Nose clips. Not sexy, but essential.
If you’ve ever had chlorinated water shoot up your nose mid-backstroke breakout, or tried to power through a hypoxic set only to get derailed by a rogue splash, you know exactly why these little plastic clamps matter. They may be the smallest item in your mesh bag, but when it comes to performance, nose clips punch way above their weight.
For competitive swimmers, artistic swimmers, and anyone doing serious underwater work, a good nose clip isn’t optional—it’s gear. Like goggles or caps, the right one disappears when it’s working, and becomes your worst enemy when it’s not. It needs to stay secure through walls, resist slippage when you’re soaked in sweat and sunscreen, and ideally, not leave a permanent dent on your face for the post-practice coffee run.
Most people treat them like a five-dollar afterthought. We didn’t. We put these clips through the wringer: high-intensity sets, long-course training blocks, sprint test sets, and underwater dolphin kicks from swimmers who treat 15m as a starting point. We gathered feedback from elite athletes, seasoned coaches, and the SwimSwam community to see which clips could handle the grind—and which ones barely survived warm-up.
And as always, Speedo leads the lane. The brand remains the go-to for a reason—durability, fit, and a design team that clearly listens to swimmers. But they’re not alone. Arena, FINIS, and SPORTI have stepped up, offering budget-friendly and high-performance options alike.
Below please see how the best nose clips for competitive swimming stack up in 2025.
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🥇 1. SPEEDO Profile Nose Clip – Approx Price $8
Why We Love It:
- Streamlined shape cuts drag during underwaters
- Soft silicone pads hug the nose without bruising it
- Metal frame gives the right amount of pressure without slipping
The Verdict: This is the standard. Used by everyone from backstrokers to artistic swimmers. It stays put, it’s comfortable, and it doesn’t leave a red line across your face. If you’re only buying one clip this season, make it this one.
🥈 2. ARENA Nose Clip – Approx Price $12
Why We Love It:
- Premium build quality and firm grip
- Sleek, lightweight, and easy to adjust
- Comes with its own carrying case
The Verdict: Arena delivers a high-performance option that feels custom-fit. It’s not cheap, but it performs like a race-day suit—tailored and elite. Bonus points for the included storage case, which helps keep it from vanishing into the abyss of your mesh bag.
🥉 3. SPEEDO Liquid Comfort Nose Clip – Approx Price $7
Why We Love It:
- One of the most flexible frames on the market
- Molded pads reduce pressure and maximize comfort
- Designed to fit a wide range of face shapes
The Verdict: If you’ve ever said “nose clips hurt my nose,” this is your fix. Ideal for long training sets and swimmers with sensitive skin. The comfort level is unmatched in this price range.
4. FINIS Nose Clips – Approx Price $7
Why We Love It:
- Ultra-light frame that still gets the job done
- Grippy enough for fast turns and dolphin kicks
- Fits securely on both small and medium noses
The Verdict: FINIS doesn’t overthink it. This clip is reliable and feels like it’s not even there. Great for everyday use, especially if you want something with a softer clamp.
5. SPEEDO Unisex Universal Nose Clip – Approx Price $6
Why We Love It:
- Basic design, but built with Speedo’s trademark consistency
- Durable and fits most swimmers with ease
- Decent pressure without being painful
The Verdict: A step down from the Profile, but still dependable. Best for casual use, beginners, or swimmers looking to add a secondary clip to their gear stash.
6. SPEEDO Competition Nose Clip – Approx Price $6
Why We Love It:
- Stronger clamping force for secure fit during fast underwaters
- Minimal padding, which may be ideal for racers
- Smaller, stiffer frame stays in place at speed
The Verdict: Built for meet day. Not as comfortable for long wear, but if you need a clip that won’t slip at 1:03 into your 200 IM, this is it.
7. SPORTI Ergo Swim Clip – Approx Price $3
Why We Love It:
- Budget-friendly and surprisingly ergonomic
- Rubber-coated ends hold their shape well
- Slightly wider fit for larger noses
The Verdict: SPORTI overdelivers at this price point. It doesn’t quite match Speedo’s durability, but it punches well above its weight for daily sets and age-group swimmers.
8. ARENA Super Nose Clip II – Approx Price $6
Why We Love It:
- Thick padding with decent clamp strength
- A little bulkier, but more durable than earlier Arena designs
- Available in fun colors
The Verdict: Not quite race-day material, but solid for warm-ups, dryland drills, and laps where comfort matters most.
9. SPORTi Nose Clip II – Approx Price $3
Why We Love It:
- Slightly improved grip over the original
- Clear frame with moderate pressure
- Stays on better than you’d expect at this price
The Verdict: Better as a backup than a daily driver. Still, you could do worse for three bucks.
10. Latex Nose Clip – Approx Price $6
Why We Love It:
- Featherweight and ultra-barebones
- Old-school swimmers love the minimalist feel
- Latex string keeps it tethered around your neck
The Verdict: This one’s divisive. Some swimmers swear by the retro style, others find the fit too loose. Works better for warm water, low-impact swims.
11. SPORTI Nose Clip – Approx Price $2.50
Why We Love It:
- Basic metal frame and minimal padding
- Decent clamp for light use
The Verdict: This is your “I left mine at home” emergency clip. Fine in a pinch, but not built to last beyond a few weeks of training.
12. SPORTI Swim Clip – Approx Price $1.85
Why We Love It:
- Rock-bottom price
- Surprisingly durable for what it is
The Verdict: The ultimate “bulk order for the team” clip. Not comfortable, not sleek, but will hold your nose closed in a hypoxic set. Just don’t expect longevity.
🛒 ORDER YOUR TECH SUIT HERE
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