The 9 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones (IPX rated)
Enjoy music even in the most “watery” places with the best waterproof wireless headphones.
Note: These are not suitable for swimming, but you can use them near water; kayaking, boating, etc. For swimming headphones click here.
Contents
Comparison: The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones
| BADGE | RATING | PRICE | WATER PROTECTION i Higher IPX is better. | BATTERY i Text Here | CONTROLS & MIC | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jaybird X4 |  | best overall more info | 3.5 | $$$$ ($120-$200) | IPX7 | 8 h |  |
| Jabra Elite Active 65t |  | best true wireless more info | 3.7 | $$$$ ($120-$200) | IPX6 (IP56) | 5 h (+10 h) | |
| Sony MDR-XB80BS Extra Bass |  | best bass more info | 4.1 | $$$ ($80-$120) | IPX5 | 7 h | |
Plantronics BackBeat Fit |  | best value more info | 3.7 | $$$ ($80-$120) | IPX7 (IP57) | 8 h | |
| Plantronics BackBeat Fit 500 |  | best on-ear more info | 3.8 | $$ ($30-$80) | waterproof (unknown IPX) | 18 h | |
| Origem HS-1 |  | best under $50 more info | 4.0 | $$ ($30-$80) | IPX7 | 10 h | |
| VAVA Moov 28 |  | more info | 3.8 | $$ ($30-$80) | IPX6 | 9 h | |
| Anker SoundBuds Slim+ |  | under $30 runner-up more info | 3.9 | $ (<$30) | IPX5 | 7 h | |
| SENSO Bluetooth Headphones |  | best cheap more info | 3.8 | $ (<$30) | IPX7 | 8 h | |
Below you’ll find top Bluetooth headphones that are perfect for any near water activity.
All of the waterproof wireless headphones on this list have some level of waterproof IPX rating.
IPX tells you exactly how wet they can get, for more info check below.
Use the table of waterproof headphones to compare them quickly or read the in-depth reviews for details.
Related guides:
Get the best waterproof MP3 for swimming
The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones
best overall: Jaybird X4
Jaybird X4 are the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones right now (full review).
Type: In-ear
Water-protection: IPX7
Battery: Up to 8 hours
Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC
Should You Buy These?
If you’re looking for amazing stability, high comfort, decent battery life, and great sound, then you should check the Jaybird X4.
The Good
First of all, the sporty design looks appealing and fun. And, it’s also lightweight.
The earbuds don’t enter the ear canal as deep as others. That’s why they are extremely comfortable. And, these are one of the best headphones for running.
Also, the noise isolation is pretty amazing, especially with Comply memory foam eartips.
While the overall build quality is just okay, since they’re fully plastic, they have an IPX7 certification. This means you can wash the buds under water and easily run in the rain. Their stability is solid as a rock.
You also get an in-line remote. It helps you set the volume, skip/play/pause tracks and manage calls. Plus a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 8 hours provides enough time for a daily workout.
The Bad
Charging is possible only with the proprietary cable and that’s annoying.
The Sound
Their sound signature is rather balanced (in flat mode). Bass is consistent and deep. If you like to listen to many different music genres, these waterproof earbuds are just perfect.
What makes them sound great is the app. It allows you to change the sound exactly the way you want it. If you want more bass or more of a V-shaped sound, you can get it right away.
The Verdict
Jaybird X4 are the only premium, heavy-sports wireless earbuds with proper water-resistance. Being waterproof (IPX7), super comfy and having great sound, these workout earbuds compete with the best.
Read the Jaybird X4 full review.
best true wireless: Jabra Elite Active 65t
Jabra Elite Active 65t are the best true wireless earbuds with water protection.
Type: In-ear
Water-protection: IPX6 (IP56)
Battery: Up to 5 hours (+ 2 additional charges in the case, altogether up to 15 hours)
Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC
Should You Buy These?
Are you tired of wires? Then you should get yourself true wireless earbuds with amazing sound and nice design.
The Good
Their design looks cool (being true wireless and all). It’s also not heavy, so you can wear them for a long time without complaining.
Water resistance (IPX6) makes them a perfect partner for your sweatiest workouts. The Jabra earbuds are also perfect for sports because of their great stability (one of the most secure in the category).
Additionally, the two main buttons allow you to manage tracks, calls and control Siri/Alexa.
Add a decent battery life of 5 hours and an additional 2 charges in the case, and you get fantastic truly wireless buds suitable for long workouts.
The Bad
People with smaller ears might find them uncomfortable. Earbuds are bigger than usual so they might put some extra pressure on the ear. Plus, they are quite pricey.
The Sound
Having better overall sound than most of the true Bluetooth headphones is definitely a big advantage. Otherwise, their sound signature is rather balanced. The bass is clear and can give you just the right amount of motivation when needed.
The Verdict
Jabra Elite Active 65t can be your “match made in heaven” for running or just every day listening. Their well-built design, stable fit, and lovely sound can no doubt blur their high price.
best bass: Sony MDR-XB80BS Extra Bass
Sony MDR-XB80BS Extra Bass are the best waterproof wireless earbuds for a basshead.
Type: In-ear
Water-protection: IPX5
Battery: Up to 7 hours
Bluetooth codecs: SBC, LDAC
Should You Buy These?
If you’re a fan of the ear-hook design and strong bassy sound, then read on.
The Good
Their design is made especially for sports enthusiasts. Rubbery ear hooks help them stay in their place.
The lightweight and well-thought design is comfortable. The ear hooks feature the remote buttons which navigate music and calls.
When it comes to “waterproofness,” IPX5 protection is enough to prevent your sweat or rain from damaging them.
And, having up to 7 hours of battery life provides you enough time for a week’s worth of exercise.
The Bad
Buttons can be a little awkward to use. You have to press them against your head. In addition, if you’re not a bass lover, you’ll hate the overpowering lows.
The Sound
Like their name says, they have a lot of bass. This makes the waterproof earphones perfect for music like EDM and hip-hop. So, if you’re a basshead, these are perfect for you. You can find more bass earphones here.
The Verdict
Do you need wireless earbuds with solid water-resistance that can stay in the ear while you go running? Do you like big punchy bass? Then Sony MDR-XB80BS Extra Bass are your top choice.
best value: Plantronics BackBeat Fit
Plantronics BackBeat Fit are one of the most popular sports headphones.
Type: In-ear
Water-protection: IPX7
Battery: Up to 8 hours
Bluetooth codecs: custom SBC
These are suitable for all sports and not just near water activity.
Running, working out, cycling… are all activities these are perfect for.
Durability & Water Resistance
Thanks to their IP57 (IPX7) rating, they are well protected from water. This rating means you can submerge them in 3ft (1m) deep water for 30 minutes without damage. It comes handy if you accidentally drop them in water.
Because they are lightweight they don’t submerge quickly, so you have more time to catch them.
They also have high dust protection (rating of 5) as a bonus.
Moreover, they are made out of flexible, rubbery plastics that can endure quite a lot of physical strain that would happen during sports activity.
Overall, these wireless earbuds are well built and suitable for even the harshest sports activity.
Comfort
The fit is rather tight, which might be annoying in the begging, but very soon you’ll get used to it. The benefit of this is that the headset stays in place even during fast movement like running.
If you’ve never before used over-ear hooks, you’ll need some time to adapt. In a few weeks, though, it will be the same as putting on regular earbuds.
The ear tips do a pretty good job of sealing the sound while maintaining comfort for hours. Wearing them for hours doesn’t irritate your ears, but this also depends on the size of your head.
Bluetooth & Battery
Connecting via Bluetooth is fast and easy, especially once you get used to the control on the right headphone. Once connected it works like it’s supposed to, no breaking of sound even up to 30ft (10m) of range.
Just keep your playing device somewhere close, and it’s going to work 99% of times.
Additionally, you can accept calls with it. The microphone has a clear, easy to understand, sound to easily call your friends and chat even when enjoying the boat ride for example.
Built-in controls are easy to use and very intuitive. You can control the volume, song selection and accept/hung up calls.
The recharageable battery is also quite good with 8 hours of playtime. This is more or less standard with Bluetooth headbands, but there are many other wireless waterproof headphones with less battery life than that.
Above all, in 8 hours you can enjoy a lot of activity.
Sound
When it comes to sound these are OK. They’re not great, but for such comfortable, sports-oriented headband Plantronics BackBeat Fit do just fine.
With slightly bloated bass you may actually like the sound signature of these if you’re not a hardcore audiophile. Mids and highs aren’t the most precise and detailed, but then again, you’ll probably focus more on paddleboarding than the lack of sound details.
To sum up, Plantronics BackBeat Fit are very comfortable, durable, waterproof, Bluetooth headphones suitable for all kinds of sports with good, fun sound.
best on-ear: Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 are the best waterproof Bluetooth on-ear headphones.
Type: On-ear
Water-protection: Waterproof
Battery: Up to 18 hours
Bluetooth codecs: SBC
Should You Buy These?
If you’re looking for on-ear headphones with a waterproof rating and Bluetooth technology, check these.
The Good
Although their design might look cheap at first sight, they are quite durable. Being extremely lightweight for on-ear headphones is a nice surprise (and needed to stay on during a workout). Note, these are on-ear and not over-ear headphones. The difference is in size, on-ears are smaller.
Their battery can get you through 18 hours of listening. If you’re using them for sports, that means you get up to a whole week of workouts. Plus, you can plug the cable and enjoy them wired.
Moreover, the easy-to-use buttons on the ear cup give you the ability to skip/play songs and make calls. Their on-ear design may not provide the best noise isolation. But that can come in handy when you want to be aware of the surroundings.
The Bad
The on-ear design might put too much pressure on the head. If you’re looking for headphones you can use for running or other heavy cardio workouts; you might want to reconsider your choice. After all, their design is not as stable as earbuds.
The Sound
Even though the ranges are quite balanced, bass still stands out. That is great for music genres like electronic or rap. And, listening to other music genres is satisfying as well. The overall sound is excellent for their price range.
The Verdict
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 are simple, yet efficient on-ear sports headphones. By efficient we mean that they give you all you need—extra good sound, great durability, and long battery life.
best under $50: Origem HS-1
Origem HS-1 (full review) are fully waterproof with IPX7 protection for all water sports and a fantastic battery with 10h capacity.
Type: In-ear
Water-protection: IPX7
Battery: Up to 10 hours
Bluetooth codecs: SBC, aptX
Should You Buy These:
Origem HS-1 is an excellent choice for waterproof Bluetooth headphones with a V-shaped sound signature (emphasized bass and treble). If you like affordable wireless earbuds under $50, these are for you.
The Good
Apart from excellent water-protection (IPX7) the earbuds are well built and fit comfortably in your ears. Use the proper ear wings, and you can use them for running as well. The fast charging is a nice feature as well.
Additionally, the microphone is clear and the remote control easy to use. There’s only one thing that bothers…
The Bad
It’s lousy Bluetooth connection between walls. The moment you put a barrier between your headphones and your music device you’ll get distortion. Thankfully, there’s no a lot of walls outside in nature.
The Sound
Furthermore, audio quality is better than expected for the price. With aptX support, you get an enjoyable V-shaped sound that gets very loud. It’s one of the better choices in this price range.
The Verdict
To maximize your money, get Origem HS-1 for your Bluetooth waterproof earbuds and a fun fix of boosted bass and treble.
Read the full Origem HS-1 review.
VAVA Moov 28
VAVA Moov 28 are a superb cheap pair of wireless waterproof headphones.
Type: In-ear
Water-protection: IPX6
Battery: Up to 9 hours
Bluetooth codecs: SBC, aptX
For the price under $30, you’re getting small, ergonomic in-ear headphones with lots of features.
Having great build-quality with IPX6 water protection you can even wash these with water. Flat rubber wires and lightweight metal casing help them withstand a lot of use.
Want to find more durable IEMs?
The in-line microphone and remote control are well designed and easy to use. With Bluetooth 4.2, aptX and CVC 6.0 noise cancelling microphone, you get better sound quality for music and talks. The battery life is solid 8-9 hours which is surprisingly long for such small wireless earbuds.
Don’t forget, this ANC technology is different and shouldn’t be mistaken for real noise-cancelling headphones.
The sound quality isn’t bad either. They get loud enough and have a balanced sound signature with good bass. At times you might hear some sibilance and cable noise if you don’t put them on properly. Otherwise, they sound very well and are a lot of fun for working out or enjoying the outside.
Read the full review of VAVA Moov 28.
under $30 runner-up: Anker SoundBuds Slim+
Anker SoundBuds Slim+ (review) are great under $30 waterproof wireless buds.
Type: In-ear
Water-protection: IPX5
Battery: Up to 7 hours
Bluetooth codecs: SBC, aptX
Water protection is good with an IPX5 rating. This means you can wash these headphones with a wet cloth but dipping them under water is not advised. They could probably survive the accidental dip in the water but can’t survive there for long.
With good build-quality, other features aren’t neglected. Lightweight and comfortable for any sports activity. A good selection of ear tips and ear wings in a hard carrying case is common but always a plus.
Note: Best earbuds under $30
The Bluetooth connection is above average. The range is average at around 33ft (10m), but the connection strength is better than with most alternatives. The signal doesn’t die out or disconnect even behind a wall.
The battery holds solid 7 hours of music on a full charge and even more of calling with the in-line microphone. Add to this aptX Bluetooth codec with good sound quality, and you have a great pair of waterproof headphones.
With a rather balanced sound signature, all music genres will sound good and be fun to listen to. These are perfect for inside or outside sports activity like trekking, mountain biking, and any other outside sport.
Read the Anker SoundBuds Slim+ full review.
best cheap: Senso Bluetooth Headphones
Senso Bluetooth Headphones are popular cheap wireless earbuds that can easily compete with some high-end alternatives.
Type: In-ear
Water-protection: IPX7
Battery: Up to 8 hours
Bluetooth codecs: SBC
Should You Buy These?
If you’re looking for budget earbuds with waterproof sports design and reliable Bluetooth performance, get these. Or, check wired cheap buds.
The Good
Their sporty design with ear hooks provides amazing stability. You can do your heaviest cardio workouts, and they will never fall off.
On top of that, being IPX7 certified makes them your indispensable partner in the gym. Since the tips don’t enter the ear canal deeply, you can wear them for a long time. Comfort stays the same throughout the time.
Furthermore, simple controls help you play/stop audio and take calls. And, despite them being cheap, their battery life is pretty amazing (up to 8 hours of music per charge is fantastic).
The Bad
If you’re looking for an audiophile experience, their sound will disappoint you.
The Sound
Actually, you get the sound you pay for. Bass is powerful but can get muddy at times. Otherwise, if you’re not too keen on high sound quality, you’ll be happy. They will more than satisfy an average user.
The Verdict
Senso Bluetooth Headphones are low-priced, but despite that, they still have many features that make them worth every penny. What really stands out, in the “cheap category”, is their stunning battery life and reliable performance.
What’s an IP Rating? Water Protection IPX Rating Explained
What exactly do IP66, IP67, IPX7 actually mean?
These are water protection ratings which consist of IP (ingress protection) following by two numbers. The first one represents the level of protection from dust from 0-6 and the second one represents protection from water on a 0-8 scale.
If IPX is used, this means the device is protected from water only and doesn’t feature dust protection. X replaces the dust protection rating. The same combination can be made for dust only protection, like IP6X.
In short,
- IPX0 means no protection
- IPX1 means protection from dripping water
- IPX2 means protection from vertically dripping water
- IPX3 means protection from sprayed water
- IPX4 means protection from splashed water
- IPX5 means protection from water projected from a nozzle
- IPX6 means protection from strong jet of water
- IPX7 means protection from immersion in water up to 3ft (1m) for 30 minutes
- IPX8 means better than IPX7, but there are no exact requirements (IPX8 is usually claimed by the manufacturer)
It’s important to know there are no IPX8 Bluetooth headphones on the market since the wireless connection probably wouldn’t work properly under water.
To get the best possible protection from water, look for IPX7 Bluetooth headphones that you can accidentally drop in the water up to 3ft in-depth without damage. This is the best protection currently available in waterproof Bluetooth headphones.
For example, Plantronics BackBeat Fit have an IPX7 rating. If you get headphones with anything less than that and you drop them in water, it’s very likely they’ll get damaged.
If you plan on using headphones near water, it’s a good idea to get ones with the best water protection you can get.
Best Use of Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones
The intended way of using waterproof Bluetooth earbuds and headphones is somewhere they can get wet or fall in the water.
Whether you’re kayaking, paddle boarding or you like to drive around in a jet-ski but are afraid to use your regular sports headphones, this is the perfect opportunity to use waterproof Bluetooth headphones.
Basically, you can use waterproof headphones for any activity near the water where it is possible they will get wet, while still above the water level. For Bluetooth to function properly, the headphones have to be above water.
Put your smartphone in a dry bag, connect via Bluetooth and paddle away. If the headphones get wet, just wipe them after use.
Keep in mind that the average Bluetooth range is about 30ft, so keep your music device close enough to hold the connection.
How to Use Your Phone with Waterproof Headphones?
Make sure to get a good waterproof phone bag. Mpow waterproof case is very popular and protects the phone from water up to 100ft in depth. It’s suitable for iPhones and Android phones.
Once you have your phone protected, put on your waterproof headphones and go on your way without fear of damaging any of your electronics.
Underwater Bluetooth Headphones for Swimming
A lot of swimmers are looking for wireless Bluetooth headphones for swimming.
But there’s an issue.
Now, there is no problem creating water-resistant and waterproof headphones, but as of right now we have no wireless technology that would transmit the signal underwater with high enough proficiency.
Swimming headphones cannot use Bluetooth technology.
The water is simply too “dense” and soaks up all the signal, making Bluetooth useless underwater.
This wireless technology doesn’t work properly underwater, and so far no manufacturer has been able to produce a decent pair of wireless underwater headphones.
For real underwater purposes, you’ll have to use wired swimming headphones together with an underwater music player.
How Not to Use Wireless Headphones Even if They are Waterproof
Don’t use them for swimming or intentionally submerge them in water. While most of these are designed to survive lots of water, some even underwater, it’s never a good idea to push the limits, especially with headphones rated below IPX7.
These are perfect for using above water while being protected enough to survive an accidental drop in the water or heavy splashing. Anything more than that is likely to damage them. (dropping them deep underwater…)
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Share Your Favorite Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones
If you have your own model of wireless, waterproof headphones that you think are better than those on this list, please share it with us.
We’d like to know what you’re successfully using in real life, so we can review and put it on our top headphones list.
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