IP Ratings: Pay Attention
Let’s begin by saying that waterproof is a flexible term and that water-resistant is even more. A product must have passed standardized testing to determine its level of liquid protection.
The resulting score is an IP rating (or ingress protection). The IP rating system is the subject of an entire article. It’s worth reading if you want to know more.
It is as follows: Manufacturers rigorously (we hope!) test their products using a strict system of guidelines. The resulting level of water resistance receives a numerical rating. This can be confusing as dust protection is also included in the IP system.
Let’s take, for example, a pair of headphones with an IP57 rating, while another pair has an IPX7 rating. Which pair is more waterproof? They are waterproof, but only the second digit of an IP rating refers to water resistance. In this instance, they each earn a 7.
The IP57 model is rated at level 5. Because you did not sufficiently test the IPX7 model for dust resistance, it is assigned an X. The product is unlikely to offer dust protection; the X is used instead of a 0. Most headphones we see have an IP rating with an X. Manufacturers tend to test for liquid protection more than dust.
Most people don’t require headphones with the highest water resistance. A pair with a low IP rating might be sufficient. However, a pair packed with useful features such as active noise cancellation and adjustable EQ will be a better fit for your needs.
Waterproof Vs Water-Resistant Headphones
Now that you know what these numbers mean, which IP ratings should you look for? We’ll refer to everything under the IPX classification to keep things simple. A manufacturer will rarely advertise a rating lower than IPX3, which is weak water resistance.
IPX4 is the highest rating that a product can withstand water spray from any direction. This is the minimum rating we have for the headphones we chose.
IPX5 refers to a product’s ability to withstand a nozzle’s water jets up to 6.3mm. IPX6 refers to IPX6, which can handle water jets up to 12.5mm from a nozzle. These levels should be sufficient for sweaty exercise or walking in light rain. However, these headphones shouldn’t come in contact with heavy faucet pressure and shouldn’t even be submerged.
IPX7 gear is waterproof and can be submerged for up to 30 mins. A product’s IPX7 rating indicates that it is water-resistant and waterproof. We consider this when selecting products to be included in this list. Although IPX8 devices are available, they tend to be reserved for professional-level gear and not everyday consumer use.
Best Waterproof True Wireless Earbuds
Jabra Elite 75t Waterproof Earbuds
Jabra Elite Active 75t waterproof headphones are designed to deliver superior sound quality whether you’re listening, calling, or using them for sports purposes. They feature active noise cancellation, four-microphone technology, as well as voice compatibility so that you can use Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa.
These earbuds are waterproof and sweatproof. A 15-minute charge will give you an hour. You can choose from various colors, including gray, gold beige, and black, as well as sienna and copper.
[amazon box=”B08L3FFKC3″ template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Fully customizable
- High-quality waterproof and dustproof
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the best fit
Jaybird Vista 2
The Jaybird Vista 2 earbuds are hard to beat for the athletically-inclined. These earbuds fit comfortably in your outer ear and are lightweight. They fit snugly once correctly fitted, thanks to the well-designed ear fins (available in three sizes), so you can enjoy any exercise or adventure.
Active noise cancellation allows for distraction-free workouts and work. These earbuds are supported by the Jaybird app. The sound test lets you adjust the EQ to bring out the fullness and brilliance of the sound.
You can also customize the push-button controls to give you all the features and functions you need. They are IP68-rated, meaning they can be submerged in water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes or less.
Vista 2 is a very good product. Although they are expensive, we are pleased to see the “Find My Buds” feature in the app to help protect your investment. It has an IP54 rating, and it would be great if the case had the same rating as the headphones.
[amazon box=”B08B3H688Q” template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Secure and versatile
- Amazing app-controlled EQ
- Water resistance
- The charging case is an indication of battery storage
Cons
- Although not the best, it is still very good at noise cancellation.
- Expensive
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation)
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation) have many features not available on higher-end models. These include a charging case and Amazon Alexa support. We also had to double-check the product’s price before we believed it.
The Echo Buds are an excellent choice for people who want to be pumped up for workouts by listening to bass-heavy music. The active noise cancellation allows them to seamlessly transition from work to leisure thanks to its pass-through or disabled mode.
Although subjective, we found touch-sensitive controls on the earbuds a little cumbersome. We prefer tactile buttons. You will also need to set Alexa up to operate them, which may not be appreciated by those who are wary about the “always-listening digital assistant”.
They are IPX4 water-resistant, so they can withstand sweat but shouldn’t be submerged. These buds are an excellent choice for people who want to save money and still have a high-quality sound.
[amazon box=”B085WTYQ4X” template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Active noise cancellation
- Multiple charges in the case
- Great Bass
- Sweat-resistant
Cons
- Battery life is relatively short
- Touch-sensitive controls are finicky
Pyle Flextreme Waterproof Headphones
These are like an iPod shuffle that you can attach to your head. These have 4GB of built-in storage, but no Bluetooth. They are waterproof to the maximum extent and are designed for swimmers.
The package also includes earbuds that are more suitable for swimming and above-water exercises. Although they are a bit bulky, it is hard to beat their price.
Anker Soundcore Life P2
The Anker Soundcore Live P2 offers high versatility and a very affordable price. These earbuds have impressed our testers by their ability to switch between taking calls and running on the trail. The earbuds are comfortable and rest at the edge of your ear canal, yet they remain extremely stable.
They have microphones at the top and bottom, which depart from other earbuds we tried. This allows for excellent call clarity on both ends. We enjoyed the sound quality for podcast listening, even though the EQ was adjusted to the higher end.
Although the sound quality is good enough to provide tunes throughout the day, don’t expect any kick if you love hip-hop.
Anker claims that BassUp technology “enhances your bass by up 43%.” Although the battery life is not the longest in its class, it was surprising how often we had to plug the charging case in to recharge the battery.
The number of times that we had to pull out the phone to pause or skip tracks was reduced by having onboard buttons.
Clear Voice Capture (CVC), although it picks up our voice well, doesn’t filter out background noise. The dual microphones proved to be extremely sensitive. While we were doing dishes, the running water at the other end of our line drew our attention.
We are also a little confused about the claims regarding the waterproof rating. The Soundcore Life P2 earbuds have an IPX7 rating, which means they can be submerged in water for up to 3 feet. However, the safety manual clearly states that the product “shall not be exposed to dripping …”.”
We are impressed with the quality of these earbuds and recommend them to anyone looking for a pair at an affordable price.
[amazon box=”B099DP3617″ template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Each earbud has two microphones
- All-day wear in a light weight fabric
- Battery life extended
- Excellent price
Cons
- No volume control
- Microphones can pick up background noise, despite the use of CVC tech
TOZO T6 True Wireless
The TOZO True Wireless earbuds have a strong level of waterproofing, so don’t let their looks fool you. This model is among the few that offer an IPX8 rating, which means you can use it with the case and earbuds.
Although they don’t have the same sound quality as other models reviewed, they are excellent. There is no “bouncing” associated with lighter-weight earbuds.
With a quick charge time of just one hour and a 190-foot measured Bluetooth range, there’s no reason not to get out and about, regardless of what the day brings.
The 6mm drivers in TOZO T6 produce a steady sound for activity, but the quality can be lacking. It even feels distant at times. While making phone calls, we noticed the same issue. The receiver sometimes commented that it sounded like we were talking through a tunnel.
They are sturdy enough to be worn for most sports, but the ear-cups don’t fit well enough that we don’t want them on all day. The only problem is the four-hour playback time. The sleek carry case comes with six additional charges. This should be sufficient if you plan to take these on the road.
[amazon box=”B07RGZ5NKS” template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Both the case and earbuds have a high waterproof rating.
- Long-range
- There are many sizes to choose from
Cons
- Playback time is not being used to its full potential
- Instable fit
EarFun Free
High-quality headphones are essential, but this is not often possible, especially in the realm of earbud design. EarFun Free earbuds are a step in the right direction. The EarFun Free headphones provide a reasonable price for a rich sound and a balanced, deep bass.
They have a suction cup-like fit, which enhances noise cancellation and gives you full confidence for long, rugged trails in mountainous terrain. You can also get back into the game with a quick-charge feature that lasts for 10 minutes.
Although the IPX7 rating allows full immersion of up to 3 feet, it is less than other waterproof ratings. These earbuds are not touch-controlled and require much pushing to activate the controls. We found it sometimes difficult to change tracks without pushing them too far into our ears.
The EarFun Free is significantly heavier than the other earbuds that we tried and sticks out further than others, which reduces breathability. These affordable headphones are the best feature.
[amazon box=”B092M34HQ3″ template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Deep bass and full-range equalization
- Stable fit
- Quick-Charge in 10 minutes provides 2 hours of playback
Cons
- Earbuds that are large and bulky
- It is not breathable
Kurdene Wireless Earbuds
The Kurdene Wireless Earbuds offer a solid set at an affordable price. They also come in a smaller and lighter case than other brands. Although the earbuds are standard size, they sit slightly further away from the ears than the other models we tested.
However, they remain lightweight and very light. The headphones have an IPX8 rating, and the case is IPX6-rated, so it’s safe to leave at home. You can use the earbuds independently with almost all touch controls (except volume and track navigation which are side-specific) and a remarkable playback time that lasts nearly seven hours.
It’s worth noting that the earpieces can be used independently, with minimal effort. The stiffer rubber “spine”, which increases in-ear support and security, makes it easier to get them in.
Kurdene earbuds are a good choice for acoustic tracks. However, they have a clean EQ which is adequate but not too strong. When running or doing exercises such as box jumps, the driver (a moving-coil, loudspeaker horn) rattles about.
This can be distracting and degrades the overall sound quality. These headphones are also limited in their Bluetooth connection range. They lose connectivity at 51 feet.
[amazon box=”B085VX9JY7″ template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Water-resistant buds and case
- Long playback time
Cons
- Driver rattles in the headphones
- It is easy to hijack Bluetooth connections
JLab JBuds Air Icon
The JLab JBuds Air Icon boasts a remarkable connection range of 102 feet. Thanks to their seven-hour playback time, these devices are ideal for use on the field or at the gym. The case has a built-in charging cord.
Don’t be discouraged by its obscure appearance. Plug it into any standard USB-A charging block to charge it. You can play the case for three total charges and 1.5 hours with a quick 15-minute charge.
Their IP55 rating is water-resistant. To help you find the perfect fit, the Air Icon includes various ear cups and fins. The foam cups are embossed with JLab symbols, which can severely affect their stability and in-ear comfort.
Although you can set these earbuds to three different EQ settings, they do not have a rich sound. The sound can be affected by movement when running, especially, and it is so bad that the song sounds like there is an “effect pedal” playing over the music.
If running is your primary goal, you might find the fitting earbuds for you in our running headphones selection.
[amazon box=”B07R5QJF48″ template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Bluetooth long-range connection
- Long playback time
Cons
- It is not completely waterproof
- Running can seriously affect sound quality
iLuv TB100 Bubble Gum True Wireless
The iLuv TB100 Bubble Gum True Wireless earbuds are named after a well-known bubble gum flavor. You can carry the case in your pocket, weighing about the same as a packet of bubble gum. The earbuds are also significantly smaller than other models, with the speakers covering the ear canal entrance.
However, it is essential that you note that a smaller size earbud will not guarantee that it will fit in a smaller ear. This tight and stable fit produces a deep, balanced, crisp bass with sharp highs.
It also offers decent passive noise cancellation — we were able to listen to podcasts while riding downhill on our bike commute.
Unfortunately, voice calls are not affected by the poor sound quality. It was difficult for the receiver to have a conversation that lasted more than two minutes due to the background noise and feedback.
This was even tested while standing still. Running makes the sound of “bouncing” due to its suction cup-like shape.
According to the manufacturer, touch controls are “intelligent” in adapting to different touch patterns. The touch interface was too sensitive for our tastes. It would often be impossible to re-start playback without reaching for our phone.
[amazon box=”B082XGDBNM” template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Lightweight, compact case
- A well-balanced EQ
Cons
- Poor Bluetooth connection
- Terrible microphone clarity
OKG IPX8 True Wireless Stereo
The OKG IPX8 Tru Wireless Stereo is the ideal fit for those with small conchas, which are the spaces in between your ear canal and the surface of your ears. The lightweight and low-profile design fit comfortably outside your ear canal.
This is a great option for smaller ears as many other models won’t work well. They can be worn all day by larger ears because they float on the outer edge of the ear.
They feel extremely unstable and like they could pop out of your ears at any time. These headphones made it difficult to exercise or run in them. This “floating” fit combined with the small 6mm drivers results in music, podcasts, and voice call sounding distant. Even turning up the volume will not make for a rich sound.
The earbuds have a three-hour playback time and no quick-charge option. There is no external LED light that flashes red when the battery is low, but you can’t see it while wearing them. You could lose your music halfway through a song if you don’t time your listening carefully.
[amazon box=”B085RLPPS4″ template=”horizontal”]Pros
- High water resistance
- Stable sound during movement
Cons
- Unfortunate EQ
- Playback time is very short
SOUL Sync Anc Earbuds
SOUL electronics’ Sync Anc earbuds are great. They have long battery life and a snug fit. The Sync Anc wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation, audio transparency mode, ergonomic design, and a true wireless connection.
Bluetooth 5.1 has a range of up to 35 feet, 12mm drivers with advanced audio code for rich sound, and an IPX5 rating.
The earbuds feature ANC mode to help you tune out unwanted sounds and Audio Transparency mode that amplifies the surrounding environment, which is excellent for those who are constantly on the go. The battery can last for up to five hours, and the battery can be used for up to 25 hours.
Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
The Powerbeats Pro is sweat- and water-resistant, offering up to nine hours of music (more than 24 hours when charged with a case).
Thanks to their Apple H1 chip and Class 1 Bluetooth, you can also use the earbuds with Android. AppleCare is included with Beats for accidental damage protection and priority tech support.
[amazon box=”B07R5QD598″ template=”horizontal”]Pros
- AirPods have a better sound quality
- Excellent phone call quality
- Water and sweat resistance
- The category has an incredible battery life
- Apple H1 chip for headphones is a reliable choice
- Amazing Ambidextrous Controls
Cons
- AirPods are more expensive
- Not all ears will fit perfectly
- This is not the most discrete look for casual or office environments.
- Lightning Charges, not USB-C
Conclusion
Wireless waterproof earbuds may not be all equal. We hope this review helps you find the right pair for you. And when you find the right pair, make sure to check out our how to charge earbuds without case and how to wear it properly. Thank you for your reading!