Best nose clips for swimming in 2025

Nose clips for swimming are an essential piece of kit for some, and can offer great health and performance benefits. If nose clips are a non-negotiable in your swimming bag, then take a look at some of our favourite options.

Nose clips are designed to tap onto your nose and hold the nostrils closed. Many athletes use nose clips for swimming as they can help prevent water from travelling up your nose and causing issues such as sinus infections, reactions from chlorine, or discomfort.

A nose clip allows you to purely focus on just breathing through your mouth, and is espeically useful for beginners. Here, we round up some of the best nose clips for swimming based on our own personal experiences, in-depth research and analysis of user reviews.

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Best nose clips for swimming in 2025

1. Speedo Competition Nose Clip

• $8 / £6.99

For those with fair skin, the Speedo Competition Nose Clip shouldn’t stand out when on thanks to the choice of a grey or beige colourway. That means if you’re looking for a more discreet look, this could be a good option for you.

It has soft silicone pads that are designed to maximise comfort, while a stainless steel frame is said to provide a secure fit throughout your swim. This nose clip from Speedo also comes with a reusable case, so you don’t lose it when you’re packing it away after your swim sessions.

2. Aquasphere Aquastop Nose Clip

• $6.45 / £4.99

Complete with a clear carry case to keep them safe, the Aquastop nose clip is made from soft silicone pads and claims to have an ergonomic design, equalling comfort in the water.

3. Nike Training Aids Nose Clip

• $7.99 / £8.99

Part of the Nike ‘Training aids’ range, this nose clip has a low profile and an ‘engineered design’ which aims to prevent pressure building on the bridge of the nose. Soft silicone pads should help make the clips comfortable when in use.

4. Arena Nose Clip Pro II

• $8 / £7.99

This popular nose clip from Arena comes in three colours – black, pink and blue – so you can even match your swimsuit and hat to your clips if that’s your jam. The clip design uses ‘an organically shaped memory plastic frame’ for a more personalised and comfortable fit.

5. Zoggs Nose Clip

• $9.99 / £7.25

Prone to misplacing your nose clips at the pool or around the house? This Zoggs nose clip comes with its very carry case, so you’ll be less likely to find yourself in a situation where you’re desperately rummaging through your bag in the changing rooms before a swim.

They’re also made from clear flexible plastic, which Zoggs say should fit most noses, and have silicone pads that are designed to deliver high levels of comfort. The pads come in a deep blue colour, so they’re not going to be the most discreet of options.

What to look out for in a nose clip

Look out for durable nose clips that don’t look like they’ll break after your first session. Key features to go for are soft, silicone nose pads to avoid uncomfortable pinching and bruising on the nose, and a strong clip that doesn’t easily stretch out of shape. Some athletes also like to sport clips that are the same colour as their skin tone for a more discreet look.

Fit: A nose clip should fit snugly without causing discomfort or pinching too hard on the bridge of the nose.

Grip: The most important feature of a nose clip is that it provides a strong grip, making sure it stays in place, especially during turns and underwater movements. Look for silicone and soft rubber coatings.

Adjustability: Some clips are adjustable to accommodate different nose shapes. If there’s no adjustion, then the clip should be tight enough to stay securely in place.

Strap (optional): Though most nose clips should float, some come with a strap for added security in case they fall off in the water.

Are nose clips effective for swimming?

Yes, nose clips can be very effective for swimming for certain areas. They help to prevent water inhalation, which is useful for beginners or those who struggle with excess water entering the nose.

Clips can also improve breath control and help those who are susceptible to irritation from chlorine or saltwater. If you struggle with any of these issues, then wearing a nose clip can help you eliminate outside noise and focus properly on your swimming.

Do professional swimmers wear nose clips?

Even top-tier swimmers struggle with water entering their noses. Elite and Olympic athletes often wear nose clips to prevent water ingress and minimize chlorine intake. These clips also promote more efficient breathing and help swimmers hold their breath longer during underwater dolphin kicks.

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