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The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

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 on the market.
best swimming goggles Speedo(Photo/Pam LeBlanc)
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If you’re trying to go faster in the water or just get a little exercise, you need a quality pair of swim goggles that don’t leak or fog and stay comfortably in place during your workout.

Research has found that ill-fitting goggles aren’t just uncomfortable; they can also increase fluid pressure in the eye (yuck). But when goggles are too loose, harsh chemicals found in pool water can get in and irritate your eyes.

The good news? Unlike pricier gear like bike saddles or running shoes, you can afford to switch out goggles regularly because most are under $30.

We’ve been wearing swim goggles through four decades of practice and know what works and what doesn’t. For our latest buyer’s guide, lead tester Pam LeBlanc brings 40 years of swimming experience. She put nine pairs of goggles to the test. She wore them for U.S. Masters swim practices in the outdoor pool at Western Hills Athletic Club in Austin, Texas, tested them in open water, and asked her teammates to weigh in on their favorites, too.

We understand that purchasing goggles online can be a challenge, as each individual has a unique facial shape, and not every goggle is suitable for everyone. However, we have carefully curated our top picks based on extensive testing. Our selection process considered factors such as fit, comfort, anti-fog properties, and durability.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys. For more information about swim goggles, check out our buyer’s guide, price & value section, and FAQ at the end of this article. For a quick rundown of features and prices, take a look at our comparison chart.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on August 29, 2024, by adding two new products: the Speedo Hydrospex Classic and our top pick for tech lovers, the FORM Smart Swim 2.

The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Best Overall Swimming Goggles

Speedo Mirrored Vanquisher 2.0

Specs

  • Lens Mirrored (clear available)
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV Protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Interchangeable
  • Head strap Adjustable double
Product Badge The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Low profile
  • Wide panoramic lenses
  • Reasonably priced
  • Interchangeable nose pieces
  • Available in variety of colors and lens
  • Mirrored lenses reduce glare

Cons

  • Anti-fog effectiveness tends to wear off with multiple uses
  • Must remove them to adjust the head strap
Best Budget Swimming Goggles

Aegend Swim Goggles

Specs

  • Lens Mirrored (clear available)
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Non-adjustable
  • Head strap Adjustable/single
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Detachable clasp allows swimmer to put them on without pulling hair

Cons

  • Slight visual distortion under the water
  • Mirrored surface scratches easily
  • Tends to leak on swimmers with closer-set eyes
Best Swimming Goggles for Preventing Raccoon Eyes

Snake & Pig Basilisk

Specs

  • Lens Mirrored (clear available)
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Three interchangeable pieces
  • Head strap Adjustable/double
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Wide peripheral range
  • Super comfortable eye gaskets
  • Stay secure on face
  • Rolling buckle on head strap easy to adjust

Cons

  • Higher profile shape than most competitive goggles
  • Better for training than racing
  • Non- Non-adjustable nose bridge that rotates, causing straps to twist
Best Anti-Fog Swimming Goggles

Arena Cobra Ultra Mirror Swipe Goggle

Specs

  • Lens Mirrored (clear available)
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Interchangeable
  • Head strap Adjustable/double
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Anti-fog “recharges” with swipe of a finger
  • Hydrodynamic design
  • Five nose pieces for a custom fit
  • Rigid temple keeps goggles in place.
  • Variety of colors and lens

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Extremely shallow eye cups can annoy some swimmers
Best-Fitting Swimming Goggles

Magic5 Custom Goggle

Specs

  • Lens Mirrored
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV Protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Interchangeable
  • Head strap Adjustable/double
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Custom-fit to individual
  • Low profile
  • Interchangeable nose pieces
  • Mirrored lenses reduce glare

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Sharp tabs on nose bridge
Best Swimming Goggles for Technology Geeks

FORM Smart Swim 2

Specs

  • Lens Mirrored
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV Protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Adjustable, comes with five interchangeable nose bridges
  • Head strap Adjustable double band
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Leak-free fit
  • Provides detailed data about swim
  • Low-profile design

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Distracting to some swimmers, especially in pool setting
  • Takes time to learn how to use
Best of the Rest

Speedo Hydrospex Classic

Specs

  • Lens Clear (tinted available)
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV Protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Non-adjustable
  • Head strap Adjustable/split
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Soft, flexible eye gaskets
  • Comfortable
  • Clear version lets in plenty of ambient light for indoor swimming

Cons

  • Tends to come unseated during sprints or dives
  • Non-adjustable nose piece
  • Larger profile styling

TYR Nest Pro Goggles

Specs

  • Lens Blue tint (clear available)
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Non-adjustable
  • Head strap Adjustable/double
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Wide peripheral range
  • Comfortable eye gaskets
  • Stay secure on face

Cons

  • Heavier feeling than most training goggles
  • Better for training than racing
  • Non-adjustable nose piece

Aquasphere Kayenne Swim Goggles

Specs

  • Lens Clear
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Non-adjustable
  • Head strap Adjustable/split
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Wide peripheral range
  • Super comfortable eye gaskets
  • Stay secure on face

Cons

  • Higher profile than most competitive goggles
  • Nose band isn’t adjustable
  • Heavy feel

TYR Special Ops 3.0 Goggles

Specs

  • Lens Polarized
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Non-adjustable
  • Head strap Adjustable/split
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Wide peripheral view
  • Low profile fit
  • Polarized lenses filter out glare

Cons

  • Plastic feature that adjusts straps tends to slip
  • More expensive than most
  • Fixed nose piece

TYR Socket Rockets, aka Swedish Original Monterbara Goggles

Specs

  • Lens Clear
  • Anti-fog Yes
  • UV protection Yes
  • Nose pieces Tie to fit nose bridge
  • Head strap Double
The Best Swimming Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Wide peripheral view
  • Low profile fit
  • Long-lasting
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • No rubber gaskets around the eye pieces
  • Head strap and nose piece are not adjustable
  • Assembly required

Swimming Goggles Comparison Chart

Swimming GogglePriceLensAnti-fogNose PiecesHead Strap
Speedo Mirrored Vanquisher 2.0$30Mirrored (clear available)YesInterchangeableAdjustable double
Aegend Swim Goggles$20Mirrored (clear available)YesNon-adjustableAdjustable/single
Snake & Pig Basilisk
$35Mirrored (clear available)YesThree interchangeable piecesAdjustable/double

Arena Cobra Ultra Mirror Swipe Goggle
$80Mirrored (clear available)YesInterchangeableAdjustable/double
Magic5 Custom Goggle
$70MirroredYesInterchangeableAdjustable/double
FORM Smart Swim 2 goggles$249MirroredYesAdjustable, comes with five interchangeable nose bridgesAdjustable double band
Speedo Hydrospex Classic$20Clear (tinted available)YesNon-adjustableAdjustable/double
TYR Nest Pro Goggles
$25Blue tint (clear available)YesNon-adjustableAdjustable/double
Aquasphere Kayenne Swim Goggles
$35ClearYesNon-adjustableAdjustable/split
TYR Special Ops 3.0 Goggles$50PolarizedYesNon-adjustableAdjustable/split
TYR Socket Rockets$10ClearYesTie to fit nose bridgeDouble
all best swimming goggles
We tested nine different goggles to take the guesswork out for you; (photo/Pam LeBlanc)

How We Tested Swim Goggles

Pam LeBlanc, a lifelong swimmer who hits the pool four to five days a week with the U.S. Masters Swimming program at Western Hills Athletic Club in Austin, Texas, compiled this list of recommendations.

Although she has spent hours logging miles in a chlorinated lap pool, she loves wild swimming in rivers, oceans, and ponds. She and a partner finished the 28.5-mile Manhattan Island Marathon Swim as a two-person relay in 2012. She also completed the Trans Tahoe Relay and other long-distance swim races, including the Highland Lakes Challenge outside of Austin, Texas.

She has competed in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. In more than 40 years of swimming with organized groups, she’s worked her way through hundreds of pairs of swim goggles.

Her main quest has always been to find goggles that she doesn’t notice. Most importantly, goggles should provide clear vision and never leak or fog. Comfort is important. But it’s also nice to wear swim goggles that don’t leave noticeable red rings, known among swimmers as raccoon or panda eyes, hours after the last drop of water has dried.

Testing swim goggles is tricky. No two people have the exact same facial structure, so what works on one swimmer might not work on the next. Besides testing goggles during her morning swim practice, she checked with other swimmers on her team — from former Olympians to recreational lap loggers — to see what goggles they preferred.

Magic5 Custom Goggles are fit to your specific face, meaning they are great for people who have trouble finding goggles that fit; (photo/Chris LeBlanc)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Swimming Goggles

Most goggle options are one-size-fits-most. And, it can take some trial and error before you find the best pair for your needs. Even if the lenses are great, the strap configuration is smart, and the goggles look good, they still might not fit your facial structure.

But goggles have come a long way. Back in the 14th century, a few daring swimmers used “goggles” crafted from polished semi-translucent tortoise shells to protect their eyes. By the early 1900s, others were using motorcycle goggles, sometimes sealed with a bit of soft paraffin wax. But it wasn’t until the 1972 Olympics when Scottish swimmer David Wilkie donned a pair that swim goggles really went mainstream.

Today’s goggles are much higher tech than those early models. They have flexible eye gaskets (goggles with foam pads around the eye cups are generally gone) and lenses designed to provide crystal-clear vision. They also have special coatings to prevent fogging, and adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit. They keep water out of the eyes, help athletes keep track of other swimmers sharing a lane, block sun glare, and improve under-the-surface vision.

best swimming goggles
Eye gaskets play a critical role by helping them mold to your face so water stays out and you stay comfy. The Hydrospex from Speedo have top-notch eye gaskets; (photo/Pam LeBlanc)

Eye Gaskets

The most critical feature of any pair of swim goggles is the eye gasket. Most these days are made of soft, flexible rubber, which helps them mold to an individual face.

It may take some time to find the goggles and eye gaskets that conform best to your unique face shape. The Speedo Hydrospex Classic Goggles have extra-wide, squishy eye gaskets that minimize leaking on most face shapes.

If you can’t find off-the-rack goggles that work for you, consider spending the money to make custom-fit Magic 5 goggles based on scans you take with your smartphone. Snake & Pig Basilisks are especially comfortable, and their double-walled gasket design helps reduce those suction marks around the eyes known as “raccoon eyes.” Others, like the Tyr Socket Rockets, don’t have any rubber at all — they’re just hard plastic cups with smoothed edges that rest directly against your face.

The Snake & Pig Basilisks have eye gaskets that conform to your face comfortably; (photo/Chris LeBlanc)

Lenses

There are three main goggle lens styles: clear, mirrored, and polarized. As Speedo explains, clear lenses are optimal for swimming indoors while mirrored lenses are designed to reflect light and are optimal for bright outdoor conditions. Polarized lenses are arguably the best for outdoor swimming though, as they decrease glare but aren’t dim on overcast days.

Our longtime favorite, the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 can come with clear lenses or lenses with a mirrored finish. This means you can keep one pair for swimming indoors and another for bright sunny days outside.

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.

The Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 ranked as our favorite after our lead tester’s hours and hours in the pool; (photo/Chris LeBlanc)

Anti-Fog

Foggy goggles can slow down any swimmer. If you can’t see where you’re going, you can’t get in a good workout. Some goggles come with a sheer anti-fog coating designed to keep the goggles from fogging up while you’re swimming.

The coating on some goggles wears off after a few uses, but goggles like the Arena Cobra Mirror Ultra Swipe are designed to reactivate that technology with the swipe of a finger. You can even brew your own anti-fog elixir with a little baby shampoo and water. The Snake & Pig Basilisk Goggles come with an applicator bottle and instructions. Or do it the old-fashioned way: rub a little spit on your goggle lenses before you hop in the water.

Arena Cobra Ultra Mirror Swipe Goggles have unique anti-fog technology; (photo/Pam LeBlanc)

UV Protection

All the goggles we tested come with UV protection lenses. Avoid cheaper models that don’t have such protection built in — especially if you’re swimming outdoors, under sunny skies.

Lens Size and Shape

Lens shape largely depends on what you plan to do with your goggles. Competitive swimmers tend to prefer smaller, low-profile goggles like the Speedo Vanquisher or Magic5 Custom Fit that fit closely to their faces. Open-water swimmers and triathletes tend to prefer larger, more mask-like lenses for a wider field of vision when they’re popping their heads out of the water to spot their location.

Recreational swimmers looking for a larger lens will love the Aquasphere Kayenne Swim Goggles. Larger lenses are more likely to slide off your face during a dive, too. But, if you’re not using them to race, that shouldn’t matter.

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 when you’re doing a flip-turn.

best swimming goggles
The curved lenses of the Aquasphere Kayenne Goggles provide fantastic peripheral vision; (photo/Pam LeBlanc)

Head Strap

Generally, your focus should be on the comfort of the goggles themselves. But head straps come in different widths and designs, too, with different mechanisms for tightening or loosening.

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. It can go over and under the bun to stay in place. This matters much less for those with shorter hair — it’s all about comfort.

Some, like the Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe, have a U-shaped bracket at the back of the headband that you adjust by pulling the head strap through. Others, like the TYR Special Ops 3.0, have buttons or tabs on the sides that you press to adjust the goggles. Aegend goggles have a large hard plastic press button device you press to adjust the goggles.

Others, like the no-frills TYR Socket Rockets aren’t adjustable. You tie them to the length you want and go.

The TYR Special Ops 3.0 Goggles have a highly adjustable head strap; (photo/Chris LeBlanc)

Nose Piece

That little piece of plastic that crosses the bridge of your nose can determine whether a pair of goggles fits an individual face. Some goggles, including the Arena Cobra Ultra Mirror Swipe and the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0, come with multiple removable nose pieces so you can snap in the one that best fits your face size.

Others like the TYR Nest Pro have a fixed nose piece that cannot be changed. If the fixed nose piece works for your face shape, that’s fine. But if it doesn’t, you can’t adjust it to make it work.

best swimming goggles
The TYR Nest Pro doesn’t have an adjustable nose piece so make sure that works with your face; (photo/Chris LeBlanc)

Color

Some folks like to stand out in the swimming pool. That’s why some makers offer dozens of color schemes. You can go with basic black eye sockets and head straps, or you can opt for hot pink, aqua, or rainbow swirls.

all best swimming goggles
The  Aegend Swim Goggles are a great quality goggle that won’t break the bank; (photo/Pam LeBlanc)

Price & Value

Compared to other recreational eyewear such as ski goggles and fishing sunglasses, swimming goggles are relatively affordable. On the low end, our best budget pick is the Aegend Swim Goggles, which cost $20. On the high end, the Magic 5 and the Arena Cobra Ultra Mirror Swipe cost more. But they might be the solution for people who can’t find goggles that don’t leak or are frustrated by goggles that fog, respectively.

For tech lovers willing to foot the bill, the FORM Smart Swim 2 Goggles track data, give feedback and help you analyze the details of your swim. But, their $249 price tag might cause some to balk at buying these.

In general, expect to spend between $20 and $40 for a quality pair of swim goggles with crystal clear lenses and solid durability. Due to their stretchy elastic strap and frequent moisture exposure, swim goggles tend to wear out fairly quickly.

Those who hit the pool multiple times per week should expect to work through three or more pairs of goggles per year.

The FORM Smart Swim 2 Goggles cost more than any others on our list, but they also do more in terms of tracking speed and distance and helping you stay on course in open water; (photo/Pam LeBlanc)

Frequently Asked Questions

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. That said, most competitive swimmers like smaller, low-profile goggles that aren’t too big.

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. 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. A few drops of baby shampoo mixed with water, or a dab of non-abrasive toothpaste can also help.  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 corrective 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 Vanquisher 2.0 — have over-the-counter corrective options ranging from -1.5 to -8, and they still cost just $30.

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 swap out nose pieces 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 is that 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.

If you’ve tried an array of over-the-counter goggles and they’re still leaking, consider custom goggles like Magic 5.

Which swim goggles do Olympians wear?

There are no specific “swim goggles of Olympians,” unfortunately. Each swimmer has to find the goggles that work best for them. Some choose 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 XCEED swimming 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.

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