The Best Headphone Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
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.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Best Noise Cancellation
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
Tribit FlyBuds 3
Lowest Price
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
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
Most Stable Fit
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
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport
Most Luxurious Design
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
Jabra Elite 4 Active
Best for Affordable Noise Cancellation
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
JBL Reflect Aero
Most Durable Build
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
LG Tone Free Fit TF8
Best Charging Case
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
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Best for Galaxy Phone Users
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
Tribit MoveBuds H1
Best Battery Life
Bottom Line:
Although the Tribit MoveBuds H1 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
Buying Guide: The Best Waterproof Headphones for 2022
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 H2O 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.
Recommended by Our Editors
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.
Hits: 0
