10 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones (certified IPX)

Don’t let the water stop your music. Enjoy your favorite songs with the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones in comfort. You can wear the waterproof wireless earbuds for water sports, showering, sweating, and everything in between.

Note: These are not suitable for swimming laps, but you can dip them in water, so they’re safe for kayaking, boating, etc. If you want to swim, see the best waterproof headphones for swimming.

Higher IPX rating is better. IP68 = IPX8, IP54 = IPX4. More info below.

Imagine listening to music in a shower, on your boating trip, or anywhere else with water without worry.

You have fully waterproof Bluetooth headphones that don’t mind water and play your favorite songs even in “electronics-killing” environments.

Unfortunately, electronics and water don’t walk hand in hand. Most headphones aren’t waterproof and die if they get wet. The amount of AirPods that were ruined because of it could be counted in millions.

Thankfully, manufacturers caught wind of it and started making more durable headphones.

Below you’ll find the best waterproof wireless earbuds from reputable brands that are fully protected against water, so you can submerge them.

What Makes Bluetooth Headphones Waterproof?

Waterproof earbuds use a hydrophobic coating to protect against water. There are different kinds from different brands (like Liquipel, NanoProof, nanoCare, etc), though they generally do the same job.

But how do you know which is better?

Look for IPX rating.

The higher number the better. It ranges from 1 to 9. The lower protection is only good for sweat, while higher ones gradually become fully waterproof.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant – What’s the Difference?

Waterproof earbuds have different levels of water resistance.

We consider IPX6 as the minimum. You can take IPX6 headphones in a shower, wash them under the tap and they should survive an accidental short submersion as well.

The next level, IPX7 earphones can survive submersion for 30 minutes at low depth (3ft / 1m). Higher IPX models are even more durable.

General ranges:

IPX1 – IPX3 = water-resistant / sweatproof

IPX4 – IPX5 = water-repellent

IPX6 – IPX9 = waterproof

See further explanation of IPX rating below.

The 10 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones

1. Jaybird Vista 2

Vista 2 have a much smoother and more balanced sound signature compared to the predecessor. They’re still punchy, just not bloated.

Earbuds retain superb stability from their first-generation thanks to ear fins. Durability is now even better, with a waterproof design sporting an IP68 rating and MIL-STD-810G standard on earbuds. Even the charging case has an IP54 rating this time around.

New truly wireless earbuds from Jaybird are gaining a few extra features, such as ambient mode and active noise cancellation.

The latter does an okay job at blocking low-end rumble but struggle at higher frequencies. Still, the noise cancellation will help reduce engine noises during commuting.

The Jaybird app is full of customization options for EQ and controls. Earbuds use physical buttons, which are more reassuring than touch controls.

Jaybird Vista 2 review

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Related guides:

• Best waterproof MP3 for swimming
• Best workout headphones

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2. Jabra Elite Active 75t

The 75t’s have very clear sound quality. Good passive noise isolation helps with that. Generally, the bass is boosted significantly and can be overpowering, but you can adjust it with the app.

An IP57 rating of water protection (IPX7 equivalent) makes them fully protected and suitable for use in harsh outside conditions. And you also get a 2-year warranty.

You can use these for 7.5 hours and charge in the case for 28 hours in total. With a reliable 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity, there are no connectivity issues.

These in-ears come with an accompanying app. You can customize EQ and other settings. Also, HearThrough technology can mute music when you need to hear ambient noise.

Jabra Elite Active 75t review

Related guides:

• Best bass earbuds
• Best workout earbuds
• Jabra Elite Active 75t vs. Beats PowerBeats Pro

3. JBL Reflect Mini NC

Sports earbuds from JBL with a punchy and energetic sound that follows Harman curve response. The bass is slightly too boosted, but thankfully, you can bring it down in the app.

Robust-looking earbuds sport an IPX7 rating, making them fully submersible. Ear fins come in 3 sizes and add extra stability during movement.

With around 7 hours of battery when fully charge, they should last you an entire workout session or two. The charging case holds another two charges and supports fast and Qi wireless charging.

Reflect Mini NC also offer noise cancellation, although it doesn’t work that well. At least the app offers a good level of customization, from controls to EQ.

JBL Reflect Mini NC review

Also check: Best noise cancelling earbuds

4. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100

There are 3 EQ sound modes Balanced, Bright, and Bass. The Balanced one offers the most versatile experience while still retaining extra bass punch.

Some users prefer to wear over-ear headphones during a workout. BackBeats FIT 6100 are waterproof headphones that can easily resist sweaty conditions or light splashes of water.

The perforated fabric headband ensures better breathability and prevents excessive sweating during sporting activity. There is actually a rubber cord inside that improves fit when you stretch it.

Activating a Sound Mix feature makes a perfect blend of your music and amplified surroundings. That’s useful when you decide to use them outside.

Headphone’s battery is quite solid, too, with 24 hours of runtime and fast-charging support.

Find similar among the best headphones under $100.

5. AfterShokz Aeropex

The sound is impressive for bone conduction headphones, although they’re still light on bass. PremiumPitch 2 0+ gives a great level of audio quality. They are the best model to date and a significant improvement compared to previous models.

Without competition, the AfterShokz Aeropex are the latest and best bone conduction headphones. The battery capacity of 8 hours, and a strong IP67 protection makes these fantastic waterproof headphones for perfect awareness.

The main advantage of bone-conduction technology is their open design. Your ears are open to the environment, so you hear your surroundings while listening to music.

Despite their size, the waterproof headphones are lightweight and comfortable for long periods of time. With reliable Bluetooth 5.0, the latest AfterShokz generation is optimized for 50% less noise leakage.

AfterShokz Aeropex review

Want an alternative? See the best bass headphones with powerful beats.

6. Klipsch T5 II Sport

New Klipsch T5 II have an overall bass-heavy tuning that makes frequency response very warm. The lower treble is boosted to compensate for the bass, which adds clarity and some sibilance.

The T5 II earbuds come in a stylish yet bulky charging case. However, the bulkiness is due to high water resistance.

Both in-ears and the case are fully water-resistant, offering an IP67 rating. Also, the rugged case is reinforced to survive accidental drops.

Inside the box, you get multiple ear tips and ear fins to help earbuds stay in your ears. A companion app lets you do further customization, like tweaking the sound and changing controls.

7. Treblab X3 Pro

It’s essential to find the correct ear tips for a good seal. In general, the bass is super punchy and controlled, with crystal clear midrange. The soundstage also stands out, making them great for music and movies.

In many ways, these earbuds are budget PowerBeats Pro, with ear hook design and black plastic housing. Rubbery hooks aren’t pliable, but they still offer a high stability level during an intense workout.

Since you can use both earbuds separately in mono mode, both support the same commands. Apart from SBC and AAC, they also use the aptX Bluetooth codec.

With their IPX7 rating, you can even wash them under tap water to clean off the sweat after training.

Treblab X3 Pro review

8. TaoTronics Soundliberty 97

Despite having a bass emphasis, there’s no veil over midrange, which sounds rather good. The only thing missing is a little sparkle in the treble to make the sound livelier.

These tiny earbuds have an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning you can drop them in water and not worry about liquid damage.

They’re ergonomic enough to stay firmly in your ears without the help of additional stabilizers (fins or hooks). Ear tips go pretty deep into the ear canal, which ensures great passive isolation.

Excellent battery life provides you with up to 9 hours-long listening sessions on a single charge.

An aptX codec is great for Android users who want good sound quality and a lag-free video experience.

TaoTronics Soundliberty 97 review

9. Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo

Sound quality is quite good for budget wireless earbuds. The bass is punchy and full, albeit a little slow at times. The overall signature is warm and very pleasing to listen to for extended periods.

In their price range, the Anker Liberty Neo are among the best in terms of durability. For under $40, they offer an IPX7 rating of water resistance, making them resistant to everything from sweat to full submersion (at least one meter deep).

As you’re probably searching for the best headphones for working out, these fit incredibly well. You can change both ear tips and fins, giving you the best comfort and stability possible.

They have around five hours of playtime per charge, with almost 4 extra charges inside the charging case.

Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo review

More related guides:

• Best wireless earbuds under $50
• Most durable earbuds

10. EarFun Free 2

The audio quality isn’t a highlight of these earbuds. Free 2 are very V-shaped with a boost around 8-9kHz, which can result in sibilance.

While they’re far from audiophile earbuds, they’re still suitable for casual listening for most people.

Thankfully, they make up in other areas. EarFun Free 2 are very comfortable and surprisingly stable. A deeper fit means excellent passive isolation, so you don’t have to crank up the volume.

They’re durable as well, offering an IPX7 rating and rigid plastic housing that should survive a fall or two.

The charging case supports USB-C and Qi wireless charging and holds 23 hours of battery life (7 hours in the buds).

EarFun Free 2 review

Related: Most comfortable headphones

Honorable Mentions

• Anker Soundcore Spirit Pro

If you don’t mind the wireless earbuds with wires in between, the Anker Spirit Pro are a great option. The SweatGuard coating brings IP68 protection for heavy use. (Check Soundcore Spirit Pro price)

• Aukey Key Series T10

For true wireless earbuds that have a waterproof design, secure fit, and don’t cost an arm and a leg, you should check out the Aukey Key Series T10. (Check Key Series T10 price) Aukey T10 review

• Jlab Audio Jbuds Air

The option to adjust the EQ settings so easily, good wireless features, and the price tag make the Jlab Audio Jbuds Air great value for your money. (Check Jbuds Air price) Jlab Audio Jbuds Air review

• JBL Endurance JUMP

Affordable waterproof headphones from a known company. Earbuds hold 8 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation off. (Check Endurance Jump price)

• Jaybird X4

You get a perfect fit, high comfort, decent battery, great sound, and IPX7. Though they are an older model with a wire between the waterproof earbuds. (Check X4 price) Jaybird X4 review

Note:

• Check best earbuds under $30
• Best cheap earbuds

Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones for Swimming? – What You Must Know

You can use waterproof Bluetooth headphones for swimming but…

And there’s a big BUT.

You’ll only be able to listen to music above the water surface and in the vicinity of your Bluetooth phone (30ft / 10m).

Because Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater it will cut the signal any time you submerge your head. This makes them unsuitable for any serious swimming or diving.

For swimming laps see the best waterproof headphones for swimming (mostly wired earbuds) together with a waterproof MP3 player.

Swimming in a pool?

On the other hand, if you want to swim in a pool at home and keep your head above water, you can easily do so. Just make sure to keep your phone nearby, so it’s in Bluetooth range (30ft/10m, possibly more).

Even for trips in nature, you can keep your phone on a boat and take a swim close to it. Water won’t damage your waterproof headphones.

The dangers of swimming in nature?

It’s easier to lose them outside, so use a swimming cap or something similar to keep them in place.

If you lose them in a lake, they’re likely gone forever.

Pay Attention to Different Levels of IPX Rating

You already know a higher rating is better, and below is the infographic that explains it.

IPX vs. IP

The IPX rating is the equivalent to IP rating, with the exception the IPX only shows water protection, while IP also shows dust and small particles protection.

Example: IP68

• The first one represents the level of protection from dust from 0-6
• The second one represents protection from water on a 0-8 scale (sometimes 9)

It’s important to know that while there are IPX8 waterproof Bluetooth earbuds on the market, none of them work underwater.

To learn more about it and what international standards use it, read the IP rating page.

How Much You Should Spend on Waterproof Wireless Earbuds?

Generally, the more you spend the better waterproof Bluetooth earbuds you can get.

There are a couple of price ranges:

• Under $50 are the budget waterproof headphones that come with basic features and sound
• $50 – $100 are the value for money headphones which often sound good and even have some extra features
• $100 – $200 are the best waterproof wireless earbuds with the latest technology and high sound quality.

No matter what price point you choose, it should have no impact on water protection. It’s cheap to make headphones waterproof and even budget waterproof headphones come with high IPX certification.

Which waterproof wireless earbuds are right for you?

Now, which ones are best for you depends on your needs and limitations.

Your budget – how much do you want to spend?

Your needs – are you a heavy user or plan to wear them a couple of times per month?

Personal preference – which brand and design do you prefer? What type of sound signature do you like?

All in all, you should find the right option for you in the list above.

When to Use Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones

The best use of waterproof earbuds is somewhere they get wet or fall in the water.

For example, you can use waterproof Bluetooth earphones for activities where you’re afraid to use your regular sports headphones, such as:

• kayaking, boating
• paddleboarding
• jet-skiing
• showering
• on-surface swimming
• chilling on an inflatable bed

Basically, you can use waterproof wireless headphones for any activity near the water where it’s likely they’ll get wet. And it’s not underwater swimming. For Bluetooth to work, the headphones have to be above water.

Put your smartphone in a dry bag, connect via Bluetooth and paddle away.

Keep in mind that the average Bluetooth range is about 30ft (10m), so keep your music device close to hold the connection.