We’re all waiting for the day that we can wear headphones while swimming laps in our pools. And for some, that day has already come since many brands have already launched their version of water-friendly headphones. These devices are either totally waterproof or water-resistant. But can the same be said for Bose headphones?
Bose headphones are not waterproof. If sweat gets into the device or they’re submerged in water, they will most likely become defective. Additionally, at this time, Bose does not offer waterproof headphones, although that could change in the near future.
Needless to say, if you got your Bose headphones wet, you have some options for trying to limit the damage. But, if you’re looking for waterproof headphones, it’s worth considering other brands too. Below, we’ll cover how to reduce water damage to your Bose headphones, as well as alternative headphones that are proven to be waterproof.
Are Bose Headphones Waterproof?
Take it from Bose itself: “We don’t recommend exposing your [headphones] to water. They are not water-resistant, so it’s best to keep them dry to ensure that you’re able to enjoy your listening experience fully.”
While doing your research, you might have come across three terms: waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellant—but they don’t mean the same thing. Here is a breakdown of what each one means, according to HZO:
- Waterproof means they are 100 percent safe to be used in water. With waterproof headphones, you could use them in and out of the pool with no problems.
- Water-repellant means that the device’s exterior is sprayed with a hydrophobic coating, so it’s difficult for water to get inside. You should still not use these devices around water, but they’ll probably be okay if they get wet.
- Water-resistant is the lowest form of protection out of these three. While getting your device wet might not harm it, this isn’t guaranteed.
Bose headphones are neither waterproof, water-repellant, nor water-resistant, so to ensure the best possible user experience, keep them away from the pool and out of the rain.
What Happens if My Bose Headphones Get Wet?
If you have an intense workout and your headphones are soaked in sweat, you can minimize the damage by removing the pads, dabbing them dry, and allowing your headphones to completely dry off naturally.
If you’re concerned about whether sweat got into the speakers, take a Q-tip and remove any visible droplets. Don’t jam them in the holes, as the cotton could break off and muffle the sound.
Now, if your headphones sustained severe water damage, you should:
- Avoid using a hairdryer: By trying to accelerate the drying process, you risk melting the headphone’s internal components.
- Place your headphones in a bag of dry rice: Rice is a desiccant, meaning that it absorbs moisture and dries the area around it. Be sure that you avoid getting the grains stuck in the speakers’ holes when you do this.
- Shake the headphones dry: But don’t shake them too hard! Your goal here is just to remove any excess water, not to dislodge any internal parts.
While these measures are not guaranteed to work, it certainly can’t hurt to try some of them out.
What Headphones Are Waterproof?
Earlier, we mentioned that some brands have already launched their own sets of waterproof headphones. Many of these are actually earbuds—and for a good reason! When swimming, the “drag” of the water would take your traditional headphones right off your head and into the depths of your pool.
That being said, here are some headphones and earbuds that are waterproof:
- Waterproof Over-Ear Headphones: The best part of this product is in the name. You can enjoy the security of wearing headphones while also being submerged in water. You can also score these headphones for about $20, which is less than you would spend on most name-brand devices.
- Tozo T10 Bluetooth Earbuds: These earbuds can withstand up to a meter (or about 3.2 feet) of water and come with their own charging case. Its 8mm speaker driver is 1.77 times bigger than the average earbud speaker size, making it able to deliver low, rumbling bass in a small package. Additionally, on a single charge, the Tozo T10 Bluetooth Earbuds can last six hours.
- Jaybird Vista True Wireless Sport Earbuds – According to Jaybird, its earbuds are “waterproof, crushproof, and sweatproof.” They are rated “IPX7,” meaning that they can withstand being fully submerged in a meter of water for about 30 minutes. You can adjust these earbuds to meet your ear’s shape and get six hours of audio on a single charge.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, at this time, Bose headphones are not waterproof. However, if you’re looking for a pair of headphones or earbuds to meet your needs, you still have plenty of other waterproof options.
If you happen to be a fan of Bose headphones and want to stick with the brand, just be mindful of where you wear your headphones, and avoid water at all costs. Although some of the tips we provided above could limit any water damage the device faces, there’s no guarantee it will save them from malfunctioning.
Curious to know how long Bose headphones can last without water damage and in good condition? Check out this article to learn more!