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Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja
If you're planning to go for a swim, you first must acquire the essentials: a swimsuit, swim cap, towel, and of course, swim goggles. Goggles are essential for swimmers of every skill level. When searching for the perfect pair, the golden rule is to choose a set that aligns with your exercise regimen, whether that’s prepping for a triathlon, leisurely lap swimming, or competing professionally. And if you're sporting glasses to frolic around in the water while protecting your eyes from chlorine or salt, that's great too.
Some features are beneficial across all types of swim goggles and for swimmers of any skill level. Three-time Olympic swimmer Nina Sadauskas suggests looking for goggles with polycarbonate lenses because of their high impact resistance, shatterproof nature, and overall durability. She also recommends goggles with an anti-fog coating to avoid having to stop and wipe off your goggles as well as UV protection if you’re swimming outdoors or in sunlit pools.
We curated a list of the best goggles to help you find your perfect pair. Our guide includes adjustable goggles, polarized pairs, beginner-friendly styles, and more for use whether you're training for an open water race or enjoying a casual dip.
Best Overall
Speedo Mirrored Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles
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They’re praised by everyone from beginners to professionals alike for their leak-proof seal, comfortable fit, and customizable lens options.
Their anti-fog technology may wear off over time.
Speedo Vanquishers are arguably the most popular goggles of all time. They've dominated the swimming scene since the early 2000s and are popular among swimmers of all levels. They have all of the most sought-after features including an anti-fog coating, UV protection, and multiple nose pieces that have proven to be durable after years of use. They snugly, yet comfortably, fit into the eye socket and feature silicone seals that provide support and create a watertight seal to prevent leakage. As recommended by Sadauskas, they're also PVC and latex-free, making them ideal for preventing skin irritation.
There's a perfect pair of Vanquishers for everyone, too. They come in mirrored and non-mirrored versions, with various tints to suit different lighting conditions. They even come in kids' sizes and optical versions for glasses wearers. And with a wide range of colors, you can opt for a minimalist, neutral-colored pair or make a bold statement with a bright pair.
The Details: Mirrored, clear, and tinted lenses | Anti-fog | UV protection
Best Adjustable
Arena The One Goggles
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They have a super easy to use adjustment clip.
They conform to most, but not all face shapes.
Adjusting goggles can be a hassle, but this pair offers a refreshingly different experience. They have a super-easy-to-use buckle adjustment clip that can be utilized even while you're wearing. You simply squeeze the buttons on the sides of the eyepieces to adjust the straps to your perfect fit, and once released, they securely lock into place — no more tugging on straps.
Beyond their easy adjustability, these goggles are designed to accommodate most face shapes. The brand says they have studied "common traits in people's faces" to create the perfect design that avoids the eye socket and instead rests right below the eyebrow. This wide lens shape is made to improve underwater visibility both in the pool and open water.
The Details: Clear, mirrored, and tinted lenses | Anti-fog
Best Budget
Aegend Anti-Fog Swim Goggles
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They feature both mirrored and clear lens options.
The lens clarity isn’t the best, so these are best for casual swimmers as opposed to competitive athletes.
Despite being one of the most affordable options available, these goggles offer a comfortable fit, soft nose bridge, and easy-to-use buckle straps. They have anti-fog protection and a UV coating and come in clear, mirrored, and tinted lenses as well.
If you don't know which lens style to add to your cart, Sadauskas recommends a "light to medium tint that enhances contrast for improved visibility" for open water swimming. For outdoor pool sessions, she suggests darker lenses as "the water is likely to be clear, and such lenses perform better in sunny conditions." And for indoor pool swims, she notes that lens tint boils down "to personal preference, though many prefer clear, blue, or black lenses for maximum visibility."
The Details: Clear, mirrored, and tinted lenses | Anti-fog | UV protection
Best Anti-fog
Arena Unisex Cobra Ultra Swipe Racing Swim Goggles
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They live up to their superior anti-fog claims.
While these provide high-quality anti-fog, you do still need to wipe the lenses occasionally for the clearest view.
Not only do these racing goggles look really cool, but they perform just as well. They have a thin profile, which Jon Foss, cofounder of Foss Swim School, says is a classic feature of racing goggles to reduce drag and, thus, possibly shed time off your personal record. But the most sought-after feature of these goggles is their cutting-edge anti-fog technology, which Arena claims outperforms industry standards. The brand says this technology lasts ten times longer than that of the brand's original Cobra Ultra Goggles. A quick swipe across the inner surface of the goggle lens ensures they remain fog-free throughout your workout or race.
The Details: Mirrored and tinted lenses | Anti-fog
Best Prescription Goggles
Sporti Unisex Adult Antifog Optical Goggle
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They’re a budget-friendly alternative to custom prescription goggles.
Interchangeable nose bridges are wide and rigid, which may be uncomfortable for some face shapes.
Optical goggles are a game-changer for glasses wearers and this option is great for those who don't want to invest in getting a custom pair with their exact prescription. Sporti carries lenses in diopters -1.5 through -8.0 with both clear and tinted options, so you can tailor your experience as thoroughly as traditional goggles. The only downside is that they can be challenging if you have different vision in both eyes. But compared to custom prescription goggles, which can cost you over $100, there’s no denying that this pair is a deal.
They come with three interchangeable nose pieces of varying sizes and a double strap, a feature that Foss recommends. The benefit to this is that one strap can sit higher on the head while the other sits lower for a more secure fit and better distributed pressure.
The Details: Clear and tinted lenses | Anti-fog | UV protection
Best for Open Water Swimming
Aquasphere Kayenne
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Their oversized lenses give you a wider field of vision.
They may be too big for those with smaller heads.
Open water swimming surely presents more challenges than lap swimming in a pool. To help you swim your best, Sadauskas advises choosing goggles with larger lenses. "Open water environments don't always have clear water, so wider lenses can help when visibility varies," she says. This popular pair from Aquasphere fits the bill with their oversized lenses. When prepping for open water swimming, you may choose goggles with a light to medium tint to create more contrast for better visibility in the ocean, lake — you name it. This pair comes in a range of dark tint options to suit different preferences and conditions.
The Details: Clear and tinted lenses
Best for Competitive Swimming
Sporti Antifog Swedish Goggle
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Their minimalist design helps you swim your fastest during races.
There may be a learning curve if you haven’t worn Swedish goggles before.
Swedish goggles are a specific type of goggles designed to fit snugly inside the eye socket. The Sporti Antifog Swedish Goggle and Bungee Strap is our favorite for competition because it comes with two strap options: one latex and one bungee strap with a toggle adjustor. If you're new to Swedish goggles, Foss describes them as the "lowest-profile goggles," known for their snug fit inside the eye socket. They have a minimalist, no-fuss design that reduces drag and are some of the most customizable goggles out there. They often arrive mostly unassembled, so you can tailor them to fit your face shape and comfort. They're a favorite among professional swimmers, and Foss favors them for training and racing because they barely leak once you properly adjust them. This pair also comes in various tints to suit your preference.
The Details: Clear, mirrored, and tinted lenses | Anti-fog | UV protection
Best for Kids
Speedo Skoogles Swim Goggles
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They have a soft, silicone frame for top-notch comfort.
They’re technically suited for ages three through eight, so older kids may need a different pair.
You don't have to spend a fortune to get your little one a high-quality pair of goggles. These Speedo goggles have a soft, flexible frame that are easily adjustable with a clipped buckle format, so you don't have to worry about messing with straps that might snap. Plus, they come in various vibrant colors, so your child will enjoy choosing their favorites and showing them off in the pool. These goggles are built to last and maintain their like-new appearance even with daily use, giving you peace of mind that they'll hold up.
The Details: Clear and tinted lenses | Anti-fog | UV protection
Best Smart Goggles
FORM Smart Swim Goggles
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They provide real-time metrics, including your time, distance, and pace.
They’re quite pricey, so may not be necessary for casual swimmers.
The capabilities of these smart goggles are genuinely impressive. While they have a higher price tag, their high-tech features justify the investment. Ideal for swimmers looking to enhance their performance, they boast an Augmented Reality display within the lens of your goggles, like you're looking at an LED clock. The display shows real-time metrics including distance, time, and stroke rate. After your workout, you can check out detailed analytics in the accompanying app, such as your total distance, split times, and calories burned. These goggles can even pair with Apple Watches and Garmin devices, so you can use them to hit your daily workout target. In terms of comfort, they have silicone eye seals to prevent leakage, seven interchangeable nose bridges, and adjustable straps for a personalized fit.
The Details: Mirrored lenses | Anti-fog
Most Comfortable
Arena Python Mirror Goggle
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They have soft silicone seals and an adjustable dual strap that makes them supremely comfortable.
The lenses come in one size and shape that may not be suitable for all users.
Finding a pair of swim goggles that are actually comfortable is no easy feat, but Arena did it with its Python Racing Swim Goggles. They have soft silicone seals and an adjustable dual strap that are the perfect size for just about anyone. The other thing that sets them apart is their snake-eye-shaped lens, which gives you a wider range of vision for better awareness of your competitors. Choose from mirrored and non-mirrored styles and one of three included nose pieces for an even better fit.
The Details: Clear, mirrored, and tinted lenses | Anti-fog | UV protection
Best Polarized
TYR Sport Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Swimming Goggle
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The lenses themselves are polarized rather than using a temporary film coating.
They may be too small for swimmers with wider faces.
Goggles with polarized lenses may be beneficial if you frequently swim in bright outdoor light, whether in a pool or open water. Sadauskas explains that they reduce glare and, thus, help improve your visibility and prevent distractions during your swim. She adds that many goggles feature polarization as a film coating that wears off over time, but the TYR Adult Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Non-mirrored Goggles are an exception. The brand confirms these goggles feature polarized lenses (similar to polarized sunglasses) rather than a film coating. This feature reduces glare without the risk of it wearing off over time.
The Details: Polarized lenses | Anti-fog | UV protection
Best for Beginners
Speedo Hydrospex
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They're high-quality and durable, with an overall great value.
The bands may fade over time.
For those just getting started with swimming, you'll want to get your hands on a traditional pair of goggles. As Foss explains, this popular type of goggle "goes around the edge of the eye socket" and is "the most popular type of goggle with hundreds of designs." One classic option is the Speedo Hydrospex Classic goggles, which meet all of the pro’s criteria for beginners in terms of style, anti-fog film, and UV protection. They're easily adjustable and have double straps, which are ideal for keeping them secure while swimming. They also have a soft and flexible frame that keeps swimmers comfortable.
The Details: Clear and tinted lenses | Anti-fog | UV protection
Best Wide-view Swim Goggles
AqtivAqua DX Wide View Swim Goggles
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They’re easily-adjustable and comfortable and come with a storage case.
The lenses are prone to scratching if you don't store them in their case.
If you frequently experience discomfort from goggles pressing on your eyes or nose, consider trying the AqtivAqua Swimming Goggles. Their wide lenses are designed to rest on your face's contours (not your inner eye area) thanks to soft and flexible silicone double seals that don't dig into your skin. They have a convenient one-click button system that makes adjusting them a breeze and a Y-shaped double strap that stays in place with minimal fuss. Plus, these goggles come with a carrying case, so you can keep them protected in your pool or gym bag.
The Details: Clear and tinted lenses | Anti-fog | UV protection
Tips for Buying Swim Goggles
Know the difference between open water and pool goggles
While many goggle options clearly state whether they're designed for pool use, open water, or both, there are key indicators to consider as well. For example, Foss says open water swimming goggles should be tinted to reduce the sun's brightness, mirrored to deflect additional light, and fog-resistant to prevent having to stop and clear your goggles. Sadauskas also suggests that polarization might help to reduce glare in sunny conditions, while wider lenses can improve visibility in less consistent open water.
When it comes to pool swimming, there's less to consider. Sadauskas says when you're swimming in an outdoor pool, "it's okay to pick a darker lens as the water is most likely going to be clear, and such lenses feel better in sunny conditions." However, for indoor swims, it's a matter of personal preference. In competitive swimming, she says that many people prefer mirrored lenses even in an indoor setting "so other swimmers can't see their eyes," whereas "others prefer clear, blue, or black lenses."
Prioritize leak proof materials
Leaky goggles are a common frustration for swimmers of all levels. “To ensure goggles provide the ultimate leak-proof protection, I'd recommend that people look at goggles that have adjustable nose pieces,” Sadauskas says. “This is especially true for adult goggles and not so much for kids' goggles as the space between the eyes for kids doesn't vary as much as it does for adults.”
“Many adult goggles come with different size nose bridges that are included in the package so the swimmer can customize them based on their particular face as most times leak begins to happen right in the area between the eyes,” she continues. “An adjustable strap is also a must so athletes can customize it based on their head size. Some straps even have measurements on there for an even more precise fit.”
Choose the right lens size
When considering lens size, Sadauskas explains that recreational swimmers typically prefer goggles with larger lenses and softer gaskets, or the rubbery seals that help keep water out of your goggles when you swim. Conversely, she says that more advanced swimmers often opt for goggles with smaller lenses that sit closer to their eyes. This streamlined design minimizes drag and, thus, potentially leads to a faster race. It’s common for swimmers to start with a traditional pair of goggles before transitioning into a smaller option such as Swedish goggles.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How should swim goggles fit?
Simply put, goggles shouldn’t be too big or too small. “Swim goggles should fit tightly around the swimmer's eyes and head to prevent them from leaking but not too tight to cause headaches and discomfort,” Sadauskas says. If they’re too loose, water may seep in, and if they’re too tight, they can put pressure on the eyes and the surrounding skin and cause discomfort.
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What is the best way to clean swim goggles?
“Rinse with fresh water to remove hard chemicals present in pools, or salt water, if swimming in the ocean,” Sadauskas says. “Let them air dry.” (Foss recommends hanging them by the nose piece, not by the strap when air drying to make sure water does not dry on the lenses.) Sadauskas also warns against touching the lenses with your fingers during this process to avoid damaging film coatings, which are sometimes used to add anti-fog benefits or UV protection.
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How should I store swim goggles?
Don’t carelessly toss your goggles into your pool bag if you want them to last. Foss says to give them their own compartment without other items to prevent damage. Some goggles come with a dedicated case for storage, but any glasses case will do the trick.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Marisa Petrarca has been testing, reviewing, and writing about fashion and fitness for nearly a decade and is a former competitive swimmer. To select the best goggles of 2024, she conducted her own research and spoke to three-time Olympic swimmer Nina Sadauskas and Foss Swim School co-founder Jon Foss for their best tips and product recommendations.
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