Best Swim Rings

Updated September 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Stearns Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket
Stearns
Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket
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Bottom Line

The Puddle Jumper foam float jacket includes built-in arm rings and chest pad. Easy on, easy off, and it will never deflate.

Pros

Durable nylon shell and cross-tech flotation foam construction. Colorful, kid-friendly design. Adjustable buckle at the back offers a secure fit. Designed for children weighing 30 to 50 pounds. Allows child to practice in a natural swimming position. No air needed, so no leaks.

Cons

Bulkier to pack than blow-up arm floats. Feels constricting to some children.

Best Bang for the Buck
Floatsafe Floatie Floties Soft Fabric Armbands
Floatsafe Floatie
Floties Soft Fabric Armbands
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Bottom Line

These fabric arm floaties work just like the plastic ones, but they're more comfortable and easier to put on.

Pros

Supports children weighing up to 30 pounds. Durable. Soft on the skin. Not as constricting as a life jacket. Fasten with hook-and-loop closure. They don't scrape the arm like plastic floaties, and they slip onto arms easier than plastic.

Cons

Inflatable, so they can lose air. Hook-and-loop closure wears out over time.

Doji Kids First Floatie Swim Vest Life Jacket
Doji Kids
First Floatie Swim Vest Life Jacket
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Bottom Line

This patent-pending design lets you use the inflatable fabric arm bands with or without the swim belt.

Pros

Design grows with your child and his or her swimming abilities. Use swim belt with inflatable arm bands, or detach and use bands alone. Made of woven polyester and nylon. Recommended for children weighing between 24 and 66 pounds. Bright colors and quick-release buckles.

Cons

May run large. Sizing is different from other swim vests due to detachable style.

Intex Arm Band Swim Trainers
Intex
Arm Band Swim Trainers
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Bottom Line

Easy to pack, easy to inflate, easy to put on. These swim floats are a good choice for preschoolers and young elementary-age kids.

Pros

Inflatable plastic arm bands. More packable and portable than swim vests. Easy to blow up. Gentler on the arms than other brands. Flat band along the bottom allows arms to slide in more easily.

Cons

Inflatable, so they can tear and lose air. Sharp corners can poke child in the face when they move their arms.

Speedo Kids Begin to Swim Basic Arm Bands
Speedo
Kids Begin to Swim Basic Arm Bands
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Bottom Line

These arm floats fit older todders and preschoolers best and are recommended for children already learning to swim.

Pros

Recommended for children already familiar with the water. Bands fit children ages two to 12. Weight limit of 110 pounds. Dual-chamber, heavy-duty inflatable arm bands. Kid-friendly shape for comfort and mobility. One-way valve means air doesn't leak when you stop inflating.

Cons

May be difficult to blow up. Bands fit children around age three best.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

26 Models Considered
5 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
168 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Swim rings can give young children a chance to have more fun in the water while remaining safe. Although these rings, also called water wings and inflatable armbands, are no substitute for learning how to swim, they work well for playing in the water. The inflatable rings wrap securely around the child’s upper arms, helping him keep his head above water. Many swim rings can be adjusted for different levels of buoyancy. For a child who is unfamiliar with the water, use maximum inflation and buoyancy. As the child gains more experience and strength, you may be able to reduce the amount of inflation.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Dark Lightning
Flamingo Kids Life Vest
Body Glove
Paddle Pals Learn to Swim Life Jacket
Wowelife
Inflatable Swim Arm Bands
FREDS SWIM ACADEMY
Toddler SwimTrainer Classic with Safety Straps
Speedo
Begin to Swim Vinyl Basic Arm Bands
The team that worked on this review
  • Kristin
    Kristin
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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Stearns

Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket

Stearns

Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket

The Puddle Jumper foam float jacket includes built-in arm rings and chest pad. Easy on, easy off, and it will never deflate.

$19
×

Floatsafe Floatie

Floties Soft Fabric Armbands

Floatsafe Floatie

Floties Soft Fabric Armbands

These fabric arm floaties work just like the plastic ones, but they're more comfortable and easier to put on.

$19
×

Doji Kids

First Floatie Swim Vest Life Jacket

Doji Kids

First Floatie Swim Vest Life Jacket

This patent-pending design lets you use the inflatable fabric arm bands with or without the swim belt.

$24
×

Intex

Arm Band Swim Trainers

Intex

Arm Band Swim Trainers

Easy to pack, easy to inflate, easy to put on. These swim floats are a good choice for preschoolers and young elementary-age kids.

$5
×

Speedo

Kids Begin to Swim Basic Arm Bands

Speedo

Kids Begin to Swim Basic Arm Bands

These arm floats fit older todders and preschoolers best and are recommended for children already learning to swim.

$4

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