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A tween girl floating in a pool, wearing swim googles

Six Pairs of Kids’ Swim Goggles We Swear Won’t Leak

By Kelcey Kintner

Before Alpha Mom saved me from my misery, I really had perfected the art of buying crappy swim goggles for my kids. Every summer, I’d pick up a bunch of cheap swimming goggles in fun colors at the local drugstore and they always leaked. And it seems that if goggles should have one job in life – it’s to NOT leak.

We’ve put some popular kids’ swim goggle brands to the test and we found out that when it comes to goggles, you get what you pay for. Which doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. But if you upgrade, just a bit, you and your kids will have a lot more fun at the pool and in the ocean. And, you won’t be stuck with a big bag of worthless goggles that don’t do anything to protect your kids’ eyes underwater.

Frogglez Swim Goggles

When you first see a pair of Frogglez, you’ll think – “Wait, is that my orthodontic head gear from middle school?” It looks a little weird the way the straps go around the head.

a young boy in a pool wearing Frogglez Swim Goggles

But don’t be turned off by the unique look because these are a fabulous pair of kid swim goggles. And your children will likely love them!

First of all, my kids said they are super comfortable. The straps are made out of a soft, flexible neoprene that does not pull hair (like silicone or rubber straps tend to do). The straps also don’t bother kids’ ears because they are higher up on the head.

These goggles also have velcro straps on the sides for super easy adjustments.  According to the company website, the swim goggles are independently tested to be lead-free, phthalates-free and formaldehyde-free. And they float in the water.

That all said, do not buy these goggles for a child who is under 3 years old or who has a smallish head. My 5 year old daughter Harlowe is quite petite and these goggles are too big for her head – even on the smallest setting. But my 5 year old son loves them! As do my older girls (ages 8 and 10).

Size (according to Frogglez): One size fits kids 3+ years of age (up to 23 inch diameter head size)
Price: $20 – $24 (depending on where you buy it)
Strengths: No leaking, very comfortable, straps don’t pull hair, easy to adjust, my kids love them.
Weaknesses: May not fit children who are more petite. Measure their heads if you have any concerns. Also, the straps really need to air dry. If you throw these goggles back in your pool bag, the straps might not dry completely. Higher price.
Final Word on Frogglez: Definitely an Alpha Mom favorite.

TYR Kids Swim Goggles

The TYR youth swim goggles come in lots of different colors and some really cute animal designs (like the dinosaurs shown here on my 5 year old son).

A young boy in a swimming pool wearing TYR Kids Swim Goggles

He just adores these! Adjustable strap on the nose bridge. Tinted lenses with UVA/UVB protection.

Size: One size fits all and that seems to be the case.
Price: $8 – $14 (depending on where you buy them)
Strengths: No leaking, great selection of colors and designs, very affordable, comfortable.
Weaknesses: You will probably have to help your child adjust the size. Some of the TYR goggles for kids do have a release button for easier size adjustment but these dinosaur ones do not.
Final Word on TYR kid swim goggles: Alpha Mom favorite, especially for this price of $10.99!

Aqua Sphere Moby Kid Swim Goggles

The Aqua Sphere Moby Kid swim goggles also proved very popular with my kids. This is a one-piece frame construction. These goggles also have a buckle system on the sides which make it very easy to adjust the size.

A tween girl swimming and wearing Aqua Sphere Moby Kids sunglasses

These goggles also offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, a scratch-resistant coating and an anti-fog coating. Available in a blue lens too.

Size: One size fits all and that seems to be the case.
Price: $14 to $16 (depending on where you buy them)
Strengths: No leaking, comfortable, easy to adjust.
Weaknesses: I’m still looking for one.
Final Word on Aqua Sphere Moby Kid swim goggles: Nothing fancy about these goggles. Simple design and they do the job. Definitely recommend. Alpha Mom favorite.

Babiators Submariners Kids Swim Goggles

Not surprising, the Babiators Submariners have a cool name and totally look awesome too. But all this hipness comes with a hefty $35 price tag. Available in pink or blue.

A young girl in a swimming pool wearing a Babiators Submariners Swim Mask

These anti-fog, shatter-resistant lenses provide 100% UV protection. The straps are quite easy to adjust with a press of a button. My kids had no problem with leaking. This kids’ swim mask comes in a submarine case that doubles as a toy. Of course, my children thought it was a water bottle but maybe your kids are smarter.

The swim mask/goggles also come with an incredible guarantee. If they are lost or broken, the company replaces them. I wonder if they’ll replace the other lost and broken stuff in my house. (Just keep in mind, you have to register the goggles within one month of purchase and the guarantee is only good for one year.)

One additional note, some of my kids didn’t love the wide plastic around the lens.

Size: One size (Fits most toddlers and children 3 – 7 + years)
Price: $25
Strengths: Your kid gets to say, “These are my Babiators Submariners so back off you common folk!”, no leaking, easy to adjust and fabulous replacement guarantee.
Weaknesses:  Definitely for the younger set. Kids older than 7 will find that it pinches their nose. You can find quality kid goggles for much less money.
Final Word on Babiators Submariners swim mask/goggles: Higher price but definitely a great pair of goggles for younger kids.

Speedo Kids Hydrospex Swim Mask

The Speedo Kids Hydrospex Swim Mask is like a swim mask and goggles all in one. They are latex free and also offer anti-fog protection and UVA/UVB protection. The one piece frame has a curved lens for maximum visibility. Clips on the sides for easy adjustment.

A tween girl wearing Speedo Hydrospex Kids Goggles

My 8 year old daughter really loved these because they stayed on well, did not leak and it was easy to see under water. She also liked the tinted lens. There is a reason the Speedo brand has been around so long. They make some quality products and this is one of them.

Size: One size
Price: $18
Strengths: Does not leak, the fit of a swim mask without being too bulky, anti-fog and UVA/UVB protection, easy to adjust the size and comfortable to wear.
Weaknesses:  Find me one because I can’t!
Final Word on  Speedo Kids Hydrospex Swim Mask swim goggles: Definitely recommend, especially if you want more of a swim mask. Alpha Mom Favorite.

Speedo Kids Skoogles Swim Goggle

My 5 year old daughter adores these Speedo Kids Skoogles Swim Goggles but in all fairness, I think it’s mostly because of the purple and pink color.

A young girl wearing Speedo Skoogles Kids Goggles

Just like the Speedo Kids Hydrospex (reviewed above), these are latex-free, protect against UVA/UVB rays and have anti-fog protection. They have a one piece frame and do not leak.  They have a side release clip to make them easier to adjust.

These goggles are designed for kids in the 4 to 6 age range, but my 8 year old and 10 year old said they were comfortable to wear. So you may get more life out of them than you think.

Size: ages 4 – 6 (but some older kids can wear comfortably too)
Price: $11
Strengths: Does not leak, anti-fog and UVA/UVB protection, latex free, and comfortable to wear.
Weaknesses:  I prefer the side clasps on the Speedo Kids’ Hydrospex and Aqua Sphere Moby Kid goggles (both reviewed above) a bit more.Final Word on Speedo Kids Skoogles swim goggles: A solid pair of goggles for a great price and come in cool color combos.

Best Kids Swim Goggles & Masks

I don’t really think you can go wrong purchasing with any of these kids swim goggles. The most important thing to consider is to protect your child’s eyes and all of these get the job done. My top picks (pretty much based on my children’s preferences) are the Frogglez, the Aqua Sphere Moby Kid Swim Goggle and the Speedo Kids Hydrospex Swim Mask.

I love the Frogglez because they really came up with a unique pair of goggles that addressed specific kid needs like not pulling hair and a super easy size adjustment mechanism. But the Aqua Sphere Moby Kid Swim Goggles and the Speedo Kids Hydrospex Swim Mask are also both fabulous kid swim goggles/masks. Whatever you choose, happy swimming this summer!

Have a pair of kids’ swim goggles and masks you love that we didn’t mention? Or had a different experience with the ones reviewed above? Please share below we always love to hear readers’ opinions!

Alpha Mom purchased all the goggles tested in this review. 

About the Author

Kelcey Kintner

Kelcey Kintner, an award winning journalist and freelance writer, is a fashion critic for US Weekly, created the humor blog 

Kelcey Kintner, an award winning journalist and freelance writer, is a fashion critic for US Weekly, created the humor blog The Mama Bird Diaries and writes for the Huffington Post. You can follow her @mamabirddiaries or on Facebook. She’s still trying to fit 5 kids on a Vespa. 

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