mybest
Sports & outdoor clothingHelping You Find the Best
mybest
Sports & outdoor clothingHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Goggles for Open Water Swimming UK 2024 1
  • 10 Best Goggles for Open Water Swimming UK 2024 2
  • 10 Best Goggles for Open Water Swimming UK 2024 3
  • 10 Best Goggles for Open Water Swimming UK 2024 4
  • 10 Best Goggles for Open Water Swimming UK 2024 5

10 Best Goggles for Open Water Swimming UK 2024

For those of us living in the British Isles, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by a fantastic coastline as well as a plethora of rivers and lakes ready to be taken advantage of by open water swimmers. Whether you swim for leisure, exercise or are training to take part in the next triathlon you will most likely require a pair of goggles.

Goggles allow wearers to see clearly both above and below the water. Our buying guide provides useful tips on how to find the most suitable pair for outdoor use. In this article we share our top 10 best goggles for outdoor swimming from big names such as Speedo, Aqua Sphere and Michael Phelps to buy online on Amazon and eBay!
Last updated 22/03/2024

Quick List - Top Goggles for Open Water Swimming

1

Aqua Sphere

Kayenne Swimming Goggles
Kayenne Swimming Goggles

Incredibly Hard Waring for All Open Water Swimming Conditions

2

MP Michael Phelps

XCEED Swimming Goggles
XCEED Swimming Goggles

'Michael Phelps Approved' Triathlon and Racing Goggles

3

Aegend

Swimming Goggles
Swimming Goggles

Best Open Water Goggles for UK Swimmers

4

Speedo

Fastskin Elite Mirror Goggles
Fastskin Elite Mirror Goggles

Hydrodynamic Goggles that Reduce Drag

5

Speedo

Futura Biofuse Flexiseal Triathlon Goggles
Futura Biofuse Flexiseal Triathlon Goggles

A Secure Fit for Swimming in Rough Waters

mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

How to Choose Goggles for Open Water Swimming in the UK ― Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the perfect pair of open water goggles, you should consider the type of lens and colour tint most suited to certain environments and weather conditions. Look for features such as anti-fog and UV protective coating to keep eyes safe and vision clear!
1

Consider the Type of Lens for Optimal Performance in all Light Conditions

More than just a style feature, the lens tint of your goggles has a specific purpose. Some tints are more suitable to certain conditions than others. Depending on the lighting, the lens tint will make a big difference to the amount of vision you have when swimming.

Clear Lenses Permit the Maximum Amount of Light to Enter Your Eyes

Clear Lenses Permit the Maximum Amount of Light to Enter Your Eyes
Clear lenses let in the maximum amount of light, providing the least obstruction of all lens types when it comes to vision. While this is both a pro and a con, clear lenses are great for low light conditions where you will want to let in as much light as possible.


However, clear lenses won’t do much in the way of reducing brightness or glare. We do not recommend clear lenses for swimming in the morning as the sunrise reflects on the horizon of the water, which could make it hard to see.


There are also colour tinted variations available for some clear lenses. These goggles benefit from light filtering and colour enhancing properties without diminishing the amount of light entering the lenses.

Polarised Lenses Filter Out Light and Glare

Polarised Lenses Filter Out Light and Glare
Polarised lenses are the complete opposite of clear lenses. They come in an array of different colours and are designed to filter out glare and light as it’s reflected across the surface of the water. Polarised lenses are a good choice for triathlon swimmers since they are the most adaptable to different lighting conditions.

Mirrored Lenses Reflect Bright Light Away from Your Eyes

Mirrored Lenses Reflect Bright Light Away from Your Eyes
Mirrored lenses are similar to polarised lenses in that they reflect light away from the eyes. They are a great choice for bright and sunny days, though unfortunately they aren’t as good as polarised lenses when it comes to filtering glare.


Avoid mirrored lenses when the light is dim or overcast as these lenses will create a dark field of view making it more difficult to see.

Smoke Lenses Reduce Light While Allowing You to See on Overcast Days

Smoke Lenses Reduce Light While Allowing You to See on Overcast Days
Source:amazon.co.uk


Smoke lenses have a dark grey or brown colour tint to help to reduce light in a similar way to mirrored and polarised lensed. They are not as reflective as mirrored lens making them much more useful for swimming on days where the weather is bright but a little cloudy or overcast.

2

Lenses of a Different Colour Have an Impact on How Colours Appear Underwater

When looking for open water goggles you may notice that they come in a wide variety of different colours in addition to standard clear lenses. In general these fall into three categories; yellow and orange, blue, or purple and red tint. The colour of the goggles you choose will impact how other colours will appear underwater.

Orange and Yellow Lenses Are a Top Choice for UK Swimmers

Orange and Yellow Lenses Are a Top Choice for UK Swimmers
Orange and yellow tint lenses are a great choice for swimming in the UK. On overcast days, yellow and orange help to enhance the light and boost the contrast of colours. Helpful when racing, the enhanced contrast makes sighting coloured swim markers and buoys easier!

Blue Lenses Further Reduce Light and Enhance Blue Hues

Blue Lenses Further Reduce Light and Enhance Blue Hues
Blue tint lenses are a good all-rounder suited to both indoor and outdoor swimming. Blue lenses reduce light in bright conditions and enhance blue hues in the water, making for clearer vision. Blue will also mute yellow tones making these lenses useful for swimming on sunny mornings and afternoons when the sun casts yellow tones on the water.

Purple and Red Lenses Neutralise Yellow Tones to Prevent Glare

Purple and Red Lenses Neutralise Yellow Tones to Prevent Glare
Like blue lenses, purple and red-tinted lenses also neutralise yellow tones helping to reduce the effects of glare on the surface of the water. Purple and red lenses are best for swimming during the daytime on bright, clear days. A benefit to using red or purple lenses over blue is that they also enhance the contrast between colours, although to a lesser degree than yellow or orange.
3

Always Pick Goggles With UV Protection for Open Water Swimming

Always Pick Goggles With UV Protection for Open Water Swimming
You should endeavour to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays when swimming in open water. Water magnifies UV radiation from the sun, not only damaging the skin of your eyelid, but over time prolonged sun exposure will harm other parts of the eye such as the lens and cornea.


Our eyes are delicate and UV damage can contribute to the development of certain types of cataracts among other eye problems such as growths on the eye or macular degeneration. Make sure to check the goggles you choose have adequate UV protection. Look for ones that specify safeguarding against UVA and UVB rays or offer 100% UV protection.

4

Anti-Fog Coatings Prevent Goggles From Steaming Up

Anti-Fog Coatings Prevent Goggles From Steaming Up
Goggles that constantly fog up are a real nuisance when swimming! Having to constantly stop and clean your lenses is a particular frustration when racing, as every second counts and can make the difference between first and second place.


Your goggles fog up when condensation forms on the inside of the lenses. This condensation comes from perspiration or water vapour present on your skin and happens for a number of reasons. For example, the change in temperature when moving from the shoreline into cool water or sweat from exertion when swimming.


Prevent condensation steaming up the inside of your goggles by picking ones with an anti-fog coating. Anti-fog treated goggles have a silicone film on the inside of the lens which prevents water sticking, allowing it to run off instead.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

Top 10 Best Goggles for Open Water Swimming in the UK

Now you know what to look for, it’s time to run down in ranking order our top 10 best open water swimming goggles to buy online this year! 
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Aqua Sphere

Kayenne Swimming Goggles

Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swimming Goggles 1

Incredibly Hard Waring for All Open Water Swimming Conditions

2

MP Michael Phelps

XCEED Swimming Goggles

MP Michael Phelps XCEED Swimming Goggles 1

'Michael Phelps Approved' Triathlon and Racing Goggles

3

Aegend

Swimming Goggles

Aegend Swimming Goggles 1

Best Open Water Goggles for UK Swimmers

4

Speedo

Fastskin Elite Mirror Goggles

Speedo  Fastskin Elite Mirror Goggles 1

Hydrodynamic Goggles that Reduce Drag

5

Speedo

Futura Biofuse Flexiseal Triathlon Goggles

Speedo Futura Biofuse Flexiseal Triathlon Goggles 1

A Secure Fit for Swimming in Rough Waters

6

TYR

Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Racing/Performance Goggles

TYR Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Racing/Performance Goggles 1

An Affordable Option for Triathletes

7

Speedo

Vanquisher 2.0 Mirrored Swimming Goggles

Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Mirrored Swimming Goggles 1

Lightweight Open Water Goggles With a Secure Inner Eye Fit

8

Malmsten

Standard Swedish Goggles

Malmsten Standard Swedish Goggles 1

Lightweight With a Wide Field of Vision

9

Zoggs

Unisex Phantom 2.0 Swimming Goggles

Zoggs  Unisex Phantom 2.0 Swimming Goggles 1

Fantastic Goggles Suitable for Open Water and Indoor Pools

10

Cressi

Adult Flash Swimming Goggles

Cressi Adult Flash Swimming Goggles 1

Easy to Clean and Great for Casual Swimmers

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Aqua Sphere
Kayenne Swimming Goggles

Kayenne Swimming Goggles 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.79
Mid
Reference price
£18.79
Mid

Incredibly Hard Waring for All Open Water Swimming Conditions

With a design not dissimilar to the lenses found on snorkelling and scuba diving goggles, the Aqua Sphere Kayenne swimming goggles are the most hardwearing on our list – great for those who do a lot of open water swimming in the sea or in lakes. They hold up against sediment and mineral deposits that tend to clog up and damage lighter goggles intended for racing or casual use.

Four point expanded lenses offer maximum visibility, and anti-fog coating means they won’t steam up. All lens variations offer superior UVA and UVB protection, though we recommend the clear lenses as the most versatile lens type in all weather conditions.
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

MP Michael Phelps
XCEED Swimming Goggles

XCEED Swimming Goggles 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£35.75
High Mid
Reference price
£35.75
High Mid

'Michael Phelps Approved' Triathlon and Racing Goggles

With a total of 28 medals under his belt, American Olympian Michael Phelps certainly knows a thing or two about what factors into a good, solid swimming goggle design. Our top choice for racing, the low-profile construction makes the MP XCEED the most hydrodynamic swimming goggles on the list.

The curved lenses on the MP XCEED swimming goggles wrap around to provide a unique panoramic view. Not only does this allow for an unrestricted field of vision but protects against UV rays from all angles.
No.3

Aegend
Swimming Goggles

Swimming Goggles 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£6.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£6.99
Low Mid

Best Open Water Goggles for UK Swimmers

Aegend delivers a fantastic pair of open water swimming goggles without the hefty price tag. They come with full UVA and UVB protection, an anti-fog coating and a handy clasp on the back to prevent the straps getting tangled up in long hair.

These goggles are available in various lens types and coloured tints though we recommend the orange mirrored lenses for UK swimmers. They enhance the contrast between colours on the greyest of days making them suitable for year-round use. The mirrored effect shields effectively against glare without being too dark.
No.4

Speedo
Fastskin Elite Mirror Goggles

Fastskin Elite Mirror Goggles 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£34.00
High Mid
Reference price
£34.00
High Mid

Hydrodynamic Goggles that Reduce Drag

Avoid being overtaken; the Speedo Fatskin Elite’s ultra-wide hydroscopic lenses allow for expanded peripheral vision when swimming. These goggles are designed for professional and competitive swimmers. IQfit technology allows triathletes to perfectly adjust these goggles for a precise fit in seconds, saving precious race time.

Speedo’s Fatskin racing goggles are optimised to reduce drag: even the one-piece strap eliminates resistance from dangling ends. We recommend the smoke or mirrored lenses for reduction of glare when swimming in open water.
No.5

Speedo
Futura Biofuse Flexiseal Triathlon Goggles

Futura Biofuse Flexiseal Triathlon Goggles 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£29.52
High Mid
Reference price
£29.52
High Mid

A Secure Fit for Swimming in Rough Waters

Comfort and fit are the top priorities of Speedo’s Futura Biofuse Flexiseal swimming goggles. The unusual flared gasket creates a tight suction around the eye, resulting in a cushioned grip that won’t create excess tension during prolonged use.

A push button on the side makes fitting and adjusting the frames quick and easy. Designed for triathlon, these goggles are a fine choice for both competitive and non-competitive swimming in the sea. Their sturdy and individualised fit means they won’t fly off in choppy water.
No.6

TYR
Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Racing/Performance Goggles

Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Racing/Performance Goggles 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£23.68
Mid
Reference price
£23.68
Mid

An Affordable Option for Triathletes

TYR’s Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Racing/Performance goggles have been engineered specifically for triathlon and open water swimming. These goggles minimise the impact of sunlight when swimming outdoors. Polarized lenses filter out 99% of surface glares while offering both UVA and UVB protection!

Made from durable, hypoallergenic Durafit silicon, the gaskets guarantee a watertight seal while remaining lightweight and comfortable enough for training and endurance swimmers. These goggles are available in a variety of lens colours!
No.7

Speedo
Vanquisher 2.0 Mirrored Swimming Goggles

Vanquisher 2.0 Mirrored Swimming Goggles 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£41.99
High Mid
Reference price
£41.99
High Mid

Lightweight Open Water Goggles With a Secure Inner Eye Fit

Speedo’s Vanquisher 2.0 Mirrored swimming goggles are designed for a secure and tailored fit. Similar to Swedish goggles, but with added comfort; Vanquisher 2.0 goggles have an ‘inner eye’ fit, allowing the silicone gaskets to suction tightly into the contours of the eye. This prevents leakage while cutting down the bulk compared to other goggles.

Speedo had generously included four interchangeable nose pieces so you are sure to find the right one to mould perfectly to your particular profile. The mirrored lenses on these goggles are fairly dark, so we recommend them for bright, sunny days.
No.8

Malmsten
Standard Swedish Goggles

Standard Swedish Goggles 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.60
Low
Reference price
£3.60
Low

Lightweight With a Wide Field of Vision

Seasoned swimmers will be familiar with Swedish goggles, and like marmite, you’ll either love them or hate them. Unlike regular swimming goggles, Swedish goggles don’t have a cushioned gasket. Instead, the plastic lenses sit directly onto the skin around the eye making them less comfortable.

However, these same features are what makes using Swedish goggles incredibly rewarding! Swedish goggles require self-assembly guaranteeing a perfect custom fit. The lack of gaskets and thick outer casing makes them incredibly lightweight. Best of all, there is nothing to get in the way between your eye and the lens giving by far the best field of vision.
No.9

Zoggs
Unisex Phantom 2.0 Swimming Goggles

Unisex Phantom 2.0 Swimming Goggles 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£10.08
Low Mid
Reference price
£10.08
Low Mid

Fantastic Goggles Suitable for Open Water and Indoor Pools

Zoggs’ Phantom 2.0 swimming goggles are a good choice for those wanting to buy one pair suitable for both open water and indoor pools. Curved lenses offer 180 degree peripheral vision allowing you to see obstacles and other swimmers clearly.

Best suited for early morning swimming on slightly overcast days, the blue lenses do a great job of counteracting glare. However, the blue lenses don't block out as much sun as other darker options so we do not advise to use on really bright days. 
No.10

Cressi
Adult Flash Swimming Goggles

Adult Flash Swimming Goggles 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.40
Mid
Reference price
£14.40
Mid

Easy to Clean and Great for Casual Swimmers

Cressi's swim goggles’ crystal clear lenses let in the maximum amount of light for unimpeded vision, even when swimming on dull days. Despite the lack of tint, these goggles offer UV protective coating to keep eyes safe from the sun’s rays.

Easy to adjust, they won’t mist up or leak so you aren’t going to be left treading water trying to clean them. Most suitable for casual open water swimmers, these goggles are unfortunately not quite up to standard for racing or triathlon use.

Open Water Goggles Allow Swimmers to See Clearly in Outdoor Conditions

Open Water Goggles Allow Swimmers to See Clearly in Outdoor Conditions
When buying goggles for open water swimming, the number one thing you will need to consider is vision. Unlike swimming in an indoor pool where the water quality and lighting is consistent, when you are swimming outdoors, the weather conditions, depth of the water you are swimming in and it’s murkiness will all affect how well you can see.


This is especially important for triathletes who will need to keep an eye out for course markers, guide boats and other swimmers! Open water goggles are designed to maximise the field of vision. In general, they are much larger than pool goggles with wide, curved lenses to help swimmers see better!

How to Test the Fit of Your Goggles

How to Test the Fit of Your Goggles
Once you have decided on a pair of open water goggles, you need to make sure they fit properly and don't let water in. First, test the seal. To do this, place the goggles over your eyes and press down gently. If they create suction this means they fit well and produce a good seal.


The straps are used to keep the goggles in place and stop them from slipping down or coming loose. When you remove your goggles, if marks are left around the eyes then your strap is too tight. When wearing goggles with split straps, place the lower strap at eye level with the upper strap slightly higher for a secure fit.


Whether the nose bridge on your goggles is adjustable or fixed, it should be flexible enough to mould perfectly to the individual contour of your nose. Try moving the nose bridge on your face to find the most comfortable placement for you!

Proper Storage and Care Will Prolong The Life of Your Goggles

Proper Storage and Care Will Prolong The Life of Your Goggles
Caring for your goggles will keep them in good condition and allow them to work better for longer. After use, make sure to rinse your goggles in cold water to remove debris such as salt and sand then leave them out to air dry naturally.


Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the inside of your goggles as this can leave scratches on the lenses and damages the anti-fog coating. Direct sunlight degrades the material of your goggles so consider buying a goggle pouch or case designed to store them in when not in use.

Summary

We hope this article has helped you to find the perfect pair of open water goggles for your swimming needs. Remember that a good pair should protect eyes from sunlight and prevent irritation from salt water or sediment. With proper care, your new goggles will serve you well on many future swims!


Author: Wren Mann

Top 5 Goggles for Open Water Swimming

No. 1: Aqua SphereKayenne Swimming Goggles

No. 2: MP Michael PhelpsXCEED Swimming Goggles

No. 3: AegendSwimming Goggles

No. 4: Speedo Fastskin Elite Mirror Goggles

No. 5: SpeedoFutura Biofuse Flexiseal Triathlon Goggles

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

Most Viewed
Featured Rankings Similar to Sports & outdoor clothing

Women's Cycling Jerseys

10 Best

New Arrivals
Featured Rankings Similar to Sports & outdoor clothing

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.