Best goggles

Never deal with stinging, gritty eyes and poor vision at the beach or pool again—the best goggles are the key to comfort and safety for all ages.

best goggles
Caucasian woman in swimming pool pushing off wearing goggles and swim cap
(Image credit: Bezikus/Shutterstock)

Swimming without the best goggles for your unique face shape can make or break a day at the beach or pool. Goggles can prove challenging to put on correctly and adjust to avoid annoying leakage with or without a swim cap. Both chlorinated water and seawater can irritate sensitive eyes, and a poor fit essentially guarantees discomfort. Our best overall goggles from Aegend stop leaks in their tracks, come with a hard shell protective case, and are anti-fog to boot. We took a deep dive into the world of goggles and surfaced with the best options we could find. Check them out below, and choose the best style for you.

Best overall

goggles

(Image credit: Amazon)

Aegend anti-fog swim goggles

Staff pick

The easy-release clasp on Aegend's swim goggles propelled it to the very top of our list.

Pros:

  • Anti-fog polycarbonate lenses
  • Multiple colors
  • Leak-proof
  • Quick-release clasp

Cons:

  • Avoid if you have a silicone allergy

Easy on, easy off is a phrase I'd have hesitated to describe swim goggles with before today. Amazingly, Aegend's quick-release goggles changed that completely. Our favorite feature, among many others, is the quick-release clasp that allows removal in mere moments—regardless of whether you have a swim cap on. Aegend also includes UV and anti-fog coatings for the polycarbonate lenses, ensuring a clear view while underwater. They also designed these goggles with a flexible silicone frame and an extended nose piece, adding comfort if you have a high nose bridge. The final perk is its protective clamshell case, designed to hold up to repeated use.

Best value

goggles

(Image credit: Amazon)

ZIONOR polarized swim goggles

UV protection, and no more fog

Cut down glare and expand your field of vision underwater with ZIONOR's polarized, UV-protected goggles.

Pros:

  • Comes with a mesh pouch
  • Adjustable strap
  • Double-sealed
  • Unobstructed peripheral vision

Cons:

  • On the pricey side
  • May crack or melt if left in the sun or hot water

At first glance, the color selection of ZIONOR's swim goggles probably stood out right away. After all, 27 shades are nothing to sneeze at; there's one for everyone. However, the best feature of these goggles is their polarized lenses and ergonomic face and nose seal. They're designed to fit most teen and adult faces, and their HD lenses offer a 180-degree panoramic view underwater. In addition, the liquid-cast silicone cushioning around the lenses offers superior comfort—it doesn't rely on excessive pressure to maintain its seal. After rinsing and air-drying these goggles, pop them into the included mesh pouch to protect the lens coatings from damage.

Fits over glasses

goggles

(Image credit: Amazon)

SolidWork vented safety goggles

For non-aquatic use

You might not be able to snorkel or swim in these safety goggles from SolidWork, but they'll serve you well in a scientific or construction setting.

Pros:

  • Latex-free thermoplastic rubber
  • UV and anti-fog coatings
  • Fits easily over prescription eyeglasses
  • Adjustable headband

Cons:

  • Best for wider-bridged noses

On the off chance that you clicked into this article hoping to find safety goggles instead, don't fret—we thought ahead. SolidWork's protective goggles are vented to stop fog from building up, and they're roomy enough to wear over a pair of prescription eyeglasses. In addition, skin-friendly thermoplastic rubber comprises the seal on these goggles, making them an excellent buy for those with latex sensitivities. SolidWork also included a UV coating for sun protection and an adjustable strap to fit most adult heads. Finally, it's worth keeping in mind that the seal on these goggles is not meant to be watertight. Luckily, that seal is more than sufficient to protect your eyes and mold comfortably to the curve of your face. 

Kid approved

goggles

(Image credit: Amazon)

Speedo Jr. Hydrospex children's swim goggles

Punchy colors and patterns

Fuss-free comfort is essential for kids' goggles, and Speedo's Jr. Hydrospex collection embodies that.

Pros:

  • 12 unisex colors
  • Adjustable strap
  • Anti-fog and UV protection
  • Outer-eye gasket

Cons:

  • For ages 6-14 only

If your child loves swimming, chances are the one thing they hate about it is getting water in their eyes. So Speedo, known for decades of high-quality adult swimwear, also makes gear for kids. Their Jr. Hydrospex goggles are an entire collection of children's swim goggles, all sized for smaller faces. A silicone uni-body design and adjustable strap provide comfortable yet strong suction in the lens cups. Speedo's outer-eye gasket shape offers a universal fit without compromising on a watertight seal. The lenses come with the usual UV and anti-fog coatings, and all materials used are latex-free.

Featherweight protection

goggles

(Image credit: Amazon)

OMID polarized swim goggles

Top-tier underwater vision

Swimming on a sunny day just got much easier, thanks to OMID's polarized, UV-coated goggles.

Pros:

  • 180-degree range of vision
  • Lightweight, hollow frame
  • Four lens coatings
  • Nose piece comes in three sizes

Cons:

  • Geared toward recreational swimming, rather than competitive

Whether it's a quick dip in the pool or diving into the waves at your local beach, glare can affect your vision underwater. OMID's polarized, low-profile swim goggle collection is the perfect solution—they also boast an anti-fog coating, interchangeable nosepieces, and UV protection. In addition, their hollow frame hearkens to the lightweight goggles that pro swimmers prefer. Ergonomically designed, their silicone gaskets fit snugly in your eye sockets. While their price is on the higher side, the color selection and adjustable nose bridges in three sizes make OMID's goggles a worthwhile buy.

Bottom line

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Hopefully, our goggle roundup will help you find the perfect pair for your needs. It can prove frustrating at times, with so many options, sizes, styles, and materials. Aegend's affordable, colorful line of quick-release goggles was built for comfort as well as performance, and they deserve their title of best overall. The included hard case serves to protect your goggles between uses, and the eye gaskets are molded from silicone for easy wear.

If you tend to struggle with glare when swimming outdoors, then we recommend Zionor's polarized swim goggles. Polarized lenses help to correct colors and brightness around you, clearing up cloudy vision in a snap. Their uniquely designed lens shape also provides a 180-degree panoramic view, and you'll find they're also coated for UV protection and anti-fog. OMID's racing-inspired pair of mirrored, polarized goggles are another smart pick, especially if you prefer a closer fit around your eyes.

A quick tip: it's worth remembering that your goggles will last longer (and fit better) with appropriate aftercare. You'll want to rinse them thoroughly with fresh water and air dry between each use.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Freelance Writer, AOP

Lili Angrisano is a freelance contributor for both GardeningEtc and Real Homes. In her spare time you will typically find her designing her next cosplay, conquering her 700+ book (and counting!), reading the latest release on her Kindle library, or tending to the many plants and flowers in her much-loved apartment garden.