with this unisex model.
This colorway is labeled Blue Hawaii, but if that doesn’t make the right fit, there are 11 other colors up for grabs.
The frame is made from thermoplastic rubber, a material preferred by many manufacturers for its combination of strength, durability, and comfort.
The recommended age range for this goggle is 6 to 14, giving you plenty of scope. The way the frame is designed is specially intended for smaller, slimmer faces.
The universal fit sees the goggle sitting flush outside the eye socket for maximum comfort.
Boasting a clear lens, your kids can swim underwater or in darker conditions without any vision issues.
The split head strap is designed for the most ergonomic fit, and this is straightforward to adjust.
For kids who will be swimming outdoors, the UVA and UVB protection is welcome.
If the age range and styling of this model doesn’t suit, Speedo has a wide offering of alternatives, many of which we review today.
While the majority of reviews of this goggle are positive, some consumers report chlorine eating away at this goggle quite quickly.
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8. Aqua Sphere Seal Kid 2 Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Clear
- Frame material: BPA-free nylon
- Dimensions: 8 x 7.6 x 3 inches
Aqua Sphere needs no introduction when it comes to swim goggles, so what do you get for your money here?
Designed for kids age 3 and upward, you have something to protect tiny eyes from stinging chlorine and the sun’s rays here.
Choose from a half-dozen bright colorways to inject a dose of fun into swimming lessons. This model is predominantly orange with blue accents.
If you are buying swim goggles with durability uppermost, we refer you to a handful of user complaints concerning the lifespan of this model. It’s always tough to qualify claims like this without knowing how the goggle was treated, but we always highlight any potential flashpoints with products so you can buy with your eyes wide open.
The buckles on the sides of this goggle couldn’t be easier to adjust, even for younger swimmers.
The strap is made from a soft silicone, so you’ll have no complaints from your kiddos, even if they’re swimming for hours.
Visibility is impressive through the clear lens, and young swimmers will enjoy a full 180 degrees of sight.
Aside from those reported niggles related to lifespan, this is one of the best swim goggles for kids you’ll find, so why not give your kids a treat this summer?
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9. Aegend Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Mirrored
- Frame material: Thermoplastic polyurethane
- Dimensions: 8.6 x 2.5 x 2.6 inches
Aegend’s swim goggles are a worthy alternative to the usual sea of Speedo and Aqua Sphere goggles glutting this market segment.
The lens is made from polycarbonate and is mirrored. While not to everyone’s taste, a mirrored lens serves to minimize glare, ideal if you often swim in bright conditions.
You won’t be menaced by the fogging the plagues many cheaper swim goggles. You won’t suffer from water leaking through either.
With a soft silicone frame and a comfy nosepiece, the goggle is designed not to burden you even during lengthier sessions in the pool.
Aside from a handful of complaints about build quality and lifespan, a large chunk of user reviews are highly praiseworthy. If you’re prepared to take a chance on a lesser-known brand and you’re looking for a bargain this summer, scope out this swim goggle ASAP.
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10. Frogglez Kids Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Mirrored
- Frame material: Rubber
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 1.75 inches
Frogglez is a fun and performance-based brand with some superb goggles for kids who love swimming.
This is one of the most design-driven goggles you’ll find. If your kids are fashion-conscious, they’ll enjoy the sleek and colorful aesthetics. Is it a case of form over function, though?
Mercifully, no! The leak-proof nature of the goggles helps your kids to develop confidence in the water. If you think back to when you learned to swim yourself, chances are you got a mouthful of water and stinging chlorine in your eyes more than once. Protect your kids from the same fate with Frogglez goggles.
The strap will stay in place for hours without digging into the side of the head and without causing any undue discomfort. This strap is easy to adjust and your kids won’t end up catching their hair.
The lens is made from a rugged polycarbonate that’s treated with an anti-fog coating and is also fully UV-protected.
The only real complaint we could level is that these are certainly not the cheapest swim goggles you’ll find, but we can assure you that they are among the very best. Approved by Olympic swimmers and swim instructors the world over, you can rely on Frogglez goggles, so what are you waiting for?
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11. Speedo Unisex Child Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Mirrored blue
- Frame material: Silicone
- Dimensions: 4 x 9 x 2 inches
As we push near the end of our quest for the best swim goggles out there, we have yet another entry from the inimitable Speedo.
The panoramic lens is mirrored to minimize the amount of brightness and glare you experience in the pool. This iteration is colored blue, but you have multiple other options at your disposal.
Suitable for boys and girls, this unisex swim goggle is recommended for junior swimmers aged 6 to 14. Young adults might also find this goggle worth popping on their shortlist.
There are 4 different nosepiece options to guarantee a snug and comfortable fit. This is a nice touch lacking in much of the opposition.
Lenses won’t fog up either, so your kids won’t end up having an accident in the pool through obscured vision. UV protection baked in keeps the sun’s harmful rays away, too.
Designed to sit flush in the eye socket, comfort is uppermost without ever interfering with performance.
The only meaningful gripe we found concerning these goggles is the way the nose bridge is prone to coming loose. Setting this aside, we found nothing but positive testimony, so buy with total confidence and improve your swimming next season.
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12. Aegend Kids Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Mirrored polycarbonate
- Frame material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 2.8 inches
Aegend might not be the first brand to trip off the tongue when you’re comparing the best swim goggles, but if you’re prepared to take a chance on an outsider, what do you get for your money?
Firstly, you have a full year during which you can return these goggles fuss-free if any problems develop. This coverage is not offered by most other brands.
This iteration is colored in bright blue and pink, but you have a welter of other colorways to choose from here.
Enjoy crystal clear vision underwater thanks to the robust polycarbonate lens that won’t fog up if your kid goes underwater. In the interests of accuracy, this was the only area of user reviews we found where some complaints cropped up. A few consumers claim they found things getting foggy underwater.
The frame is made from a soft and forgiving thermoplastic rubber. This is still rugged enough to cope with some sustained punishment, though.
Easy to adjust, comfortable to use, and serving up an aerodynamic swimming experience, this is one of the best swim goggles you’ll find, even if it doesn’t come from the most reputable stable.
The silicone is designed to stop any water at all from penetrating, something that often lets down cheaper goggles and send water in your eyes.
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13. Swim Elite Kids Swim Goggles
Features
- Lens: Clear
- Frame material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.8 x 2.4 inches
Now, last but certainly not least in our swim goggle showcase comes a traditional goggle from Swim Elite. How does these goggles differentiate themselves, then?
This model is designed for kids and toddlers. The manufacturer suggests an age range from 2 through 8, so if this sounds like the right fit for your little ones, read on.
The frames are extremely well cushioned, ensuring your kids won’t feel more uncomfortable than necessary when protecting their eyes in the pool. Made from a hardwearing thermoplastic rubber, this material is used on many of the best goggles with good reason.
Straps on this goggle are super-simple to use, so you won’t end up seeing your kiddos frustrated when they’re bobbing around in the pool. No hair should get caught under the strap.
Despite predominantly positive reviews, we found some users complaining about lifespan and build quality. Consider the fact there is a money-back guarantee in place as mitigation, and do your own due diligence here.
The hard case in the shape of a car is a fun method of encouraging your little ones to pack the goggle away after use, completing a winning package.
There is no such thing as the perfect pair of swim goggles, so all that counts is finding the smoothest fit for you and your kids. For all 2 to 8-year-old, these make a great option well worth a place on your shortlist.
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14. FINIS Fruit Basket Swim Goggle
Features
- Lens: Clear
- Frame material: Silicone
- Dimensions: 7.1 x 2.3 x 2.7 inches
The key benefit of these swim goggles from FINIS is the delicate scent of fruit infused into the frames. This is not so strong as to be overpowering, but it’s noticeable enough to add an extra dimension of fun to swimming, perhaps encouraging a kid reluctant to swim to jump into the pool smelling strawberries.
There are 5 different colors to choose from, including this bright orange set.
The goggles are intended for young swimmers aged 3 to 8. If your children fall outside this age range, the manufacturer offers a wide line of alternatives.
Ensuring a leak-free swimming experience is vital and the soft silicone gaskets built in here do a great job of keeping water out of young eyes.
The anti-fog treatment is surprisingly effective, giving your young ones crystal clear vision in all pool conditions.
There is no latex in these goggles, and the material is also UV-resistant for great all-round performance.
Like all the best swim goggles, these are super-simple to adjust.
Although almost all user testimony concerning these goggles is positive, we found some complaints about the straps breaking with ease. We advise warning your kids about this weak point to avoid any premature breakage.
Overall, these goggles are comfy and promote clear vision in all swimming pool conditions.
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II. FAQs
1) Do I really need swim goggles with anti-fogging properties?
We feel that anti-fogging is potentially the most valuable feature beyond a comfortable fit when you’re comparing the best swim goggles. While there are some hacks for preventing this such as spitting inside your goggles, that’s pretty distasteful, and you’re better advised to let technology achieve this for you.
2) Do I need to wet my swim goggles before swimming?
Wetting the goggles before swimming should help to prevent the lens from fogging, ideal if your goggles don’t feature robust anti-fogging. Fogging is caused by a temperature imbalance between the heat of your body warming the interior of your goggles at the same time as the pool water cools the exterior of the goggles down. When you wet the swim goggles, you’ll go some way toward stabilizing this imbalance.
3) What qualities should I look for in open water swim goggles?
If you plan to swim in the open water, you should prioritize goggles with a wide lens. This will promote a broader field of vision, allowing you to see more clearly in all directions. Look for goggles featuring UV protection on the lens so you won’t end up incurring any damage from the sun’s fierce rays. Anti-fog protection is also invaluable. Finally, ensure that the goggle sit snugly and securely, ideally featuring some form of extra strap for choppy and unpredictable conditions.
4) Should I look for goggles that fit as tightly as possible?
Some research indicates that wearing goggles that fit too tightly can increase eye pressure, possibly triggering issues with vision. You’ll want to look for a close fit, but if they feel too tight for comfort, they are likely not doing your eyes much good.
5) How can I avoid getting goggle marks?
Use some moisturizer both before and after you swim. While any moisturizer will suffice, it’s worth looking for lotion that’s designed for the delicate skin around your eyes. As well as keeping your skin soft and supple, moisturizer will add elasticity to your skin so it snaps back into place quicker after you remove your goggle.
III. Conclusion
If you arrived here today at WildRiver without the first idea of how to pick the best swim goggle for adults and kids, that should now have changed.
Many of the goggles we review today suffer from build quality and lifespan issues. We draw your attention to this throughout our reviews so you can more easily pick the right model for your needs.
Pay close attention to the recommended age limits on these goggles, and make certain you get the lens type right and you’ll be ready to dive in the pool fully protected.
Bookmark our blog and be sure to pop back soon. We have a very busy content calendar for the rest of the summer, so don’t miss out!