Water resistant earbuds: The Best Waterproof Headphones for 2023

The Best Waterproof Headphones for 2023

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.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Jabra Elite 7 Pro

Best Noise Cancellation

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The true wireless Jabra Elite 7 Pro earphones offer quality active noise cancellation and top-notch mic performance in a waterproof build.

PROS

• Powerful audio performance with deep bass and crisp highs
• Adjustable ANC and EQ settings
• Excellent mic intelligibility
• Fully waterproof, dust-resistant earpieces

CONS

• Tunable ANC requires more work than other models
• Sculpted sound signature not for purists

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Jabra Elite 7 Pro Review

Tribit FlyBuds 3

Lowest Price

4. 0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

It’s hard to believe that good-sounding IPX7 true wireless in-ears with a powerful charging case can be as affordable as the $35 Tribit FlyBuds 3.

PROS

• Bass-forward, powerful audio performance
• Excellent battery life for true wireless earphones—can charge external devices, too
• Affordable
• IPX7-rated waterproof
• Excellent fit stability, with multiple eartip options

CONS

• Ho-hum design
• Wildly sculpted sound signature
• No app, so no EQ to tame the audio

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Tribit FlyBuds 3 Review

Anker Soundcore Sport X10

Most Stable Fit

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The budget-friendly Anker Soundcore Sport X10 earbuds deliver a bass-forward sound signature in an exercise-focused design, plus offer solid noise cancellation.

PROS

• Powerful, sculpted, and bass-forward audio
• Impressive ANC for the price
• App features adjustable EQ and customizable controls
• Waterproof build

CONS

• Ear hook design makes docking process annoying
• On-ear control array could be more intuitive

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Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Review

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport

Most Luxurious Design

4. 0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

Sure, the stylish Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport earphones are more expensive than they need to be, but that’s really the only negative about these otherwise excellent true wireless in-ears.

PROS

• Rich bass and clear, detailed highs
• Stylish, fully waterproof and dust-resistant design
• Solid battery life
• Useful app
• Transparent listening mode

CONS

• Expensive

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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport Review

Jabra Elite 4 Active

Best for Affordable Noise Cancellation

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

Jabra’s Elite 4 Active true wireless earphones offer strong sound quality and decent noise cancellation in an exercise-friendly design at a relatively affordable price.

PROS

• Quality audio performance with rich, bright, balanced response
• Decent active noise cancellation
• Waterproof and dust-resistant build
• Secure in-ear fit ideal for exercise

CONS

• Sound signature not for those seeking accuracy
• No AAC codec support

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Jabra Elite 4 Active Review

JBL Reflect Aero

Most Durable Build

4. 0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The noise-cancelling JBL Reflect Aero earphones offer a bass-forward (but customizable) audio experience and have the highest waterproof rating we’ve seen.

PROS

• Powerful audio performance with deep lows and bright highs
• Multi-band in-app EQ
• Supports hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant
• Fully waterproof and dustproof design

CONS

• Average noise cancellation
• Sculpted, bass-forward sound signature won’t appeal to everyone

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JBL Reflect Aero Review

LG Tone Free Fit (TF8)

Best Charging Case

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The waterproof LG Tone Free Fit (TF8) true wireless earphones deliver laudable audio performance and their charging case lets you transmit audio from wired 3.5mm sources over Bluetooth.

PROS

• Rich, full bass response and bright, detailed highs
• App features customizable EQ and controls
• Fully waterproof and dustproof design
• Charging case doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter

CONS

• Noise cancellation is merely decent
• Meridian audio presets aren’t for purists

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LG Tone Free Fit (TF8) Review

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

Best for Galaxy Phone Users

4. 0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro aren’t flawless, but they sound excellent and offer plenty of attractive features for Galaxy phone users.

PROS

• Dual drivers produce fantastic bass depth and clarity
• 24-bit streaming for (some) Galaxy phone users
• Competent active noise cancellation
• Case charges wirelessly
• Waterproof design

CONS

• In-app EQ isn’t customizable
• So-so battery life

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Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review

Tribit MoveBuds h2

Best Battery Life

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

Although the Tribit MoveBuds h2 offer a waterproof build and excellent battery life, they feel less polished than competing sub-$100 true wireless earphones.

PROS

• Robust audio with rich lows
• Strong battery life
• Waterproof design
• Supports AAC and AptX

CONS

• Massive charging case
• Buggy EQ
• Residue from stickers on charging contacts

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Tribit MoveBuds h2 Review

Buying Guide: The Best Waterproof Headphones for 2023

Pay Attention to IP Ratings

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.

Anker Soundcore Sport X10
(Credit: Tim Gideon)

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.

What’s the Difference Between Water-Resistant and Waterproof Headphones?

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.

JBL Reflect Aero
(Credit: Tim Gideon)

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.

Waterproof Headphones for Swimming

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 h3O Audio(Opens in a new window), 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.

How to Charge Waterproof Headphones

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.

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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 the 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.

LG Tone Free Fit TF8
(Credit: Tim Gideon)

How Much Should You Spend on Waterproof Headphones?

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 cost more 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.

8 Best Waterproof Earbuds 2023

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

Hands-down best earbuds for swimming

Zygo Zygo Solo

Hands-down best earbuds for swimming

Zygo Zygo Solo

$299 at shopzygo.com

Pros

• Can stream content underwater
• No need to stick buds in your ears

Cons

• Very pricey and bulky
• Requires some setting-up

The Zygo Solo headset is the only pair of swimming earbuds in existence that allows audio content to stream from a phone when underwater. (This is made possible by an accompanying FM transmitter set whose signal can penetrate water to deliver even podcasts and audiobooks as you dive deep.) These are also truly wireless, delivering sound through bone conduction—which means it’s eartip-free for better underwater comfort. Zygo even comes with an app that offers coaching tips and tricks. TL;DR: No other waterproof headphones are so divine.

Best Value Earbuds for Swimming

Sony NW-WS413 Waterproof Sports Wearable MP3 Player

Best Value Earbuds for Swimming

Sony NW-WS413 Waterproof Sports Wearable MP3 Player

Now 26% Off

$74 at Amazon$75 at Walmart

Pros

• 4GB music storage
• Ergonomic, secure fit
• Long battery life

Cons

• No bluetooth connectivity

$98 at B&H Photo Video

Sony’s earbuds—or technically, wearable walkman—come with more features than most. Besides being fully waterproof (including against saltwater), they have ambient noise control, 4GB of music storage, and a quick-charge time of three minutes for an hour of playback. Plus, they’re strong enough to work in temperatures from 23 degrees to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, and they’ll stay airtight against dust and dirt, making them exceptionally good for outdoor adventuring in places where Wifi and Bluetooth might be patchy. It’s your beloved Walkman, reimagined for 2022.

Best Wired Earbuds for swimming

Underwater Audio Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones

Best Wired Earbuds for swimming

Underwater Audio Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones

Now 14% Off

$60 at Amazon$60 at Walmart

Pros

• Multiple eartips styles for best fit
• Short cable for securing on goggle

Cons

• MP3 player comes separately
• Wired design

Wired earbuds? These are practically fossils. And so are MP3 players. But Underwater Audio actually makes both specifically for swimmers, and they have a niche but dedicated following. The wire of the Swimbuds is short enough to plug into Underwater Audio’s SYRYN MP3 player, which attaches to the back of your goggles. For use during a commute or a gym workout, the pack does include a cord extender, and four different eartip styles.

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Most heavy-duty earbuds for swimming

h3O Audio Sonar Underwater Headphones with MP3

Most heavy-duty earbuds for swimming

h3O Audio Sonar Underwater Headphones with MP3

Now 31% Off

$90 at Amazon$100 at Walmart

Pros

• Easy to wear and control even while swimming
• 8GB of music storage

Cons

• Not a streamlined design
• Limited Bluetooth connectivity underwater

These headphones don’t require you to own a separate, waterproof MP3 player, which we’re assuming very few do. They have 8GB of storage, which is abundant space for your music. The built-in Bluetooth also works underwater for connecting to your underwater smartwatch, but the range is rather limited—at only four inches—so it’s best to secure your watch at the goggle. Though they’re certainly not the prettiest pair of headphones—a bit gimmicky-looking at that—they do hold tight. Besides, its big buttons are easier to press when you’re underwater.

Best High-end Earbuds for swimming

FINIS Duo Underwater Music MP3 Player

Best High-end Earbuds for swimming

FINIS Duo Underwater Music MP3 Player

$109 at Amazon$109 at Walmart

Pros

• No need to stick buds in your ears
• Easy-to-use buttons underwater

Cons

• Large and indiscreet
• Pricey, not built for above-ground use

The FINIS Duo headphones are designed to clip onto a pair of goggles to rest on your cheekbones in front of your ears, chunky control panel and all. You won’t get style points for these, but the tech is cool. FINIS transmits audio via bone conduction, which means you’ll get clear playback without having buds jamming into your ears. These headphones hold 4GB of music and are completely waterproof.

Best Waterproofing on Workout Earbuds

Jaybird Vista 2

Best Waterproofing on Workout Earbuds

Jaybird Vista 2

$150 at Amazon$150 at crutchfield.com

Pros

• Great IP rating
• Good in-ear lockdown
• Not a bad look

Cons

• Sound quality isn’t incredible, given the price

Here, we’ve crossed fully into the territory of waterproof earbuds that aren’t built for swimming and don’t have internal MP3 players. Wireless workout buds can withstand buckets of sweat and won’t tangle you in cords, but they can’t handle actual aquatics. This pair from Jaybird have an IP68 rating—about as close as earbuds will get to waterproof.

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Best sound-quality earbuds for Sweaty workouts

Jabra Elite Active 75t Waterproof Wireless Earbuds

Best sound-quality earbuds for Sweaty workouts

Jabra Elite Active 75t Waterproof Wireless Earbuds

$190 at Amazon

Pros

• Great audio quality
• Attractive compact design

Cons

• Not a snug, secure fit
• A bit pricey

Jabra has Jaybird beat in a few areas: the charging case’s battery life and the sound quality are better, and the buttons are easier to operate. On the downside, they don’t fit quite so snuggly, and a vigorous workout might make them pop out. Wear them confidently for commuting in the rain or sweating lightly on a relaxed jog, though.

Most high-tech earbuds for sweaty workouts

Aftershokz Aeropex Waterproof Headphones

Most high-tech earbuds for sweaty workouts

Aftershokz Aeropex Waterproof Headphones

$130 at Amazon

Pros

• Clear audio courtesy of futuristic tech
• Easy-to-use multifunction button

Cons

• Not a secure fit
• Not for swimming

The Aeropex is another pair of headphones that uses bone conduction tech to play music through your skull, but via a much sleeker design. They loop behind the head and over the ears, with the actual bone-conducting piece taking up minimal space on your head. Your ears will be able to pick up sounds around you (sharks in the water, bikers on the sidewalks, that sort of thing), but there’s a noise-canceling feature if you’d prefer peace and quiet with your music. However, even though they’re waterproof, they’re not intended for swimming laps. Use them for water-adjacent sports, to lounge in the shallow end, or to gently doggy-paddle your way to the floating cooler.