13 Best Swimming Nose Clips

Swimming is one of the best ways to get fit and stay fit. Swimming is also one of life’s essential skills. Being able to swim could save your life or even someone else’s. If you really want to, you can also swim for sport, either over long distances, short-distance sprints, or as part of a triathlon.

Whether you swim in a pool, in the sea, in rivers, or in a lake, there is one thing that a lot of swimmers do not enjoy – water in the nose. And that’s where the best swimming nose clip comes in.

A nose clip helps keep water out of your nose, and that can make it easier to breathe correctly while you swim. Wearing a nose clip could even help you avoid sinus infections that can be caused by water in the nasal passages.

There are a great many different swimming nose clips available, and some are better than others. For this review, we’ve tried and tested 13 of the best so you can buy with confidence.

Don’t let a nose full of water ruin your swim; use one of these nose plugs or nose clamps instead.

Best Swimming Nose Clips

1. Speedo Unisex

Speedo is another leading swimming equipment manufacturer. Their products are both high quality and well-priced. This nylon swimming nose clip is comfortable and easy to use, and it looks good too.

Key Features

• Flexible nylon frame
• Silicone nose pads
• Available in three colors
• Supplied with a storage box

This nose clip just slides on and stays in place to keep water from entering your nose. The pressure is just right to keep the water out without being too tight and uncomfortable. However, they’re non-slip, so they won’t come off accidentally, either.

Pros

• Flexible fit
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Easy to use
• Good price

Cons

• Won’t fit all nose shapes

Nose width can vary enormously, and some people will find that this nose clip from Speedo is too narrow. If you’ve got an average nose, this product should work well. Users with a wider nose may need a different product to keep the water out.

2. Arena 

Arena makes some of the best swimming accessories around, including kickboards, swimming hats, training fins, and goggles. They’re the choice of champions. These Arena swimming nose clips are popular and functional, and well-priced too.

Key Features

• 60% silicone and 40% polycarbonate construction
• Memory plastic frame
• Available in five colors
• Supplied with a neck strap

These comfortable nose plugs have a retainer cord that loops over your head, making it all-but-impossible to lose them. That’s good news for anyone who has ever dived in and lost their nose plugs!

Pros

• Flexible and comfortable
• Customizable fit
• Nice range of colors
• Handy retainer cord

Cons

• Not so suitable for users with a broad nose

Users report that this product is not so good for people with a broad nose. The frame just doesn’t bend far enough. But, if you’ve got a regular to narrow nose, this clip should be comfortable and keep the water out of your nostrils and sinuses.

3. FINIS 

There is nothing worse than a tight nose clip that keeps the water out but hurts your nose in the process. This product is one of the most comfortable around and is also very well-priced.

Key Features

• Nylon bridge with silicone nose pads
• Supplied with a carry case
• Anatomical design
• Available in two colors – blue and white

These budget-friendly nose plugs don’t come with a retainer, but the storage box means you won’t lose them in your swimming bag. Comfortable and easy to use, this is a good product for all swimmers, including snorkelers.

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Easy to use
• Attractive design
• They float so you won’t lose them if they come off

Cons

• Not so suitable for children

This swimming nose clip is made to fit adults with narrow to regular noses. It may not be suitable for children or an adult with a broader nose. But, if it fits you properly, this product is both comfortable and effective. It’s also very well-priced.

4. Sinus Saver 

Many swimmers use nose clips to squeeze their noses shut and stop water from entering their sinuses. This product is different in that it goes up your nose and blocks it that way.

More expensive than most swimming nose clips, these plugs could be a much more comfortable, watertight option for many users.

Key Features

• 100% silicone
• In-nostril design
• Ergonomic and form-fitting
• Available in four sizes – from extra small to large

These nose plugs are very comfortable and discrete. Because they go up your nose, they are almost invisible except for a small loop of silicone below your septum. They’re a very neutral color, so a lot of people won’t even notice that you are wearing them.

Pros

• Soft and comfortable
• Snug, secure fit that won’t come loose or leak
• Very discrete
• An excellent alternative to swimming nose clips

Cons

• Must fit correctly to be effective

The right size for you depends on how many Q-tips you can get up your nostril, and you’ll need to check out the manufacturer’s website for more sizing information. But, once you’ve got the correct size, these nose plugs are comfortable, secure, and very watertight—a good alternative to more uncomfortable nose clips.

5. Splaqua 

This product is a very traditionally designed nose clip. Available in packs of one, two, and five, they’re padded for comfort and gently squeeze your nose shut to keep the water out. The neck strap means you can’t drop and lose these nose clips, and the strap also helps keep them in place.

Key Features

• Neutral color
• Latex neck/head strap
• Suitable for kids and adults
• Non-slip covering
• Adjustable pressure

This nose clip is straightforward to adjust. Just squeeze it closed or open as required and then slip the strap over your head. That’s it – there is nothing else to do! The strap means you can’t drop or lose your nose clip but, at this price, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if you did.

Pros

• Multi-buy discount
• Easy to use
• Very comfortable
• Suitable for all the family

Cons

• Only available in one color

This no-frills product has barely changed in the last few decades. That’s because it works really well. There is no need to reinvent the wheel! There are plenty of more complex nose clips in this review but sometimes simple is best.

6. TYR 

Nose clips don’t come much cheaper than this basic product from TYR Sports. It’s not going to win any design awards, but if all you want is a clip to pinch your nose shut, this is a very good option, and it definitely won’t break the bank!

Key Features

• Flexible metal wire clip
• Covered in closed-cell silicone
• Latex neck strap
• Neutral color

This nose clip comes with a handy head/neck strap. With the strap around your head, it keeps the clip on your nose. As a neck strap, it stops you from losing your nose clip when you don’t need it. This product is a good option for both adults and kids.

Pros

• Adjustable fit
• Soft and comfortable
• Non-invasive design
• Very well-priced

Cons

• Will not fit all noses
• Users report that the neck strap is prone to breaking

When it comes to swimming nose clips, you get what you pay for, and this product is VERY cheap! It certainly does what it’s supposed to, but it’s not made for longevity. This is a good product for occasional swimmers and anyone who doesn’t mind replacing their nose clip every few weeks.

7. TYR Ergo 

Do you want your swimming nose clip to match your goggles or swimsuit? If so, you’ll love this product! Available in five cool colors, these flexible, comfortable nose clips look as good as they work. They’re also latex-free, which is good for anyone with a latex allergy.

Key Features

• Made from hypoallergenic silicone
• Flexible polyurethane frame
• Supplied with a carry case
• Available in five colors – black, light pink, clear, lime green, and light blue
• Padded nose cushions

Fashionable and functional, these nose clips are perfect for kids and adults who want to stand out from the crowd. They float too, which is good news because they don’t have a retainer to catch them if they fall off. A very comfortable and colorful way to keep the water out of your nose.

Pros

• Stylish colors
• Very comfortable
• Non-allergic materials
• Non-slip nose pads

Cons

• Not adjustable
• Not available in different sizes

If you’ve got an average-sized nose, these clips should work well. They’re soft, flexible, and comfortable.

However, unlike clips made with a wireframe, you can’t push them in or out to change the size. Because of this, there is no guarantee they’ll fit or stay securely on your nose.

8. Speedo 

These nose clips from Speedo are made from memory plastic, so they should fit you perfectly and then stay the right size. This is a useful feature for anyone who finds their nose clip works fine one day and not so well the next.

Key Features

• Memory plastic frame
• Silicone nose pads
• Supplied with a carry case
• Neutral clear color
• Non-slip design

There is nothing more annoying than having to adjust your nose clips after every lap you swim because they won’t stay in place. The silicone pads on this product should help keep this clip secure, so you can put it on and forget about it for the entire duration of your swim.

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Won’t slip off
• Discrete color and design
• Easy to use

Cons

• One size only – won’t fit all users

Reviewers report that this nose clip is comfortable, effective, and long-lasting. It also floats, so if you drop it, you won’t have to dive after it. All in all, this nose clip from Speedo does everything it’s supposed to do.

9. Speedo Profile

This Speedo nose clip is for serious swimmers! It’s designed to stay in place even when you dive in, so it’s perfect for competitive swimmers and anyone who swims for fitness rather than recreation. That said, if you ARE into more leisurely swimming, this product will suit you too!

Key Features

• One-piece design
• Flexible and lightweight
• Made from memory polyurethane
• Textured non-slip nose grips
• Hypoallergenic and latex-free
• Supplied with a carry case

This product is one of the most simply designed nose clips on review. It’s literally a U-shaped piece of flexible plastic that you put on your nose to hold your nostrils closed.

With no nose pads or other parts, there is nothing to go wrong with this nose clip, so it should be strong and long-lasting.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Simple, no-nonsense design
• One size fits all

Cons

• Not adjustable

If this nose clip doesn’t fit you, you are out of luck because there is no way to adjust it. But, if it does fit, it should be both comfortable and reliable, as you’d expect from Speedo.

10. Arena Pro

Despite being part of their pro range, Arena’s Nose Clip Pro is surprisingly cheap. This well-made product is very comfortable and quite stylish too. Above all, it’s made by one of the leading swim equipment companies in the world.

Key Features

• Memory plastic polycarbonate frame
• Thermoplastic rubber nose pads
• Available in blue, silver-grey, black, clear, and pink
• Supplied with a carry box
• Non-slip nose pads

When it comes to making swimming equipment, Arena knows what they are doing! This nose clip is comfortable and doesn’t slip off during use. Also, once adjusted to fit, the plastic memory frame means they work perfectly every time.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Very comfortable
• Well-priced
• Good range of colors

Cons

• Recently replaced by the more expensive Pro II, so stocks are dwindling fast!

Despite being a premium product, this nose clip is far from the most expensive on review. It’s easy to use and very comfortable. For the price, this nose clip is very tough to beat.

11. Speedo Competition

The last thing a serious swimmer wants is for their nose clip to comes off or let water in. This model from Speedo features a streamlined wire frame, so it’s less likely to move as you power through the water, leaving you free to focus on your swim.

Key Features

• Stainless steel wire frame
• Thermoplastic rubber nose pads
• Adjustable fit
• Carry case included
• Non-slip design

This swimming nose clip is very minimalist, but that’s what makes it so streamlined and secure. Because the frame is made from wire, it can be bent and adjusted for the perfect fit. The nose pads are also non-slip. All in all, this is a good product for anyone who really doesn’t want their nose clip to come off by accident.

Pros

• Very secure fit
• Adjustable
• Minimalist, discrete design

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Doesn’t float

While this nose clip shouldn’t come off mid-swim, if they do, you’ll probably lose them! They don’t float, and they don’t have a retaining strap. That said, they’re made NOT to slip off, so the chances of this happening are very low.

12. Cressi Set

Cressi is an Italian watersports company that was founded back in 1946. They make some of the best diving and snorkeling equipment available, as well as gear for recreational and competitive swimmers. This set of earplugs and nose clip is designed to fit adult and youth swimmers.

Key Features

• The nose clip has a stainless-steel wireframe
• Adjustable fit
• Silicone nose pads
• Earplugs are made from silicone
• Long stalk for easily removal
• Triple flange design for maximum water-resistance
• Supplied with separate carry cases

This earplug and nose clip set will stop unwanted water from entering your nose and your ears, keeping your sinuses and ear canals free from infection. Well-priced, this is a good quality product from one of the leading watersports companies.

Pros

• Hypoallergic materials
• Easy to use
• Excellent quality
• Good value

Cons

• One size fits all

If there is a problem with the one size fits all concept, it is that one size doesn’t really fit all! We all have different-sized nostrils and ear canals, and even a small leak could let in enough water to cause irritation, inflammation, or infection, leading to a whole lot of pain.

Because of this, and as good as these Cressi earplugs and nose clips are, they may not fit you if you have anything other than an average-sized nose and ears.

13. Harmony Smiley 

While most nose clips and plugs are designed for swimming, some are made for other water sports. This product from Harmony Gear is specially designed for kayakers and other watersports where you wear a helmet. Of course, you can still use them for swimming.

Key Features

• Soft cushioned nose pads
• Bendable, adjustable wire for a customizable fit
• Nylon retainer cord to attach to your helmet or goggles strap

Clips and nose plugs for swimming might not be expensive, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a nuisance when you lose them! This product has a handy retainer cord so you can fix them to your swimming goggles or your kayak helmet chin strap. Never lose your nose clips again!

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Harder to drop/lose
• Made for all water sports, including swimming
• Bendable for optimal fit

Cons

• Must be worn in a specific way to prevent leaks

Although not mentioned by the manufacturer, these nose plugs can leak if they’re worn with the wire bridge below your nose. Instead, they need to be worn with the wire bridge uppermost.

Once you figure this out, these swimming nose clips are comfortable and won’t slip off. And even if they do, you won’t lose them because of the nylon retainer!

Key Information

Consider the following information before buying or using a swimming nose clip or plugs:

Size

While some nose clips are adjustable, they don’t adjust very much. In most cases, adjusting a nose clip means bending the frame open or closed.

Other nose clips are a one size fits all design, which means they may fit some people better than others. Because of this, it may be necessary to shop around to find the perfect fit as there is often a size difference from one company to another.

Materials

Nose clips are made from a range of materials. Some have wire frames, which are bendable and adjustable.

Others are made from polyurethane, thermoplastic, or silicone.

All of these materials are flexible and hardwearing, but the plastics tend to be the least adjustable as they can’t be bent to fit broader or narrower noses.

Do they all have a strap?

Some nose clips have straps, and those straps have two purposes. Firstly, they stop you from losing your nose clip if it should slip off your nose.

Secondly, they hold your nose clip in place. Straps are not essential, which is why there are plenty of products that don’t have them. But, if you’re worried about losing your nose clip, it may be worth choosing one with a strap.

Design

There are two effective ways to keep water out of your nose and nasal canals – nose clips and nose plugs.

Nose clips squeeze your nostrils shut, just like you are pinching your nose.

Nose plugs go up your nostrils and essentially block water from entering your nostrils without having to apply pressure to the outside of your nose.

While nose plugs are generally more comfortable, some people find putting something up their nose somewhat disconcerting. Also, nose plus must fit perfectly to work. The smallest sizing issue will mean they leak.

Nose clips are more common and easier to use, but the sensation of having your nose pinched can be uncomfortable. Try both designs to see which one suits you best.

How to wear a swimming nose clip

This really depends on the type of nose clip you have bought. To make sure your nose plug works properly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It may take a little practice to fit your nose clip properly, so try it out at home before heading into the water.

Why wear a nose clip

There are several reasons to wear a nose clip or nose plugs:

• Avoid infections – water can get up your nose and enter your nasal canals. Once there, it can be hard to get out. This could cause sinus infections, allergies, colds, and headaches. Keeping the water out means you don’t have to worry about these problems.
• Better breathing – wearing a nose clip means you can only breathe through your mouth. This is arguably the most efficient way to breathe when you are swimming as it allows you to get more oxygen in and more carbon dioxide out of your lungs. You are also unlikely to inadvertently inhale water through your nose, which would make you cough and even choke, disrupting your swim.
• Increased confidence and comfort – a lot of swimmers, especially novices, hate getting water up their noses. They find it uncomfortable, and it can even cause a panic reaction. Wearing a nose clip keeps water out of the nose, resulting in a much more comfortable experience.

On the downside, wearing nose clips can take some getting used to. You may find yourself trying to breathe through your nose, even though it is blocked. This should cease to be an issue after some practice and acclimation.

Bottom Line

For most swimmers, goggles are a standard item of equipment. They protect your eyes and allow you to see clearly underwater. Earplugs help keep water out of your ears, reducing the risk of unpleasant ear infections.

The final protective measure that can help make your swims more comfortable and enjoyable is nose clips and plugs. They keep water out of your nasal canals, reducing the risk of sinus infections. And, as anyone who’s ever had a nose full of salt or chlorinated water will tell you, keeping water out of your nose is usually a good thing.

Some swimmers exhale through their noses to keep the water out, while others even press their upper lips to their nostrils to avoid taking in water. While these strategies can work, nose clips may be a more straightforward solution.

Whether you are a recreational swimmer, a fitness swimmer, or even a surfer or kayaker, swimming nose clips and plugs will stop water from accidentally going up your nose.

If this is something that bothers you, these simple devices are game changers. Use the information in this article to help you buy the best swimming nose clip for your needs.

Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert product reviews including:

• Swimming ear plugs
• Swim bags
• Swim caps 
• Swimmers shampoo