The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones in 2021

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The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones in 2021

Wondering what are the best waterproof headphones for listening to music to while swimming?

YES! There is a way to listen to music while swimming! The answer lies in waterproof headphones, and now, making it even one step further, you have waterproof Bluetooth earbuds and headphones that will make choosing interesting.

One of the most common accessories that you will find people using around you is headphones and now with recent technology developments over the last few years there are earbuds!

Substandard headphones won’t be enough to suffice the effects of dust, water, or sweat; however, some wireless waterproof earbuds are specially made to withstand all of these things.

To be called waterproof, these headphones have to undergo some rigorous methods of testings. After that, they are numbered, which is also known as their IP rating, and from there, you get to know which headphone is waterproof, which is water-resistant, and which is only sweatproof or only dust-resistant.

Just thinking about workout headphones – whether you are swimming, at the gym, or out for a running session – you can do all of that while listening to your favorite tracks – how amazing it would be, right? That is why we have the best waterproof bluetooth earbuds and headphones right here for you!

We have tested several headphones to find genuinely waterproof ones and those that won’t be damaged when exposed to sweat or water. So, if you want to know in detail about these headphones and what are some other exciting features they have, without any further ado, let’s dig right in!

Top 13 Best Waterproof Headphones

#1 – Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds (Overall winner)

Jabra’s wireless earbuds are excellent for active use and have one of the highest waterproof ratings. 

This is an image of the Jabra Elite Active 75t Wireless Bluetooth 2 Earbuds- black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Sweatproof and waterproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Battery Life: 28 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes
  • Price: Under $200, although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: These earbuds have one of the highest waterproof ratings, but unlike others with IPX7 rating such as the Jaybird Vista or JBL Endurance Dive, the Jabra Elite are also dust-resistant. There are some cheaper models out there with longer battery life, such as the JLab JBuds. So, if you are preparing for a marathon swim session but aren’t bothered about having top-of-the-range sound quality (which these have), consider other options.

Featuring an IP57 rating, the Jabra Elite 75t is the all-in-one solution for water resistant bluetooth headphones. Compared to the standard Elite 75t these headphones cost roughly $20 extra, but they are worth every penny. The overall size of these headphones is smaller than their predecessor, and they also provide a much better fit. if you need smaller headphones we do have a full guide to buying earbuds for smaller ears, which include the best earbud brands!

The active noise cancellation feature is of premium quality, and you can even personalize this trait through the companion app. You will get as much as 7.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, and if you consider the charging case, then in total, you get 28 hours.

The passive isolation feature is okayish, but the ear tips you choose play a vital role if you want to get the most out of it. If you compare this pair of earbuds with Airpods Pro, the sound quality is much better, and you experience a tighter bass.

There isn’t much to fret about these earbuds, and thus overall, they are one of the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones you will get in the market.

Pros

  • The call quality is really good with the four-microphone system.
  • It has an IP57 rating.
  • You get multipoint Bluetooth 5.0
  • Very compact both to wear and to carry
  • Excellent battery life
  • Stays in the ears well even during sports
  • Excellent, deep bass

Cons

  • You might need to adjust the EQ – the sound is not great straight out of the box
  • Slightly laggy when watching videos

Our rating:

8.6/10

These earbuds have one of the best IPX ratings and offer superior noise cancellaton making them an excellent investment. 

 

More Jabra wireless earbuds: Elite 65t, Elite 85t, Elite 45e


 

#2 – Bose Soundsport Bluetooth Headphones (Runner-up)

Bose is a name you can trust when it comes to headphones and these don’t disappoint. 

 

close-up view of the Bose Soundsport Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds in black color

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Sweatproof and weather-resistant
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 15 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes
  • Price: Under $130, although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: These earbuds might not be as waterproof as the Jabra Elite above, and they don’t have noise cancellation either. However, they are designed to stay in the ears very well, even when working out. They are perhaps better than the Jabras above in this respect – the cable is also ideal to make sure you won’t lose an earbud during a run.

They are one of the best waterproof headphones by Bose after Jabra Elite Active and are perfect for working out. No matter how much you sweat, you’ll have peace of mind that nothing is going to happen to these earbuds. Even though they have a precarious fit, they will stay perfectly in place even during intense workout sessions. They come with IPX4 certification and provide about 10 meters of range on their Bluetooth 4.1. It supports AAC and SBC.

On a single charge, you get as much as six hours of playback time. Now, if you are not listening to music at all times, this can mean a week’s worth of charge. Keep in mind that they do not support fast charging, and so a full charge takes about two hours.

You get the StayHear+ ear tips with these, and even though they have a nice fit without unnecessary suction, they are not exactly the best at sound isolation. But compared to the market standards, the overall sound quality is commendable.

Pros

  • The sound performance is good while working out.
  • Wireless connectivity strength is impressive.
  • The controls are easy to operate.
  • Reasonable battery life
  • Durable, solid build quality
  • Stays in place well when working out
  • Easy to use, efficient controls
  • Can connect to multiple devices at the same time

Cons

  • A bit bulkier than some other earbuds
  • Slightly difficult to pair initially

Our rating: 

9/10

If true wireless earbuds aren’t for you, Bose’s SoundSports are a great alternative. The sound quality is excellent and they stay in place well when working out.  

 

More Bose earbuds: Bose QuietComfort, SoundSport Free


 

#3 – Sony Walkman NW-WS623 Waterproof Wireless Headphones

Image of the Sony Walkman NW-WS623 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones- black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Sweatproof, dust-resistant, and waterproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 12 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes
  • Price: Under $110 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: Not many of our waterproof wireless earbuds have a built-in memory. These have a capacity of 4GB, which is considerably larger than the JBL Endurance Dive, which has only 1GB of storage space. The Sony earbuds come in a few different colors, including bright green and blue. So, they are excellent for those looking for something a little brighter, to stand out from the crowd – most other earbuds only come in black.

Everyone wants a balanced sound when they listen to their favorite music, and Sony Walkman NW-WS623 is here to provide all of that and more. This wearable MP3 player has an overall matte finish and curved earpieces that lend them a very stylish look.

The controls are excellent and distinct, and they can help you adjust the volume, enter the Ambient Mode, and several other functions that won’t take you much time to memorize.

Even though this wearable MP3 player is not suitable for a deep dive, it will work perfectly well up to 2 meters deep water. Thus, if you are taking a shower after your workout or going to surf swimming, these waterproof headphones will be your perfect companion.

They also offer a crisp and clear sound quality with good bass. Thus, Sony has outdone itself with these headphones, providing you with a solid Bluetooth connection, sleek design, and good audio clarity

Pros

  • You can hear your surroundings whenever you want with the Ambient Mode.
  • Outstanding battery life compared to other waterproof sport headphones.
  • It features an ergonomic design with responsive control buttons.
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Great build quality
  • Fits well and stays in your ears
  • Good microphone quality
  • Quick charge takes just a few minutes
  • Built-in memory means you don’t have to connect them to your phone or other device

Cons

  • The battery runs out immediately after the low battery warning
  • Slightly difficult to use – you might need to refer to the manual

Our rating: 

8.2/10


 

#4 – Plantronics BackBeat FIT Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

close image of the black Plantronics BackBeat FIT Wireless Bluetooth earbuds

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Sweatproof and waterproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 12 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No
  • Price: Under $250 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: These Bluetooth waterproof headphones have a solid IP57 rating, the same as our number one pick, the Jabra Elite. And, like our other Jabras, the Elite Sport, these Plantronics headphones can be charged quickly in just 15 minutes. Like our next pick, the NuraLoop, these Plantronics give you deep, thumping bass.

For cheap waterproof headphones and a reasonable price, you get some outstanding features with the Plantronics BackBeat Fit. You get a travel pouch with them, making these headphones and out because this pouch also acts as a portable battery. You get an extra 16 hours of playback time from this pouch.

The design of these headphones is excellent because they do not jam into your ears. At the same time, don’t even move an inch from their place. If your main aim is to allow outside noise to come in, especially those who run on busy streets or go cycling, this pair of waterproof headphones are an excellent option. They are designed in a way the noise from the outside world will never be blocked entirely, and you will always get to hear essential sounds.

The sound quality suffers a bit due to the open-type fit of these headphones. They are durable and sweatproof because of the P2i nano-coating on them, and if you are more interested in their IP rating, this headphone will work perfectly well for half an hour in freshwater up to 1-meter depth because of IP57 rating.

Pros

  • These are perfect for those who do not want complete noise cancellation.
  • They support quick charging technology.
  • They come with an IP57 rating and good waterproof bluetooth headphones for running.
  • Comfortable to wear even for long periods
  • Controls are simple to use
  • Lightweight
  • Good sound quality
  • Not completely noise isolating – this is ideal for safety when wearing them outside or when swimming

Cons

  • Volume could be louder
  • Voice confirmation every time you press a button can be slightly irritating

Our rating: 

7.4/10


 

#5- NuraLoop Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

This is an image of the black NuraLoop Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Sweat-resistant
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Battery Life: 16 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No
  • Price: Under $220 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: If you are not so keen on true wireless water-resistant head phones like either of the Jabras or the Anker Soundcore, you might prefer this unique design. The fast charge is even better than that of the Jabra Elite Sport – in just 10 minutes you can power these headphones to give two hours of playback. However, compared to Jabra and Bose headphones, these only have around half the battery life.

The active noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones by NuraLoop are perfect for your exercise routine owing to the sweatproof design. Even though they are not true wireless like Air Pods Pro, they cost much lesser with equally good features.

The adaptive audio technology of these headphones steals the show, and because of it, you have a really well-balanced sound profile. Apart from that, you can also use these headphones by attaching a 3.5mm analog cable.

There are no physical buttons for control because you can adjust different features through the ‘TouchDial’ that is present on both earpieces. Through the app, you can customize some of the controls as well. They also offer an immersive bass experience.

Overall, they perform exceptionally well, and they are pretty versatile

Pros

  • The ANC and adaptive audio are outstanding.
  • You can use it with an aux cable or wirelessly.
  • It has a sweatproof design.
  • Not true wireless – can be more practical during activity
  • Touch controls on both sides
  • Deep bass
  • You can create a custom sound profile

Cons

  • Can get a little uncomfortable after a while
  • Slightly difficult to connect to another device

Our rating: 

7.4/10


 

#6 – Jaybird Vista

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof and weather-proof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 16 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes
  • Price: Under $125 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: Like the above pick, these water-resistant headphones can be used to create a customized EQ for unique listening experience. And, quick charging is possible with these too, just like the NuraLoops. In terms of lag, these outperform our number one buy – you won’t notice any lip sync issues with these earbuds.

If you are looking for waterproof wireless Bluetooth headphones that can be used in shallow waters, the Jaybird Vista is what you need. It is a favorite for many owing to the fully waterproof design and IPX7 certification. They will be okay for about half an hour in 1-meter deep water. Even though they are not headphones for swimming, any accidental drop into the water can’t harm them.

The Jaybird Vista offers a really good battery life too. On a full charge, you get as much as six hours of playback time, and the compact charging case gives you ten more hours of playback. If you decide to use only 1 earbud instead of both, you get a total of 32 hours of playback.

The companion app will allow you to customize many controls and also give you an unmatched sound quality because you can fully customize the EQ. You will never lose your buds because you can keep track of them through the app. But keep in mind that almost at the same price, you can get your hands on the Jabra Elite 75t.

Pros

  • They have IPX7 certification.
  • The charging case supports USB-C.
  • They offer a quick auto-connect feature and a reliable connection.
  • Automatically connects to stored devices
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Personalized EQ settings available through the app
  • Durable, solid build quality

Cons

  • Not many ear tip options
  • Noise cancellation can be an issue if they are worn when running on the road

Our rating: 

9/10


 

#7 – Anker Soundcore Spirit X2

Image of a pair Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 Sweatproof Wireless Earbuds with charging case-black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Extreme sweatproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 36 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No
  • Price: Under $75 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: These headphones have a slightly different design to our above picks, so you might find them more comfortable. Their battery life is one of the best of all the earbuds we have looked at – over double that of the Bose Soundsport. If bass is important to you, these are a great choice. Just like the NuraLoops, these offer a deep, immersive bass.

If your priority is battery life, you can go with Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 with your eyes closed because the battery will never be an issue here. On a full charge, you get as much as 9 hours of playback, and considering the charging case, you get a total of 36 hours – which is more than enough. Moreover, you can also enjoy fast charging through the case.

If you are into intense workouts and also need good battery life, then these headphones are meant for you. Their design is very similar to that of Beats Powerbeats Pro with the ear hooks, but considering the price point, these are much more affordable.

They have an IP68 rating, and because of this, they are fully protected from sweat and much better than earbuds that only have a hydrophobic coating. The ear tips are very comfortable, and you can choose from a wide range of ear tips to get that perfect fit.

Even though the sound quality isn’t excellent, you are getting a good Bluetooth connection and both AAC and aptX codec compatibility. Throw in the affordability factor and other exciting features, and we cannot see anything holding you back from purchasing these.

Pros

  • The ear hooks will keep these headphones secure during workouts.
  • The battery life is great.
  • They come with an excellent IP rating.
  • Excellent bass
  • Stay in the ears well
  • Over-ear loop helps them stay in place even better
  • Fantastic sound quality

Cons

  • No wireless charging
  • Could be louder

Our rating: 

8.6/10


 

#8 – Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds

close up image of the Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds, pair in black color

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Sweat and weather-proof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 36 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes
  • Price: Under $150 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: If you are looking for something safe for running on the road, these could be a great pick. Unlike the Jaybird Vista, these don’t block out much background noise so you will be able to remain aware of your surroundings. The waterproof rating is fairly average, IPX4, like many of the other options we have looked at here.

Featuring a secure fit and being sweatproof, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds are a favorite among athletes even though they are not the headphones for swimming. They have an outstanding build quality, and they also have an excellent sound profile. But they have some flaws as well.

The noise isolation feature is awful, making these headphones a not-so-good choice for when you are on a flight or any other public place. But it can also be seen as an advantage because if you go for runs on busy roads, the ambient noise will keep you aware at all times. Keep in mind that they are not cheap, and so you might be getting better features at a more affordable price somewhere else.

You can enjoy up to five hours of playback time on a single charge, and the charging case will provide you with another ten hours making the total battery life fifteen hours. So, these earbuds are good for those who love to buy products from the Bose family, but a good alternative to these is the Jabra Elite Active 75t.

Pros

  • They have an IPX4 water resistance rating.
  • They are built for rugged use.
  • The battery life is decent, and the charging case offers fast charging.
  • Excellent sound quality
  • No lag when using the microphone to take phone calls
  • Button controls on the earbuds
  • Quick and easy to pair
  • Decent range of around 30 feet

Cons

  • Quite bulky – they stick out of the ears
  • Can become uncomfortable after long periods of use

Our rating: 

8.8/10


 

#9 – Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro True Wireless Earbuds

This is an image of the Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Wireless 2 Earbuds- black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 32 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes
  • Price: Under $100 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: Like our other Anker headphones, these are ideal for those on a budget – coming in at under $100. They have a very different design, however, so if you prefer a more discreet in-ear design, these could be worth investing in. These buds have an 11mm driver, whilst the other Ankers have a 12mm driver, so you can expect similarly powerful bass from each model.

As true wireless earbuds, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro has a decent mix of features, making it a pretty versatile option for many people out there.

One of the main advantages is that you have access to graphic EQ which means that you can customize the sound to suit your taste through the Soundcore app. They also have an IPX4 water resistance rating making them perfect for your workout sessions even though they might not be suitable for a swimmer.

The style and build of these waterproof headphones are quite trendy; however, they might appear to protrude a bit out of your ears. For the best fit, you have access to seven different types of ear tips. Even though they lack the ANC feature, their noise isolation is pretty good. The controls are very user-friendly because you can access all types of commands through the single button present on each of the earcups. The battery is also a strong suit of this pair of true wireless earbuds.

All in all, they might not be the best waterproof headphones out there, but their versatile features make them worth checking out.

Pros

  • The stability fins of these true wireless earbuds ensure they don’t fall off from your ears.
  • The noise isolation feature works beautifully.
  • They have both AAC and aptX codec compatibility.
  • Wireless charging
  • Good sound quality
  • Comfortable to wear and stay in place well
  • Solid connection
  • Volume is loud enough

Cons

  • Case is quite large and bulky
  • Poor microphone quality

Our rating: 

9/10


 

#10 – Jabra Elite Sport True Wireless Earbuds

close-up view of a pair Jabra Elite Sport Waterproof wireless Earbuds in black color

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof and sweatproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 32 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes
  • Price: Under $150 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: These Bluetooth waterproof earbuds have one of the best waterproof ratings of all those we have looked at – IP67. They are just as waterproof as the JBL Endurance Dive below, but also have added dustproof properties. These Jabras are slightly cheaper than our winning Jabra earbuds, and are slightly more dustproof. You can expect similarly high call quality thanks to the same microphone system.

Even though the battery life of Jabra Elite Sport true wireless earbuds is not as great as the other options on this list, they are one of the best sports headphones you will find. They also have a heart rate monitor built inside them. They can be used with the companion fitness app of Jabra and other leading fitness apps in the market.

They are not swimming headphones, but they are IP67-rated and, thus, fully sweatproof and waterproof. They also support fast charging, and so, if 4.5 hours of playback is not enough, you can put it on charge for 15 minutes, and you will get an additional hour of playback right away!

Another plus point of these headphones is that they amplify the bass really well and, at the same time, don’t make you feel uncomfortable. But the high price point might be a factor for people looking to purchase at a lower range, and honestly, you can get good features at a price lower than this!

Pros

  • They have a lot of health features, making them perfect for sports enthusiasts.
  • It has a water resistance rating of IP67.
  • It provides a good Bluetooth connection.
  • Excellent battery life
  • Earbuds automatically turn off in the case
  • Many size options to fit all ears
  • Great sound quality
  • Companion app has lots of great features
  • Accurate health tracking features

Cons

  • Can become a bit uncomfortable after long periods of use
  • Difficult to use the button controls when wearing the earbuds

Our rating: 

7.4/10


 

#11 – JBL Endurance Dive

Image of theJBL Endurance DIVE Waterproof Wireless headphones- blue

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof, weather-proof, and sweatproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 8 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No
  • Price: Under $70 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: These headphones are specifically designed for swimming, making them somewhat unique amongst our other picks. Like the Jaybird Vista and Jabra Elite Active, these have the highest waterproof rating of IPX7. However, unlike these other waterproof earbuds, this set has a built-in memory so you don’t have to worry about taking another device when swimming or doing watersports.

For anyone looking for the best waterproof headphones for swimming, the answer is – JBL Endurance Dive. These headphones follow the unique TwistLock mechanism of JBL, which allows them to provide you with a secure fit.

As you might guess from the name, these pair of headphones are meant for swimming, but their IPX7 rating makes them suitable for workouts too. Their appearance is very similar to the headphones using bone conduction technology.

When it comes to sound isolation, these headphones are not so great, and this is also why their sound quality suffers. Moreover, since Bluetooth and swimming don’t go too well together, these headphones have internal storage of 1GB which is quite a handy feature. The ear hook design ensures that even if the cable experiences a tug from behind, the headphones will stay in place.

Pros

  • They are IPX7 rated and, thus, one of the best waterproof surfing headphones you will get for swimming outdoors.
  • They have internal storage of 1GB.
  • Audio quality is quite good, even in water
  • Stay in place well when swimming
  • Ear hook design can be more comfortable for some

Cons

  • Controls can be difficult to use
  • Don’t fit well on those with bigger heads

Our rating: 

7.4/10


 

#12 – JLab JBuds Air Sport

close up image of the JLab Air Sport Wireless Bluetooth 2 Earbuds- black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Sweatproof and dust-resistant
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 40 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes
  • Price: Under $70 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: The battery life on these earbuds is one of the best of all those on our list – over 10 hours longer than our number one pick! However, the price is one of the lowest. The touch controls are very sensitive and easy to use – similar to the NuraLoops there are no buttons but just effective touch controls instead.

These earbuds by JLab are truly a very versatile and affordable option for everyone. They have an IP66 sweat resistance rating, and you can safely hit the gym with them without worrying about any damage. They also have a very ergonomic fit and won’t fall off your ears.

These may not be the best for water resistance but are completely suitable for exercise enthusiasts. The touch controls are highly responsive. Even if your fingers are layered with dust, the controls will work just fine.

All in all, they are a good option with booming bass and other handy features. However, they do not support the aptX codecs and are only compatible with AAC.

Pros

  • They have an IP66 rating.
  • The audio performance is well balanced.
  • They have special Be Aware and Isolation modes.
  • Comfortable fit, even after extended periods of use
  • Outstanding battery life
  • Efficient and simple touch controls
  • Very well-priced
  • Great sound quality for the price

Cons

  • Case is somewhat bulky
  • Microphone sometimes picks up unwanted background noises

Our rating: 

8.4/10


 

#13 – JBL LIVE 300

This is an image of the JBL LIVE 300 Wireless 2 Earbuds with charging case- black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Water and sweat-resistant
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery Life: 20 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes
  • Price: Under $150 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked Apr 28, 2021

Our take: These are quite different from our other JBL headphones both in terms of design and features. They are considerably less water-resistant, with a rating of only IPX5, compared to the IPX7 rating of the Endurance Dives. However, the battery life is nearly 3 times longer than our other JBL headphones. They do come at a higher price, but have some awesome features that make them well worth the investment.

The different things that make JBL LIVE 300 special are not really unique, but they provide a couple of smart features.

For starters, they are very good for pedestrians or even cyclists or fitness enthusiasts who go for runs on busy streets. It is because they have good isolation, and at the same time, you can set the headphones on Ambient Aware Mode to listen to important sounds around you. With the TalkThru Technology implemented in these headphones, you can simply swipe on the earbuds and chat with your friends while listening to music.

Some other good things about these earbuds are their fast charging, decent battery life, and balanced sound profile. But a significant drawback is that if you wear them for about an hour or more, they will start to feel a bit discomforting.

Pros

  • The TalkThru technology and Ambient Aware mode are beneficial.
  • The sound quality is commendable.
  • It offers fast charging and a battery life suitable for most people.
  • Easy to set up
  • The companion app offers many additional features
  • Excellent volume
  • Can be used with a voice assistant
  • Fit well
  • Look great

Cons

  • Some features are only available on one bud
  • Difficult to switch off or disconnect – can only be done by putting the buds in the case

Our rating: 

8.6/10


 

Headphone Buyers Guide

What are IP Ratings and how does it apply to me?

Before we give you any shopping advice, it is essential to know what IP ratings are. Firstly, it is an abbreviation for Ingress Protection. IP is only the buzzword; you will understand what it means only when you learn about it in depth.

Here’s a brief description of how you can decipher what it means – the first character that you see after the term IP represents the dust-resistance ability of the device. It can be anything between 0 to 6. After that, the second character represents the device’s water resistance capability, and it can be rated anywhere between 0 to 7. The device will be more resistant to both these entities with an increase in the number. If you see that any of these characters have an X present, it means that particular quality is not present in them. For example, if the water resistance value is X, the device is not resistant to water.

Depending on what your purpose is, you should pay attention to the IP rating to understand whether the headphones are suitable for you or not.

Waterproof Headphones vs. Water-Resistant

To simply put, water-resistant headphones can withstand a spray of water and prevent the water from penetrating into the device, but if you submerge it in water or a pool, it will not endure that. On the other hand, a waterproof headphone is one that is fully protected against water. For example, if you are looking for swimming earbuds, you will have to go with those that are waterproof and not simply resistant to water.

Considerations Choosing the best waterproof Bluetooth Headphones

Here are some things to keep in mind while choosing the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones –

Waterproof Headphones for Swimming

If your priority is to find headphones suitable for swimming, you need to pay careful attention to their IP rating.

Battery Life

The battery life is a critical factor to consider. However, the amount of battery life you need is entirely dependent on your usage. Some provide as much as 9 hours on a single charge, while others might provide only 4.5 hours.

Charging Waterproof Headphones

Some provide a charging case, while others have to be charged using a cable. A charging case is always the more convenient option because it is more portable and hassle-free when you are on the go.

Active Noise Cancellation

If you do not like outside noise disturbing your music, look for Active Noise Cancellation and passive sound isolation features.

Controls

Some headphones have physical buttons, whereas others have touch controls. A common problem with touch controls is if they are too responsive, it becomes difficult to handle. Your controls should be responsive but not too much, and they should also be easy to remember.

Microphone

Voice-call quality is a very important factor for some people, especially those who will also use their headphones for office meetings and conference calls. Check for interference during calls and whether your voice is heard loud and clear.

Cabled Backup

If you are worried about the Bluetooth malfunctioning at times, it is better to have a cabled backup, but that is entirely your personal choice.

Comfortable Fit

If your earbuds or headphones are not comfortable and either fit loosely or make your ears hot after extensive usage, then that is a huge deal-breaker. Check for noise isolation construction and features that will keep the headphones in place and also promote sufficient breathability.

Sound Quality

The sound quality should be great. The overall sound profile must be well-balanced and the bass should be boomy but not too uncomfortable.

Water Resistance or Waterproof

Whether you need waterproof headphones or water-resistant ones will entirely depend on where you will use them. If you want to use them for only your light workout sessions, a water-resistant headphone should be enough. But if you are going to use them for activities like swimming or intense workouts with a lot of sweating, you should go for the waterproof ones.

Build Quality

The build quality of the headphones ensures whether they can be used ruggedly and how durable they are going to be. Always choose the ones that have good build quality.

Waterproof Headphones FAQs

Can I swim with Bluetooth headphones?

Bluetooth usually doesn’t work well with water. It’s very simple – according to the laws of physics, the particles of water hamper Bluetooth connectivity. But some are made for swimming, for example, the JBL Endurance Dive. It supports Bluetooth connectivity, and it also has an IP rating of IPX7, which makes it waterproof and suitable for swimming.

Are true wireless headphones waterproof?

True wireless headphones can be waterproof. Check their IP rating to see whether they are waterproof or only water-resistant. The second character after the term IP represents the water-resistance level and the higher the number, the better they are against water.

Are over-ear headphones waterproof?

Over-ear headphones can be waterproof too, and their IP rating will tell you that.

What headphones do swimmers use?

Swimmers use headphones that are fully waterproof and come with a high IP rating like IP66 or more.

Can I wear IPX8 earbuds in the shower?

Yes, you can definitely wear the IPX8 in the shower, and since the water-resistant factor is 8, you can even take them for diving for swimming.

Rose Annemarie
Rose loves to review products and has been doing so for years. Now she focuses on headphones and tech products.

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