Best budget triathlon wetsuits for men and women

Your first triathlon wetsuit purchase is one of the most crucial you’ll ever make, the start of a multisport journey that could last a lifetime.

But that’s not to say that the entry-level suits here are just for beginners, as many display enough quality for a host of triathlon experiences. What they are, however, are top budget triathlon wetsuits on the market, from $150/£100 up to $350/£300, for men and women.

If you can, find a triathlon retailer or triathlon expo to try the suits, especially if this is your first triathlon wetsuit purchase. If not, ensure any online seller has a decent returns policy and study the size guide.

Also, think about your own swim ability when picking as some features – slender neoprene and a reduction in buoyancy – are lost on, or even detrimental to, beginner swimmers.

Those with sinking legs should look for increased neoprene thickness with enhanced buoyancy. And consider which races (sprint or Ironman?!) you’ll be entering and whether you suffer from the cold.

Former 220 features editor and regular kit-tester, Matt Baird takes on the men’s suits, and will provide a close examination of buoyancy for sinking bodies, comfort and fit, plus added technologies. Value and beginner benefits were other key considerations.

In the women’s best cheap triathlon wetsuits, 220 Triathlon editor Helen Webster and former staff writer Kate Milsom look at value for money, buoyancy levels and additional features for athletes either new to triathlon and/or on a budget.

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Top women’s cheap triathlon wetsuits

1. Orca Athlex Float

• $349 / £239

The triathlon range from Spanish brand Orca remains unchanged for 2024, which is no bad thing as I’ve long turned to them for racing.

Combining supple, flexible fabrics with the perfect fit on this tester, I’m always amazed by the price point on the entry-level models.

The Athlex Float tested here is the entry-level suit with buoyancy (hence ‘Float’) and, while I wouldn’t usually choose a buoyant suit, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to swim in without feeling like my body position was compromised or movement restricted.

This suit features 4.5mm neoprene in the legs and core panel to create that lift, but it still retains a good degree of flexibility, which likely aids that freedom of movement, alongside the highly elastic Infinity Skin 2 lining. All-in-all, this is a superb suit for the money.

2. Zone3 Aspect Breaststroke Wetsuit

• $265 / £179

The Aspect is unique in this test as it’s designed for breaststroke. As such, it has reduced buoyancy and increased flexibility to allow breaststroke kicking, but there’s nothing to stop you swimming front crawl in it, either.

Buoyancy in most swimming wetsuits disrupts the normal breaststroke body position. The Aspect addresses this by using thinner SCS and smoothskin neoprene along with high-stretch nylon panels.

It wasn’t easy for this tester to get on and is quite tight, so you may want to consider sizing up. Otherwise, it acts like a second skin and feels very technical.

The thickness is reduced to 2mm on the calves, inner thighs, arms and shoulders.

The thickest areas are the front torso and rear legs, but this overall thin feel means the suit isn’t as warm as others. It only goes up to a UK size 16, too.

See our full Zone3 Aspect Breaststroke review for more.

3. Raceskin RS 01

• £240 (UK only)

This was the first time I’ve tried a Raceskin wetsuit and initially I was a bit concerned about the 5mm buoyancy panels and seemingly quite small size (my large didn’t look very large!).

However, once I’d squeezed into it I was pleasantly surprised by how well this suit performed in the water.

I didn’t have any ingress and although it was probably a little too buoyant for me, the thick panel through the legs and core will really help weaker swimmers achieve a better body position.

The arms were relatively flexible at 1.5mm, too.

Raceskin says this suit allows ‘flexibility for every stroke’, but I definitely wouldn’t attempt breaststroke in it.

The zip, unusually for an entry-level test, is open at the bottom (so done up like a zipped jacket), which is a bit of a faff but allows a bit more wriggle room.

4. Van Rysel Women’s SD Neoprene

• £119.99 (UK only)

The Van Rysel Short Distance (SD) wetsuit is Decathlon’s answer to entry-level short-course racing. The suit is for those who are new to triathlon and are looking to take on short-distance events (up to 750m).

The predominant use of jersey neoprene, with front and back Glideskin panels, aims to boost the material’s durability, but this does come with the caveat of making it a less buoyant suit that won’t be first choice for heavy-legged swimmers or colder temperatures.

We expected more lift for a wetsuit aimed at beginners, but the jersey does make the SD one of the most flexible suits on test, with no restriction felt across the arms, back, or low-cut neckline.

Like the Yonda, you can switch up your stroke with ease with the flexible design, whether it’s smooth breaststroke or front crawl. The bevelled ankle cut spells swift T1 changing, too.

5. Zone3 Advance

• $425 / £249

The latest version of the Advance is claimed to be 16% lighter and more buoyant than its predecessor.

The 4mm buoyancy panels along the legs certainly helped our form in the water and we had a decent range of movement in the arms.

We like the stylish design with reflective detailing, while the wide silicone arm and leg cuffs made the suit the fastest to take off on test.

It ticks the sustainability box, too, being made from limestone-derived 39-cell Yamamoto neoprene, rather than from petroleum.

There was no chafing, but the neck and legs felt a little short for our cold springtime test waters. Though fast to do up, the zip did allow water ingress, which isn’t ideal in colder temperatures.

6. Aqua Sphere Pursuit V3

• $299 / £198

Aqua Sphere’s wetsuits regularly blow us away, and the Pursuit V3 continues to impress.

The recipe is just right with the ‘Aqua Drive’ core panel consisting of 4mm 38-cell Yamamoto neoprene, the 3.5mm legs holding us up just enough for a streamlined position, and the 2mm thickness ‘Bio-Stretch Zone’ across the arms and back allowing for a silky-smooth arm stroke.

There’s no chafing thanks to the Aqua-Flex collar seal, though we did endure some water ingress via the back zip.

It certainly kept us warm for an hour in 10°C waters and was second only to the Zone3 Advance in terms of removal speed.

With an updated price of $299/£198, it’s a real bargain.

7. 2XU Propel P:1

• £295 (UK only)

Sitting at the very top end of our budget price range, first impressions of the Propel were good, helped by its flattering design and sleek fit.

The suit’s ‘rollbar technology’ of graduated 39-cell Yamamoto neoprene allows a variation of buoyancy from a thick 5mm at the core, to a thinner 3mm back and 2mm along the ends of arms, all of which aims to aid a swifter swim rotation and more power-conserving arm stroke.

We’re not sure on the sizing process here, which is based solely on height and weight. Our size small fits well except for a bunching of the zip on the back, which gave water ingress.

The Propel gets top marks for comfort and shoulder flexibility is great, but we were concerned about poking holes in the thin-feeling neoprene.

8. Dhb Aeron Ultra

• $350 / £250

Starting at just $150/£130, the Dhb in-house triathlon range is good for triathletes on a budget and has seen some good results in the past – this tester last used the brand’s thermal version over the winter.

Here is a slightly more expensive option designed, Dhb tells us, for ‘longer distance swims’ and that translates into the use of aerodome technology in the lower part of the suit, which aids buoyancy while minimising drag in the water.

Coupled with 2mm and 3mm chest and shoulder panels this did feel like quite a thick suit overall, but there was enough flexibility across the stroke to feel like we weren’t too restricted, and it did keep us warm through a chilly April test period.

It was a bit tricky to wriggle in and out of, though, as the lower part of the suit did feel a little rigid for this tester.

9. Lomo Prime Women’s Wetsuit

• $200 / £129

The Prime stands out in this test thanks to its inclusive sizing range, with additional ‘wide’ options to appeal to a larger variation of body shapes.

The suit is made to provide ‘warmth, flexibility and buoyancy’ and it’s one of the warmest on test. The 4/3/2 buoyancy profile is ideal for sinky-leg swimmers and those looking to save energy.

The 4mm smoothskin neoprene along the legs provides a huge amount of lift, while the 2mm neoprene along the arms allows for plenty of flex during the swim stroke. As with all the suits on test, the YKK zipper is smooth to use and the suit is fairly quick to whip off.

The Prime’s geometry isn’t best-suited for breaststroke swimming, as the back zip and garage ride high and dig into the back of the neck when lifting the head. There is no degeneration along the seams, making up a well-rounded thought-out budget suit.

Top men’s cheap triathlon wetsuits

10. Speedo Proton

• $180 / £140

The Proton has been around a while now, but that’s no bad thing as it’s a winning budget suit.

After our first swim, we had to double check the RRP as we believed it’d be more expensive, but what we actually have is Yamamoto 38-cell neoprene, and a lean, lithe and continuous 1.5mm shoulder panel for an astonishing $180/£140.

Where budget wetsuits are often purely functional – a bludgeon of buoyancy, a flirtation with flexibility – the Proton finds the balance between keeping you afloat and maintaining a feel for the water thanks to the 1.5mm thickness of the shoulders and supple neoprene. And it’s also damn enjoyable to swim in.

Negative points are minimal, although those with sinking legs may want more buoyancy than the max 4mm leg thickness offered here. The neoprene is also quite delicate and we’d size up if you’re between sizes. MB

11. 2XU P:1 Propel

• £295 (UK only)

The P:1 Propel has been a regular high scorer in our recent entry-level wetsuit tests, with this latest version largely going for the ‘If it ain’t broke’ formula.

Which is largely no bad thing, as the 2XU utilises a combination of classy 39-cell Yamamoto neoprene, an SCS coating and 1.5mm thick panels in the upper body.

And all for an entry to mid-level price point. It’s a noticeably thicker and heavier suit than the dhb Aeron Lab, for example, a mix of 3 and 5mm panels on the upper chest, legs and back giving a hefty dose of buoyancy in the water (more natural swimmers may well say too much).

There was a slither of water ingress aroud the neck, and some swimmers may prefer the visuals of the previous P:1 editions.

That said, we can certainly vouch for the 2XU P:1 Propel’s long-term durability. And this wetsuit’s two-year warranty is definitely another plus point.

12. Zone3 Agile

• $345 / £199

Zone3’s Advance has long been one of our beginner-friendly picks, but can the new Agile wetsuit undercut its celebrated older and more expensive sibling?

It certainly stands out due to the silver cuffs and back panels, which look a little too 1960s science-fiction for me. And it’s also a solid performer in the water.

The 2mm upper body panels are agile enough, while the 3 and 4mm sections deliver a considered, but not excessive, level of lift.

Yamamoto materials are seemingly absent, but an eco-friendly neoprene is present. And this is coated with a Speedflo technology that beads water to aid hydrodynamics.

With minimal water ingress and secure seams, the Zone3 Agile never failed to keep our tester warm in the English Channel in May. Like the 2XU P:1 Propel, it feels like a durable and tough wetsuit that will last through multiple seasons of use. MB

13. Yonda Spook

• $329 / £249

Yonda has fine form on these pages with the Ghost and Spectre triathlon wetsuits. The similarly paranormal-themed Spook is from the British brand’s open-water collection, but there’s little to give you the frights here.

Construction is high quality and the nylon/neoprene combo offers an unrestricted front-crawl stroke due to the smartly placed panels. The only mild chills we did experience came from some water ingress, and from the nylo being looser and more absorbent than neoprene. This means it takes longer to dry and can get heavier.

The classy neck, meanwhile, led to a chafe-free swim. We’re not convinced by the elasticated arm cuffs, which did lead to some water ingress, but the overall comfort and durability heightens the versatility – we’d happily use this on our paddleboard ventures alongside open-water swimming and for triathlon race days. MB

14. Van Rysel Men’s Triathlon SD wetsuit

• £119.99 (Europe only)

We’ve had this Decathlon wetsuit on test in the past (see the the women’s version reviewed above) and the good news is the price has stayed the same, as has the design.

That means there’s still large sections of uncoated neoprene, aside from the chest and front of the thighs, which are coated.

The result is that this wetsuit is less hydrodynamic (hence, slower), less buoyant and not as warm compared to fully coated options.

That lack of warmth and buoyancy may be enough to put you off if your legs sink a lot or you’re not used to cold water, but on the flip side, it’s very flexible and allows you to swim a variety of strokes without contributing to fatigue.

The shorter cut on the legs also helps you whip the wetsuit off in a hurry in T1, though it’s not the closest fitting, so can let water in.

There’s Velcro on the zip pull so you can keep it out of the way while swimming, too. RS

15. Lomo Prime Men’s Wetsuit

• $200/£129

We’ve tested the Prime previously and it’s unchanged aside from a price increase of $40/£29, but that’s still great value. As we’ve noted before, this suit is rather warm, even in 10°C water.

I noticed occasional water ingress around the the neck, while the suit also held a bit of excess water at times, but I think opting for the next size down would have countered that.

I also had bunching of neoprene at the armpits, which has been mentioned by our testers before. Given that, I’d suggest sizing down if you’re between sizes.

The 2mm neoprene on the arms offered decent flexibility, while the 4mm panels on the front and thighs ensured plenty of buoyancy to help sinky-legged swimmers, but may be too much for those with good technique.

The rear Velcro tab was tough to open and also developed a hole, but this hasn’t been an issue with past samples. RS

16. Zone3 Advance

• $399 / £249

The Advance was once this tester’s top entry-level suit recommendation, but it was then superseded by the Orca S7 and 2XU P:1.

The new Advance instantly takes the eco award with its recycled rubber construction, and there’s no pre-swim faff with the standard zipper (unlike Aptonia and Raceskin).

Zone3 doesn’t list the panel thicknesses, but it’s 2mm on the shoulders, a 3/4mm core and 2mm again in the calves. Buoyancy is far from excessive (leg/bottom sinkers may want more) but it’s evenly balanced. There were no neck or water-ingress issues, yet the suit only placed third in our timed speed tests.

While not an exact science, we found it tight around the shoulders (and we’re more Woody Allen than The Rock in shoulder width), which could’ve lessened efficiency. Getting it off is speedy thanks to the Pro Speed Cuffs. MB

17. Alpkit Silvertip

• £224.99 (not available in US)

Designed for cold open-water swims, Alpkit’s Silvertip is the outlier in this test against the tri-specific rivals.

The £224.99 price is among the cheapest thermal wetsuits around and you’ll find this type of liner on Huub’s Aegis Thermal.

It’s not the softest on the skin compared to Blueseventy’s glorious wool thermal liners, for example, but it seems to deliver the heat-retaining goods (albeit in Devonshire waters in May, not Scottish lochs in March).

The arm cuffs are fine if you’re wearing gloves, but there’s just too much water ingress for non-gloved swims. The tight elasticated neck chafes and isn’t one for long-swim comfort, but it does quell the water seeping in.

Upper-body flexibility from the 3mm neoprene is acceptable and buoyancy levels are fairly high. But as an entry-level thermal suit for off-season swimming – with an internal pocket and visibility touches – it has appeal. MB

Budget wetsuits can be an affordable way to keep yourself safe while training through the seasons. If you’re looking for more advice before you buy, read our guidance on how to choose a triathlon wetsuit.

How we tested

The cheap triathlon wetsuits featured here have been reviewed by 220 Triathlon‘s expert gear testing team, including the likes of seasoned triathletes Matt Baird, editor Helen Webster and top age-grouper Kate Milsom.

Each wetsuit has been tested over numerous swims, including shorter swims and swims beyond 2km.

When testing, we’ve judged the wetsuits on comfort, range of movement, buoyancy, quality, durability, how quick they are to get on or off, features, warmth and value for money.

A score of 90% and above means we believe that a product is truly class-leading, while 80-90% still represents an impressive product.

Anything wetsuit score between 70-80% is still worth considering, as it will have performed well, but there may be one or two issues.

Scores below 70% mean you should approach the product with caution!

Features to look out for in a budget triathlon wetsuit

Fit

The most important feature, hands down, is how the wetsuit fits. A good fit should feel snug but not suffocating— with enough room to swim freely and not feel constructed across the chest.

Pay attention to the fit across the neck seal, shoulders, and cuffs; too tight and you’ll chafe or restrict blood flow, too loose and water will rush in like it owns the place.

Flexibility

Budget wetsuits might not feel as effortlessly supple as high-end models, but it’s still important to feel like you have enough freedom of movement in your suit so you can swim at your optimum. The most important stretch zones are across the shoulders, upper back, and arms.

Buoyancy

Most triathlon wetsuits are thicker in the legs and torso to lift your body position and help you float like a pro. Budget models may not have the same slick coatings or high-tech foam, but they still often offer a helpful leg lift which can keep you more streamlined and reduce drag.

Speedy transitions

Look for features that make removal quicker, like smooth linings or larger zipper pulls you can grab easily on the run. Some cheaper suits even come with ankle release panels—thinner neoprene around the calves to help you whip the suit off smoothly on the go.

Durability

Budget doesn’t have to mean flimsy. You’ll want something that can handle repeated races, training swims, and maybe even the odd wild swim.

Check for reinforced seams, solid stitching, and decent resistance to fingernail nicks (it happens more than you’d think). A thicker neoprene can sometimes be more durable, though it may sacrifice a bit of flexibility—so it’s all about what balance works for you.

Thermal protection

Let’s be real – UK water is rarely tropical. Even in summer, there’s often a bit of a bite to it. While tri wetsuits aren’t made for deep winter swimming, they do offer enough insulation to take the edge off those first few strokes and keep your core warm enough to perform.

Check the neoprene thickness (usually measured in mm)—a common set-up is 4mm on the chest and thighs, 3mm on the back, and 2mm on the arms. This layering helps keep your core warm while letting you move freely up top.