In this article, we’re explaining how to tell if you have waterproof earbuds. In addition, we’re clearing up much of the confusion around IP Ratings. What do they mean and how important are they? We are here to clear up all of it.
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What Are IP Ratings?
An IP rating or IP code is way to classify or measure how well electronics can withstand penetration from dust and water. IP actually stands for ingress protection. The actual guidelines used for ingress protection ratings are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The reason IP ratings were originally created was to provide a more concrete idea of how electrical equipment stands up to dust and water. Terms like water-resistant or waterproof earbuds sound helpful. It’s also can mean a number of different things. These terms can give consumers false confidence that their devices have complete protection from. Guidelines and classifications for exactly how dust-tight or water-resistant electronics were. This need for clarity led to the creation of the IP rating system.
What do the IP rating numbers mean?
The IP rating system includes a process for testing products and resulting IP codes or ratings. We’ll first focus on the actual format of the IP rating you’ve seen for waterproof headphones. The base of an IP rating is made of 4 characteristics. An example would be pair of wireless earbuds with an IP57 rating like the Jabra Active 75t. Here is an explainer of what this means.
Decoding an IP Number
- The letters IP simply denote an ingress protection rating
- 1st number represents the protection level against solid foreign objects
- 2nd number represents the protection level against water or other liquids
- The 2nd or 3rd number will be replaced with an X if no testing data is available
That’s a quick explainer on how to understand the actual characters in an IP rating. An IP67 rating would signal equipment with electrical enclosures is well-protected from dust and water. Level 6 protection from solid foreign objects is the 2nd highest rating (dust-protected). A level 7 rating is also high. A pair of wireless earbuds with a 7-level rating can actually be immersed in 3+ feet of water for at least 30 minutes. That’s great water resistance for truly wireless earbuds.
What’s A Good IP Rating For Waterproof Earbuds?
This is a complicated question. It’s also why these IP rating classifications are created in such a manner that makes limitations clear. What does waterproof mean to you and what type of water resistance is important? It’s important to break this down in sections for that reason.
What’s A Good IP Rating For Workout Earbuds?
If you’re working out, you’re likely most concerned with sweat. While wireless earbuds with an IPX2 rating are safe to safe, opt for IPX4 if you plan on working out in rain. Some sweat more than others and want to know if their wireless earbuds will hold up to sweat. Most earbuds are probably safe from sweat. These decisions usually come down to peace of mind though.
Unfortunately, there is no IP code for “sweat-proof”. Their liquid level ingress protection rating testing does provide some clarity. IPX2 rated earbuds will withstand dipping water when tilted at 15 degrees. Wireless earbuds with an IPX4 rating must function after being splashed with water with a spray nozzle for 10 minutes. While no one does this with their earbuds, these activities are a rough approximation of sweating and rain. For that reason, best waterproof headphones should have an IPX4 rating if ingress protection from rain and sweat is your priority. If you won’t be in the rain, IPX2 headphones will be sufficient.
What IP Rating Should Swimming Headphones Have?
Swimming will of course require much more protection than a run in the rain. Luckily, testing for IP ratings includes submersion. The best waterproof earbuds for swimming should have at least an IPX7 rating. To gain a level 7 rating for liquid ingress, electrical equipment is immersed in 3+ feet of water for over 30 minutes. IPX7 earbuds should provide peace of mind for most swimmers.
In Conclusion: Earbuds and Ingress Protection
It’s clear to see how someone in search of waterproof headphones might get confused. While an IP code does provide clarity, the testing guidelines don’t neatly fit real-life scenarios. It can be done with a little bit of work though. Hopefully, we cleared up some of the confusion around waterproof headphones.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.