Best swimming goggles for pool and open-water in 2025
Make sure you have the best visibility when in the water with a set of tried-and-tested swim goggles. I've reviewed the best for triathlon, pool training and open-water swimming.

Think your swimming goggles should be a cheap, often-replaced item? Then think again. Technology has moved on loads in recent years, so there’s no need to settle for leaky, ill-fitting or foggy goggles. Buying an unsuitable pair can be frustrating and a waste of cash that can be spent on kit elsewhere.
Your goggles are your portal on the world when you swim, so much as you wouldn’t skimp on sunglasses for riding and running, don’t skimp on your goggles. Invest in a good pair that suit your needs and will last, then look after them!
As well as being 220 Triathlon editor, I’m an open-water swim coach and have been testing triathlon and swimming gear for well over a decade.
This year I have put dozens of pairs of swim goggles through their paces over multiple seasons, in swimming pools and open water, and the verdicts below are based on my honest opinion so you can make an informed purchase.
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Best swimming goggles at a glance
TheMagic5 (buy) unique fit translates to no leaks, nor fogging during open-water swimming – and there’s the option to have them in a mirrored lens for sun protection.
The Tri-Fit Propel (buy) are sleek, streamline, and offer great visibility in the pool – with an affordable price-tag to boot.
The Form Smart Swim 2 (buy) comes with incredible tech and offers an innovative new way to train at your optimum.
The new Orca Killa Comfort (buy) hit the spot every time, with their comfortable fit and wide lens ideal for open water swimming.
The new Tri-fit Volt (buy) open-water swimming goggles offer superb comfort and a fit that is leak and fogging-free, plus silver mirrored lenses and a hard case.
Best pool swimming goggles in 2025
Best overall pool swimming goggles

1. Tri-Fit Propel swim goggles
220 Triathlon Verdict
Quality, classy goggles at a good price that I’ll be reaching for time and time again this season. Score: 95%
Pros
- Secure, comfortable fit
- Lens works well indoors and outside
- Lots of adjustability
- Good visibility
Cons
- Not much to think of!
Price | $55/£40 |
Lens | PC lens with UVA/UVB protection, REVO mirrored lens coating |
Vision | Slimline and curved |
UV protection | Yes |
Spec | Adjustable nose bridge with three sizes, silicone head strap, TPE frame, adjustable back buckle |
The Tri-Fit Propel swim goggles are a sleek, high-performing option that impressed from the start. With a stylish design and extended cat-eye lenses, they offer great peripheral vision and a secure, comfortable fit.
The green-purple tinted optical-grade lenses provide HD clarity, UV protection, and effective anti-fog performance in both pool and open water.
We found them easy to adjust, with a central clip and multiple nose bridge options, to that they stay snug without leaving deep marks.
The soft gaskets and split strap enhance comfort and stability. At $55/£40, they deliver reliable performance and come with a durable hard case for protection—well worth the investment.
Read our full Tri-Fit Propel swim goggles review here.

2. TheMagic5 Goggles
220 Triathlon Verdict
Very hard to fault. No leaks, no fogging, great choice of pool tints and a perfect fit! Score: 96%
Pros
- Bespoke fit
- Great tints
- Very comfortable
- Quality hard case
Cons
- Price can be prohibitive
- Nothing else!
Price | $80/£75 |
Lens | blue, clear, smoke, mirror |
Vision | semi-wide |
UV protection | not mentioned |
Spec | box included, anti-fog |
These TheMagic5 goggles appear later on in this group test in the open-water category. So why include them here as well?
Put simply, the uniqueness of this brand stems from its made-to-measure approach and with a wide range of tints available, there is a pair to suit every type of swimming venue. Here we test the clear and blue tint lens options for pool swimming.
So how does it work? Download the brand’s app and it will scan your face from a number of angles to create a 3D picture.
The app can then send this info to the lab, where your goggles will be made exactly to suit the dimensions of your face and eye sockets. If you’re a swimmer who finds it hard to get a pair that fit and avoid leaks, this concept is a game-changer.
You’ll notice TheMagic5 goggles have quite an unusual shape (or maybe that’s just my face!) but popping them on the minimal gaskets instantly created a great seal without needing much suction.
Fans of the old ‘Swedish goggles’ which don’t feature gaskets at all seem to really like these speaking anecdotally from our pool. These blue lenses did a superb job of cutting glare in my brightly-lit local swimming pool.
Later on in this test we’ll meet the ‘blue magic mirror gold’ option, which is designed for outdoor use. Here we are showing the ‘blue magic’ version for indoor use. Niftily you can buy a bundle too, with the whole bundle coming in at $130 (£119).
You can buy them separately if you choose to, though, with the indoor goggle available for $80/£75.
See our full TheMagic5 goggle review to read more about these.
Best swimming goggles for helping your technique

3. Form Smart Swim 2 goggles
220 Triathlon verdict
Incredible tech makes training fun and effective. Score: 95%
Pros
- Improved comfort vs version 1
- Incredible tech is genuinely helpful
Cons
- Cost is pretty steep
Price | $249 / £249 |
Lens | dark mirror tint |
Vision | standard width |
UV protection | not mentioned |
Spec | box and charger, anti-fog |
Form’s Smart Swim 2 goggles are a potential game changer for people looking for help with their swimming.
The goggles display key data in one lens, including pace, time elapsed and distance covered, helping you keep track of your progress.
Another key aspect here is the ability to follow swim sessions (there are loads to choose from in the accompanying app), with prompts in the lens on when to change pace or stroke.
Helpfully, the goggles will also analyse your swim technique on the fly and post swim in the app, helping you improve your head pitch and roll, ensuring you’re not looking to far down or ahead and not rotating too much when breathing.
Key new features in version two include a handy heart rate sensor, plus the SwimStraight function, which gives you a bearing to follow when swimming outdoors so you can avoid zigzagging your way around a course and swimming additional metres.
Vitally, they also perform well as goggles, proving comfortable and fitting well. The cost is high, though. It’s $249 (£229) and then $8.25 (£7) per month if you want access to premium features in the app.
Read our full Form Smart Swim 2 goggles review for more.

4. Zoggs Spectra
220 Triathlon Verdict
Not the most stylish option, but a large pool goggle at an affordable price. Score: 80%
Pros
- Comfortable and well-fitting
- Wide field of vision
Cons
- Not the most stylish
Price | £20 (Europe and Australia only) |
Lens | tinted or clear (wide range of colours) |
Vision | wide curved lens |
UV protection | yes |
Spec | anti-fog |
The Spectra is new from swim powerhouse Zoggs for 2025 and comes in a range of tints: blue, smoked and the clear tested here with frame options including blue and pink.
As a range, they don’t feel like they are aimed at the masters or triathlete swimmers – they are a little too big to be a goggle I’d wear for competition, plus I’m not a fan of the look of these, personally.
That said though, they are competitive in price point and Zoggs have created a goggle which is very comfortable and has a superb range of vision (aside from that black part of the nose bridge, which is visible as you swim).
They are insanely flexible too and the brand claim the dual density nose bridge can be twisted without leaking, which proved true in testing. The strap is wide and comfy with dual side adjusters.

5. Speedo Fastskin Speedsocket 2
220 Triathlon Verdict
Solid goggle, others beat on comfort but these won’t let you down! Score: 82%
Pros
- Good seal
- Sleek, low profile
Cons
- Less comfy than others
Price | $45 / £43 |
Lens | tinted, mirrored (wide range of colours) |
Vision | low profile, curved lens |
UV protection | not mentioned |
The Speedsocket has been around for a while, but has been updated for this year to make it part of the ‘Fastskin’ range, which means an elongated side to the lenses and a sleeker, more low-profile look.
Here the black and silver mirrored option is pretty simple, but there are other white/purple or white/amber options available online which feel a bit more modern.
Into the water and these fit as you would expect a classic pair of pool goggles to fit. Close to the socket with a good seal (which I can vouch for after a clumsy dive start in a race in these!), low profile gaskets and a dual strap with single clip.
I did find these a little less comfortable than others on test around the gaskets though – plus the price felt a little high.

6. Huub Eternal
220 Triathlon Verdict
Smart goggles that are comfortable and adapt well to either pool or open water swimming. Score: 90%
Pros
- Versatile goggle for pool and sea
- Sleek, low profile design
Cons
- Slight distortion at bottom
Price | £39.99 (UK only) |
Lens | clear or mirrored |
Vision | low profile, curved lens |
Spec | interchangeable nose bridge, anti-fog |
The Eternal are a new goggle to me and come in two options: a clear version for the pool or dull days and this mirrored version to block glare or harsh lights.
Huub describe this as an ‘all-round race goggle that swimmers and athletes could use in the pool or open water’ and that rings true thanks to the sleek looks and low-profile design, though I tested both and found for me, the mirrored version was great for indoors and outdoors (though I’m not a lover of clear lenses!).
The black and khaki colourway is unusual but will appeal to athletes looking for a subtle design. Visibility overall was good, albeit with a little distortion at the bottom of the lenses. Adjustment is via a single clip on a split strap that gripped well and didn’t budge.

7. Zoggs Tiger LSR+
220 Triathlon Verdict
Soft, comfortable and high-performing goggles at a reasonable price point, too. Score: 90%
Pros
- Great looks
- Quality lenses
Cons
- Can touch eyelashes
- Nothing else!
Price | £36 (UK only) |
Lens | dark tint, clear, mirrored |
Vision | wide curved lens |
UV protection | 99-100% UV protection |
Spec | anti-fog, two sizes |
The Predator range has long been my goggle of choice for both open water and pool (it comes in such a wide range of tints) so I initially approached the new Tiger range with a tiny bit of anxiety. Would it perform?
Thankfully, the answer is a resounding yes. The Tiger is lighter, more streamlined and more flexible than our trusty Predator, but these things all made for an extremely comfortable swim experience.
The gaskets are made from Zogg’s ‘Liquid Skin’ silicone which was very soft against the skin and didn’t leave goggle marks, while staying perfectly in place.
They do sit quite close though which is great for streamlining, but if you have long eyelashes you might find they brush the lenses a little.
The lenses here are mirrored, which we always thinks looks cool as well as protecting from glare – here, taking the edge off pool lighting without making things too dark.
The classic split strap and quick-adjust system will be familiar to Zoggs customers and works as well as ever. Several tints and two face sizes are available.

8. Speedo Vue Mirror
220 Triathlon Verdict
Stand-out fit and features, but the price makes them a considered purchase. Score: 90%
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Sleek looks
Cons
- Expensive
Price | $86.94 / £63 |
Lens | smoke, mirror |
Vision | wide curved lens |
UV protection | not mentioned |
Spec | anti-fog, hard case |
Much as we believe in investing in quality kit for training (we’d rather buy once and buy right) that weighty price tag for a set of goggles still made me gulp a little bit… Until I popped them out of the plastic case and put them on, that is.
Of all the choices here, this was the pair that instantly fitted to our face without needing adjustments and toed the line perfectly between feeling sturdy and secure yet soft and flexible.
The wide, curved lenses gave great visibility while still feeling ‘race’ enough for the pool.
I’d quite happily use them in open-water as well, and, in fact, added them to my kit bag for the last of my year’s open-water races, the fit felt that good.
Speedo quote two-times the anti-fog properties of other goggles on the Vue and although we can’t comment on that, we certainly did not see any fogging in testing.
Finally, the mirrored lenses blocked bright lights while still keeping colours true and not being too dark. There’s a hard case included too, which will help keep them scratch-free!

9. Speedo Fastskin Hyper Elite
220 Triathlon Verdict
Expensive but superb features for marginal gains. Score: 90%
Pros
- Great looks
- Streamlined shape
Cons
- Expensive
Price | $78 / £55 |
Lens | mirror (different shades) |
Vision | wide curved lens |
UV protection | 100% protection |
Spec | adjustable nose bridge, anti-fog |
Glance down this page and the Speedos instantly jump out with their bright colours and colourful mirrored lenses. That comes at a cost though, with these being at the higher end of the budget. So are they worth it?
Well, these sit snugly in the eye socket and were easily the comfiest on test, and with the most secure seal, sitting very streamlined on the face.
Adjustment is via an unusual one-piece strap with marked adjuster, which was a little touch of genius as well as splitting into two and being very secure throughout our swim.
You also get a massive hard case which, given the investment, we’d want to be able to keep them safe!

10. Speedo Aquapulse Pro Mirror
220 Triathlon Verdict
Dependable all-rounders that work in open water. Score 81%
Pros
- Mirrored lenses
- Adjustment help
Cons
- Hard seal
- Darker tint
Price | $52.44 / £38 |
Lens | mirrored white, red, silver, and gold |
Vision | wide angle lens |
UV protection | 100% UV protection |
Spec | glare reduction, anti-fog |
The new Aquapulse Pro Mirror slot into Speedo’s fitness category for everyday training and racing.
The wide, mirrored lenses offer plenty of peripheral vision and 100% UV protection, so they’re strong candidates for goggles that you could use for both pool training and racing in open water.
The anti-fog coating worked as new after multiple training sessions and, although on the dark side, the lens tint was fine to use during evening sessions in a dimly-lit pool.
One thing I wasn’t so keen on was the gasket seal, which is large but quite firm, and dug into my cheekbones a little.
Speedo’s ‘IQfit’ straps have a handy numbered scale printed on the back, which is really useful for nailing your ideal amount of tension for when you need to buy your next pair.
Best open-water swimming goggles in 2025
Highly-rated open-water goggles

1. Orca Killa Comfort
220 Triathlon verdict
Immediately felt great and did a superb job in all conditions. Plus, that price point is an absolute steal. Score: 94%
Pros
- Large lenses
- Soft gaskets
Cons
- No case included
- Only three lens options
Price: | $25 / £24 |
Lens options: | Three |
Strap type: | Wide, split strap |
Packaging: | Eco, cardboard |
Case included? | No |
The Orca Killa Comfort goggles are a strong addition to Orca’s popular range, offering enhanced comfort and wider vision for open-water swims.
A step up from the Killa 180° (see review below), they feature larger, soft silicone gaskets that sit comfortably around the eye sockets, reducing pressure and preventing leaks.
The mirrored lenses reduce glare while keeping colors true, and the split-strap design ensures a secure fit, even with longer hair.
While not ideal for under-cap wear, they performed well in bright conditions with no fogging. At under $25/£25, they’re a stylish, durable, and competitively priced choice for open-water swimmers seeking comfort and visibility.
Read our full review of the Orca Killa Comfort here.

2. Aquasphere Defy.Ultra swim mask
220 Triathlon Verdict
Taking swim masks to the next level. Unparalleled wide-view, but not cheap at all. Worth it if swimming somewhere with amazing scenery to take in. Score: 90%
Pros
- Visibility and clarity
- Streamlined design
- Case included
Cons
- High price
- Looks not for everyone
- Strong suction
Price: | $129.99/£115 |
Lens options: | 3 |
Case included: | Yes |
Easy to adjust? | Yes, with side buttons |
Visibility: | Great |
At $129.99/£115, the Aquasphere Defy.Ultra is no ordinary swim mask, it’s more like Oakleys for open-water swimming. With a frameless, one-piece DuoCurve lens offering exceptional peripheral vision and clarity, the Defy.Ultra designed for swimmers who want to take in everything around them.
Tested in lakes, seas, and sunshine, its visibility in various conditions was unmatched, and the mirrored lens reduced glare while enhancing colours.
It’s lightweight, leak-free, and race-appropriate, though the large gasket may need loosening on long swims. Adjustments are easy, and the included case is a thoughtful touch. If you value clarity over marginal gains, the Defy.Ultra might just surprise you.

3. Zone3 Vapour goggles
220 Triathlon Verdict
Solid goggle with a striking design that has appeared in 220 a few times previously. Great lenses. Score: 88%
Pros
- Wide, curved lenses
- Easy to adjust
- Secure split strap
Cons
- Feel a little cumbersome
- Relatively expensive
Price: | $70 / £45 |
Lenses: | Wide, curved |
Colour options: | Six available |
Photochromatic: | Option available |
Case included: | No |
The Zone3 Vapour goggles stand out with bold styling and strong performance, featuring large, curved polarised lenses that offer excellent clarity and wide field of vision that’s ideal for spotting markers in open-water races.
Soft gaskets and a chunky, split strap ensure comfort and a secure fit, with easy on-the-go adjustment. However, the goggles feel slightly heavy over longer swims, especially for smaller faces.
At $70/£45, they’re on the pricier side, and no case is included, which feels like a missed opportunity. Still, with multiple color and lens options, they’re a stylish, high-clarity pick for open-water swimmers who value visibility and flair.
Read the full review of the Zone3 Vapour goggles here.

4. Orca Killa 180
220 Triathlon Verdict
Killa goggles still killing it in the 220 group test – we’d happily wear these. Score: 90%
Pros
- Comfy gaskets
- Wide curved lenses
- Great looks
Cons
- No case
Price | $30 / £24 |
Lens | mirrored black, green, orange, blue tint, black tint, clear |
Vision | wide curved lens |
UV protection | not mentioned |
Spec | anti-fog |
Winning ‘best on test’ in 2023 and a spot in our annual Gear of the Year round-up, the Killa 180 is appearing in our group test again, albeit in a different tint, and it’s still a clear favourite for this tester.
These are the black frames with mirrored lenses and they look good, but we also loved the tint on the lenses, which was enough to block bright sunlight but without affecting the colours in our swim lakes too much, meaning we could easily see the course buoys.
The gaskets are soft and hit the perfect balance between being small enough to feel ‘race day’ and big enough to give excellent vision, helped by the slight curve to the oval shape.
The split strap was secure, while clip adjusters were easy enough to use. You only get a cloth bag here, but at that bargain price for a great goggle we don’t think that’s a deal breaker.
Best open-water goggles

5. TheMagic5 Goggle Mirror Lens
220 Triathlon Verdict
Very hard to fault. No leaks, no fogging, great choice of lens options and a perfect fit! My only problem? Trying not to buy every tint! Score: 96%
Pros
- Bespoke fit
- Mirrored lenses
- Very comfortable
- Quality hard case
Cons
- Price can be prohibitive
- Nothing else!
Price | |
Lens | blue, clear, smoke, mirror |
Vision | semi-wide |
UV protection | not mentioned |
Spec | box included, anti-fog |
Eagle-eyed readers paying close attention to this group test will already have spotted TheMagic5 goggles earlier on in the pool goggles category.
The range of lenses and tints available, as well as the fact the goggles are made-to-measure, means that they can be just as useful in open-water, though. in this review, we test the Magic5 goggles with mirror lens.
A quick recap: TheMagic5 goggles are specially ordered via an app which you download onto your phone. The app scans your face, creating a 3D model showing all the angles and contours of your face and eye sockets.
Choose the lenses and straps you want and your custom-made goggles will arrive to your door. The idea being they will fit you perfectly and only requite minimal gaskets.
Here, I tested the Blue Magic Mirror Gold version. Like my other pairs the fit was perfect, but if I did need to make any changes, that’s easily done via a choice of included nose bridges and a simple double strap with clip to adjust and secure.

While the pool tints block bright light, the mirrored version also block glare and in my opinion, look better for triathlon race day. Nobody being able to see your eyes means your competitors can’t see the fear!
Other open-water versions on sale at the moment include Green Silver and Pink Magic Mirror Gold but keep an eye on the website for limited editions, as well as money-saving bundles.
Our Blue Magic Mirror Gold goggles are also available in a bundle with the Blue Magic for the pool shown earlier, with the whole bundle coming in at $130 (£119).
You can buy them separately if you choose to, though, with the Blue Magic Mirror Gold goggle available for $90/£75 , now on sale for 20% off, at $72.
See our full TheMagic5 goggle review to read more about these.

6. Tri-Fit Rapid-X
220 Triathlon verdict
We loved them in the pool and they were great in open water too – plus they look damn good for race day! Score: 91%
Pros
- Excellent field of vision
- Fit was perfect for our testers
- Fantastic value for money
Cons
- Some darker competitors are better for looking toward the sun
Price: | $40 / £30 |
Tint: | Gold mirrored lenses |
Case included? | Yes |
Frame colours: | Black, white |
These Tri-Fit Rapid-X goggles are a sleek new entry from a brand known for top tri-suits. Tested in both pool and open-water settings by two experienced reviewers, the Rapid-X impresses with its race-ready design, mirrored lenses, and solid performance.
The slightly darker tint works well outdoors, offering UV protection without compromising visibility, even on cloudy days. Indoors, they’re a bit dimmer than clear goggles but still effective.
Fit is excellent, with no fogging or leaks, and the soft gaskets stay comfortable during long swims. With easy strap adjustment, a protective case, and a competitive $40/£30 price, they’re great value.
Read our full review of the Tri-Fit Rapid-X here.

7. Huub Lurz goggles
220 Triathlon Verdict
I love the look and feel of these goggles and the lenses are great in bright sun – but not low light! Score: 82%
Pros
- Great looking goggles
- Mirrored lenses
- Good price point
- Low profile
Cons
- Tint is very dark
- No case
Price: | £29.99 (UK only) |
Colours: | White/gold |
Shape: | Curved lenses, low profile |
Lenses: | Mirrored |
Case: | No |
The Huub Lurz goggles, named after Olympic open-water medalist Thomas Lurz, are designed for speed and race performance.
Tested in both UK and sunny Portugese conditions, they impressed with their sleek, low-profile design and standout looks.
The mirrored lenses offer excellent visibility and glare reduction in bright light, though the dark tint makes them less suited for low-light or indoor swims.
Comfort was excellent, with soft gaskets, no fogging or leaks, and easily swappable nose bridges for a precise fit. At around £30, they’re a stylish and high-performing choice for bright outdoor swims and overseas races, though not ideal for dim conditions.
Read our full review of the Huub Lurz goggles here.
Best new-to-market open-water swimming goggles

8. Tri-fit Volt
220 Triathlon Verdict
From the first time I placed these over my eyes the fit and feel was about the best I have experienced. Plus they look good and have a great tint for most outdoor conditions. Score: 98%
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- No leaking or fogging
- Premium, quality feel
- Hard case
Cons
- Only one colour/tint option
Price | $46/£35 |
Lens | Silver mirrored |
Vision | Curved wide angle |
UV protection | Yes |
Spec | Anti-fog, split strap and three nose bridges |
New from tri specialists Tri-fit are the Volt goggles. Straight out of the supplied hard case, these are a classy package. The curved, silver mirrored lenses look great and the three supplied nose bridges ensured a perfect fit.
I loved how these felt on and thanks to the coatings on the lenses I didn’t experience any fogging and the fit was great with no leaks at all. The streamlined shape gave a good range of vision, with very little of the frames visible as I swam.
The straps are chunky and flat with good grip thanks to the eco-friendly silicone head strap with dual headband design to prevent slipping. This is adjusted via two clips, one on each side, which were easy to use.
Tri-fit tell me this design has optical-grade lenses with a scratch-proof, impact-proof, waterproof and fingerprint-free and advanced anti-fog coating included.
I found visibility to be superb, with just enough of a tint to take the glare off the bright light while keeping colours true. Swimming both ways along the bay and sighting off small buoys and boats, I found I could see well and the colour contrast was good.

9. Zone3 Volare
220 Triathlon Verdict
Classic goggle that is still a serious contender in the tri arena. Good price point in this test, too! Score: 91%
Pros
- Comfortable
- Brilliant value
- Sleek look
- Choice of nose bridges
Cons
- No case included
- Can be fiddly to put on
Price | $50 / £35 |
Lens | mirrored lens |
Vision | wide angle, curved |
UV protection | not mentioned |
Spec | multiple nose bridges, no case |
The Zone3 Volare goggles offer a sleek, race-ready design that’s stood the test of time and remains a popular choice in the pool.
With a low-profile fit, mirrored lenses, and ultra-soft silicone gaskets, they balance performance with comfort across pool and open water.
Visibility is generally strong, though there’s slight distortion at the lens edges. The adjustable split strap and interchangeable nose bridges help with fit, though sealing may take some tweaking.
Available in various tints, including a budget-friendly polarised version, they’re versatile for training and racing. A protective case isn’t included, but the overall value and performance remain impressive.
Read our full Zone3 Volare swim goggles review here.

10. Lomo Vigour Polarised
220 Triathlon verdict
Solid pair of goggles at a good price – and polarised, too! Score: 83%
Pros
- Budget price
- Polarised lenses
- Comfortable straps
Cons
- Feel a little heavy
- Nose bridge could be more flexible
Price: | $19.99/£16.99 |
Case: | Hard case included |
Lenses: | Grey, polarised |
Adjustability: | Two buttons |
Colourway | Red/black |
The Lomo Vigour goggles punch well above their fiscal weight for just $20/$17, offering features like polarised lenses, wide peripheral vision, and a durable build that echoes pricier models.
The goggles feel solid and secure, with soft silicone gaskets providing a good seal and no fogging or leaks during testing.
While their chunky design may feel a bit heavy over longer swims (especially for smaller faces) they’re incredibly good value, especially with a hard case included (a rarity even at double the price).
Colour options are limited, but for a budget-friendly goggle that doesn’t compromise on visibility or function, the Vigour is hard to beat.
Read our full review of the Lomo Vigour goggles here.

11. Aquasphere Kayenne Pro
220 Triathlon Verdict
Stone-cold classic; still a great choice, if a tad pricey. Score: 86%
Pros
- Comfortable
- Great vision
Cons
- Expensive
- Not for harsh sunlight
Price | From $39.99 / £36 |
Lens | smoke, photochromatic, silver mirror, yellow mirror, clear, polarised |
Vision | oversized, wide-angle, curved lens |
UV protection | yes |
Spec | anti-fog, interchangeable nose bridge |
The Kayenne has long been a solid favourite among triathletes – and with good reason.
Hitting the sweet spot between being a smaller ‘race’ goggle and a larger open-water mask, these sit comfortably on the face with superb range of vision, but without taking up as much space as a full swim mask.
Here in a clearer tint, I liked the light mirroring on the lenses for murkier lake swims, though some may prefer a darker tint if racing in sun/abroad.
The wide strap was comfortable and you get a hard case.
Though they are relatively expensive in this test, I can’t fault them for comfort, so if you struggle to find goggles to suit you, they may be worth it.

12. Zoggs Predator Titanium
220 Triathlon verdict
Great-looking goggle with excellent lenses and choice of fits. Score: 92%
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Fantastic field of vision
- Lenses cut glare well
- Easy to adjust
Price | £35 (UK only) |
Lens | pink tint, orange tint, mirrored |
Vision | wide-angle, curved lens |
UV protection | yes |
Spec | anti-fog, two sizes |
The classic Predator Flex has appeared in 220 reviews many times and is a stone-cold triathlon classic.
Here though we have the Predator (not Flex) which has a wiro frame and different strap design.
These feel a little more like a classic racing goggle, with adjustment via one straightforward central clip.
As we’ve come to expect from Zoggs the gaskets are wide and comfortable, while the width of vision through the large curved lenses is superb.
We also liked the Titanium lenses here (Zoggs’ version of mirrored) that did a superb job of cutting glare.
These are also available in a range of colours and tints and helpfully come in both small and regular fit, with a special online face scanner at findyourgogglefit.com to advise you on which to buy.
How we tested
All of the goggles featured here have been tested extensively by me, 220 Triathlon editor and open-water swimming coach Helen Webster.
I have been testing triathlon and swimming gear for over a decade, and have used many of the goggles featured here over multiple seasons, in both swimming pools and open water.
A lot of the open-water testing took place in an inland lake and former quarry where Helen does her swim coaching.
The lake has clear water and catches the low sunshine at dusk, which has meant we’ve been able to test these goggles out with a low-slung sun, something which often happens in races when you start early in the morning.
When deciding which were the best swimming goggles for pool training, open-water and triathlon, Helen took a range of criteria into consideration.
This included comfort, field of vision, quality, value, resistance to fogging, whether or not they leak and how suitable the lenses are to the conditions the goggles are intended to be used in.
Any goggle that scores over 90% is nearing perfection, while those scoring between 80-90% are also fantastic products that come highly recommended.
Scores between 70-80% typically represent a decent pair of goggles with areas that could be improved, while anything below 70% may do the job, but doesn’t impress us all that much.
What’s the difference between pool and open-water goggles?
Pool goggles differ from open-water goggles in that they’re traditionally smaller, less mask-like and offer less peripheral vision. But things are changing with the former, where even competition goggles now offer greater vision.
This means stronger swimmers can scout out their opposition and less experienced swimmers and those sharing public lanes can swim with more confidence thanks to wider, curved lenses. Plus, the updated shape can actually decrease drag.
Open-water goggles also tend to be available with a wide range of lenses, allowing you to pick a tint or effect that will best suit the conditions you’ll be swimming in.
In recent years, some major advances have been made in goggles too. TheMagic5 are offering goggles that are made-to-measure based on a scan of your face via an app. Then there’s FORM developing training goggles with a digital screen in one lens to guide you through training sessions and give you feedback on your swimming. So whatever you need, there’s something to suit you.
How to choose the best swimming goggles for you

Swimming goggles can often be a bit of an afterthought for triathletes. But with a wide range now available, which offer different features for pool or open water – as well as elements to suit different swimmers’ face shapes and preferences – it’s definitely worth spending a bit of time choosing the right ones for you.
After all, find the right ones and you will have a better swim experience (leaky goggles are every swimmer’s pet hate).
Plus, if you’re racing triathlon, the right goggles can help you sight better and get round the course more easily – and who doesn’t want that?
Whether you’re looking for pool or open-water goggles, there are a few things that will apply to both.
Goggle size
Firstly, think about your face shape and which kind of goggles you find comfortable. Some swimmers prefer smaller goggles that fit more closely within the eye socket, while other swimmers like larger goggles that sit further away from the eyes, more on the edges of the cheek and brow bone.
Gasket choice
Different seals are available, too – the gaskets (the silicone or rubber bit that sits on your face and gives suction) are designed differently and fit differently depending on which model you choose.
It’s worth shopping around if you generally find swim goggles quite uncomfortable and if so, a softer, larger gasket may be for you.
At the other end of the spectrum, though, are ‘Swedish goggles’, which don’t have a gasket at all! These are traditionally used more within pool competition swimming, though.
Lens choice
Next, think about how big you want your lenses to be, as this will have a bearing on visibility, as well as the type of lens tint you are looking for (more on this later on). This will be based upon the type of water you’ll be swimming in, as well as the weather conditions for open-water goggles.
Straps
The next feature to look at is the type of strap. Double or ‘split’ straps are handy for security, plus swimmers who have a bun or ponytail tucked into their swim cap will find the strap sits either side of the hair.
Think too about how easily you would like your goggles to be to adjust as well. Most swimmers will just adjust the goggles and leave them, but if you do like to tweak the fit mid-session, then easily moved clips will be a good idea!
Finally, a note on fit. A set of goggles that fit you well should suction to your face without needing to use the head strap at all (that is there for added security), so when shopping around, try and attach the goggles to your face without the strap and see if you can achieve a good seal! See our guide on how goggles should fit for more on that.
What to look for in pool swimming goggles

Pool swimming goggles are often more simple in terms of the technology. Your pool goggles will usually be smaller and fit more into the eye socket for better streamlining and less drag in short swim competitions, as well as having less complicated lens designs.
The main reason for this is that in pool swimming or competition, we don’t need to look around to see a course – we only need to see the black line at the bottom of the pool or, at a push if racing masters, where the person in the next lane is!
The tint on your pool goggles will usually be one that’s appropriate for bright indoor lighting. They may be clear or have a light grey or blue tint. Mirrored lenses offer eye protection, too – and also (in our humble opinion) look pretty cool!
What to look for in open-water goggles
Open-water goggles differ from pool goggles in that they are usually larger to improve the field of visibility in open water. Some brands will offer curved lenses, while others will ‘zone’ the lenses, with facets offering better visibility to the front when sighting, or to the side when looking to see who, or what, is around you in the water.
There is a wider choice of lenses in open-water goggles too, as water and weather conditions vary so much.
Choosing the right pair for your race day can make a huge amount of difference to how well you can see, but all should offer eye protection from sunlight.
Think about the type of water you will be swimming in (for example, visibility in a clear ocean is very different to a peaty lake) and whether you would like your lenses to block light and/or improve clarity.
Budget of course plays a part, but if you can afford to spend a little more, polarised lenses would always be our choice for open water as they improve clarity.
We also like photochromatic lenses, which change colour (much like the same lenses in sunglasses) in bright sunlight. Perfect if you may be swimming in changeable or unpredictable conditions!
Finally, prescription goggles are available from several brands and are worth exploring if you struggle when swimming. Either made to your prescription, or off-the-shelf in a range of standard lenses.
What are the best brands for swim goggles?
There are many great brands offering swim goggles for both pool and open-water swimming and you’ll find many of them in the reviews above.
Popular swim brands include Zoggs, Aquasphere, Maru and Speedo. Many triathlon brands also offer goggles, such as Orca, Zone3, Huub, Lomo and 2XU.
You can also get customised goggles designed to suit your face from TheMagic5, with multiple lenses available to choose from.
Getting the right pair of goggles can boost your confidence and drastically improve your swim. For extensive advice on getting your goggles on point, have a look at our guide to the best swimming goggles to buy for triathlon.