No matter which water activity is your favorite—whether it’s paddleboarding, white-water rafting, kayaking, or jet skiing—wearing a life vest can help to keep you safe. “You may choose to use a life vest anytime you or your child is near any water, including a pool or beach,” Chris DeJong, founder of Big Blue Swim School, says. “Life vests are specifically designed to keep someone afloat, turning the wearer face-up with their mouth and nostrils above water.”
Life vests come in a wide range of materials, colors, fits, and types. To find the best life vests, we reviewed dozens of options from the top, trusted brands. We also interviewed a founder of a swim school and a kayaking coach for expert insight, and chose the best life vests based on price, material, fit, and more.
Reviewed & Approved
The Jetpilot Shaun Murray Neoprene Vest is our men’s top choice, thanks to its premium materials and extra protection around the ribs and sides. We also recommend Mustang Survival Women’s Destiny Vest, our women’s top choice, thanks to its adjustment capabilities and reflective trim.
Based on our research, here are the best life vests on the market.
We chose Jetpilot’s Shaun Murray Neoprene Vest as our best overall pick. It has been expertly designed by a professional wakeboarder, who tested it during every watersport you can imagine before it was made available to purchase. This life vest is made from flex-lite neoprene, which makes it not only soft and lightweight but also durable. It holds less water than other life vests, which is great for any watersport you may decide to do.
Best Men’s Overall
Jetpilot Shaun Murray Neoprene Vest
Made from premium materials
Durable
Extra protection around ribs and sides
Only comes in one color
Expensive
No mesh pockets
Although only available in one color, we love the silver look. It’s U.S. Coast Guard-Approved, and there is foam cut and segmented into 19 panels on the life vest. That means there is extra support, especially around the ribs and sides, areas that usually hurt the most when you fall.
Price at time of publication: $140
Sizes: XS-2XL | Material: Neoprene | Certifications: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved | Flotation: Not listed | Colors: One
Because it has six points of adjustment, we recommend Mustang Survival’s Women’s Destiny Vest for its thoughtful features. It’s great for women who usually find the fitting on life vests awkward, and there is even added support for the shoulders and bust areas. The large mesh pockets are ideal to keep your valuables safe and secure.
Best Women’s Overall
Mustang Survival Destiny Foam Vest for Women
Large mesh pockets
Six points of adjustment
Enhanced visibility in low light conditions
Only comes in one color
Only comes in two sizes
Expensive
We love the reflective trim on the front, back, and shoulders, because it means it can be used in the late evening or night, or on days when there is low visibility. Although it only comes in one color and two sizes, this life vest has all the features you need.
Price at time of publication: $135
Sizes: S/M and L/XL (two sizes) | Material: Nylon/neoprene | Certification: Harmonized Level 70 - USA and Canada | Flotation: 15.7 lbs | Colors: One
For a budget-friendly option, we recommend Stohlquist’s Unisex Adult Life Jacket. Like many others on our list, this life vest is U.S. Coast Guard-Approved. It’s both lightweight and comfortable, because it’s made from polyethylene foam. It doesn’t matter if you want a life vest for the beach or for a watersport—this one comes at a reasonable price point.
Best Budget
Stohlquist Fit Unisex Adult Life Jacket
Lightweight
Designed for high mobility
Thinner back for comfort when seated
Only comes in two sizes
May ride up during use
No reflective trim
This life vest has a thinner back, compared to the front, to make it more comfortable when seated, and it has larger armholes than other life vests on our list for increased mobility. The downside is that it may ride up during use, which might not be ideal for some watersports. There is also no reflective trim for when there is low visibility, and it only comes in two sizes.
Price at time of publication: $45 for Blue/Black
Sizes: Universal and Oversized (two sizes) | Material: Polyethylene Foam | Certification: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved | Flotation: 18 lbs | Colors: Four
If you’re looking for a life vest for kayaking, we recommend L.L. Bean’s Breathable Highback Vest. This life vest has a high-back construction, making it more comfortable when seated in a taller kayak or canoe seat. It also has reflective material on the front and back, which is ideal for low-light conditions.
Best for Kayaking
L.L. Bean Breathable Highback Vest
High-back construction
Well-padded
Enhanced visibility in low light conditions
Only comes in two colors
We love how padded this life vest is—it gives you extra comfort and protection when doing any water activities, especially when you fall. There’s also a mesh pocket to keep your valuables secure. L.L. Bean’s Breathable Highback Vest comes in two colors.
Price at time of publication: $129
Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL | Material: Nylon | Certification: Not listed | Flotation: 16 lbs | Colors: Two
For paddleboarding, we recommend Field & Stream’s Element Angler Vest. We love the large range of sizes on the life vest—this means that there should be an option for everyone out there. There’s a heavy-duty front zipper, so it’s easy to put on and take off this life vest. But what’s also great is that there’s a rod holder, which makes it perfect for fishing or angling.
Best for Paddleboarding
Field & Stream Element Angler Vest
Large range of sizes
Heavy-duty front zipper
Convenient for fishing sports
Only comes in two colors
No reflective trim
A mesh pocket at the front keeps your valuables safe and secure, and although there is no reflective trim for low-light conditions like on some other vests on our list, we do like the fact that it’s made from premium materials.
Price at time of publication: $60
Sizes: M-3XL | Material: Nylon/neoprene | Certification: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved | Flotation: Not listed | Colors: Two
Eyson’s Inflatable Life Jacket is our top pick for inflatable life vests. In some situations, an inflatable life vest may be preferred over a foam life vest (which is what all of the others on our list are). This is usually because they are more compact and lightweight, which are exactly the features that Eyson’s Inflatable Life Jacket boasts. It can be inflated manually in seconds by pulling the cord, but there’s also a back-up oral inflation tube in case it’s needed. This life vest also comes in a wide range of colors.
Best Inflatable
Eyson Inflatable Life Jacket
Lightweight and durable
Large range of colors
Back-up oral inflation tube
One universal size
Not U.S. Coast Guard-Approved
Although it only comes in one universal size and is not U.S. Coast Guard-Approved, it does come in at a great price point, and it is extremely comfortable for all-day use.
Price at time of publication: $65 for Black
Size: Universal (one-size) | Material: Polyester, Nylon, Neoprene, Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Certification: CE-Certificated & SOLAS-Approved | Flotation: 33.7 lbs | Colors: Nine
For trips to the beach, we recommend the Airhead Wicked NeoLite Vest. When you’re at the beach, you’re usually looking for a life vest that’s less bulky, and that’s why we love this life vest. It weighs less than others on our list, and because it’s made from quick-drying and soft materials, it should keep you both comfortable and dry. There is a large range of sizes you can choose from, from youth to XL, so you can match your children if you wish.
Best for the Beach
Airhead Wicked NeoLite Vest
Large range of sizes
Made from quick-drying and soft materials
Minimal bulk design
Only comes in one color
May need to order a size up
One downside is that it only comes in a hot-pink color, which may not suit some people’s tastes. Note that you may need to order a size up from your usual when ordering. Otherwise, this life vest is secure and easy to remove, making it perfect for a day out at the beach.
Price at time of publication: $100 for XS/Teen
Sizes: Youth-XL | Material: Nylon | Certification: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved | Flotation: Not listed | Colors: One
We recommend the O’Brien Women’s Focus Life Jacket if you’re looking for a neoprene life vest. Made from environmentally friendly materials, this neoprene life vest is fast-drying, light, and comfortable, making it great for any watersport you choose to do. The wide armholes also give you increased mobility.
Best Neoprene
O’Brien Women’s Focus Life Jacket
Made from environmentally friendly materials
Lightweight and comfortable
Designed for high mobility
Only comes in one color
No mesh pockets
No reflective trim
Be aware that there are no mesh pockets for your valuables and no reflective trim for low-light conditions. And note that it only comes purple (which we love, by the way!). Otherwise, it’s a dependable life vest that comes at a reasonable price point.
Price at time of publication: $85 for Large
Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Neoprene | Certification: U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada Approved | Flotation: Not listed | Colors: One
In need of a life vest that offers a wider range of sizes? We recommend the Onyx MoveVent Life Jacket. We love this option because of the range of sizes it offers, going up to 2XL. It’s not often that you see life vests that have comparable sizes. A large storage pocket is included, which helps to keep your valuables in easy reach, and there’s a marine whistle attached so you can call for help in case of an emergency.
Best Size Range
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Jacket
Large range of sizes
Marine whistle included
Large storage pocket
No reflective trim
Although there is no reflective trim for low-light conditions, the Onyx MoveMent Life Jacket is a U.S. Coast Guard-Approved vest that can keep you safe while you’re doing your favorite water activities.
Price at time of publication: $60 for Yellow in Medium/Large
Sizes: XS-2XL | Material: Nylon | Certification: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved | Flotation: Not listed | Colors: Four
We chose the O’Neill Youth SuperLite Life Vest as our top pick for a life vest for kids, mainly because it has a wide range of colors to choose from, which should appeal to most children’s tastes. It also boasts a minimal bulk design and is extremely durable, which is ideal for kids who love to play.
Best for Kids
O’Neill Youth SuperLite Life Vest
Large range of colors
Minimal bulk design
Durable
Some colors are more expensive than others
Some kids may not like the snug fit
Note that some colors are priced at nearly double those of others, and the snug fit on this life vest may be too tight or uncomfortable for some kids. Otherwise, it’s a top pick from a trusted brand, which is why it made our list.
Price at time of publication: $35 for Smoke/Graphite/Red:White
Size: Universal (one size) | Material: Nylon | Certification: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved | Flotation: Not listed | Colors: Six
How We Selected
To choose the best life vests, we first spoke with Chris DeJong, owner of a swim school, and Elliott Davidson, a kayaking coach. They shared their advice on the reasons for using a life vest, how and why the fit of a life vest matters, and the factors to consider when purchasing one.
Final Verdict
The Jetpilot Shaun Murray Neoprene Vest is our top men’s overall pick, as it’s made from premium materials and has extra protection around the ribs and sides. Its durability means that it’s great for multiple uses.
We also recommend Mustang Survival Women’s Destiny Vest. We love the adjustment capabilities on this life vest, and the mesh pockets are great for keeping your valuables secure.
Next, we researched dozens of different life vests from the most trusted brands and picked the best products based on quality and value. We also considered fit, color, materials, and the type of life vest.
What to Look for in a Life Vest
Type
Life vests can come as either standard or inflatable. Inflatable life vests are usually lighter and more comfortable, making them great for all-day use. They do, however, require manual inflation, so you may prefer standard versions that do not. The best type of life vest for you also depends on other factors, like the watersport you do and your swimming ability.
Fit
When shopping for a life vest, consider how it fits. If you get it wrong, it may not protect you in your time of need. “A life vest is usually adjustable around the waist and shoulders with straps. This is so that you can get the life jacket around the natural middle between your neck and waist. It shouldn’t be one extreme or the other,” Davidson says. When it comes to fit, you’ll want a life vest that fits snug but also allows some room for movement.
Price
The price point for life vests varies. If you’re going to use it often and perhaps in rougher conditions, investing in a high-quality, durable, well-fitted life vest is recommended. If you’re not confident in your swimming abilities, it’s also recommended to get a high-quality life vest. However, if you’re going to use it less often or in less-extreme conditions, you may prefer a more budget-friendly option.
Certification
The most common certification to look for is the U.S. Coast Guard certification. Not all life jackets are approved by the U.S Coast Guard, so you may want to consider that before buying a life vest. “A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is required for certain activities, such as boating, and care should be taken to select the right device for the situation,” DeJong says.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a certified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well reviewed by those who’ve tried them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the different types of life vests?
- You can get standard life vests, which are made from a foam material, or inflatable life vests, which are usually lighter and more comfortable for continuous wear. The benefit of standard life vests is that they don’t need to be inflated by pulling a cord or by manual inflation. However, they can be bulkier than inflatable versions.
- What is the best material for a life vest?
- The outside of most life vests is usually made from nylon or neoprene, or a combination of the two. Nylon is less expensive, and lighter, making it great for paddle sports. For more intense sports, neoprene is usually preferable. It’s more expensive but provides a snug fit and higher amounts of buoyancy, which is great for keeping you safe.
- How should a life vest fit?
- The best color for your life vest depends on where you’ll be using it. If it’s for the beach or for low-risk activities, any color you prefer will usually do. However, if you’re using it for more extreme water sports, you may want to purchase a bright and visible colored life vest, such as orange or yellow. That will make you easier to spot in case of an emergency.
- What is the best color for a life vest?
- The best color for your life vest depends on where you’ll be using it. If it’s for the beach or for low-risk activities, any color you prefer will usually do. However, if you’re using it for more extreme water sports, you may want to purchase a bright and visible colored life vest, such as orange or yellow. That will make you easier to spot in case of an emergency.
- What are the safety features of life jackets?
- When it comes to additional safety features on life jackets, some come with none as standard, and some may have one or two additional features. However, it’s important to note that these can be added afterward. For example, crotch straps, a whistle, a light, and a spray hood are all things that could enhance your chances of survival, so you may want to consider adding them on. “If there are crotch straps to stop the lifejacket from rising up, make sure to use them,” Davidson says.
You can get standard life vests, which are made from a foam material, or inflatable life vests, which are usually lighter and more comfortable for continuous wear. The benefit of standard life vests is that they don’t need to be inflated by pulling a cord or by manual inflation. However, they can be bulkier than inflatable versions.
The outside of most life vests is usually made from nylon or neoprene, or a combination of the two. Nylon is less expensive, and lighter, making it great for paddle sports. For more intense sports, neoprene is usually preferable. It’s more expensive but provides a snug fit and higher amounts of buoyancy, which is great for keeping you safe.
The best color for your life vest depends on where you’ll be using it. If it’s for the beach or for low-risk activities, any color you prefer will usually do. However, if you’re using it for more extreme water sports, you may want to purchase a bright and visible colored life vest, such as orange or yellow. That will make you easier to spot in case of an emergency.
When it comes to additional safety features on life jackets, some come with none as standard, and some may have one or two additional features. However, it’s important to note that these can be added afterward. For example, crotch straps, a whistle, a light, and a spray hood are all things that could enhance your chances of survival, so you may want to consider adding them on. “If there are crotch straps to stop the lifejacket from rising up, make sure to use them,” Davidson says.
