Finding the perfect pair of waterproof earbuds can be a challenge, especially when you need them to withstand everything from intense workouts to unexpected rain showers. The key to their resilience lies in the IPX rating, a standard that tells you exactly how well your gear can handle water and sweat. A higher number means better protection, giving you the confidence to push your limits without worrying about damaging your audio equipment.
This roundup is designed to help you cut through the noise and find a pair that fits your active lifestyle and sound preferences. We have compiled a list of ten excellent waterproof earbuds, from budget-friendly options to premium models with advanced features like noise cancellation, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every user and every adventure.
Our Top Picks for Waterproof Earbuds
- Soundcore Anker Life P2 True Wireless Earbuds
- Skullcandy Push Ultra True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds
- Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport Earphones
- JBL Endurance Race TWS – Waterproof Earbuds
- kurdene Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3
- PHILIPS T5506 True Wireless Headphones
- SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro – Bone Conduction Headphones
- Sony WFSP800N/B Truly Wireless Sports Headphones
- Bose Sport Earbuds – True Wireless Earphones
- JBL Endurance Peak 3 True Wireless Sport Earbuds
Soundcore Anker Life P2 True Wireless Earbuds
With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the Soundcore Life P2 earbuds are built to handle sweat and rain with ease. They are a fantastic choice for users who need reliable performance during workouts or commutes. The standout feature is the impressive 40-hour total playtime, supported by a fast-charging case that provides an hour of listening after just a 10-minute charge.
Sound quality is a major focus here, with BassUp technology that intensifies the low-end frequencies for a powerful and immersive listening experience. The wider soundstage delivers music with exceptional accuracy and clarity, making these a great all-around option for both music and calls.
Skullcandy Push Ultra True Wireless Earbuds
The Skullcandy Push Ultra earbuds are designed for an active lifestyle, offering a secure fit that is ideal for the gym, sports, and travel. You get a substantial 40 hours of total battery life with a convenient rapid charge feature, ensuring your earbuds are ready when you are. The inclusion of a wireless charging case adds an extra layer of convenience for daily use.
These earbuds are built to stay in place during vigorous movement, making them a dependable companion for workouts. The focus is on providing a long-lasting and hassle-free audio experience that can keep up with your busiest days.
Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport Earphones
Klipsch brings its legendary acoustic engineering to the T5 II Sport earphones, offering a premium audio experience in a waterproof and dustproof design. The highlight is the patented oval ear tips, which come in six sizes to provide an exceptional seal for noise isolation and superior bass response. This design also significantly reduces ear fatigue for long-term comfort.
With up to 32 hours of battery life and a wireless charging case, these earphones are built for performance and convenience. They are engineered to be some of the best-sounding and most comfortable earphones available, embodying the quality Klipsch is known for.
JBL Endurance Race TWS
Built for serious athletes, the JBL Endurance Race TWS earbuds boast an IP67 rating, making them fully waterproof and dustproof. They feature JBL’s famous Pure Bass sound, delivered through a 6mm dynamic driver that makes your music feel as powerful as it sounds. With up to 30 hours of total battery, these earbuds are ready for extended training sessions.
Practical features like Ambient Aware and TalkThru allow you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, adding a layer of safety during outdoor runs. A 10-minute speed charge provides an extra hour of playtime, which is perfect for when you need a quick power boost before heading out.
kurdene Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3
The kurdene earbuds utilize the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology for a stable and efficient connection. Their ultra-lightweight and ergonomic design ensures a comfortable and secure fit that doesn’t protrude from your ears, making them ideal for sports and workouts. The oversized 8mm drivers are tuned to deliver powerful sound with a focus on deep, resonant bass.
For calls, these earbuds feature enhanced noise-cancelling microphones and an AI algorithm to ensure your voice comes through clearly, even in noisy environments. They offer a balanced audio profile that is great for both music and communication.
PHILIPS T5506 True Wireless Headphones
The PHILIPS T5506 headphones are equipped with Noise Canceling Pro, a hybrid active noise canceling technology that uses multiple microphones to filter out unwanted ambient sound. This creates an immersive listening experience, perfect for focusing on your music or podcast during travel or in busy environments. The perfectly tuned 10mm neodymium drivers provide detailed and inspirational sound across all frequencies.
With up to 32 hours of playtime and a wireless charging case, these headphones combine advanced features with great convenience. They are a strong contender for anyone seeking high-quality audio with effective noise cancellation.
SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro
The SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro takes a completely different approach with its open-ear bone conduction technology, making it the ultimate choice for swimmers. With an IP68 waterproof rating, it can be submerged up to two meters for two hours. It features both Bluetooth for land use and a built-in MP3 player that can store up to 8,000 songs for phone-free listening in the water.
This design keeps your ears completely open, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings for enhanced safety during swims or outdoor runs. It provides a unique and comfortable listening experience that is unmatched by traditional in-ear models.
Sony WFSP800N/B Truly Wireless Sports Headphones
These Sony sports headphones are engineered for a secure and comfortable fit, thanks to an adjustable arc supporter and a three-dimensional curved design. They have been extensively tested during workouts to ensure they stay in place no matter how you move. The inclusion of digital noise cancellation helps you get into the zone by reducing distracting ambient sounds at the gym or on the street.
As a certified refurbished product, this option offers the quality and features of a premium Sony product at a more accessible point. It includes all original accessories and a 90-day warranty, representing a great value for performance-focused users.
Bose Sport Earbuds
Bose Sport Earbuds are engineered to deliver the brand’s renowned, lifelike sound that makes your music feel present and powerful. This audio quality can be the perfect motivator during a tough workout, pushing you to go further. The earbuds are designed with a secure and comfortable fit to stay in place during running and other physical activities.
While focusing on premium sound and a reliable fit, these true wireless earbuds provide a straightforward and high-quality audio experience. They are an excellent choice for those who prioritize audio fidelity above all else in their sport earbuds.
JBL Endurance Peak 3 True Wireless Sport Earbuds
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 continues JBL’s legacy of building durable audio gear for active users. These sport earbuds are designed to be fully waterproof and sweatproof, ready for your most intense training sessions. They are built to provide a secure and comfortable fit that won’t let you down, no matter the activity.
You can expect the powerful JBL sound that the brand is famous for, with deep bass and clear highs that keep you energized. With a focus on endurance and performance, these earbuds are a solid choice for athletes who need reliable and high-quality sound.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Waterproof Earbuds
When I’m shopping for a new pair of waterproof earbuds, the first thing I look at is the IPX rating. This is the international standard that tells you how well a device is protected against solids like dust and liquids like water. For earbuds, we mostly care about the water part. The “IP” stands for Ingress Protection, and the “X” just means there’s no official dust rating. The number after it is what matters.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the IPX ratings you’ll see for the 10 best waterproof earbuds:
- IPX4: This is your basic splash-proof rating. It means the earbuds can handle sweat and light rain. Perfect for workouts where you break a sweat but not for swimming.
- IPX7: This is a big step up. Earbuds with this rating can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. You can accidentally drop them in a puddle or wear them in a heavy downpour without worry.
- IPX8: This is the top tier for most consumer earbuds. An IPX8 rating means they can handle being submerged deeper than 1 meter, often for longer periods, as specified by the manufacturer. These are the ones you can actually take for a swim.
Beyond the waterproof rating, I also consider the fit. A secure fit is non-negotiable for any activity, especially swimming or running. Look for earbuds that come with multiple ear tip and wingtip sizes to get that locked-in feel. If they’re falling out during a sprint, the best waterproofing in the world won’t matter.
Sound quality is another key factor. Just because earbuds are built for the water doesn’t mean they have to sound thin or tinny. Many modern options offer impressive bass and clear mids and highs. If you’re an audiophile, check for support for high-quality audio codecs like AAC or aptX. Battery life is also crucial, particularly if you’re on long training sessions. Look at both the battery life of the earbuds themselves and the additional charges provided by the case.
Finally, think about the specific features you need. Do you want built-in storage for music so you can leave your phone behind? Are touch controls important for you to easily skip tracks? Making a list of your must-haves will help you navigate the options and find the perfect pair for your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use IPX7 earbuds for swimming?
I would not recommend using IPX7 earbuds for swimming. While an IPX7 rating is excellent for surviving accidental submersion, it’s not designed for the dynamic pressure of swimming strokes or being submerged for extended, repeated periods. For actual lap swimming, you should look for earbuds with a minimum IPX8 rating, as they are tested for continuous immersion at greater depths.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
This is a common point of confusion. “Water-resistant” typically means a device can resist the penetration of water to some degree, but not entirely. Think of your watch that can handle handwashing. “Waterproof” suggests a much higher level of protection, implying it can be submerged. However, in the tech world, we rely on the precise IPX ratings instead of these marketing terms. An IPX4 earbud is water-resistant, while an IPX8 model is effectively waterproof for swimming.
Do I need to dry my waterproof earbuds after using them?
Yes, absolutely. Even the best waterproof earbuds with high IPX ratings should be dried off after exposure to water or sweat. I always take a soft, dry cloth and gently wipe down the earbuds and the charging contacts on both the buds and the case. This prevents long-term corrosion, keeps the speakers clear, and ensures the charging pins work correctly. Let them air dry fully before placing them back in the case.
How do I clean my waterproof earbuds?
Cleaning is simple but important for hygiene and performance. First, make sure they are powered off. Then, use a soft cloth slightly dampened with fresh water to wipe down the exterior. Avoid any soaps or chemicals. For the ear tips, you can often remove them and rinse them in clean water. Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean any grille or opening, being very careful not to push debris further inside. This guide to the 10 best waterproof earbuds should lead you to models that are easy to maintain.
Can I wear waterproof earbuds in the shower?
It depends on the rating. Earbuds rated IPX7 or IPX8 should have no problem with shower use, as they are built to handle direct water exposure and submersion. However, I would be cautious with IPX4 models, as the direct, pressurized stream from a showerhead might exceed what they are designed for. Always check the manufacturer’s specific recommendations for your model.