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The 9 best swimming rings 2024?

by Laura

swimming ring
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Do you just want to relax and float on the water on hot days? Then a swimming ring is the solution!

What many people don’t know:

There are special swimming rings for children that have an additional safety system.

Avoid buying mistakes:

BeyondSurfing has spent over 43 hours researching and presents you with the best swim rings for children and adults.

In a hurry? Our favorite swim ring:

Bestway Hydro Force floating ring chair*
Why is this the best swimming tire?

  • Handles
  • Two cup holders
  • Incl. Backrest
  • Free repair kit
  • Lanyard to hold on to
  • Light color does not heat up

“A practical swimming ring for the whole family. Even with intensive use, air only needs to be refilled very rarely.” – Marie Schwab (★★★★★)

Swimming rings Checklist: These features are important

  • Size: Floating rings do not all have the same diameter. Pay attention to your height and width.
  • Safety: Children’s swimming rings must comply with certain safety regulations.
  • Features: Safety valves prevent the air from escaping when the valve is open.
  • Types: There are double swimming rings for couples or families. There are floating rings with handles for wild rides behind the boat
  • Inflate: If you don’t have an air pump, a garbage bag will help you inflate it.

Also interesting: The most popular bathing islands 2024.

The top swim rings for adults in 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

Best floating chair

1. Intex inflatable armchair

Advantages

  • Handles
  • Cup holder
  • Incl. Backrest
  • Free repair kit
  • Mesh floor
  • Light color does not heat up

Disadvantages

  • Only one color available
  • No immersion possible

Summary

The floating ring chair from Intex is made of durable vinyl material. Should a hole nevertheless occur, the manufacturer supplies repair patches at the same time. The safety valves hold the air reliably for a long time.

An inflatable backrest provides extra comfort. People weighing up to 80 kg can relax on it. The two grab handles provide safety in the event of waves or wild rides behind the boat.

There is a cup holder for relaxed users. So you can spend the afternoon enjoying a cool drink by the pool. The mesh insert ensures that you do not slip through. It offers children additional safety. Connecting clips on the outside of the ring allow several rings to be joined together to form an island.

Conclusion

The mesh insert makes the product suitable for the whole family. With grab handles, cup holders and a backrest, the floating ring is ideally equipped for any type of use.

Customers who want to dive through the ring prefer to choose a model without a mesh insert.

Product details

Size: 130 x 126 cm | Material: Mesh and vinyl | Weight: 900 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 87 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The armchair will delight the whole family and is suitable for children and adults alike. The safety net prevents children from falling through. The ring can even withstand a wild romp. The net in the floor prevents you from getting stuck. With other rings, you slip too far through and then find it difficult to get out again. Even a 160 kg load is no problem.

Around 3% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

One buyer’s chair was delivered broken, another’s net was torn after the first use.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can you talk through the tire?
No, the tire has a mesh floor in the middle. However, this brings in water so that the body is pleasantly cooled.
Can the tire be transported in a suitcase?
Yes, the pack size is extremely small and easy to travel with.

Best cheap swim ring

2. intex floating tire Pineapple

Advantages

  • Unusual pineapple design
  • Headboard for comfortable lying
  • Favorable purchase price
  • Low weight and pack size
  • Free repair patches

Disadvantages

  • Only one color available
  • Narrow hole

Summary

The floating ring from Intex looks like a pineapple with a hole in the middle. The green part of the fruit can be used as a header. The pack size and weight are particularly small.

The material is also made of high-quality vinyl. In the rare event of damage to the material, Intex sends repair patches directly with the product.

The surface is smooth and pleasant on the skin. The seams are only on the outside so that you can’t scratch yourself even when diving through.

Conclusion

The low purchase price makes this floating ring a worthwhile investment.

The pineapple look is particularly summery and is also ideal as a decoration. If you are looking for a sturdy floating tire to embellish your pool or as an eye-catcher on the beach, then you’ve come to the right place!

As the hole is quite narrow, people with a wider build are better off choosing a different product.

Product details

Size: 117 x 86 cm, hole approx. 45 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: N/A

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 85% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The tire has a smooth and pleasant surface. Even waves are no problem and the pineapple can easily withstand 80 kg. The colors do not fade even in intense sunlight. The quality is superb and the look is very appealing. You can simply slip through them and keep your body cool. You can rest your head on the green of the pineapple.

Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Unfortunately, the diameter is quite small. The ring is therefore more suitable for narrower people. One customer describes that the tire loses air pressure quickly. That’s why you should have a pump with you.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

How wide is the hole on the inside?
The inside diameter is around 45 cm.
Is the buoyancy aid suitable for adults?
Yes, according to customer reports, a load of up to 120 kg was possible without any problems.

Best swimming ring for 2 people

3. Bestway double ring lounge

Advantages

  • For two people
  • Comfortable backrest
  • Handles
  • Safety valve
  • Repair patches
  • Robust material

Disadvantages

  • Only one color available
  • Sharp-edged weld seams in some cases

Summary

The double ring from Bestway is suitable for two people. At last you can talk to each other comfortably and are no longer driven apart. The width of over 1.7 m offers enough space for relaxation.

When the swim ring is used in the sea, the handles on both sides provide safety in the event of waves. With turquoise and white, the color goes very well with the element of water. In calm waters, the neck rest invites you to read.

The safety valve prevents the air from escaping quickly and the repair patches supplied provide additional protection against damage during excursions. However, the almost 3 mm thick vinyl can easily withstand a lot of stress.

Conclusion

This double ring is particularly suitable for couples and friends who want to spend relaxed time together on the water. No one has to paddle after the other anymore.

As the double size increases the pack size, single users are better off choosing a different product.

Product details

Size: 171 x 105 x 48 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 1.5 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 87 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The ring is also tight on the pebble beach. It does not fade quickly in the sun. Also works as a support for pool covers. The double ring can also withstand 200 kg. The pack size is easily big enough for a suitcase and takes up no more space than a large bath towel. At last you’re no longer being rinsed apart with partners or friends. Most customers would buy the product again at any time.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 7% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some customers are complaining about manufacturing faults, they were supplied with leaky rings. In some cases, the weld seams are sharp-edged. It scratches when you slide or dive through the swim ring, for example. The inclination of the backrest was not comfortable for all customers.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Does the ring tilt if only one person sits on one side?
No, the floating ring is designed so that it can also be used on its own.
What is the weight of the floating ring with packaging?
With the box it is approx. 4 kg. When this is removed, it weighs only 1.5 kg.

Further highlights

4. flamingo ring with cup holder

Advantages

  • XXL size
  • Cool flamingo design
  • Floating cup holder free of charge
  • Product manufactured in a social project

Disadvantages

  • Larger pack size due to flamingo head
  • Only one color available

Summary

According to the manufacturer, the flamingo ring from the TK Group Timo Klingler is produced as part of a social project. People with disabilities are involved in the production.

The swimming ring looks like a large, pink flamingo with printed wings, eyes and even eyelashes. The neck of the flamingo can be used as a backrest or to hold on to.

The particularly large diameter of 110 cm is also suitable for taller people. The manufacturer supplies a floating cup holder. This is in the shape of a donut with a bite and holds bottles or cups on the surface of the water.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a swimming ring for the whole family and value social production, this is the product for you.

The neck and head increase the pack size. A simple swimming ring is therefore more suitable for traveling.

Product details

Size: 120 x 120 x 110 cm | Material: PVC | Weight: 689 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 79% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The flamingo swimming ring is fun for all generations. Children can play with it without it breaking quickly. The material is somewhat thinner than other products, but still surprisingly tear-resistant. This reduces the tare weight. The printed safety instructions contribute to the correct handling of the product. The XXL ring diameter is also suitable for wider people.

Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 21% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Unfortunately, the ring was delivered broken in some cases. The photo shows 3 cup holders, but only two or one are supplied.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Does the flamingo have a print?
Yes, safety instructions are printed on the ring on a white background.
What does the cup holder look like?
It is a floating mini donut with a bite.

5. transparent glitter Intex floating tire

Advantages

  • Sparkling glitter filling
  • Light-colored material does not heat up
  • Small pack size
  • Incl. Repair kit

Disadvantages

  • No extras such as grab handles or cup holders
  • No safety valve
  • Color selection is random

Summary

This transparent floating tire from Intex is filled with glitter. The golden or pink filling shines and sparkles in the sun. With a diameter of 119 cm, the ring is comfortable for adults.

Although there is no manufacturer’s information on the maximum load capacity, the customer reviews speak for a robust swim ring. Experience has shown that a 0.3 mm thick vinyl layer can withstand a lot. If holes do occur, the manufacturer supplies a repair kit with the product.

This tire is so popular that even many markets have it in stock. From Depot to Müller, to empty|, Ebay and Amazon – if you are too impatient for delivery by post, simply buy the product in a store in your area.

Conclusion

This swim ring sparkles so much that it literally attracts attention. If you like this attention or would like to use the ring as an additional decoration, this is the product for you.

Since the color is randomly selected, you should like both pink and gold so as not to be disappointed in the end.

Product details

Size: 119 x 119 x 119 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 882 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 100 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The design sparkles in the sun. Customers on the beach have repeatedly mentioned the beautiful product. The quality is good and robust. It can easily be taken on vacation. One customer gave it 5 stars with the comment: “Simply super.”

Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

There are no negative reviews of this product yet.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can I choose the color of the floating ring?
Unfortunately not. The manufacturer supplies the pink or gold swim ring at random.

The top swim rings for children in 2024

1. Fred’s Swim Academy swim coach

Advantages

  • Warning color
  • Incl. Safety belt
  • 5 different air chambers
  • Tüv tested
  • Incl. detailed operating instructions

Disadvantages

  • No safety valve
  • Only one color available

Summary

This swim trainer from Freds Swim Academy comes in the signal color red. This way you won’t lose sight of your child. Detailed safety instructions are printed on the ring to remind you of the correct behavior at all times.

The ring is suitable for children from 3 months to approx. 4 years. It allows splashing around and practicing the first swimming movements. The seat belt is infinitely adjustable and therefore extremely adaptable.

The 5 inflatable chambers make it possible to change the air pressure as required. This allows the position of the child to be adjusted. Starting from very upright to semi-recumbent. Tüv Süd classifies the Swimtrainer as safe.

Conclusion

If you value tested safety and are looking for a loyal companion for the first few years in the water, then reach for this product. Your child is well secured without restricting movement and fun.

Your child can safely learn their first swimming movements with this swimming trainer under supervision. However, those who don’t like red will be dissatisfied with the color selection.

Product details

Size: 20 x 16 x 3 cm | Material: PVC | Weight: 313 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 78% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The product is exactly the right size. The children are well secured but can still splash around in the water with their hands. Even in wind and waves, the ring is still very stable. The workmanship is very high quality and even wild pedaling is no problem. The first swimming movements can also be practiced because the legs are in the water. The children can even move around in it themselves. However, they should still be supervised without a break!

Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 13% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

One customer finds the product dangerous. If the child turns over on contact with the ground and swims upside down, it can no longer turn back. As the safety instructions call for constant supervision, this should not be a problem. One customer’s valve broke after a short period of use. Unfortunately, there are no safety valves.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Is the ring manufactured in Germany?
Yes, the product is made in Germany and TÜV Süd tested.
Is this buoyancy aid also available for adult wheelchair users?
No, the product is only suitable for children up to 4 years of age.

2. babyino swim ring

Advantages

  • No sharp edges
  • Incl. Safety valves
  • Child-friendly design

Disadvantages

  • No safety belt
  • No printed security images

Summary

The material is particularly smooth. This prevents your child from injuring themselves even if they make wild movements. The child sits in a water-repellent fabric seat secured with clips.

Safety valves prevent the air from escaping too quickly.

Conclusion

If you value a cute design and certified safety, this swim ring is for you.

If printed security images are important to you as a reminder, it is better to choose a different product.

Product details

Size: 19 x 14 x 5 cm | Material: N/A | Weight: 259 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 100 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The child sits perfectly and comfortably. It looks cute and the children like the fish printed on it. There are no sharp edges and the child cannot slip through. The bells in the ring ring with every movement. The children really enjoy it. The quality is high and the material is very robust. It is the perfect gift.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

From how many months can the ring be used?
The manufacturer’s recommendation is 6 to 36 months.
Is the ring TÜV certified?
Yes, the ring is TÜV certified.

3. AmzKoi infant swim ring with pump

Advantages

  • Free air pump
  • Safety valve
  • Incl. Safety belt
  • Adjustable seat
  • Roof

Disadvantages

  • Not TÜV tested
  • No printed security images
  • Only one color available

Summary

This infant swim ring comes with a free air pump. The model also has a sun canopy.

The buoyancy aid is printed with dolphins and clouds and the design is very child-friendly. The air chamber is designed to provide ergonomic support for the child.

The built-in safety valves prevent the air from escaping too quickly. The safety harness and seat are adjustable and can therefore grow with the child for several years. The open end of the ring enables optimum adjustment.

Conclusion

The pump supplied is particularly practical for parents who have difficulty inflating other products.

If tested safety is important to you, you should opt for a TÜV-certified product. You must be able to read the instructions in English.

Product details

Size: 47.7 x 49.7 x 59 cm | Material: PVC | Weight: 790 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 92 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The pump supplied is extremely practical. The harness and seat are adjustable and therefore grow with the child up to the age of 4. Because the ring is not completely closed, it adapts well to the width of the child. Inflation is easy even without a pump.

Around 8% are neutral about the product, while no one rates the product as inadequate or insufficient.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the child only lie in the prone position?
Yes, as it is ergonomically the safest position, only the prone position is possible.
Is a baby weighing 9.5 kg also suitable for the infant swim ring?
Yes, this weight is not a problem.

4. Bestway inflatable boat Junior

Advantages

  • Pull rope for holding by supervisor
  • Free repairflicen
  • Two colors

Disadvantages

  • Not suitable for learning to swim

Summary

This children’s boat is a real eye-catcher. However, it is not a buoyancy aid, but a toy. This means you must not let your child out of your sight. An attached pull rope is used for holding by a supervisor.

If you follow the safety instructions, your child can have lots of fun.

Conclusion

Your child will have lots of fun with this boat. It is particularly suitable for anxious children who need to be introduced to water in a playful way.

The product is not suitable for learning to swim. You must look after your child at all times.

Product details

Size: 91 x 61 x 20 cm | Material: PVC | Weight: 308 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 84% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The inflatable boat brings children closer to the water in a playful way. The material is super soft. The outer ring is large and offers sufficient safety.

Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Unfortunately, some products were delivered defective.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

How do you inflate the floating ring?
Simply by mouth or with the enclosed air pump.
Is the roof removable?
Yes, it can be easily removed for transportation and on non-sunny days.

Buy swimming rings:
How to find the right buoyancy aid

adult swim ring

Did you know that you can also inflate your buoyancy aids with a bin bag?

Floating rings are very easy to inflate with a garbage bag, even without an air pump. Simply fill the bag with air and then press it into the valve. Repeat until the floating ring is inflated.

Günter Herz ★★★★★
(Vlogger on Youtube)

A swimming ring can be a great addition to a summer vacation or days at the lake. A child-friendly model can assist with learning to swim. The supply is huge due to the high demand.

The best is yet to come:

BeyondSurfing tells you what you need to look out for so that you can enjoy your swim ring for as long as possible.

What you need to consider when buying swimming rings

When looking for the best swimming ring, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:

  • Material
  • Size
  • Weight
  • Valves
  • Design
  • Security

Material of swimming rings?

Almost all manufacturers use materials such as vinyl and PVC.

The following rule of thumb applies:

The thicker the material, the more resistant it is to damage.

This means:

Always make sure that the material is non-toxic and does not contain PAHs. More on this in the section “Consumer Reports and Öko Test“.

Size of floating tires?

The larger the floating ring, the more air volume it can hold. The more air volume, the more weight can be carried.

Why is that?

The higher the air volume, the greater the buoyancy, so more weight can be kept above water.

Good to know: Children’s models are usually adjustable and grow with the child from infancy up to the age of 4.

Pro tip: Make sure you choose the right swim ring diameter

If it is important for you to be able to jump or dive through the hole in the middle, the hole must not be narrower than the body.

The inner diameter of the ring should be at least 2 cm larger than you. So take a look at the measurements and measure the widest point of your body.

Weight of swimming rings?

The weight of a floating ring depends on several factors:

  • Thickness of the material
  • Size of the ring
  • Extras such as grab handles, backrests or mesh inserts
  • Filling material such as glitter or plastic balls
  • Tethers that are attached to the ring

If some of these aspects are important to you and you want a colorful ring or handles, for example, then you will have to accept additional weight.

Valves of the buoyancy aid?

swim_ring_large
Safety valves prevent the air from escaping directly when a valve is opened. The air can only escape when pressure is applied from both sides.

But safety valves also have disadvantages:

Some people find it more difficult to inflate floating rings with safety valves without an air pump.

Swimming ring and buoyancy aid designs?

As everyone has different preferences, BeyondSurfing presents an overview of the most common designs here:

  • Pineapple, cherry or melon
  • Donuts (with bite point)
  • Animals such as a flamingo, unicorn, horse, swan or dolphin
  • Spongebob Squarepants
  • Confetti, feathers or glitter filling
  • Couple ring
  • Floating rings with backrest or neck support
  • With mesh insert
  • Floating ring with roof
  • Floating ring car
  • Floating rings with cup holder/s
  • Swimming ring with handles

Safety of swimming rings and buoyancy aids?

This point is particularly vital for children’s swimming aids. You should never buy a buoyancy aid for children and babies without accompanying instructions. There are also rings with pictures printed on them that give warnings.

Some safety rules must be followed for non-swimmers:

  1. Never leave your child unattended.
  2. The body position in the ring must be designed in such a way that it does not tip over.
  3. The surface must not have any sharp edges.
  4. Check the density of the material several times before it goes into the water.
  5. Seat belts must be quick to unfasten.
  6. The leg opening must not be too narrow.

Is your child afraid of water?

Some swimming pools offer playful water familiarization courses:

Floating ring tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test

Consumer Reports has unfortunately not yet carried out a swimming ring test.

Öko Test examined a number of air mattresses. As these are very similar in design and material to swimming rings, the same safety instructions apply:

In some cases, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found. These substances can enter the body through skin contact and are carcinogenic.

Watch out: No-name suppliers who produce cheaply in Asia were particularly noticeable.

Well-known brands and manufacturers

You can rely on safe material from the following renowned manufacturers:


Intex, Bestway


Both manufacturers have been experienced suppliers of air beds and inflatable water articles for decades. You are known for your high safety standards and have a creative team.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

What should you look out for in a swim ring?

The diameter of the hole must not be narrower than your body. The material must be harmless and must not contain PAHs (carcinogenic substances).

The thickness of the material is also a decisive quality feature. The narrower the more susceptible to damage.

Which infant swim ring?

There are extra infant swim rings with a built-in seat and safety harness. For the outdoor pool, you should also look for a seat with a sun canopy. The strong summer sun can quickly harm small children.

Which swimming ring for toddlers?

Small children from the age of 3 can try out swimming rings without a built-in seat together with a supervisor. These must be narrower than a ring for adults. Otherwise the child slips through too easily and cannot hold on.

Which swimming ring for children?

Children who can already swim are no longer dependent on the swimming ring for safety. It is now only a support. Most of the time it is more of a toy. For this reason, particularly robust and thick material must be used. Children are often rougher with swimming rings than adults.

Where can you buy a swimming ring?

Empty offers a large selection of swimming rings. Here you can also view the products directly in a store and often even inspect them when inflated.

Among online-only sellers, Amazon has the most swim rings with over 1000 search results. Here you benefit from fair return conditions and favorable prices.

How much does a swim ring cost?

Demand is so high that manufacturers are producing in extremely large quantities, which significantly reduces costs. Float rings from renowned manufacturers are available for as little as €4.99. The price range goes up to around 20-30 €.

Pro tip: If you buy your swim ring in winter, you will often find lower prices.

Conclusion: The most popular swim rings reviewed

The winners of the product comparison take into account the quality and durability of swimming rings.

If you follow the tips in BeyondSurfing’s buying guide, you will enjoy your swim ring for a long time to come.

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

Laura

Beach and snorkeling expert
Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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