The Best Waterproof Headphones for 2023

Apr 19, 2024

Music is the ideal accompaniment to exercise, but you shouldn't just grab any old headphones before you head to the gym. If you're planning to work up a sweat, make sure whatever you choose can handle a soaking. We test scores of headphones each year, from noise-cancelling models that block out the world around you to exercise-friendly earbuds that can handle exposure to sweat and other liquids.

Check out our favorite waterproof earphones below, followed by buying advice with key tips for finding the best pair for you.

The Jabra Elite Pro 7 earphones might not cancel noise as effectively as top competitors, but they do have a distinct advantage over most: a completely waterproof IP57 design. Otherwise, they deliver a rich, detailed sound and bundle a very intuitive companion app.

These earbuds aren't superlative in any one category, but they compete with the best in every metric that matters. Choose these if you want noise-cancelling earphones that you can count on to survive sessions at the gym and downpours outside.

JBL sells a full range of waterproof models and the Endurance Peak 3 earphones are one of the best values. Their class-leading IP68 rating means they are completely dustproof and waterproof and they have excellent battery life, too. Meanwhile, their ear hooks ensure a secure fit no matter the intensity of your workout.

This JBL model is an excellent value for under $100, especially if you enjoy an adjustable sound signature that emphasizes the lows by default.

The IPX7 Tribit FlyBuds 3 are the most affordable waterproof earphones we recommend. They're capable performers, too, with a powerful, bass-centric sound signature, long battery life, and a stable design. The earbuds don't ship with a companion app, but that's a reasonable compromise for the price.

Budget-minded fitness fans should consider these Tribit earphones because they are reliable and cost well under $50.

Although top-notch noise-cancelling earphones are expensive, the IPX&-rated Anker Soundcore Sport X10 earbuds offer good-enough performance for much less. They also deliver a powerful, bass-forward audio signature that you can adjust via the in-app EQ.

If you want to block out distractions while you exercise at the gym, this Anker model is an excellent, low-cost option. You should consider upgrading to the Jabra Elite 7 Pro earphones if you want even better ANC and more detailed sound, but those cost twice as much.

Unlike most other waterproof competitors, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport earbuds look stylish and feel luxurious. Design touches like the classy B&O logos on the outside of each earpiece and the metal-trimmed case all add to their appeal. They offer an IP57 rating and also sound excellent, which is no surprise given their pedigree.

If you care about looking fashionable while you work out, you won't find a more premium option. They're really expensive though, especially considering they don't have active noise cancellation. We haven't tested them yet, but the newer stem-style Beoplay EX model offers that capability.

The Jabra Elite 4 Active earphones sit in a sweet spot between budget and high-end picks. They're essentially a scaled-back version of the Elite 7 Pro, so you can expect above-average noise cancellation and engaging audio. They have an IP57 rating.

These midrange earbuds are an affordable alternative to top-end models for buyers who still want a quality product.

The LG Tone Free Fit earphones are a bit pricey given their average noise cancellation, but the charging case is the main appeal here. It functions as a Bluetooth transmitter (thus allowing you to use the earphones wirelessly with any device that has a 3.5mm headphone jack), and LG further claims that it sanitizes the earbuds with UV light when they are docked. An IP67 rating rating also means you don't need to be particularly careful with them.

The ability to listen wirelessly from any source with a headphone jack is what makes the LG Tone Free Fit earbuds most appealing. That's a nice convenience for everything from in-flight entertainment systems to smart gym equipment.

Just like how AirPods (and Beats earphones) offer extra conveniences for iPhone users, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have some special tricks for Galaxy phone users, including support for 24-bit hi-res audio playback. They also fit well, sport an IPX7 rating, produce deep bass and clear highs via their dual drivers, and deliver decent noise cancellation. Like many Samsung products, however, they have an Apple-like premium price.

Audiophiles with newer Samsung Galaxy devices should pick these. Just make sure your phone is running at least Android 8.0 and One UI 4.0, plus has 1.5GB of RAM.

The Tribit MoveBuds H1 have the longest battery life of any earphones on this list at up to 15 hours. The case provides another 50 hours on top of that, so you can count on these earbuds to still function even if you forget to charge them now and then. They are extremely waterproof too, with an IPX8 rating.

If you seldom find yourself near an outlet to recharge your devices, this Tribit model is a suitable choice because of its extensive runtime. Just keep your sound quality expectations in check and prepare to deal with a large carrying case.

Let’s start here: Waterproof is a flexible term and water resistant is even more so. To qualify as either, a product ostensibly has to go through standard testing to determine its level of protection against liquids. The resulting score is called an ingress protection (IP) rating. Our explainer on the IP rating system has more details and is a good read for those curious about the process.

The short version goes like this: Manufacturers thoroughly (we hope) test their products under a rigid system of guidelines and assign an appropriate rating based on the results. The IP system also indicates the level of protection against dust, which can make things a little confusing.

Let’s say you have two pairs of headphones, one with an IP57 rating and another with an IPX7 rating. Which pair is more waterproof and what’s with the X? First off, they are equally waterproof—only the second digit in an IP rating corresponds to water resistance. The first digit indicates the level of dust protection. So, whereas the IP57 model has a high level of dust resistance, an IPX7 rating either means that the manufacturer didn't sufficiently test the product to these standards or that the product didn't meet the minimum threshold to get a rating. The X is simply a placeholder for 0. More often than not, the IP ratings we see for headphones have an X in them—manufacturers tend to care more about protection against liquids than dust.

The truth is, most people probably don’t need the highest level of water resistance from their headphones. Something with a modest IP rating, but with lots of other useful features, such as active noise cancellation or an adjustable EQ, might end up being a better fit.

Now that you understand what the numbers represent, what kind of IP ratings should you look for? To keep things simple, we’re just going to refer to everything as an IPX rating and ignore the dust resistance part here. It's rare for a manufacturer to even advertise a rating below IPX3, which corresponds to weak water resistance. Products with an IPX4 status can at least withstand water sprays from any direction.

An IPX5 rating means a product can handle water jetting from a 6.3mm nozzle, whereas an IPX6 rating means water jets from a 12.5mm nozzle should be fine. Both of these levels are likely good enough for a sweaty workout or exercise in light rain. You probably shouldn't expose headphones with this rating to heavy faucet pressure, however, let alone submerge them.

You can submerge IPX7 gear at depths of up to a meter for up to 30 minutes without issue. An IPX7 rating is where a product makes the leap from water resistant to waterproof; this is the minimum level for products on this list. IPX8 earphones are now increasingly common, too. They can survive at depths between one and three meters for longer periods.

Generally speaking, a Bluetooth signal doesn’t do well underwater. Although a wireless pair of IPX7 earphones might be enticing for swimming laps, the Bluetooth signal might not be steady.

That's why some companies, such as H2O Audio, specialize in Bluetooth products for swimmers. These earphones are subject to the same limitations of Bluetooth signals underwater, but their design keeps the headphones' reception circuitry above water, whereas traditional headphones might go underwater every time you turn your head to breathe.

Another possible issue with using headphones for swimming is range. Your Bluetooth audio source needs to be nearby to maintain a strong streaming signal.

For a variety of reasons, waterproof earphones far outnumber over-ear or on-ear headphones with the same qualities. Within the in-ear world, you have true wireless earphones, as well as more traditional wireless models with cables that connect the earpieces but still stream wireless audio.

Note that the charging case for your true wireless earphones likely isn't water resistant at all. Some cases have waterproof exteriors, but very few have a waterproof interior (the case for the second-generation AirPods Pro is a notable exception). If you dock them while they’re wet, you run the risk of damaging the product. Wireless models with a cable don’t have this issue. However, their waterproof ratings typically apply only when the charging point is closed.

All of this is to say that you still must use common sense. A simpler way to think of it is: When you are charging them, treat your headphones as if they aren't water-resistant. Dry the port before attaching a cable and dry your earpieces before you place them in the case.

A solid IP rating doesn’t seem to have a huge impact on price these days. That said, if water resistance is important to you, the best pairs we’ve tested generally start around $100. Often, the more expensive pairs of waterproof earphones have higher price tags because they offer top-notch noise cancellation or other premium audio features.

If you're looking for something more affordable, you can head over to the best headphones we've tested for under $50. Just keep in mind that they might not be waterproof. And when you find the right pair, make sure to check out our additional coverage on five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and the eight ways you're using your headphones wrong.