Water Resistant vs Waterproof Speakers

Water-resistant Bluetooth speaker and Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker are not the same thing when it comes to wireless bluetooth speakers. While the titles suggest that they provide similar water resistance, there are a few important variances. This article will describe these distinctions in order to assist you in determining which portable bluetooth speaker is best for you depending on your inside and outdoor listening requirements.

Waterproof

The term “waterproof” refers to a system that is not harmed by water and can survive water interaction without being compromised. Like you would expect, this is a high bar to clear, considering that there is currently no industry norm for determining whether a device is waterproof or not. Therefore, when a speaker comes with the waterproof feature, it generally suggests that you may take your speaker to the pool party without having to worry.

Water Resistant

On the other hand, the amount of protection provided by a water-resistant device is less than that provided by a waterproof device. When a product is labeled as water-resistant, it either means that it was made in such a manner that water won’t get inside or that it’s covered in a coating that reduces the speaker’s chances of being damaged by water. But it does not guarantee full protection. Splashes of rain won’t damage a “water-resistant” or “splash-proof” speaker. A speaker that is labeled as “waterproof” usually has an IP67 rating, indicating that it can withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes.

IP Rating

IP stands for Ingress Protection or International Protection, and it is the global norm by which electronics are assessed in terms of their waterproofing and solid object resistance. The letter ‘X’ in IPX stands for a placeholder, which is loaded with a numerical value based on how much water a certain object can withstand without malfunctioning.

The list of IP ratings and its water protection level varies on 8 stages. From IPx0, IPx1, IPx2, IPx3, IPx4, IPx5, IPx6, IPx7, IPx8. If a product has an IPX7 water rating, it means it has a water rating of 7, it will be shown as such. IP67 is the ranking given to a substance that has a dust rating of 6 and a water rating of 7. When the dust and water ratings are the same, such as when they are all 4, the ranking will be shown as IP4.

Best Waterproof Speakers

Harmon Kardon Onyx Studio 6 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 is a compact, waterproof Bluetooth speaker that feels more like a concept item than a rainproof speaker. This ipx7 waterproof speaker is a great deal at that price point. Many looking for a precise blend can stay away, but mega-bass fans looking for rumble in a compact, outdoor-friendly package will be delighted. The speaker’s IPX7 waterproof rating means it can be immersed in water for up to a meter, though Bluetooth signals don’t work well underwater. In other words, it should be perfect by the pool or in the shower. Only make sure the connection port’s cover is closed.

From a strictly sonic perspective, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 provides the kind of thump bass that bass fans need. However, it faces stiff competition in the lightweight, outdoor-friendly category.Many of these speakers can survive being submerged in water, and some even have LED light shows. However, the Onyx Studio 6’s key selling point: gonzo bass reaction, is difficult to compare. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll be delighted.

Pros

• The biggest advantage is the IPX7 waterproof.
• It has great 8 hours of playtime
• Weight is less than onyx 5
• Incredibly lightweight and compact
• Improved sound quality over its predecessors
• Bronze handle improves portability
• Elegant design

Cons

• Not much difference from previous models
• More expensive
• Dual play is possible with only other onyx 6 devices

JBL Pulse 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

The Pulse Bluetooth speaker line from JBL has always looked a bit gimmicky, but the new Pulse 4 is truly impressive. The price tag might seem a little high, but it offers impressive audio output for its scale, as well as a hypnotic LED light display. With a waterproof design, there’s a lot to like here, even though an aux input and speakerphone functionality would be good.

The top grille projects audio from a single 2.25-inch, 20-watt motor, while the lower panel (on which the speaker stands upright) holds a passive radiator and is raised partially off the surface it rests on. The entire structure has an IPX7 rating, which means it can be immersed in water for up to a meter, allowing you to use it outdoors or by the pool. This is also known to be one of the best ipx7 waterproof JBL among others in the market.

The top ring of the speaker has different settings, including buttons for fuel, Bluetooth pairing, volume up/down, and play/pause. A button activates the LED lighting, and a PartyBoost button connects the speaker to other Pulse 4 speakers to form a stereo pair or a multi-room setup (with up to 100 speakers). The USB-C port at the bottom is included for cable charging. 

Pros

• Powerful audio for the size.
• Impressive LED lights.
• Waterproof build.
• A balanced profile that doesn’t overemphasize bass
• Plenty of bass

Cons

• Pricey.
• No speakerphone functionality or aux input

Treblab XR700 Pro Wireless Earbuds

You’ll need a safe pair of wireless earbuds that suit well for high-intensity workouts or extreme sports. The TREBLAB XR700 PRO Wireless Earbuds have pliable ear hooks that can be adjusted to match seamlessly around your ear. These babies would not be moved by any amount of sweat or movement. Passive noise-cancellation is another option on the TREBLAB XR700 Earbuds that increases sound quality. This means that noise-canceling ear tips made of memory foam are included in the package, and I’m shocked at how well they perform. They’ll withstand hours of sweat thanks to their IPX7 water resistance, but don’t want to swim in them.

The Treblab XR700 pro is a IPX7 waterproof wireless earbuds in the market, this means that It’s up for a couple of feet of submersion, so that’s a good sign. You obviously don’t want to risk your earbuds by submerging them in water, so you might take a shower without fear.

Pros

• Comfortable earbuds
• Super lightweight and comfortable.
• Full HD stereo sound built right in.
• High level of waterproofing to protect your investment in these earbuds.

Cons

• Some quality control issues with these headphones.

Jaybird Vista Wireless Earbuds

It’s easy to see why the Jaybird Vista earbuds are among the best true wireless headphones around. With a stylish, lightweight look and functionality targeted squarely at real and budding athletes – while still being able to cater to the less dedicated fitness nuts of us. The Jaybird Vista earbuds are extremely lightweight exercise earbuds with water and sweat tolerance to cope with all levels of indoor and outdoor workouts. They follow in the footsteps of the Jaybird Run True – and waterproof Run XTs. You won’t have to do with any wires because these are real wireless earbuds.

The Vista earbuds are knowns at the best IPX7 waterproof earbuds for swimming, which means they can withstand a downpour as well as a short submersion in up to one meter of water – but we wouldn’t recommend them for swimming. The Jaybird Vista earbuds are also incredibly small – but not quite as small as their carry case, which uses diagonally slanted charging stations to keep the case’s dimensions to a minimum.

Pros

• Secure fit.
• Sound is quite good.
• 100% waterproof.
• Can be used independently.
• Compact case.
• Standard USB-C port for the charging case.
• Easy to clean.
• Six hours of battery life plus ten additional hours from the case.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Plasticky exterior.
• Low overall volume.

Tozo T6 Wireless Earbuds

The TOZO T6 Completely Portable truly wireless headphones are a good pair of truly wireless headphones. They’re small and compact, with a decently comfortable fit that should allow them to be worn for long periods of time. Their tone is mildly bass-heavy out of the box, which could appeal to fans of EDM and hip-hop. They also last nearly 5.5 hours on a single charge, with four additional charges stored in their case.The case can be charged with any Qi-enabled wireless adapter, which is a good bonus at this price point, and the headphones are water resistant to IPX8, though we didn’t test them. They don’t have a companion app, and there aren’t any customization options.

The TOZO T6 headphones are adequate for neutral sound. They have a sound profile that is mildly bass-heavy and no sound enhancement options to configure their sound. Their soundstage is often viewed as closed-off, as if emanating from inside the ears, rather than expansive and large. In the plus side, their bass and treble delivery are really reliable, so you get the same tone every time you use them..

Pros

• Excellent audio quality
• Comfortable
• Good battery life
• The case can recharge the earbuds up to 4 times
• Good quality build and design
• Good Bluetooth range
• Waterproof doesn’t have volume control

Cons

The charging/carrying case is a little too big to fit in your pocket.

Tranya T10 Wireless earbuds

The Tranya  T10 bluetooth 5.0 wireless earbuds are a simple pair of fully wireless in-ears that come with a charging case. They’re small and stable in your ear, making them ideal for working out. They have an energizing, V-shaped sound profile that adds a little more boom and punch to get you focused during your workout. The T10 is a higher-end variant that includes IPX7 water resistance, aptX, wireless charging, and touch controls. The T10 are still moderately priced as are the other items in the line, but can be charged way less if excluding the shipping costs.

The earbuds are also pretty straightforward in style, with a matte finish throughout. Although they seem to be made of plastic, the construction quality and finish are still satisfactory. More significantly, they’re IPX7-certified, so you won’t have to worry about sweat or rain causing damage.

Pros

• Well-built with IPX7 rating;
• Comfortable;
• Impressive bass response;
• Wireless charging;
• Great price.

Cons

• Sound lacks mid-range detail.

Best Water Resistant Speakers

JBL Xtreme 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Xtreme 3 makes it to the ipx7 waterproof earbuds review as it is the largest and most powerful speaker on this list. It weighs almost two pounds more than the Sony SRS-XB33, but the thunderous sound it produces makes the extra weight worthwhile. The package is available in black, blue, or with a camouflage theme. This JBL speaker delivers an output that lives up to its Xtreme moniker in terms of acoustics. It features two woofers, two tweeters, and two passive bass radiators to provide the iconic audio manufacturer’s signature sound. The product has a normal audio jack for wired playback in addition to future-proof Bluetooth 5.1.

With an IP67 waterproof rating, the speaker is completely water and dust-resistant, meaning that it can be the focus of attention at any party. JBL deserves praise for having a durable carrying harness and a built-in bottle opener for each speaker. The JBL Xtreme 3 will have up to 15 hours of wireless listening time. The product will concurrently charge two devices via USB-A and USB-C ports while blasting music, which is very interesting.

Pros

Sony SRS-XB33 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

For most people, Sony’s SRS-XB33 is the perfect waterproof Bluetooth speaker. It has an elegant cloth cover, a shockproof build with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, excellent tone, and a superb battery life of up to 24 hours between loads, all for an unbelievable price. Its overall quality and consistency made it our favorite Bluetooth speaker.The Sony SRS-XB33 isn’t exactly thin, but it’s still small in comparison to the volume of sound it can produce—plenty there’s of bass depth here for the size and price. Sculpted highs help to offset the lows, but this is not a speaker for those looking for precise audio output.

Moreover, built-in LED lights add a fun aspect, and in-app EQ allows for some sound signature tweaking, making the SRS-XB33 a solid outdoor-friendly alternative for the price. This ip67 waterproof rating means that the device can be submerged for up to half an hour in water up to a meter deep.Since it has an IP67 rating, the speaker is labeled as water resistant.

Pros

• Powerful bass depth and overall audio performance the size
• Waterproof and dust-resistant build
• Cool LED lighting
• Supports NFC and multi-device pairing.
• Very portable design.
• Basic graphic EQ via its companion app.

Cons

• Scooped sound signature not for purists

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2

The WONDERBOOM 2 from Ultimate Ears is a colorful speaker with a carrying harness so you can take it with you everywhere you go. While we don’t currently test for either feature, it is dust and water resistant and has an outdoor EQ mode to help improve its bass efficiency. It doesn’t get really loud, however, and it loses low-bass right out of the box. For both Android and iOS, it has a high latency and does not allow voice assistants. Even so, if you want to listen to audio outside, this robust and lightweight speaker is a good option.

Outdoor use is possible with the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2. The build quality of this portable speaker is excellent, with an IP67 award for dust and water resistance. Its battery lasts just under 13 hours on a single charge, and it has an outdoor EQ mode that is supposed to help with bass replication, but we haven’t tested it yet. Regrettably, it does not get very noisy. Since it has an IP67 rating, the speaker is labeled as water-resistant.

Pros

Sonos Roam Water Resistant Speaker

The Sonos Roam is Sonos’ most concentrated and measured product to date. But it’s also meant to fit with Sonos’ multiroom audio interface and show off the platform’s versatility. In reality, with the exception of Sonos’ Ikea-branded speakers, the Roam is now the cheapest way into the company’s ecosystem. The IP67 dust and water resistance ranking is the first for a Sonos speaker. According to certification requirements, it should be able to withstand 30 minutes in three feet of water. In practice, this ensures that you can use the Roam in the bathroom while showering and near swimming pools without fear of injury. If you plan on taking it into a deep p, it’s probably best to leave it on a floaty.

It’s more compact than its predecessor, and it’s tough enough to handle the elements, thanks to its light build and IP67 water-and-dust resistance grade. Sonos claims that it can withstand being three feet underwater for 30 minutes.An embossed white Sonos emblem appears on the front of the speaker; above it, an LED indicates the speaker’s attachment status, while an LED on the opposite end indicates battery life. The speaker is marked as water resistant due to it having a IP67 rating.

Aftershokz Aeropex Water Resistant Earbuds

In terms of reliability, the device has been upgraded from an IP55 water-resistant rating to an IP67 rating. That means you’ll get something that can be immersed for 30 minutes in water up to one meter deep. In fact, the ranking is about fending off sweat and the odds of surviving a run in the rain and maybe dumping them in a puddle along the way rather than taking them for a swim. Since Bluetooth and water don’t combine, there’s no need to bring them to the pool.

They cost more than the company’s Trekz Air headphones, which debuted in 2017. As more races prohibit the use of closed headphones and in-ear headphones due to safety issues, Aftershokz have quickly become the go-to alternative for athletes. The Aeropex seem to have cemented Aftershokz’ place as the number one pi in the sporty open ear headphones market, with very little competition. The reason why it had made here as the water resistant earbuds is due to its IP67 rating.

Pros

• Stable fit for all types of sports
• Perfect environment awareness due to open-ear design
• Lightweight (almost 30% lighter than Air)
• Waterproof and dustproof (IP67)
• Good battery life (8 hours)
• Improved bass response from previous models

Cons

• Vibrating transducers might be annoying
• Sound quality is suffering (compared to regular earphones)
• Lack of bass

Final Verdict

Water resistant and waterproofing are essentially different levels of manufacturer liability recognition. If a product is labeled as “waterproof,” whether it spills or fails due to water, the manufacturer is responsible for a substitute. When a vendor says a device is water safe, that means they’ve tried to make it waterproof, so they’re limiting their liability by naming it that and only qualifying it with depths and periods.

This could explain why a ‘waterproof watch’ isn’t as popular as a ‘water-resistant watch with a depth of up to 200 meters.’ For most businesses, labeling a product as waterproof is just too dangerous because it implies that the state is irreversible and that whatever has been ‘waterproofed’ will never fail due to water.Some firms, however, are willing to take the risk; in this post, we’ll go over waterproof ratings and what to look for when purchasing a water-resistant product.

In today’s world, water-resistant and waterproof speakers are a welcome development. It opens up a world of possibilities and pleasures, from listening to music in the bathroom to powering an entire pool party. When purchasing a device, consumers should be careful of terms such as “water resistant” and “waterproof,” and be aware of the main distinctions between the two.Water resistance refers to the ability to withstand water penetration to a degree but not fully, whereas waterproof refers to the ability to be impervious to water. These standards of security will keep you from dropping your “water proof” speaker into the pool at your next party and expecting the music to keep playing.

IPX, or Ingress Safety, is a worldwide standard that indicates a device’s water resistance and can be used on goods. IPX0 is the lowest level of protection, providing little protection at all, and IPX8 is completely submersible in water. Although we may not have mastered the technology and different prices impose restrictions, nothing can prevent you from selecting a speaker that better fits your budget from days at the beach in the heat.

FAQs

This part is all about the solution to the most asked questions from all over the internet. and as you can see this part is going to be the huge problem saver for you.

Water Resistant vs Waterproof, which do you need to buy?

Is it important for your speakers to be waterproof? Though this question seems to be straightforward, there is no definitive solution available on the internet or elsewhere. It is completely up to you if you like water-resistant or waterproof speakers and accessories. You’d be better off spending the time looking for a response on the internet than looking for a speaker with the highest battery life because you’re not going to charge it in the bathroom. However, most speakers are never fully immersed in water, so waterproofing isn’t mandatory in most situations. Quite certainly, the system will be tucked away in a corner, soaking up a few drops of water as visitors pass past, or on the side of your tub, never completely exposed to the showerhead.

Customers who keep on purchasing waterproof goods are more likely using the old adage, “better safe than sorry.” That’s cool, because their devices will be more water-resistant, but they should make this decision knowing that their product will most likely be fully submerged.

What are IPX Ratings, and what do they mean?

IPX scores define a device’s level of protection against water ingress. In layman’s words, it refers to a device’s waterproofness or water resistance. The IPX mark is accompanied by a number ranging from 0 to 8 (0 being no protection at all, and 8 being completely waterproof and submersible to a depth of 3m/9ft). The research is performed in freshwater; just because a system is scored IPX7 or IPX8 doesn’t mean it can withstand submersion in saltwater. Often, only because a gadget is IPX7 or IPX8 rated doesn’t imply it’s also IPX6 rated/certified (only because it’s submersible underwater doesn’t mean it’s impervious to powerful water jets).

There are eight degrees of defense against solid particle ingress, ranging from 0 to 8. The unit is shielded from small splashes of water if the first number after IP is 5. While the first number after IP indicates full protection from water submersion to a depth of one meter, the second number after IP indicates complete protection from water submersion to a depth of one meter.

•   IPX0-  Zero/ no protection
•   IPX1-  Protects against Dripping water
•   IPX2-  Protects against vertically dripping water
•   IPX3-  Protects against sprays up to 60°
•   IPX4-  Protects against splashing water
•   IPX5-  Protects against water jets
•   IPX6-  Protects against powerful water jets
•   IPX7-  Protects in water up to 3 feet.
•   IPX8-  Protects when immersed in water over 3 feet

What does the IPX7 ranking indicate?

The IPX7 rating is incredibly common, and we’re sure you’ve heard of it. It’s common because it means that the system is waterproof and can be completely immersed in 1-meter deep water for up to 30 minutes while still functioning normally. Users, on the other hand, always misinterpret this knowledge, so let us disclose some secret information that will help you prolong the life of your computer. If you see the letter X in these cases, remember that it means there is no detail on the extent of security available. In this scenario, X denotes that we don’t have any details about the extent of dust safety, so we won’t be concerned about it. But there’s one more important to discuss, and that’s number 7.

Is it safe to swim with an IP68 rating?

An IP68-rated unit is fully dustproof and waterproof (submersible in water of up to 3m depth for more than 30 minutes). So, yes, swimming is perfectly safe with an IP68 ranking. However, if you have Bluetooth headphones with an IP68 rating and a phone with the same rating and choose to use them when swimming, you can run into problems. Even if the distance between your phone and headphones is less than 5 feet, the Bluetooth signal does not respond well to water and can cut in and out.If you choose to listen to music while floating in a pool or the sea, for example, you can choose a gadget with an IPX7 or even an IPX8 score. If you’re going camping or have a picnic in the woods and you’re worried about rain ruining your computer, look for IPX4, IPX5, or IPX6-rated models, which are immune to water splashes and water jets striking the device at various angles.

How are waterproof portable bluetooth speakers protected?

Many layers of security are integrated into portable Bluetooth waterproof speakers. The first and most popular protective feature is known as conformal coating, which protects printed circuit boards from moisture, contaminants, and temperature variations, to name a few.Nanotechnology, which uses nano-sized particles to create waterproof, foolproof, and anti-UV layers, is another important protecting feature. Some waterproof portable Bluetooth speakers go a little further and use a superhydrophobic coating, which is a nano-coating that aids in waterproofing the product.

The term “waterproof” refers to a system that is not harmed by water and can survive water interaction without being compromised. Like you would expect, this is a high bar to clear, considering that there is currently no industry norm for determining whether a device is waterproof or not.The Ingress Protection (IP) norm, on the other hand, rates a device’s waterproofing reliability.