The Best Swimming Goggles of 2021
Finding a pair of swimming goggles that feel good, function well, and don’t fog up or slide off during a tough workout can be a tall order. To help simplify your search, our testers have put together a list of the best swimming goggles available.
Whether you’re training for a triathlon or trying to make the swim team, a quality pair of goggles is critical to performance. Function at high speeds and pressure is crucial, but even a casual lap swimmer needs goggles that stay in place during a flip turn.
Research has found that ill-fitting goggles aren’t just uncomfortable, but they can cause an increase in fluid pressure in your eye (yuck). But when goggles are too loose, harmful chemicals found in pool water can get in and wreak havoc on your eyeballs.
Most goggle options are one-size-fits-most, and it can take some trial and error before you find the pair that works best for you. Even if the lenses are great, the strap configuration is smart, and the goggles look good, they still might not fit your facial structure.
However, unlike pricier pieces of gear like bike saddles or running shoes, you can afford to switch out goggles regularly, as most pairs are under $25. And you can always give old pairs to friends.
Whether you’re an IRONMAN triathlete, a masters swimmer, or a parent with a tween on the swim team — or if you just made a resolution to learn to swim this year — we’ve got a pair of goggles that will work for you.
Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys, or jump to the category you’re looking for:
- Best Overall
- Best Budget
- Best Anti-Fog Goggles
- Best Polarized Swim Goggles
- Best Swim Goggles for Kids
- Best Swim Goggles for People Who Hate Swim Goggles
- Best Swim Goggles for Data-Lovers
- Best of the Rest
For more information about swim goggles, check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ at the end of this article. For a quick rundown of features and price, take a look at our comparison chart.
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2022
Best Overall: Speedo Mirrored Vanquisher 2.0
The Speedo Mirrored Vanquisher 2.0 ($22) consistently tops charts for the best swim goggles. They’re arguably the most popular goggles on the market. That’s because they’re the most universal in terms of fit and style — and at $22, they’re reasonably priced for the level of performance they offer.
The Speedo Mirrored Vanquisher 2.0 goggles can be used indoors or outdoors thanks to their mirrored lenses. For open-water swimmers, mirrored goggles are a great way to avoid blinding yourself as you try to sight a buoy on a sunny day. (On an overcast day, consider swapping mirrored goggles for a polarized set instead, as U.S. Masters Swimming recommends.)
You can get these goggles with non-mirrored lenses for a slightly cheaper price point ($19). But even if your indoor swimming pool has windows that beam in daylight, mirrored lenses are going to be helpful.
Highly adjustable with two bands and a simple adjustment system, these goggles can easily stay in place on any head shape. The goggles themselves are designed to be low-profile and fit snugly around your eye sockets with soft plastic grips. And while the nose piece isn’t adjustable (very few higher-quality goggles offer that kind of adjustment), it fits most facial structures.
Bonus: If you prefer your goggles to match your swimsuit, these are one of the few pairs of higher-end goggles available in a wide variety of colors from basic black to rainbow.
Specs:
- Lens: Mirror
- Anti-fog: Yes
Pros:
- Most universally fitted and comfortable option for high-performance goggles
Cons:
- Mirrored lens may be overkill for swimmers who exclusively swim indoors
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Best Budget: Aegend Swim Goggles
At $14, the Aegend Swim Goggles are easily the best budget swim goggles on the market. They’re the perfect family goggle because they’re easy to adjust and can be worn by most adults and most children. They’re available in 14 different lens and color configurations, so you can get a different set for every member of the family.
These are the top-rated goggles on Amazon, outranking Speedo and TYR largely thanks to their budget-friendly nature. These well-made goggles feature an adjustable strap that’s easy to handle even when you’re out of breath from doing a fast lap, thanks to the large clip in the back. (This is in contrast to many higher-end goggles, which may take more work to adjust in a pinch.)
The goggles themselves have a slightly more rectangular, wide fit compared to Speedos. They aren’t as optimized for a race, but they’re plenty for a casual swimmer.
Are they perfect? Of course not. The main reported downside is that some swimmers found the lenses tended to get blurry in the pool. This is a common problem with goggles, but worth noting, especially if you already tend to have blurry vision or wear contact lenses.
Specs:
- Lens: Mirrored or clear
- Anti-fog: Yes
Pros:
- Easy to adjust
- Great for kids and adults
Cons:
- Can be blurry
Best Anti-Fog Goggles: ROKA R1 Anti-Fog Swim Goggles
The ROKA R1 Anti-Fog Swim Goggles ($33-38) are best when used outside, though they can handle pool swims with ease. Triathletes need goggles that can go from pool to lake, as you don’t want to race in untested goggles. These ROKAs are great for that transition.
Thanks to their larger lens size, some people may find their goggle lines post-swim are less prominent — ideal for when you finish your swim and have to hop on a video call.
The ROKAs are designed specifically with visibility in mind, both in terms of a tough anti-fog coating as well as an added hard coat on the exterior to prevent scratches when you’re tossing them in your swim gear bag. And with RapidSight technology, they’re ideal for being able to clearly see what’s in front of you (or below you) on race day.
At $38 for the mirrored option and $33 for the clear lenses, they’re comparable to TYR or higher-end Speedo options. Don’t automatically go for the cheaper ones, though. Mirrored lenses can handle sun glare better than clear lenses, so you may want to opt for mirrored lenses if you’ll be swimming in open water.
Specs:
- Lens: Mirrored or clear
- Anti-fog: Yes
Pros:
- Excellent visibility in open water
Cons:
- Some people may not like the larger lens shape
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at ROKA
Best Polarized Swim Goggles: TYR Sport Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Swimming Goggle
When it comes to triathlon, TYR is arguably as well-known as Speedo. And the Sport Special Ops 2.0 Polarized goggles ($35) are among the most popular used by triathletes. Although these polarized goggles are best suited for outdoor swimming, they work in a pool setting as well.
The goggle profile is fairly wide and flat — broader than more pool-specific goggles. The design promotes a wider range of vision underwater when swimming in a lake or ocean, as opposed to simply following the markings on the pool’s floor while doing laps.
The silicone gaskets that keep the lenses firmly in place on your face are less intrusive than others on the market. And they’ll leave less of the dreaded goggle marks than smaller goggles tend to.
With a wide strap that has a divide in the back, they stay in place better than many other options on the market, which is crucial for triathletes racing into the water with a huge pack of people.
The strap is also optimal for adjusting around a ponytail or bun under a swim cap. At $35, they’re not the most affordable goggles available, but they’re highly durable and will last for years.
Specs:
- Lens: Polarized
- Anti-fog: Yes
Pros:
- Soft silicone grippers fit comfortably while staying snug
Cons:
- May be dark for pool swimming
Best Swim Goggles for Kids: Speedo Skoogles Swim Goggles
Good for small swimmers from ages 3 to 8 years old, the Speedo Skoogles Swim Goggles ($13-20) come in fun colors and are designed to be comfortable for little faces.
Goggles can be a tough sell for small children, as pressing them into place can feel uncomfortable. But the Skoogles are made with soft silicone and wide straps to maximize comfort while still providing a solid swimming experience.
At $13, the Skoogles are a great deal. Parents with kids prone to losing things could order two in bright color options to avoid frequent losses.
The easy-adjust straps mean that the goggles should grow with your child as they get through their first years in the pool or the lake. After they outgrow the Skoogles, they should be ready to upgrade to an adult pair.
If your kids can’t stand having standard goggles pressing on their eye sockets, an easier alternative is the Aqua Sphere Swim Kid 2.0, which has a more full-face feel (without covering the child’s nose).
- Lens: Clear
- Anti-fog: Yes
Pros:
- Easy adjustment
- Fits most faces
Cons:
- Kids may not like the goggle style and may prefer a wider, less-fitted option
Best Swim Goggles for People Who Hate Swim Goggles: Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 Swim Goggle
Tried dozens of standard goggles and found that you got headaches or goggle indents? Or have you struggled to find a pair that actually stayed sealed around your eye sockets?
The Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 goggles ($31-49) are different from your average goggle, with a much wider profile that covers more of your eye area instead of pressing in on your eye sockets.
They’re technically more of a mask than a goggle, though they won’t cover your nose the way a snorkel mask would. Easy adjustment of the thick straps — smooth and comfortable silicone that stays in place and won’t leak during your swim — and 180 degrees of vision make these bulky-but-powerful goggles ideal for goggle-haters.
At $35, the Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 are the priciest regular goggles in this roundup. But if you find that most regular goggles simply aren’t comfortable, or you end up with intense goggle marks for hours after a swim and need a solution — these might be the best swim goggles for you.
Specs:
- Lens: Clear
- Anti-fog: Yes
Pros:
- Comfortable, wide fit for people who hate goggle marks
Cons:
- Not the most aerodynamic if you’re looking for a speed-focused model
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Best Swim Goggles for Data-Lovers: FORM Swim Goggles
If you love to swim but hate counting laps or paying close attention to mileage during your open-water adventure, but in the end wish you did pay attention to those metrics, you might want to consider FORM Swim Goggles ($228).
That’s right, a smart goggle does exist. Think Google Glass but for the pool. The FORM Smart Swim Goggles have a see-through display that shows real-time metrics as you paddle.
That means you don’t have to stop to check your watch halfway through that 800m hard swim, and you’ll always know how far you are from shore in open water.
You can check split times, stroke rate, pace per 100 m, and even heart rate when paired with Polar sensors. And of course, post-swim, your goggles can sync to your smartphone to upload your workout to Training Peaks, Strava, Apple Health, or Google Fit. And you get to feel like Iron Man in the process.
The Form Swim Goggles are obviously a big spend compared to other goggles. But if you truly hate counting laps in the pool but love having the data, these are going to make you the envy of your masters swim group.
Like any goggle, depending on your facial structure, you may not love the fit. But there’s a 45-day fit guarantee, so you’re not on the hook if they’re super uncomfortable.
They also come with seven different nose piece sizes, so they’re more customizable than your average goggle and should fit most faces.
Note: Because FORM goggles run on a GPS system, they require a subscription (similar to Garmin devices). You can either pay $28 a month or go all-in for $228 for a year (goggles included).
Specs:
- Lens: Mirrored
- Anti-fog: Yes
Pros:
- No more looking at your watch to see how many laps you’ve done
Cons:
- Extremely pricey
Best of the Rest
Arena Cobra Ultra Goggles
These high-end swimming goggles offer a striking design and elite performance. As far as swim goggles go, these are perhaps the lowest profile on the market. Swimmers are always looking to decrease drag, and the Cobra Ultra goggles ($70) surely do their part to keep you cutting quickly through the water.
The durable and adjustable silicone straps hold up well to regular use, and they’re relatively comfortable considering their thin profile. Strangely, the straps begin quite far back on the wearer’s head, though this doesn’t seem to have an effect on performance.
Peripheral vision in the Cobra Ultra is clear and uninhibited. For such svelte and low-profile goggles, their field of vision is surprisingly top-notch. The Ultras come in a variety of tints, though the blue tint is known to offer excellent clarity in just about any light conditions.
Overall, these goggles are right up there with the best swim goggles on the market. They aren’t cheap, but they’re built to last for the long haul.
Specs:
- Lens: Dark or light mirror available
- Anti-fog: Yes
Pros:
- Good peripheral vision
- Comfortable
- Leak-proof seals
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Swimming Goggles Comparison Chart
| Swimming Goggle | Price | Lens | Anti-fog |
| Speedo Mirrored Vanquisher 2.0 | $22 | Mirror | Yes |
| Aegend Swim Goggles | $14 | Mirrored or clear | Yes |
| ROKA R1 Anti-Fog Swim Goggles | $35-40 | Mirrored or clear | Yes |
| TYR Sport Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Swimming Goggle | $30 | Polarized | Yes |
| Speedo Skoogles Swim Goggles | $11 | Clear | Yes |
| Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 Swim Goggle | $35 | Clear | Yes |
| FORM Swim Goggles | $228 (annual) | Mirrored | Yes |
| Arena Cobra Ultra Goggles | $53 | Dark or light mirror available | Yes |
Why You Should Trust Us
This list of recommendations was compiled by Molly Hurford, who’s been swimming in pools, ponds, oceans, and lakes since 2008 when she first got into triathlon.
As someone who’s struggled to find goggles that fit well and didn’t leave her with raccoon eyes for hours after finishing her laps, she’s tried a lot of different goggle types in every shape and size in her quest for the perfect fit. Since starting with laps in the pool and slogging her way through two IRONMAN triathlons, she’s tested a lot of goggles in the process.
In addition to testing goggles on her own — as no one facial structure should be responsible for determining which goggles can be considered “the best” — she polled fellow swimmers of all types, from busy parents who swim in the bay at sunrise to a few who never miss a masters swim indoors.
Her top pick if she’s choosing goggles for herself? The TYR Sport Special Ops 2.0 Polarized goggles have seen her through dozens of races, including both of her full IRONMANs.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Swimming Goggles
Lens Color
There are three main goggle lens styles: clear, mirrored, and polarized. As Speedo explains, clear lenses are optimal for swimming indoors, and mirrored lenses are designed to reflect light and are optimal for outdoor conditions.
Polarized lenses are arguably the best for outdoor swimming, though, as they decrease glare but aren’t dim on overcast days.
Other colored lenses are available, and they aren’t just for show. An orange lens, for example, can offer more contrast. Smoke lenses, or darkened clear lenses (think sunglasses), are ideal for bright indoor pools but not dimly lit areas.
Lens Size
Lens size largely depends on comfort. Competitive swimmers tend to prefer smaller goggles that fit closely to their faces, while open-water swimmers tend to prefer larger lenses for a wider field of vision (according to U.S. Masters Swimming).
But whatever kind of swimming you’re planning to do, the best lens size for you is the size that feels comfortable and doesn’t leak while paddling!
Head Strap
Generally, your focus should be on the comfort of the goggles themselves. Whatever head strap comes with the lenses that fit your face comfortably should work fine. But your best head strap choice largely depends on your hair’s style and length.
If you have long hair that you keep in a bun or ponytail under a swim cap, a strap that has a slit in the middle back and is adjusted on the sides is ideal, as it can go over and under the bun to stay in place. For those with shorter hair, this matters much less — it’s all about comfort.
FAQ
What Are the Best Swimming Goggles for Racing?
The best swim goggles for racing are the ones that fit and feel the best for your facial structure. What the swimmer in the lane next to you is wearing might not work well for you, and vice versa.
As you try different goggles, you’re searching for a pair that feels comfortable, and that — when adjusted properly — doesn’t get knocked off just because you’ve picked up speed or made a fast flip turn.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Goggles?
Simply rinse them with clean water after each use. Using harsh soap or detergent may affect the lenses or the anti-fog coating, according to Speedo.
Make sure you leave the goggles out to dry, though. Keeping them in a damp, warm bag with your towel and suit for a few days can breed bacteria and mold.
How Do I Keep My Swim Goggles From Fogging?
Unfortunately, no matter how good anti-fog technology gets, most swimmers will still suffer from fogged-up goggles, often at inopportune times.
You can buy an anti-fog spray for the inside of your goggles, like Jaws Quick Spit Anti-Fog Spray. Or you can opt for the tried-and-true method that even U.S. Masters Swimming recommends: get a bit of saliva and rub it on the inside of your goggles. It’s gross, but it creates a barrier that helps keep fog at bay.
Should I Wear Goggles Over or Under My Swim Cap?
It depends. If you’re racing, it’s more aerodynamic to wear goggles under your swim cap, as they’re less likely to get pulled off (important if you’re in a mass start swim). But for adjustability and ease of taking them on and off at swim practice, over the swim cap is just fine.
Can You Get Prescription Swim Goggles?
Yes, you can absolutely get prescription swim goggles, though your options will be more limited. Luckily, the best overall swim goggles on our list — the Speedo Vanquishers 2.0 — have prescription options ranging from -1.5 to -8.
If you have a more specific prescription, like needing bifocals, SportEyes.com has a full array of goggles that can be tailored to your exact needs.
Why Do My Swim Goggles Keep Leaking?
You may simply need to tighten your straps or adjust your nose piece to keep them firmly in place.
The faster or more aggressively you swim (for instance, if you dive off the blocks versus simply pushing off the wall), the more difficult it will be to keep them in place. But if tightening doesn’t solve your problem, those goggles simply may not be the right ones for you.
Researchers have noted the main problem with commercial swim goggles — they don’t take into account everyone’s unique bone structure and facial features. That means even when a pair is touted as “the best,” as we’ve done here, it still may not be the best for you.
Which Swim Goggles Do Olympians Wear?
There’s no specific “swim goggle of Olympians,” unfortunately. Each swimmer has to find the goggles that work best for them. Some chose more custom options while others use off-the-rack options.
Michael Phelps reportedly wore Speedo Speed Sockets for the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and raced in his namesake MP XCEEDswim goggles from his sponsor Aqua Sphere in 2016. He managed to rack up gold medals in all three Olympics, so clearly, goggles weren’t an issue for him.
Have a favorite pair of swimming goggles? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll check it out for future updates to this article.
The Best Triathlon Watches of 2021
Triathlon Checklist: Race Day Gear
The post The Best Swimming Goggles of 2022 appeared first on GearJunkie.