Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers and Headphones or Bluetooth Earbuds meant for sports, or the weather come with an IPX rating. This rating is a way for you to understand how waterproof your equipment is. Not all IPX ratings are the same, and they can be confusing. By the end of this article you should understand what IPX ratings are, why they are important and what to look for in Bluetooth equipment that may be exposed to water. So let’s start with what IPX means – and for that, we have to start with the first two letters of IP…
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Ingress Protection Code (IP)
The Ingress Protection Code (IP Code) is part of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 60529, first issued in 1989. This standard measures an electronic enclosure’s ability to resist accidental contact, dust, and water. IP Ratings are classified by different categories and the scale of protection provided.
The goal of the standard is to provide more detailed information regarding vague marketing claims such as “waterproof”.
Keep in mind, while this article is mostly concerned about the water resistance of Bluetooth Earbuds, Headphones, and Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers, the IP Code is meant to describe the overall protection of an electronic enclosure from all manner of intrusion, including dust and “accidental contact” – which is a euphemism for fingers and other body parts touching the inside of the electronic device.
IPX Code Breakdown Explained
The IP Code is composed of the first two letters to indicate the standard (IP) and then two to three alphanumeric characters, each indicating a scale of the level of protection or additional information.
Ingress Protection Against Solids
The first character to follow IP indicates Solid Particle Protection. This measures the scale of protection the enclosure provides against accidental contact and foreign particles. The scale for the protection goes from 0 (meaning none) to 6, meaning the enclosure is dust-tight, and a vacuum has been applied with a test duration of up to 8 hours.
| IP Level | Effective Against |
| 0 | No protection against contact or foreign objects entering the enclosure |
| 1 | Any large body surface, such as the back of a hand. But no protection against deliberate touching with a body part |
| 2 | Protects against fingers or similar objects |
| 3 | Protects against tools or thick wires |
| 4 | Most wires, large ants, etc. are kept out of the device |
| 5 | Dust protected. While dust may enter the device, it won’t enter at a level that could be harmful to the device |
| 6 | Dust-Tight (vacuum sealed) and complete protection against contact. Tested over an airflow for a minimum of 8 hours. |
If there is an X for the first digit, it means there is no data available to indicate protection.
In all likelihood, an X really means the manufacturers were not focused on that specific protection standard and are electing not to specify it. For quite obvious reasons, an enclosure capable of keeping water out can also protect against stray finger or dust particles.
For outdoor Bluetooth speakers, it may be difficult to find an IP rating that does not start with X. Water resistance is much more important to consumers than, say, protection against large ants. If you do find a speaker or other Bluetooth rating with an IP rating, look for a minimum rating of IP 4 or higher. Unlike the IPX ratings, the IP rating for protection against solids is cumulative – meaning an IP6 will satisfy the specifications and pass all of the tests for all of the lower ratings.
But we’re mostly interested in how waterproof our headphones, earbuds and speakers are. So we’re okay with an IP rating that starts with X. This brings us to IPX and the second character and …
Ingress Protection Against Liquids
Ok, this is what we care about.
How well does the enclosure protect against water? Water resistance of electronic enclosures is measured on a scale of 0 (meaning none) to 9K, protecting against powerful high-temperature water jets.
Since most of us won’t be swimming in high-temperature water jets (probably), let’s look at the following table to see where we might fall:
| IP Level | Liquid Protection | Effective Against |
| 0 | None | No protection against liquids |
| 1 | Dripping Water | Rain (vertically falling drops) when the device is in an upright position |
| 2 | Dripping Water when Tilted 15° | Rain is kept out as long as the angle does not exceed 15° from upright (tested across two axes) |
| 3 | Spraying Water | Water coming in at up to a 60° angle will have no harmful effect (test is conducted over 5 minutes) |
| 4 | Splashing of Water | Water coming in from any direction won’t cause any damage (test methods vary and test time can be 5 to 10 minutes depending on the method) |
| 5 | Water Jets | Water from a nozzle from any direction won’t cause any damage (tested at 4.4 psi at a distance of about 10 feet for 3 minutes) |
| 6 | Powerful Water Jets | Water from powerful jets from any direction won’t cause any damage (tested at 15 psi at a distance of about 10 feet for 3 minutes) |
| 6K | Powerful Jets with Increased Pressure | Same as above, only now we’re increasing the pressure to 150 psi for 3 minutes |
| 7 | Immersion up to 1 meter (3 ft. 3 in) deep | Entrance of water in a quantity that would cause damage to the device is not possible when used as directed. The test duration is 30 minutes. |
| 8 | Immersion up to 1 meter (3 ft, 3 in) deep but continuously | The equipment is built to be submerged in water continuously within manufacturers specifications. Water may enter the enclosure, but will not have any harmful effects on the operation of the device. |
| 9K | Poweful High-Temp Water Jets | Protected against close range high-pressure, high-temperature (176 °F) spray downs for 30 seconds. |
So let’s walk through these in a little more detail. But before we do, one important note: The ratings above IPX6 are independent of another, and a higher rating of liquid protection beyond IPX6 does not necessarily mean that it automatically protects against the lower-rated protections.
More clearly, an IPX7 device may not conform to IPX6 protections. We’re talking immersion vs. a direct spray for these two standards.
If a device has both protections it will have a dual rating separated by a slash such as IPX6/IPX7.
An IPX6/IPX7 device would resist water both as a direct spray as well as immersion up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches).
Common IPX Ratings Related to Bluetooth Devices
Now that we have a basic understanding let’s look at the most common IPX Ratings for Bluetooth Devices and what they mean.
Common IPX Ratings Related to Bluetooth Devices
The following are the most common IPX Ratings for Bluetooth Devices and their meaning.
IPX3 Rating Explained
Anything below IPX3 is not suitable for even working out. IPX3 Bluetooth earbuds or headphones can survive water spray from a nozzle at an angle of 60 degrees on top of the device from the vertical axis. Basically, they can withstand water at a pressure of 50-150kPa for 5 minutes.
IPX4 Rating Explained
Bluetooth earbuds or headphones with IPX 4 rating are often considered splashproof. The can survive splashing of water from any direction. For testing, you can use the nozzle as in the example above but without the shield and spray the water from any direction for at least 5 minutes. Examples of Bluetooth earbuds with IPX 4 rating are VTIN and Bose Soundlink.
IPX5 Rating Explained
Bluetooth earbuds or headphones with IPX5 rating can survive water jets from any direction sprayed with a 6.3mm water jet nozzle. This test lasts for 15 minutes. So these are more than suitable for use in the rain.
IPX6 Rating Explained
Electronic devices with IPX6 devices are considered water resistant. They can withstand Powerful water jet from any direction. However, you’re unlikely to find a Bluetooth consumer device that is rated IPX6K.
IPX7 Rating Explained
IPX 7 rated devices are considered fully water proof. These devices can survive without damage when immersed in water (up to 1m). There are several earbuds and headphones with IPX7 rating. Most of the swimming earbuds and headphones you’re able to buy are IPX7 certified. Examples include JBL Flip 4, UE BOOM, JBL Charge, etc.
IPX8 Rating Explained
Devices with 1PX8 rating can survive when immersed in water deeper than 1m (up to 3m). There is no specific time for the test but its longer than the testing time for IPX7 devices.
IPX9K Rating Explained
Devices with IPX9K rating can survive powerful water jets as well as high water temperature. There are consumer devices with IPX9K ratings, but you usually see this when it comes to dog training collars and not for Bluetooth devices you would connect to your phone to listen to music. These devices are resistant to:
- High temperature water (80 degrees).
- High water pressure (0.1-0.15m)
Why IPX Ratings Are Important When Shopping for a Bluetooth Device
When a manufacturer wants to add an IPX rating to their product, they must first have it tested by a certified company. The company then gives the device an IPX rating to show how resistant the device is against the intrusion of liquids and solids. With a certified IPX rating, manufacturers can confidently claim the level of protection the product offers.
A certified IPX rating also gives customers assurance that the device meets their requirements. In addition, if a user is aware of the IPX rating, they can use them cautiously, without the risk of damaging the equipment.
IPX ratings provide a basis for judging the capability and performance of Bluetooth earbuds or headphones. It helps in comparing different models. They also provide a basis for manufacturers to create feature-based adverts.
IPX is also vital because they help to distinguish between efficient and inefficient models. This helps users in making purchasing decisions. Manufacturers use this information to set prices for different devices.
IP ratings are important in the following environments.
Dusty Environments
Dust in the environment can severely damage your earbuds or headphones. Although there are dust control options that can help reduce this damage by reducing the number of dust particles in the air, dust can still penetrate improperly sealed enclosures. Devices with an IPX rating of 5-6 are ideal for these types of environments. In these environments, waterproof enclosures are not as essential. So, the liquid IPX rating doesn’t have to be high.
Wet Environment
Protecting your wireless Bluetooth devices when working in wet environments is vital. An IPX rating of 5-8 is ideal in such environments. In these environments, the solid IPX rating doesn’t need to be high.
What to Look For When Shopping for a Bluetooth Device That May Be Exposed to Water
Before purchasing wireless headphones and earbuds, you should check the IPX rating. Knowing what each IPX rating means makes it easier to guess what you need to look for. The best IPX Bluetooth devices are at least IPX 5 certified.
If you’re looking for a pair of sports earbuds, choose a pair that is at least IPX4 certified. IPX4-rated devices are considered splashproof. However, some manufacturers define IPX4-rated earbuds and headphones as sweat resistance and thus ideal for heavy workout sessions. If looking for fully waterproof devices, choose IPX7-rated earbuds or headphones.
Even though IPX7 earbuds and headphones are fully waterproof, it doesn’t mean they can float on water. Another thing to remember is that even if a device is rated as IPX7 OR IPX8 certified, it doesn’t mean they are also IPX5 or IPX6 certified. IPX7 and IPX8 devices should be tested further for IPX5 and IPX6 ratings.
Lastly, be keen when checking the IP and IPX ratings. The rating is invalid or fake if there is a hyphen between IPX or IP. So, don’t buy a device with a rating such as IPX-7 or IP-68. Although it may be a typing mistake, you should be careful.
Apart from IPX rating, look for other features such as comfort, control, durability, battery life, compatibility, and price. These features ensure that your music listening experience is worthwhile. Let’s look at these factors in detail.
- Comfort: You need comfortable earbuds or headphones for long-term wear. However, finding a pair of comfortable earbuds or headphones can be challenging because the fitting and comfortable earbuds or headphones depend on the size of your ears. Try out different sizes to find out which ones comfortably fit you.
- Control: Bluetooth earbuds or headphones allow you to control directly control playback on your smartphone. Usually, you can fast forward, pause, skip tracks, or even change the music. Advanced models have dedicated buttons for controlling special features like active noise cancellation and base enhancement. The controls should be easy to access and identify. The controls are usually on the back or on the earbuds themselves. If working out, choose a model with larger control buttons.
- Durability and Sweat resistance: There is nothing as bad as purchasing Bluetooth earbuds that get damaged after a short while. However, wireless earbuds last longer in comparison with their wired compatriots. This doesn’t mean that you can handle your wireless earbuds or headphones carelessly. A common cause of damaged earbuds or headphones is sweat. Sweat can downgrade the sound quality or even destroy drivers in your earbuds. Before buying a new pair of Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, check out reviews of the device that you want to buy.
- Battery life: One of the essential factors to consider before purchasing Bluetooth earbuds or headphones is battery life. Who wants Bluetooth earbuds or headphones that run out of battery after a short while? Bluetooth earbuds have an average battery life of around 5 hours. Exceptional ones can run up to 10 hours. However, because Bluetooth earbuds use Lithium-ion batteries similar to your smartphone’s, the battery life decreases with use. New smartphones can easily last the entire day without charging. Yet, after a few years of use, a power bank and a spare charger are a must-haves.
An important specification related to battery life is charging time. Some Bluetooth earbuds and headphones have longer charging times than others. How frustrating can it be if you wake up in the morning and 30 minutes before your workout, you realize that you don’t have much time to charge them? Bluetooth batteries are relatively small. Thirty minutes should be enough for a full charge. It’s best to follow instructions on your user manual on how to charge your Bluetooth earbuds or headphones.
Compatibility: You probably want to pair your Bluetooth earbuds or headphones with Android or iOS smartphones. You shouldn’t have problems connecting to these devices. The pairing process only requires a few clicks.
Price: Price is a vital factor when making any purchase. The amount of money you spend mostly determines the quality that you get. However, it’s still possible to purchase a good pair of earbuds even on a limited budget.
Conclusion
The IPX rating gives you an idea of how waterproof your device is. The best wireless earbuds or headphones can withstand harsh weather conditions. They are suited for every situation. You wouldn’t want your latest Bluetooth device to be damaged by sweat. If you work out, always choose IPX-rated earbuds or headphones.
A key thing to note is that IPX ratings don’t necessarily map each other. For instance, if a product is certified as IPX6, it doesn’t mean it is also certified in the other levels. If it’s certified in both levels, then it should be mentioned on the packaging, for example, IPX5/IPX6. There are also other factors to consider before purchasing IPX-rated earbuds or headphones.
For instance, if you are a swimmer, you need to know that salty and freshwater may interact differently with your device. Besides, if you completely immerse a device in water, you need to know that atmospheric pressure also changes. The deeper you immerse the earbuds or headphones in water. Although IPX technology is new and needs improvements, nothing should stop you from trying them out.
Thanks for reading this comprehensive blog post on IPX ratings. I hope that you are now well versed in these concepts. Keep it here for related content.
