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Waterproof headphones may be heralded as game-changing tech, but do they really work and how do you pick the right pair? Read on for details.

Fancy singing in the shower to your favourite tune, or listening to the latest TrueCrime podcast as you swim? It’s all (supposedly) possible with a pair of waterproof headphones. But do they really work?

And which brands are the best to buy?

We’ve done some digging and have the lowdown on the most important elements to consider before making your headphone purchase — as well as the styles that are worth investing in.

Read more: Meet our five favourite wireless headphones

Waterproof headphones are usually water-sealed and covered in a hydrophobic coating to both repel water and stop it from seeping through the outer and gaining contact with interior electronics. As we know, water and electricity don’t mix, so these are two crucial elements to any waterproof tech and are what fundamentally sets them apart from regular wireless headphones.

Though water resistance is key, depending on what you’ll be using your headphones for there may be slight variations in waterproof requirements.

The best waterproof headphones for swimming should be completely water-tight and submersible underwater. The best waterproof headphones for showering (and other activities that may not involve being fully submerged) should at least be water-resistant.

Waterproof headphones are ideal for swimming and water-based sports, yes, but they’re also useful for so much more. Read on for the top five reasons these headphones are worth investing in.

The term “waterproof” gets bandied about fairly regularly — especially with regards to portable electronics. However, due to the rise in popularity and demand for high-quality, fully waterproof earphones, most these days truly are waterproof — meaning they are safe to submerge underwater to a specific depth, for a certain period of time.

To ensure you select the right level of waterproofing for your needs, be sure to check out the ingress protection (IP or IPX) rating, which tells you how water-resistant or waterproof a pair of headphones is. Headphones with an IPX67 rating are more water resistant than waterproof, whilst devices with an X7 or X8 rating will allow for full submersion.

As opposed to many standard earphone styles, waterproof headphones aren’t as easy to dislodge, even during strenuous activity. These sets are designed to fit securely over or around the ear — either with a frame or cable that snugly holds them in place. This secure fit makes them a great choice for not only swimming but any activity that involves high-intensity movement — be it a Crossfit, dance or combat class, or even for your regular run.

Wires and water do not mix. So, by their very nature, most waterproof headphones are wireless — or at least come with special waterproof wire connections.

If opting for a fully wireless set, you have two options: either purchasing a pair with its own built-in media player or relying on the likes of Bluetooth and WiFi to play your preferred beats.

Whilst there are benefits to either approach, it’s important to note that opting for a built-in player is best if you plan on using your headphones for swimming. This is because relying on WiFi connection whilst being submerged in water is tricky, as the water’s density may interfere with the signal.

For all you swimmers out there, waterproof headphones are a must-have. Gone are the days of swimming in silence, with nothing to distract you from the sounds of your own splashing. Purchase a pair specifically designed for swimming and enjoy features such as secure cables and the ability to clip your headphones to your swim cap to avoid losing an earbud in the pool or — even worse — out in the waves. Plus, thanks to their ergonomic design, you can avoid any drag as you complete your lengths.

Okay, we jest. But while we’re sure your family love hearing you belt out the latest Adele ballad, at least with a pair of waterproof headphones, you’ll get to enjoy the full surround-sound experience.

Waterproof headphones can turn what might ordinarily feel like a disconnected activity into an opportunity to practice your karaoke signing, catch up on your favourite podcast or pick up where you left off in your audiobook. And it doesn’t matter whether you select a pair that’s water resistant or waterproof. As you’re not being fully submerged, either option should be shower-appropriate.

Still unsure which waterproof headphones are best for you? We’ve listed what we think are three of the best waterproof headphones below.

A modern take on the iconic Sony Walkman of the 90s, the Sony NW-WS413 is a fully waterproof headphone and MP3 player set. With an impressive IPX68 rating, this device can be readily used for sweaty sports games, shower singing, pool play or — thanks to its non-metallic, saltwater-safe design — ocean adventuring.

Featuring either four or eight gigabytes of storage space, there’s plenty of room to add all of your tunes and audiobooks. And, as one of the best-looking waterproof sets on the market, it’s also available in black, blue, ivory, and lime green.

Let’s face it, the more features a gadget has, the pricier it usually is. And waterproof headphones are far from being the cheapest sets on the shelf. However, coming in at less than £40, these H2O headphones are a great option for those more budget-conscious shoppers.

Featuring in-ear earbuds, an IPX8 fully submersible rating and a waterproof cable, they are lightweight and easy to use.

AfterShokz produce a range of waterproof headphones, designed specifically for sports and activities, and the Aeropex sport headphone is by far its top set. Featuring bone conduction for seamless sound travel through your cheekbone, a lightweight 26-gram titanium frame and an open-ear design, they’re the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy their beats whilst on the move.

One of the things we love about this set is, that despite offering crystal clear sound, they’re not noise-cancelling, so you can remain aware of what’s going on around you — no being caught unawares by traffic or teammates.

Okay. We’ve covered the main reasons waterproof headphones make a worthwhile investment and we’ve identified our favourite products on the market. Now, let's take a look at how to pick out the perfect pair…

The IP or IPX rating of a pair of waterproof headphones is the most important thing to consider when comparing sets. IPX or IP 1-6 rated headphones are generally not suitable for full submersion, whilst pairs rated IPX7 or IP7 and above can be safely worn underwater.

Headphones with ratings of IPX8 and IP8 can usually be submerged deeper underwater and for longer periods of time. However, safe submersion depth and times do vary per manufacturer, so be sure to check any technical specifications before you buy.

If you’re likely to be using your headphones outdoors a lot, we suggest looking at the ingress protection against solids as well — as this will help protect your device from dust and mud. If a set is only rated for protection against liquids, it will only have one number next to it, for example, IP6. If it is rated for solids as well, the rating will feature two numbers, with the first being the solids protection rating. For example, IP67 denotes a solid’s protection rating of six and a water protection rating of seven.

Bone conduction is a unique type of audio conduction featured on some headphones and is particularly useful for swimmers looking for a waterproof option. This is because waterproof headphones that use bone conduction transfer sound vibrations through your jaw and cheekbones, instead of into your eardrum — allowing for high-quality, clear audio that remains unaffected by external noises (like splashing as you swim).

If you plan on using your headphones during strenuous activities such as swimming, it's important to factor in their design. The more ergonomic, the less likely they are to cause drag or get dislodged as you move.

Some waterproof headphones offer built-in media players which are particularly useful if you’re using your headphones whilst swimming or underwater, as Bluetooth and WiFi connections become less reliable.

Be sure to consider the storage capacity of your media player to ensure adequate space for your favourite music, podcasts and audiobooks.

Though most waterproof headphones are suitable for use in baths, pools and lakes, not all can handle saltwater, which can corrode metals over time and, in some cases, even cause short circuits. If you plan to use your headphones in the ocean or saltwater pools, look for non-metallic, fully water-tight sets that are recommended for use in saltwater.

If you're used to using completely wireless headphones and earphones, you're probably expecting waterproof headphones to operate similarly. However, though available, many waterproof headphones don’t actually offer wireless connectivity to an external device, as connecting to internal media players offers more reliable audio experiences. Be sure to look out for Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity if this is your preference.

If you’re a swimmer or budding shower singer, we definitely recommend investing in a pair of waterproof headphones. After all, why wouldn’t you want to give yourself the option of enjoying your favourite tunes?

When it comes to wireless options, we can’t go past the Sony NW-WS413 Sports Walkman which is not only cordless, it also offers an in-built media player for smooth and seamless sound on the go.

If you’re shopping on a budget the H2O Audio 100% Waterproof Headphones will see you right for less than £50, whilst if you’re likely to use your headphones for high-intensity workouts we recommend the AfterShokz Aeropex Sport Headphones.

There’s a pair of waterproof headphones for every occasion and they’ll make even the most mundane activities — like washing your hair, a more enjoyable experience.

Prices updated on 24/08/2022. We are not responsible for any changes made to the prices listed.

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