How to Read Bluetooth Speaker Waterproof Ratings: IP67 vs IP68 Explained

Before buying a Bluetooth speaker, most people focus on sound quality and battery life first. But what actually determines whether a speaker can go with you to the beach, into the shower, or even survive a drop into water and still work — is that unassuming set of numbers on the device: the IP rating.

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it's used to indicate a device's resistance to dust and water. The standard format uses two digits: the first represents the dust resistance level, ranging from 0 to 6; the second represents the water resistance level, ranging from 0 to 9. For example, IP56 means high dust resistance plus the ability to withstand strong water jets. If a manufacturer hasn't tested dust resistance, the first digit is replaced with an X, resulting in a format like IPX7.

How Long Can IP67 and IP68 Actually Hold Up?

In theory, the highest waterproof rating is 9, but this level rarely appears on consumer Bluetooth speakers and is mostly reserved for niche industrial products. For most high-end speakers, IP67 or IPX7 is already the common ceiling — meaning the speaker can withstand not just splashes and spray, but also brief submersion in water without damage.

One level up is IP68, which is a bit stronger than IP67, able to withstand submersion under harsher conditions and for longer periods. The JBL Charge 6 is currently one of the few Bluetooth speakers to achieve IP68. Still, even with an IP68 rating on paper, it doesn't mean the speaker is completely waterproof — prolonged soaking or unusual conditions still carry risk.

Pick a Rating Based on Your Use Case — No Need to Chase the Highest Number

A rating of 7 or 8 is honestly already more than enough for most needs. Waterproof swimming earbuds typically fall in the same range, which shows this level can handle a fair amount of submersion. That said, not every high-end device chases top-tier waterproofing — there are plenty of products on the market rated around level 2, and it really comes down to how you plan to use it.

If you're planning to bring your speaker into the shower, aim for at least IPX6 — IPX7 gives you extra peace of mind. If you just need it to survive the rain, IPX5 is enough, and even IPX2 can handle a brief drizzle. Overall, a rating of 7 already covers most everyday use cases and remains a fairly common standard among high-end speakers today.