Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speakers: What’s the Difference?

Quick Answer:

Waterproof Bluetooth speakers are designed to be fully submerged in water without damage, while water-resistant speakers can only withstand light exposure to water, such as rain or splashes. The main difference lies in their water protection levels—waterproof speakers can handle full immersion, whereas water-resistant ones can only tolerate minimal contact.

Table of Contents:

1. What Are Waterproof and Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speakers?
2. What is a Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker?
3. What is a Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speaker?
4. Understanding IP Ratings for Bluetooth Speakers
5. How to Choose Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant
6. FAQs

What Are Waterproof and Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speakers?

The terms waterproof and water-resistant are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. The key difference lies in how much water exposure they can handle:

• Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers: These can be fully submerged in water without getting damaged. They are ideal for poolside use, beach trips, or even in the shower.
• Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speakers: These can only handle minor splashes or light rain. They are better suited for outdoor gatherings where unexpected rain might occur but are not meant for full water immersion.

Understanding the difference is crucial when choosing a Bluetooth speaker based on your lifestyle and usage environment.

What is a Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker?

Waterproof Bluetooth speakers are specially engineered to be submerged in water without internal damage. They usually come with an IP67 or IP68 rating, indicating full protection against dust and water. For example:

• An IP67-rated speaker can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• An IP68-rated speaker can go deeper and last longer underwater, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.

Benefits:

• Perfect for pools, beaches, and showers.
• Resistant to heavy rain and accidental drops in water.

Example:

The JBL Charge 5 with an IP67 rating is known for its durable design and complete water resistance, making it a great choice for outdoor adventures.

What is a Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speaker?

Water-resistant Bluetooth speakers are designed to withstand light water exposure, such as rain or minor splashes. These speakers typically have a rating of IPX4 or IPX5:

• IPX4: Can resist water splashes from any direction.
• IPX5: Can withstand low-pressure water jets for short periods.

Benefits:

• Ideal for outdoor activities and minor water exposure.
• Lightweight and portable for easy travel.

Example:

The Sony SRS-XB13 with an IPX5 rating is a compact, travel-friendly option that handles rain and splashes with ease.

Understanding IP Ratings for Bluetooth Speakers

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are international standards that classify the degree of protection a device has against solids (dust) and liquids (water):

• The first digit represents protection against solids (e.g., dust).
• The second digit represents protection against liquids (e.g., water).

How to Choose Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant

When selecting a Bluetooth speaker, consider where and how you plan to use it:

• For poolside or beach adventures, choose waterproof (IP67 or IP68) speakers.
• For light rain or casual outdoor use, opt for water-resistant (IPX4 or IPX5) speakers.

Pro Tip:

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for exact IP ratings before purchasing to ensure the speaker matches your needs.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a waterproof speaker underwater for extended periods?

A1: Not recommended. While waterproof speakers can handle short-term immersion, long durations may still cause damage.

Q2: What does IPX7 mean?

A2: IPX7 means the device can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage.

Q3: Is water-resistant enough for beach use?

A3: Not really. Sand and saltwater can damage water-resistant speakers, so waterproof is a safer choice.

Q4: Can water-resistant speakers handle heavy rain?

A4: They can handle light rain, but heavy rain might be too much. Waterproof speakers are better for such conditions.