How to Tell If Your Earbuds Are Actually Waterproof

The phrase 'water resistant' gets slapped on a lot of products that have no business being near a swimming pool. Here's what the ratings actually mean.

The IPX Scale

IPX ratings are a standardized international scale. The X means the product hasn't been tested for dust (a separate rating). The number tells you water resistance:

• IPX4 — Splash resistant. Sweat is fine. Rain is fine. Getting dunked is not.
• IPX5 — Sustained, low-pressure water stream. Good for rain, the gym, most outdoor activities.
• IPX7 — Full submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Swimming-safe.
• IPX8 — Submersion beyond 1 meter. Dive watch territory.

What You Actually Need

For gym and running use, IPX5 is the practical sweet spot. Our True Wireless Earbuds are IPX5 rated — tested for rain, sweat, and splashing. Not rated for swimming laps.

If someone is selling earbuds with no IPX rating listed, that's a skip.

The Bottom Line

Always check for an IPX number, not just the word 'waterproof.' IPX5 covers 95% of what most people actually need, and that's exactly what we ship.