When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more...
Are Bose Products Waterproof?: Headphones, Earbuds & Speakers
When it comes to high-quality audio equipment, Bose is a brand that needs no introduction. But when it comes to durability and protection against water and solid objects, the question remains – are Bose products really waterproof?
In this article, we dive into the depths of IP ratings to uncover the truth about Bose headphones, earbuds, and speakers, and their ability to withstand the elements.”
Key Takeaways
- The IP rating is composed of two numbers, the first indicates protection from solid objects and the second indicates protection from liquids. A higher rating means a higher level of protection.
- Bose does not offer any completely waterproof headphones, most are only water-resistant to sweat and spills.
- Very few Bose speakers are waterproof, most of them are water-resistant with varying IP ratings indicating the level of protection.
- There are no Bose waterproof earbuds, the majority are water-resistant with an IP rating of IPX4.
IP ratings and how they apply to Bose products
IP(Ingress Protection) ratings are a widely used international standard that helps consumers understand the level of sealing effectiveness a device has against “intrusion” from outside elements like dust and moisture.
The IP rating is composed of two numbers, with the first number ranging from 0 to 6, indicating the level of protection against solid objects such as dust and dirt.
The second number ranges from 0 to 9, indicating the level of protection against liquids such as water.
The two tables below show what the IP ratings mean:
Protection from objects and dust
| IP rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IP0X | Not protected from any physical objects |
| IP1X | Protected only from objects larger than 50 mm |
| IP2X | Protected from objects larger than 12.5 mm |
| IP3X | Protected from things larger than 2.5 mm |
| IP4X | Protected from objects larger than 1 mm |
| IP5X | Dust resistant |
| IP6X | Dustproof |
Protection from Water
| IP rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IPX0 | No protection from water |
| IPX1 | Resistant to vertically dripping water |
| IPX2 | Resistant to water hitting the product at a 15° angle or less |
| IPX3 | Resistant to water spray up to 60° |
| IPX4 | Resistant to water splashes from any direction |
| IPX5 | Resistant to sustained, low-pressure water jet spray |
| IPX6 | Resistant to high-pressure, heavy water spray |
| IPX6K | Resistant to extremely high-pressure water jets |
| IPX7 | Can be sunk in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| IPX8 | Can be submerged deeper than 1 meter |
| IPX9K | Resistant to high-pressure, high-temperature water sprays at close range |
A higher rating indicates a higher level of protection. For instance, an IP67-rated device is considered fully dust-tight and can be fully submerged in water up to a depth of 1 meter for a specified period of time without damage.
If a product shows no rating, it means that it has an IP00 and no additional protection. It’s important to note that IP ratings apply to specific devices and cannot be generalized to a brand or product line.
Some Bose devices come with an IP rating so it’s essential to understand what it means for their durability and usage in various conditions.
Are Bose Headphones Waterproof?
Bose does not offer any headphones that are completely waterproof. All of them are just resistant to sweat and spills, meaning they can resist damage from exposure to a very limited amount of water and moisture.
According to Bose, most of the headphones don’t even have an IP rating so they are not even technically considered water-resistant. They may survive a trip in the rain if you wear them so that water doesn’t get inside the ear cups but that’s about it.
Don’t get in the shower with them, and definitely don’t try to sink them underwater.
Are Bose Speakers Waterproof?
Very few Bose speakers are completely waterproof while others are just water-resistant. These come with an IP rating which will indicate how much water exposure they can withstand without being damaged.
Such features really differ from one sound system to another. The majority of their speakers don’t have any Ingress Protection rating and should not get in touch with water.
Generally speaking, their portable line, which is made for outdoor activities and traveling, has the most water-resistant speakers.
Below is a table of the water-proof and water-resistant Bose speakers and their IP ratings:
| Speaker | IP Rating | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker | IP67 | Waterproof |
| SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker | IP67 | Waterproof |
| Bose Portable Smart speaker | IPx4 | Water-resistant |
| SoundLink Revolve II Bluetooth speaker | IP55 | Water-resistant |
| SoundLink Revolve+ II Bluetooth speaker | IP55 | Water-resistant |
Are Bose Earbuds Waterproof?
Bose doesn’t produce any waterproof earbuds. Most of them are water-resistant with a rating of IPX4, which means they can resist damage from sweat and splashes of water. They are not designed for complete protection against water.
The reasoning behind that is the fact that you’ll mostly use earbuds for either casual activities or your workouts.
During intense rain, it is possible for water to penetrate the acoustic area without causing harm to the earbuds.
The table below has the Bose earbuds that are water-resistant and their IP ratings:
| Earbuds | IP Rating |
|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Earbuds | IPX4 |
| Bose Sport Earbuds | IPX4 |
| Bose Sport Open Earbuds | IPX4 |
The Bottom Line
IP ratings provide an easily understandable measure of protection against external elements, making them a vital aspect of our everyday life.
Higher IP ratings indicate a higher level of protection, which can be crucial if you use your device in tough conditions like outdoor activities or even in the shower(listening to music in the shower is apparently a thing).
Let me know in the comments section if you have any further questions.
