IPX7 vs IP68: what waterproof ratings actually mean
Updated October 22, 2026 · 4 min read
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"Waterproof" on a speaker box can mean very different things. The code printed in the specs, such as IPX7 or IP68, is a standardized rating, and once you can read it you can tell what a speaker is built to survive.
How to read an IP code
IP stands for ingress protection. It is followed by two characters:
- The first is protection against solids such as dust. A 6 means dust-tight.
- The second is protection against water. Higher is not always "more", but 7 and 8 are the immersion ratings.
- An X means the product was not rated for that category. IPX7 says nothing about dust.
IPX7
IPX7 means the product is rated to survive temporary immersion in fresh water, up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. That covers rain, splashes, a drop in the shower or a short dunk in the pool. It does not tell you how the speaker handles sand, because the dust digit is X.
IP68
IP68 means dust-tight (the 6) plus protection against continuous immersion (the 8). The depth and time for the 8 are set by the manufacturer, so read the product page for the exact conditions. For a speaker that goes to the beach, the 6 is the useful part: sand and dust will not get inside.
What the rating does not cover
- Salt water and chlorine. Ratings are tested in fresh water. Rinse the speaker after the beach or pool.
- Hot water and steam. A long hot shower is harder on seals than cold water.
- Wear over time. Seals age, and drops can damage them. A speaker that took a hard fall may no longer meet its rating.
- Open ports. Charging ports should be dry and covered before you get the speaker wet.
Which one should you get?
For a shower or backyard speaker, IPX7 is plenty. For beaches, hiking and dusty places, prefer an IP6x rating. Beyond the rating, look at battery life and the size you will actually carry.
General information about the IEC 60529 ingress protection standard. We have not tested the products above; their ratings come from the manufacturer's Amazon listings.