IPX Waterproof Ratings for Bluetooth Speakers and Earbuds Explained

In addition to the above, we have added an in-depth, but still simplistic rating chart that allows you to compare a rating for a portable speaker or set of earbuds, you are looking at purchasing.

The chart will provide you with a quick and simple reference guide to an IPX and IP certification so you can see what’s best for your audio device.

Waterproof and Dustproof Ratings for Bluetooth Speakers and Earbuds

Ever wondered what the waterproof proof rating on a Bluetooth speaker or set of true wireless earbuds really means? Then, when you go in search of the information, there really isn’t much that is relative to portable speakers and earbuds. That’s what this little article is all about, IP and IPX ratings for these kinds of products.

Most people just look at the IPX rating and immediately assume that the higher the number the better protected the speaker or the headphones will be. Most wouldn’t even realize the product doesn’t have a dust protection rating and it is often assumed if it’s waterproof it is dustproof.

The fact of the matter is, anything with IPX waterproof ratings, be it an IPX5 or even an IPX7 certification, hasn’t been tested for dust protection and therefore you can’t be 100% sure that it is dustproof. The basics are that if the product has got an IPX7 waterproof rating, it is waterproof but the X means it wasn’t tested for dust protection.

If, on the other hand, the product had an IP67 rating that means the deivce is dust and waterproof. Read on and you will get a further understanding of these grades as we have set them out below.

How the IPX Rating System works with Wireless Speakers and Earbuds

The IPX certification system is a standard that is used to determine whether a particular product or fiber has any protection from dust and water.

The higher the IPX waterproof classification, the more protected it can be from dust and water.

The rating system works from low to high, with the lowest ratings having little to no protection from water and dust at all through to the higher ratings, which give high protection from dust or water.

The point here, which is often missed, is it’s fantastic to have a Bluetooth speaker or set of awesome earbuds that are fully waterproof but are they protected from dust?

On the other end of the scale, an IPX7 or even the highest rating, which is not that common with Bluetooth speakers and headphones, of IPX8 will be waterproof. This means that the portable speaker or wireless earbuds can be submerged in water for a set amount of time. This, of course, depends on the manufacturer’s specifications.

A higher IPX rated waterproof audio device is going to give you better protection.

The Meaning of an IP Dust and Waterproof Rating

An IP rating is the same in regards to water protection as an IPX rating. The only difference here is that it has been tested for dust protection as well. For instance, if a set of earbuds had a rating of IP00 they would not be protected from either water or dust.

However, if another set of headphones or speakers has a rating of IP67, then they are fully waterproof as well as dustproof.

Difference Between an IP and IPX Rating Explained

The difference between an IP and IPX rating is: an IP rating will give you a protection rating from dust and liquid. An IPX certification will only give you a liquid protection rating. Dust ratings go from 0-6 and Liquid ratings go from 0-9. The most common grading for Bluetooth speakers and earbuds go from 0-7. And, as mentioned earlier, the higher the number the better the quality.

What does IPX actually mean

The Higher the Number the Better the Protection

If you’re looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker or a set of true wireless earbuds to take to the lake or the beach, then the higher the rating the better the protection. If the speaker or the buds have an IPX7 waterproof rating, they are going to be well protected from water.

If you don’t want to get sand in them, go one step further, look for an IP67 rating, then you are not going to get any sand inside your Bluetooth speaker or headphones either. Our rating chart below will give you more information such as how long speakers and earbuds can last in the water, and how deep they can be submerged, and for how long.

What is the Best Certification?

The best IPX certification that’s possible is IPX9. Most Bluetooth speakers and true wireless earbuds are going to be IPX7 and there are a few that have an IPX8 rating, too. With an IPX7 rating, you are going to have on average a fully waterproof product, which can last submerged in up to 1 meter of water for around 30 minutes.

If the speaker or earbuds had an IPX5 rating, they would repel water just fine, but would not have much resistance at all, if they were dropped into a pool or were submerged.

The best resistance that is most commonly found in products of the Bluetooth sound area is an IP67 certification, which is going to give you excellent protection from water and dust. If the speaker or the buds have an IP67 rating, then, if you wanted to, you could take them for a swim with you and they should do just fine.

On the other hand, if the certification was IP65, then your speaker or buds would not be resistant for too long. Thus, next time around you may want to make sure your choice of product has an IP67 rating for optimum resistance.

IP & IPX Rating Chart for Bluetooth Speakers and Bluetooth Earbuds

Make Sure You Have the Best Protection You Need

At the end of the day, water-resistant or waterproof, it all depends on what you are going to use your audio device for.
The same applies when looking at dust protection too. If you want an audio product that can be used in most environments you are going to encounter, then go for a device with a higher rating. For example, an IPX7 or IP67-rated portable speaker or earbuds are going to be more versatile than ones with an IPX5 or IP65 rating.