10 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones (With Certified IPX) in 2023

Here are the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones with a certified IPX6 or higher water-protection rating.

You can use these for water sports, showering, heavy sweating, or any situation where they get soaked.

Quickly compare them by price, water resistance, and battery life (check below).

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 tunes 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 find the right product?

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.

IPX7 is the minimum rating for waterproof headphones. You can take IPX7 headphones in a shower, wash them under a tap and they can survive submersion for 30 minutes up to 1 meter deep (3ft). Other models with a higher IPX are even more durable.

Here’s more about the difference between waterproof vs water-resistant headphones.

General ranges:

• IPX1 – IPX4 = sweatproof
• IPX4 – IPX6 = water-resistant
• IPX7 – IPX9 = waterproof

See further explanation of the IPX rating here.

10 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones You Can Safely Submerge

Here are the best waterproof wireless headphones you can dip in the water without harm and enjoy great sound quality.

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. This time around, they even use SBC and AAC, covering Apple and Android users.

The latter does an okay job at blocking low-end rumble but struggle at higher frequencies. Still, the background 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

Related guides:

• Best waterproof MP3 for swimming
• Best workout headphones

2. Jabra Elite 7 Active

Unlike the Jabra Elite Active 75t model, the new Elite 7 Active outputs a more balanced sound signature, making them a perfect choice for audio purists among athletes.

Thankfully, for everyone else, Jabra offers full EQ settings inside their app, giving you the option to adjust the sound signature based on your taste.

Furthermore, earbuds offer native active noise cancelation (75t got it after firmware update) that works reasonably well. You can expect similar results from the ambient sound mode.

The battery life is slightly longer, with 8 hours per one charge and another 22 inside the Qi wireless charging case.

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, assistants (Google Assistant), and EQ.

JBL Reflect Mini NC review

Also check some other best products: 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 the ear cups.

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.

The headphone’s battery is quite solid, too, with 24 hours of listening time and fast-charging support.

Find similar among the best headphones under $100.

5. Shokz OpenRun Pro

Thanks to the new TurboPitch tech, the OpenRun Pro model (successor to the AfterShokz Aeropex) now boasts a stronger bass response.

That increases the perception of sound quality since bone conduction isn’t the best for bass-heavy music. Otherwise, the mids and treble are in line with the Aeropex.

Even the rest is pretty similar to the predecessor, from the overall shape and comfort. Although, it’s worth pointing out that due to the punchier bass, the transducers tend to produce tickling vibrations.

Battery life has increased up to 10 hours on a single charge. Sadly, the proprietary charging port stays the same.

Many people are turning to bone conduction technology due to its convenient open design. Check out more best bone conduction headphones.

Or do you want an alternative with more bass? 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. Crisp highs 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 get the right fit and help earbuds stay in your ear canal. A companion app lets you do further customization, like tweaking the sound and changing controls.

7. Jabra Elite Active 75t

The 75t’s have very clear sound quality. Good outside noise isolation helps with that. Generally, the deep 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

8. Treblab X3 Pro

It’s essential to find the correct ear tips for the best fit and a good seal. The bass is super punchy and has complete control, with a 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. Moreover, excellent battery life of 9 hours per charge ensures an all-day operation.

Treblab X3 Pro review

9. Anker Soundcore Life A1

For the price, you get a versatile sound that’s slightly bass-forward but not by much. Thanks to the balanced midrange, you can still enjoy a large variety of music genres.

Using gestures with physical buttons, you can toggle between 3 different EQ presets. One adds the bass, whereas the other lowers it and boosts vocal clarity.

Earbuds sit flush and don’t produce much wind noise. Different sizes of ear wings help them to stay in place, along with their ergonomic design. No matter how small ears you have.

Soundcore Life A1 are very comfortable to wear for long periods and are among the best workout headphones for the price. Their battery life can last up to 8 hours on a single charge.

Anker Soundcore Life A1 review

More related guides:

• Best wireless earbuds under $50
• Best wireless earbuds under $30
• Most durable earbuds

10. TOZO T10

For their competitive price, the audio quality is surprisingly natural and fun to listen to. While the T10 lack in detail, they sound way better than most earbuds under $30.

The design is pretty inconspicuous, with smooth edges and matte black color. Earbuds are tiny and should fit all ear sizes.

On the other hand, the case is rather bulky and hard to put in a pocket without creating a bulge. Thankfully, TOZO includes a strap to tie the case onto your backpack.

The most impressive is the durability. Both the earbuds and the case are rated for IP68. On top of that, the case uses USB-C and Qi wireless charging. T10s are an easy choice for budget cautious users.

TOZO T10 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. It’s worth mentioning that you can only find them in their official store. (Check Key Series T10 price) Aukey T10 review

• Jlab Audio Jbuds Air

The option to adjust the EQ settings 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 an 8-hour long 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

• Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo

Affordable waterproof headphones under $50 that slightly show their age but are still good enough to consider. They’re fully waterproof, fit securely even in smaller ears, and offer a bassy signature perfect for active users. Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo 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 every 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 what all IP ratings mean.

IPX vs. IP

The IPX rating (ingress protection) is the equivalent to IP rating, with the exception that 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 (what most people buy)
• $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

You can use waterproof wireless headphones for any activity near the water where they’ll likely 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)