Nine swim buoys for open water compared on visibility, dry storage and how each one is towed behind the swimmer.
Every buoy in this list is in stock on Amazon right now, and every figure below comes from the manufacturer. The field runs from a 13 dollar tow float that weighs 10 ounces to a 120 dollar cartridge buoy that inflates when you pull a trigger, so the first question is not which one is best but whether you want dry storage, a rest handle or the smallest possible drag.
Best swim buoy for open water: the nine picks at a glance
A swimming buoyancy aid does two jobs at once. It makes you visible to boats and jet skis, and it gives you something to hold when you cramp up or need to regroup. What separates these swim buoys is the dry bag capacity, whether there is a rest handle, and how the float is towed: a waist belt with a tether on eight of them, a trigger-inflated cartridge on the RESTUBE.
If you are looking at buoyancy aid swimming gear for the first time, start with the middle of this field. The best swimming buoys for beginners are the 20 to 30 dollar dry bag models, because they double as a place for keys and a phone and you will actually take them along. Below you get the short version first, then the full table with all nine, then every buoy in detail.
- The all-rounder most swimmers should buyNew Wave Swim Buoy
- Inflates on demand for triathlon trainingRESTUBE Active
- Toughest shell and a rest handleHIEMAL32 15L
- The budget float that still tows cleanAbahub 15L
| Buoy | Dry storage | Towed by | Extras | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Wave Swim Buoybest overall | Drybag compartment | Waist belt with tether | Very light, high visibility color | Point to point swims |
| RESTUBE Activebest for triathletes | None, it is a pouch | Waist belt, inflates on demand | Replaceable cartridge, reusable | Triathlon and race training |
| HIEMAL32 15Ltoughest shell | 15 L, plus a separate compartment | Waist belt with tether | Rest handle, reflective elements | Rough water and long swims |
| Xterra Wetsuits Swim Buoythe light drybag | Drybag compartment | Waist belt with tether line | Doubles as a kayak or SUP float | Swimmers who also paddle |
| Hikeen Swim Buoy 20Lbest phone protection | 20 L dry bag | Waist belt | IPX7 touchscreen phone pocket, rest handle | Carrying a phone and spare clothes |
| New Wave Swim Bubbleleast drag | None by design | Waist belt with tether | Ultralight, no dry bag compartment | Swimmers who carry nothing |
| LeKaufen Swim Buoy 20Ltwo independent airbags | 20 L dry compartment | Detachable belt, 26 to 50 in | Scratch-resistant PVC, ships as a 2 pack | Swim partners and clubs |
| Sunlite Sports 2-in-1smallest belt size | Storage compartment | Waist strap, 21 to 39 in | Compact and light to pack | Smaller swimmers and travel |
| Abahub Swim Buoy 15Lbest budget | Storage for phone and keys | Waist belt with tether | 10 oz, streamlined shape | A backup float for every bag |
The nine swim buoys in detail
- Typeinflatable tow float with drybag
- Dry storagesealed drybag compartment
- Attachmentwaist belt with tether line
- Visibilityhigh contrast color for boats and jet skis
- Weightvery light, the maker rates it in ounces
- Useopen water swimming, triathlon, kayaking, snorkeling
Best for: Anyone who wants one buoy for training swims and does not want to think about it again
This is the buoy to buy if you do not want to compare buoys. It is the format the rest of the field copies: an inflatable float with a drybag compartment, fastened to a waist belt and towed on a tether line so it sits behind you rather than under you.
The practical argument is the storage. On point to point swims you need somewhere for car keys and a phone, and a buoy that carries them is a buoy you take on every swim instead of leaving in the garage. New Wave is explicit that a phone should go in a Ziploc bag inside the compartment, so treat it as splash protection rather than a dive case.
Pros
- The drybag compartment takes keys, a phone in a bag and a spare layer, which is why it gets taken along
- Bright enough that boaters, paddlers and surfers pick you out of dark water in a black wetsuit
- Added buoyancy means you can hang on and rest if you cramp up mid swim
- Light enough that the tether does not pull back on your stroke
Cons
- Around 35 dollars, more than half this field
- The maker recommends a Ziploc bag for a phone, so the compartment is not a hard waterproof case
- It is not a PFD and does not replace one
- Typeone-pull inflatable buoy in a belt pouch
- Triggerinflates within seconds when pulled
- Attachmentlow-profile pouch on a waist belt
- Reusedeflate, repack, install a new cartridge
- Draghydrodynamic shape, nothing towed until deployed
- Useopen water swimming and triathlon training
Best for: Swimmers who train at race pace and do not want a float dragging behind them for the whole session
The RESTUBE Active solves the objection most fast swimmers have to buoys: they do not want to tow anything. Here the buoy stays packed in a slim pouch on the waist belt, and it only becomes a float when you pull the trigger, at which point it inflates within seconds.
That makes it a training and race tool rather than a general purpose float. It gives quick buoyancy for resting, regrouping or signaling, and once inflated the bright body improves visibility to boats and other swimmers. Afterwards you deflate it, repack it and install a new cartridge. If you also want somewhere to stash keys, pair it with one of the drybag buoys below.
Pros
- Nothing is towed until you pull the trigger, so your stroke and pace are untouched
- Inflates within seconds and gives immediate buoyancy for resting, regrouping or signaling
- Reusable: deflate, repack and fit a new cartridge for the next session
- Bright when inflated, so it works as a signal to boats and paddlers
Cons
- At around 120 dollars it is by far the most expensive buoy here
- No dry storage at all, keys and phone stay on shore
- Every deployment costs a cartridge, so it is not a float you use for resting on every lap
- Capacity15 L dry bag plus a separate compartment
- Shellnylon PVC exterior armor against holes and leaks
- Buoyancymeasured support up to 190 lbs
- Handlerobust rest handle for pausing in the water
- Visibilityhigh contrast orange with reflective elements
- Valvemarine quality dual direction valve
Best for: Swimmers in choppy or busy water who want a handle to hold and a shell that survives being dragged
The HIEMAL32 is the buoy for people who are hard on gear. The nylon PVC exterior is built against the punctures and leaks that end a cheap float, and the maker states a measured buoyancy support up to 190 lbs, which is the closest thing to a load figure anyone in this category publishes.
The rest handle is the part you notice in the water. Smooth dry bags are awkward to hold when you are out of breath, and a fixed handle turns the buoy into a place to pause. Storage is split into a 15 L main compartment and a separate one for small essentials, and the dual direction valve makes inflating and emptying it quick.
Pros
- 15 L takes spare clothing, keys, phone and wallet, with a second compartment for essentials
- The rest handle is the difference between hanging on comfortably and grabbing at a smooth bag
- Buoyancy support up to 190 lbs, the only figure of its kind stated in this field
- Reflective elements add visibility on top of the orange body
Cons
- At around 39 dollars it is the most expensive drybag buoy here
- 15 L is less than the 20 L bags further down the list
- A heavier shell means slightly more to tow than the ultralight floats
- Typeinflatable swim safety float with drybag
- Attachmentwaist belt with a tether line
- Dry storagedrybag compartment for personal items
- Buoyancynatural buoyancy, usable as a temporary flotation device
- Weightlight enough to carry on a paddleboard or kayak
- Useopen water swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, shallow diving
Best for: Swimmers who also paddle and want one float that rides along on the board
The Xterra is the same idea as the New Wave at a slightly lower price: a bright inflatable float with a drybag compartment, worn on a waist belt with a tether line so it trails behind you on point to point swims.
Its second life is on the water rather than in it. It is light enough to carry on a paddleboard or a kayak, which makes it a useful float for a mixed bag of watersports rather than a dedicated swim tool. Xterra is clear about the limit: this is a visibility and rest aid, not a personal flotation device.
Pros
- Very light to bring on a paddleboard or kayak trip, so it is not swim-only gear
- Fastened by a belt with a tether, which keeps the float behind you instead of under you
- Bright color makes you visible to boaters, jet skis, paddlers and surfers
- Around 29 dollars, below the two premium drybag buoys here
Cons
- No rest handle, so holding on means grabbing the bag itself
- Storage capacity is not stated in liters, unlike the 15 L and 20 L models
- Xterra is explicit that it does not replace a PFD or a swim life vest
- Capacity20 L waterproof dry bag
- Phone pocketIPX7 compartment with a zip seal, touchscreen usable
- Shellhigh-strength nylon PVC, puncture resistant
- Bag buildthicker double layer construction
- Handlerest handle for high buoyancy support
- Useopen water swimming, triathlon training, kayaking, SUP, snorkeling
Best for: Swimmers who bring a phone and want it in a sealed pocket rather than a plastic bag
The Hikeen is the answer to the phone problem. Most buoys here tell you to put your phone in a Ziploc bag; this one has an IPX7 compartment with a zip closure that you can still operate the screen through, which is the difference between carrying a phone and carrying a phone you can use.
Around it sits a straightforward 20 L dry bag in bright orange, built from high-strength nylon PVC with a double layer bag, plus a rest handle. For long swims where you want spare clothes and a towel waiting at the far end, it is the most practical buoy in this list.
Pros
- The IPX7 phone compartment is the only dedicated sealed phone pocket in this list
- 20 L takes towels, spare clothes, keys and wallet, the largest capacity here alongside the LeKaufen
- High-strength nylon PVC with a double layer bag resists punctures
- Rest handle plus bright orange body, around 24 dollars
Cons
- 20 L inflated is a large float to tow if you swim fast
- The touchscreen window is a wear part, and zip seals need rinsing after salt water
- No stated buoyancy figure, unlike the HIEMAL32
- Typeultralight tow float, no dry bag
- Dry storagenone, this is the stripped version
- Attachmentwaist belt with tether
- Dragtows behind you without pulling back
- Visibilitybright color for boats and other swimmers
- Useopen water swimming and triathlon training
Best for: Swimmers who carry nothing and want the float to disappear behind them
The Swim Bubble is the New Wave Swim Buoy with the dry bag removed. New Wave is direct about the reasoning: not everyone needs to bring a wallet, keys and a phone, and those swimmers were paying for bulk they never used.
What is left is a bright float on a tether that tows gently behind you without pulling back or adding drag, and still gives you something to hold when you need to stop. If you swim from and back to the same beach with a bag on the sand, this is the more sensible half of the New Wave pair.
Pros
- Built without the attached dry bag compartment, so there is less bulk to tow than any drybag buoy here
- Gently tows behind you without pulling back or adding extra drag
- Same visibility argument as the full New Wave Buoy at a lower price
- Still provides a safe way to float and rest during a swim
Cons
- No storage at all, so keys and phone stay on shore or in a partner's buoy
- Around 30 dollars, which is dry bag money for a float without a bag
- A single air chamber, so a puncture ends the swim
- Capacity20 L with a dry storage compartment
- Chambersindependent airbags with easy-to-inflate nozzles
- Shellscratch-resistant PVC
- Beltdetachable waist belt, fits 26 to 50 in
- Packships as a 2 pack
- Useopen water swimming, triathlon, other water sports
Best for: Two people who swim together, or a household that needs a spare float in the car
The LeKaufen is the buoy to buy in pairs, because that is how it ships. Two 20 L floats in scratch-resistant PVC, each with a dry storage compartment for snacks, a wallet, keys and a spare layer, which brings the cost per buoy below anything else in this format.
The build detail worth noting is the pair of independent airbags with separate nozzles. If one chamber goes down you still have a float, which is a real argument in open water. The waist belt detaches for cleaning and adjusts from 26 to 50 inches, so it fits over a wetsuit without a struggle.
Pros
- Independent airbags mean one chamber losing air does not sink the whole float
- Ships as a 2 pack, so the price per buoy is the lowest of any drybag model here
- The waist belt detaches and fits 26 to 50 in, the widest belt range in this list
- Scratch-resistant PVC and a 20 L dry compartment for snacks, wallet, keys and spare clothes
Cons
- Two identical buoys is wasted money if you only ever swim alone
- The belt starts at 26 in, so smaller swimmers are better served by the Sunlite
- No rest handle and no stated buoyancy figure
- Type2-in-1 swim buoy and dry bag
- Dry storagewaterproof compartment for sunglasses, sunscreen, cap and goggles
- Beltadjustable waist strap, 21 to 39 in
- Visibilitybright orange against boat and jet ski traffic
- Packinglightweight and compact to transport
- Useopen water swimming and training
Best for: Smaller swimmers and anyone whose buoy has to fit in a carry-on
The Sunlite Sports buoy is the compact end of the drybag format. The compartment is sized for the small stuff, goggles, a swim cap, sunscreen, sunglasses and body glide, rather than a change of clothes, and the whole thing packs down light.
The specification that decides it is the belt. At 21 to 39 inches it is the only buoy here that fits a small waist properly, which matters more than it sounds: a belt that slips lets the tether wander across your back mid stroke.
Pros
- The 21 inch minimum belt is the smallest here, so it fits swimmers the 26 inch belts do not
- Around 21 dollars, one of the two cheapest buoys in this list
- The compartment is sized for the things you actually carry: goggles, cap, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Packs down small and light, which makes it the easy one to travel with
Cons
- A smaller compartment than the 15 L and 20 L bags, so no room for spare clothes
- The belt tops out at 39 in, tighter than the LeKaufen over a thick wetsuit
- No rest handle and no reflective elements
- Capacity15 L tow float
- Weight10 oz (290 g)
- Shapehydrodynamic, shaped to glide behind the swimmer
- Storagecompartment for phone, keys, gels and emergency cash
- Visibilityneon-bright body for boats, jet skis and lifeguards
- Useopen water swimming and long-distance training
Best for: A first buoy, or a spare float that lives in the car and costs almost nothing
The Abahub is the buoy that removes the excuse. At roughly 13 dollars and 10 ounces there is no reason not to have one in the car, and it still does the two things that matter: it makes you visible and it gives you something to hold.
The shape is the surprise at this price. It is drawn to glide behind the swimmer rather than plow, so it tows without snagging or pulling back, and the storage compartment takes a phone, keys, gels and emergency cash. Abahub is explicit that it enhances visibility and rest capability but does not replace a certified PFD.
Pros
- Around 13 dollars, the cheapest buoy in this list by a wide margin
- 10 oz is the lightest float here, and the drag penalty is close to nothing
- Still has a storage compartment for a phone, keys, gels and cash
- Hydrodynamically shaped so it does not snag or pull back on the stroke
Cons
- 15 L and a simple compartment, so it is not a dry bag for a full change of clothes
- No rest handle and no reflective elements
- Abahub states plainly that it is not a life vest and should be paired with a certified PFD
Checklist: What makes a great Swim Buoy
- Buoyancy: A top-notch swim buoy should provide sufficient buoyancy to support rest during swims and offer a secure floating aid, ideally catering to a broad range of swimmer weights.
- Visibility: High-visibility colors such as bright oranges or yellows are critical, potentially enhanced with reflective strips, to ensure the swimmer is easily spotted by boaters and fellow water enthusiasts.
- Material Durability: The use of resilient materials like PVC or Nylon TPU is indicative of a long-lasting swim buoy that can withstand the conditions of open waters, including saltwater and UV exposure.
- Storage Capability: A swim buoy that doubles as a dry storage compartment for personal valuables adds a layer of convenience, ideally with a waterproof and secure closure system.
- Adjustable Fit: An adjustable waist belt facilitates a comfortable and secure fit for various body sizes, allowing the buoy to trail without restricting movement.
- Ease of Use: Quick inflate and deflate options, along with a compact and lightweight design when not in use, contribute to a swim buoy's practicality and ease of transport.
FAQ
Why is a swim buoy important for open water swimming?
A swim buoy significantly enhances visibility and safety, providing a resting point and storage for personal items during open water activities.
How does a swim buoy improve safety in open water?
By making swimmers visible to boaters and providing flotation support, a swim buoy reduces the risk of collisions and aids in emergencies.
What features should I look for in a swim buoy?
Ideal swim buoys should offer high buoyancy, visibility, durable materials, storage capacity, an adjustable fit, and be easy to use.
