Whether you’re swimming lengths in the pool, clocking up open-water miles or gearing up for your next triathlon, a good pair of swimming goggles can make a big difference.
A decent pair won’t fog up, leak or press uncomfortably on your eyes. But with so many types available, from ultra-streamlined race models to tech-heavy smart goggles, choosing the best pair for your swim sessions isn’t always straightforward.
Three-time Olympian swim champion Brian Johns, now head of coaching science at Form, says it’s all about matching your goggles to your needs. “If you plan to race, then getting a streamlined pair will maximise performance. If you’re training outside, look for reflective lenses to combat the sun. For open water, extra comfort might be important to deal with the elements.”
To help make sense of all the options, I put a wide range of goggles through their paces, including pairs from big-name swim brands, triathlon specialists and trusted high street retailers. Keep scrolling to find out which swimming goggles impressed me the most.
How I tested
To ensure a fair and thorough test, I wore each pair of goggles across multiple swims in both indoor and open-water settings. In the pool, I swam steady lengths, sprint intervals and underwater glides to assess fit, comfort, and clarity. Outdoors, I tested goggles in different light and weather conditions, including bright sunlight, overcast skies and early morning glare.
Each model was scored on several key criteria:
- Comfort: It was vital that each pair of goggles was comfortable to wear, and didn’t pinch the bridge of my nose or sit awkwardly on my eyelids.
- Adjustability: I checked how easy it was to adjust the strap and looked at the flexibility of the nose bridges to see how they would fare for different users.
- Overall design: I examined lens size, tint, and smart features such as photochromic lenses or in-goggle displays.
- Value for money: Crucially, I looked at prices and whether these googles came with extras like protective cases.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Zoe Griffin has been evaluating and reviewing products for IndyBest since 2021, exploring a wide range of items from home appliances to children's toys. As a triathlete, Zoe has particular expertise when it comes to sports and fitness, reviewing everything from fitness trackers to running watches. When assessing swimming goggles, she takes into account choices for all budgets and her reviews are based on her genuine experiences through real-world testing.
The best swimming goggles for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Zoggs predator titanium goggles: £29.99, Decathlon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Amazon Basics swimming goggles: £7.20, Amazon.co.uk
- Best leak-proof pair – TheMagic5 pink magic mirror gold: £54, Themagic5.com
- Best smart pair – Form smart swim goggles 2: £249, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for open water – Zone3 vapour polarised goggles: £45, Zone3.com
- Best for comfort – Speedo biofuse 2.0 goggles: £32.50, Speedo.com
Zoggs predator titanium goggles
Best: Overall
Lens: Mirrored
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: 180+ degrees
Nose bridge: One flexible nose bridge
Why we love it
- Anti-fog resistance
- Comfortable
- Reduce glare
- Wide field of vision
Take note
- No photochromic tech
If you’re looking for a reliable, all-around pair of goggles that can handle outdoor glare, this titanium-lens version of Zoggs’s popular predator goggles is a solid choice. The predator goggles were originally launched in 2005, and they’re still popular with triathletes and open-water swimmers looking for a comfortable pair of goggles that enable them to see to the side as well as in front.
Zoggs claims these lenses offer 180+ degrees of peripheral vision, and while I didn’t break out a protractor, I noticed how much easier it was to sight buoys or spot lane markers without having to fully turn my head. The goggles perform brilliantly in bright, outdoor conditions, where their mirrored lenses come into their own, cutting glare without causing eye strain.
They were also less prone to fogging than most goggles I tested, and the flexible nose bridge stayed comfortable even after 45-minute sessions. The only downside is they’re not as clear in low light as photochromic goggles are, but if you keep to daylight swims, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Buy now £29.99, Decathlon.co.uk
Amazon Basics swimming goggles
Best: Budget buy
Lens: Plastic
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: Around 140 degrees
Nose bridge: Four interchangeable options
Why we love it
- Comfortable
- Four nose bridge options included
Take note
- No case
- Narrower field of vision that some other goggles
- Lack durability
These goggles from Amazon’s own-brand range are about as no-frills as it gets, but they punch well above their weight in the water. While the compact lenses might look small out of the box (they’re about the same size as an egg cup), they offered impressive suction once on, staying completely watertight throughout my tests.
I was pleasantly surprised to find four interchangeable nose bridges included – a rare bonus at this price. A better seal around the nose helped reduce leaks, and the goggles felt secure and quite comfortable, although the gasket is not as squishy as the Speedo biofuse 2.0 below.
As expected with a budget option, durability is a concern. The strap sliders feel a little flimsy and might not hold up to rough treatment. There’s also no mirrored or photochromatic lens, so I’d recommend these for indoor swims or low-light environments. However, for less than a tenner, these are remarkably good goggles for casual swimmers.
Buy now £7.20, Amazon.co.uk
TheMagic5 pink magic mirror gold
Best: Leak-proof design
Lens: Mirrored lenses
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: 180+ degrees
Nose bridge: Custom fit
Why we love it
- Solid anti-fog performance
- Eye-catching design
- Custom fit
Take note
- Quite pricey
This brand has made waves with its custom-fit swimming goggles, and these pink magic mirror gold lenses are among the standout models. What sets them apart is the made-to-order fit: you scan your face via the Magic5 app, and your goggles are 3D printed to match your unique facial contours.
I was initially sceptical about how much difference a custom fit would make, but these goggles were by far the most leak-proof I tested. Once on, they didn’t shift, no matter how aggressively I tumble-turned. The mirrored lenses also handled glare beautifully during open-water swims.
The low-profile design is sleek and hydrodynamic, and I could see very clearly underwater. The goggles come with a case and anti-fog spray, which I used before every session. The price is steep for a pair of goggles, but when you consider that these are tailored to your face, I think they’re worth the splurge. The scan process means that delivery takes a little time, though. But if you’re fed up with fiddling with fit or battling leaks, these could be your forever goggles.
Buy now £60.00, Themagic5.com
Zone3 venator X tinted swim goggles
Best: For clarity
Lens: Tinted
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: Up to 180 degrees
Nose bridge: One size, adjustable
Why we love it
- Brilliant blue tint
- Soft silicone gaskets
- Smooth strap
Take note
- No interchangeable nose bridges
If you're after reliable goggles for everyday training that also work in brighter conditions, the venator X hits the sweet spot. These tinted goggles from Zone3 offer a bit of everything – a wide field of vision, decent glare reduction and a solid, comfortable seal. Swimming with the blue-tinted lenses was like being in a fish tank – everything looked crisp and clear, almost like HD vision underwater.
The lenses aren’t polarised, but they still took the edge off sunlight during outdoor swims and were clear enough indoors under bright lighting. It's also worth noting that although this particular version isn't polarised, the venator X range does include other lens options, including polarised versions, so you can tailor your choice, depending on where you swim most.
I was impressed by Zone3’s anti-fog coating, which held up well during testing and helped maintain consistent visibility across longer swims. The lenses have soft silicone gaskets that sit flush against the skin and remain leak-free during starts, turns and sprints. They don’t come with interchangeable nose bridges, unlike some other models I tested, so if fit is tricky for you, the Arena Cobra or the Magic5 goggles may offer more flexibility. However, the venator X is almost half the price of those pairs, and I couldn’t fault them on quality or clarity – I’d only recommend paying more if you’ve had fit issues previously.
Buy now £35.00, Zone3.com
Arena cobra ultra swipe mirror goggles
Best: Anti-fog pair
Lens: Mirrored
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: 180+ degrees
Nose bridge: Five interchangeable options
Why we love it
- Streamline shape
- Soft silicone strap
- Long-lasting fog coating
Take note
- Pricey
- Comes with a soft case
These low-profile racing goggles from Arena come with big promises – including a swipe-to-reactivate anti-fog coating that claims to last 10 times longer than standard coatings. I tested these for a month, so I can’t speak to that long-term durability just yet, but I found the anti-fog swipe feature genuinely clever. Swiping the inside of the lens with a fingertip clears up fogging mid-swim – a neat trick that’s more important than it sounds.
They’re clearly built for speed. The hydrodynamic shape reduces drag, while the split silicone strap keeps things tight without slipping. I especially liked how low they sit on your face – perfect for racing or fast sets.
The price is the only thing that lets them down, as they’re twice as expensive as the Zoggs predator titanium goggles and more than six times as dear as the budget Amazon basics pair. But if you can’t put a price on a new personal best, these goggles are the pair that will help you reach it comfortably.
Buy now £59.99, Arenaswimuk.com
Aquasphere defy ultra yellow mirrored lens goggles
Best: For a wide field of vision
Lens: Mirror
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: 180+ degrees horizontally and vertical
Nose bridge: One
Why we love it
- Excellent vision vertically and horizontally
- Cool design
- Easy to adjust
Take note
- Heavy
- Quite pricey
With their oversized yellow mirrored lens and slick frameless design, these goggles offer serious field-of-vision bragging rights. This is thanks to their duo curve lens tech, which the brand claims offers uninterrupted 180-degree viewing vertically and horizontally. While I can’t verify the exact angle, the wraparound design does feel significantly broader than average – you can check your stroke technique and spot nearby swimmers without having to lift or turn your head.
Aquasphere also promises that their injected silicone skirt delivers a more hydrodynamic fit and fog-free experience. During testing, I found this mostly held up, as the goggles stayed firmly in place and I didn’t have to stop once to defog or drain them. The quick-fit buckle was genuinely easy to adjust and gave a secure, even fit across different face shapes.
One downside is the size. These are bold statement goggles, and in smaller or crowded lanes, they felt slightly overbuilt. But for open water or triathlon training, they’re a confidence booster.
Buy now £95.99, Amazon.co.uk
Form smart swim goggles 2
Best: Smart pair
Lens: Photochromatic
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: Up to 180 degrees
Nose bridge: Six interchangeable options
Why we love it
- No fogging or leaking
- Show data in real time
- Act like a swim coach
- Protective case included
Take note
- Slightly heavy on the face
- Pricey
- Takes a while to get used to viewing data
Form’s second-gen smart goggles act as full-blown digital swim coaches, displaying real-time metrics in the corner of your lens while you train. Think stroke rate, split times, distance, heart rate and more – all without stopping to check your watch.
I synced these goggles with the Form app, loaded a workout, and hit the pool. The goggles guided me through every rep and rest, offering instant feedback as I swam. The brand says the display is unobtrusive, and for the most part, that holds true – although, at first, I found myself glancing sideways a little too much. It’s a bit like checking your mirrors when learning to drive – it soon becomes second nature.
I also liked that the photochromatic lenses adapted well to changing light, and the seal stayed impressively tight throughout, with no leaks or fogging at all.
While they’re definitely a lot bulkier than typical goggles, they still felt balanced on my face. However, if you're not training for a goal or keen on post-swim data, the price is much too high. These are more than 34 times more expensive than my budget pick. Swimming obsessives will find these invaluable, but only if they use all the features.
Buy now £249.00, Amazon.co.uk
Slazenger reflex swimming goggles
Best: Lightweight pair
Lens: Mirror
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: Up to 180 degrees
Nose bridge: One
Why we love it
- Good price
- Secure fit
- Decent clarity
Take note
- Limited peripheral vision
- Slightly flimsy
If you're after a no-fuss, ultra-light pair of goggles for casual swims or packing in a gym bag, these goggles deliver surprisingly solid performance for just shy of a tenner. Weighing noticeably less than many other goggles on test, they sit lightly on the face without digging in, making them a great choice for shorter swims or those sensitive to pressure.
The low-profile lenses and slim silicone seals reduce drag and bulk, while the fully adjustable nose bridge and strap allow for a decent fit across different head shapes. During testing, the goggles stayed securely in place during laps without slipping, and the lenses offered good clarity, though peripheral vision was more limited than the likes of the Zoggs predator and the Aquasphere defy, due to the narrow field of view.
Slazenger makes no bold tech claims here, with no proprietary seals or environmental credentials. The build feels cheaper than some other models, and the silicone gasket looks like it may wear down quicker than premium models. However, if you’re an occasional swimmer looking for a budget-friendly pair, these goggles could be a good choice.
Buy now £9.99, Sportsdirect.com
Speedo biofuse 2.0 swim goggles
Best: For comfort
Lens: Mirror
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: Up to 180 degrees
Nose bridge: One
Why we love it
- Soft silicone gasket
- Multiple colour options
Take note
- Only one nose fit
- Doesn't come with a case
Speedo is one of the most established names in swimwear, with more than a century of experience, and the brand’s biofuse 2.0 goggles reflect that legacy. Designed for recreational and regular swimmers, these goggles focus heavily on comfort, durability, and sustainability.
Speedo’s "biofuse" technology combines a rigid inner frame with a soft outer seal. The company claims this provides structural integrity while adapting to the contours of your face. During testing, this claim mostly held true. The standout feature is the grooved silicone gasket surrounding the lenses. Unlike flat silicone seals, these grooves compress evenly against your skin, significantly reducing pressure around your eyes and minimising the risk of red marks. This made these goggles the most comfortable pair I tested, especially during longer swims.
Speedo also markets these goggles as eco-conscious, highlighting the use of recycled materials in the frame and strap. While this doesn’t eliminate all environmental impact (they still contain synthetic plastics), it’s a step in the right direction, and the brand avoids single-use plastics in their packaging.
Buy now £32.50, Speedo.com
Nabaji B-fit one-size fits all goggles
Best: Mid-price pair
Lens: Tinted
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: Up to 180 degrees
Nose bridge: Three options
Why we love it
- Leak-free fit
- Great price
- Easy to adjust
Take note
- Not great in bright conditions
Designed as a one-size-fits-all option, these goggles from Decathlon’s Nabaji range offer a surprising amount of flexibility and comfort for the price. The claim is that the single-piece nose bridge stretches to accommodate a range of face shapes, and while it won’t work for everyone, it adapted well across several testers.
Compared to the Form or Magic5 goggles, these are simpler and less technical, but they hold their own in terms of ease and convenience. The blue-tinted lenses help improve underwater clarity, similar to the Zone3 venator X, but they don’t perform quite as well in bright outdoor conditions.
The real win here is the value: they’re easier to adjust on the go than the Amazon Basics goggles and feel more robust. If you don’t need cutting-edge features but want a pair that fits without leaking, these are worth a look.
Buy now £17.99, Decathlon.co.uk
HUUB aphotic swimming goggles
Best: Photochromatic pair
Lens: Photochromatic
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: Up to 180 degrees
Nose bridge: One size
Why we love it
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- React fast to light
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
Take note
- Difficult to adjust nose bridge
Made from light-density silicon and thermoplastic rubber, these feel incredibly light. If you want to cut through the water for a fast, streamlined swim, these won’t drag you back or weigh you down in any way. They’ll also allow you to swim without fear that you’ll suddenly be blinded by sunlight, thanks to world-class light-changing photochromatic lenses. A patented dye on the lenses is triggered by exposure to UV rays. When the UV rays get stronger or weaker, the coating darkens or lightens, respectively.
I witnessed this light-changing magic in action and I was blown away by how speedily it happened. Although I started swimming on a cloudy morning, the sky cleared for bright and sunny conditions, and these goggles became darker to reflect away the sun’s glare. According to HUUB, it takes only 160 seconds to go from clear to dark, which means you’ll be covered when you turn around buoys or face variable weather conditions. The only issue is a fiddly nose bridge, which makes them a little tricky to adjust.
Buy now £26.99, Huubdesign.com
Zone3 vapour polarised swimming goggles
Best: For open water
Lens: Polarised
UV protection: Yes
Anti-fog: Yes
Vision: More than 180 degrees
Nose bridge: One size
Why we love it
- Soft silicone gaskets
- Comfortable
- Wide field of vision
- Suitable for triathletes
Take note
- Fog up faster than some other pairs on test
With full UVA/UVB protection and an anti-fog coating, these goggles offer a lot of features for the price. The polarised lenses are curved for clarity in both light and darker conditions and wide enough to offer a 180-degree view.
I found they blocked the sun’s glare brilliantly during early morning swims outside, without being too dark for lengths in the pool. In fact, they worked a treat inside when the artificial pool light was bright, eliminating distractions so I could focus on my catch and overall technique. For triathletes training inside during winter, then outside come spring and summer, this pair is a great value year-round piece of kit.
Another positive is that the ultra-soft silicone eyepieces ensure a great fit, even without the option of re-sizing the nose piece. I never suffered any of those annoying marks you sometimes get when goggles are too tight, either.
Buy now £45.00, Zone3.com
Your questions on swimming goggles answered
What are the best swimming goggles?
If you want a dependable all-around performance, the Zoggs predator titanium goggles stand out with their impressive 180+ degree peripheral vision and excellent glare reduction, making them ideal for pools and open water. For swimmers who want cutting-edge technology, the Form smart swim goggles 2 provide real-time metrics and adaptive photochromatic lenses, making them perfect for serious training and performance tracking. If you get irritated by water pooling up at the bottom of your lenses, TheMagic5 pink magic mirror gold goggles redefine leak-proof with their custom 3D-printed fit.
What makes a good fit in swimming goggles?
A good fit is essential if you want to get the most out of your swim. Goggles that leak, shift or pinch can turn even a short session into a frustrating experience. According to Brian Johns, a three-time Olympian swim champion, a proper fit should achieve three key things: it should stay watertight throughout your swim, stay in place even during push-offs and dives, and remain comfortable enough to wear for a full workout.
“A common mistake is not having the straps tight enough,” says Johns. “Even a slight movement in the goggles can result in a leak that will stop you during your training.” At the same time, a good pair shouldn’t feel like they’re digging into your face. Striking the right balance is key, and sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to find the right adjustment.
What to look for when buying swimming goggles
Before buying a pair of goggles, think about where and how you plan to swim. If you’re racing, opt for a low-profile design that cuts through the water with minimal drag. For outdoor training, mirrored or tinted lenses will help with glare. If you’re mainly swimming in open water, comfort and visibility should be your priority.
Johns explains: “Typically, the most popular goggles are often ones that are the most versatile, so they will be pretty good in every scenario, though they may not be excellent in any particular area. You might have an 'everyday' pair, but then have another pair that are your 'race' goggles or your 'outdoor' goggles.
“Beyond that, just like a pair of runners or a new bike, it's ok to get something that you think looks great and fits your style. Being confident and comfortable when you're training, and especially in the water, will make it easier to come back for more.”
If you’re swimming frequently, look for anti-fog coatings that hold up over time, lenses that offer good peripheral vision, and strap systems that are easy to adjust without slipping mid-swim.
How to optimise your swim training for health and enjoyment
Swimming is a full-body, low-impact workout with huge cardiovascular benefits, but it can also be technically demanding. Unlike running or cycling, you can’t simply cruise through a 30-minute swim without thinking about form and breathing.
“To get the most out of your swimming for health, you should rely on interval training,” says Johns. “Take frequent, structured breaks before your technique falls apart, and then go again.” For example, instead of swimming 1,000m non-stop, break it into 10 100m units with 20-second rests in between. This allows you to maintain good form and get more from your session overall.”
Advice for beginner swimmers
One of the best ways to stay motivated as a beginner is to track your progress. Interval training helps here, too. “Maybe the first time you do a set, you need 30 seconds to catch your breath, but next time only 20 – that’s success,” says Johns.
Swimming is also a sport that rewards technique as much as fitness. Johns recommends counting your strokes per length to monitor your efficiency. “Over time, you want that number to stay the same or go down,” he explains. That’s a sign you’re moving more efficiently in the water, which makes swimming more satisfying and encourages you to keep coming back.
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