Many people like listening to music in the shower, and while a pair of speakers is the most popular choice for this application, some listeners prefer to have a more immersive experience by using a pair of headphones. If you want to take your songs to the shower with you, they simply need to be waterproof and preferably have Bluetooth connectivity. Since showers are noisy, noise cancellation is also desirable. Luckily, there are many options available on the market for every budget, and it shouldn’t be hard to find a model that is perfect for you.
In this article, we will review 7 of the best shower headphones on the market. We will also go through every aspect you should consider when buying a waterproof pair.
How to Choose the Best Shower Headphones [Buying Guide]
There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing the best shower headphones. In this buying guide, we’ll help you narrow down your options and choose a pair of shower headphones that are right for you.
In-Ear vs. Over-Ear
First, you’ll need to decide what type of headphones you want. There are two main types of shower headphones: in-ear and over-ear. In-ear headphones are small and compact, making them easy to take with you on the go. They provide a tight seal that blocks out water and keeps your earbuds in place. Over-ear headphones are larger and more comfortable, but they can be more difficult to keep in place while you’re showering.
Also Read: 7 Best Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
IPX Rating
The IPX Rating system is used to rate the waterproof and dustproof capabilities of devices. The higher the IPX Rating, the better the protection. Here is a quick rundown of the different IPX Ratings and what they mean:
- IPX0: No protection.
- IPX1: Protection against dripping water.
- IPX2: Protection against light rain.
- IPX3: Protection against splash water.
- IPX4: Protection against water spray.
- IPX5: Protection against water jets.
- IPX6: Protection against powerful water jets.
- IPX7: Protection against immersion in water.
- IPX8: Protection against submersion in water.
If you intend to use your headphones in the shower, then they must feature an IPX rating of at least 5. IPX5 protection will protect your pair against water jets and should suffice for most applications, but if you’re looking to listen to music while in a bathtub, for example, then you need a device with at least IPX7 protection, which can be submerged in water.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is a feature used to reduce unwanted external sound. It can be used in a variety of settings, from headphones to factories, and it can have a profound effect on the listener’s experience. Most headphones on the list offer some kind of noise cancellation technology, whether active or passive.
In the case of shower headphones, noise cancellation is necessary because showerheads tend to be noisy. That’s why all options on the list offer some kind of noise-canceling feature.
Connectivity
Of course, you shouldn’t bring your smartphone to the shower with you. Even if it is waterproof, having to hold the device while you shower will definitely be a hassle. That’s why a Bluetooth headphone pair is preferable for shower headphones. Most of the models featured on the list offer Bluetooth connectivity for that reason.
Sound Quality
When it comes to headphones, sound quality is key. After all, you want to be able to hear all the details in your music. With so many variables that go into determining the sound quality of a pair of headphones, it may feel like a complex task for those without any technical knowledge.
As a rule of thumb, aim for a pair with a wide frequency range. This specification will tell you the lowest and the highest frequency a pair of headphones can reproduce. A pair with a wide range will be able to give you powerful, better-sounding bass and loud and clear highs.
Seal Formed Between Earplug and Ear
When you’re shopping for in-ear headphones, it’s important to find one that fits your ears well. If the earbuds don’t fit snugly in your ears, they won’t be able to produce good sound quality.
This is especially important in the case of shower headphones. If there isn’t a tight seal between the earplug and your ear, then water could enter your ear canal.
To ensure a proper fit, look for headphones with soft silicone tips that can form a seal between the earplug and the inside of your ears. A lot of models come with different pairs of ear tips so that you can use the one that suits your ear canal best.
Comfort
Comfort is also important when it comes to choosing a pair of headphones. You don’t want something that feels uncomfortable in your ears, especially if you’re going to be wearing them for hours at a time.
A lot of shower headphones are designed with this in mind and tend to be lightweight and comfortable. Waterproof earbuds designed for water sports typically come with ear hooks or wings that help keep the earplugs in place, so you don’t have to worry about them falling out during your workout or showering routine. That could be a huge benefit.
In the case of in-ear earbuds, you must also choose a model that comes with different sizes of silicone tips for you to choose the one that fits your ear canal the best. For some, bone-conduction headphones may be more comfortable as well, and we will talk about this specific design further down the article.
Build Quality
Of course, a pair of earbuds that is well-built and durable will save you some money in the long run and serve you for a much longer time. It is difficult to determine the build quality of a pair of earbuds or headphones when you’re shopping on the internet and can’t inspect it physically, but we always recommend that you check product reviews on websites such as Amazon to see what other buyers think about the product.
Battery Life
When it comes to Bluetooth shower headphones, battery life is an important factor to keep in mind. You want a pair that won’t run out of battery middle-shower.
Battery life will greatly vary between each pair and can range anywhere from 5 to 50 hours of playtime. The best option for your use case will depend on a lot of factors. If you’re using the pair only for showering, then this factor isn’t much of a concern, but if you plan to use your device for other activities as well, then it is best to go with a pair with longer battery life.
Air Conduction vs. Bone Conduction
When it comes to shower headphones, there are two main types we recommend: air conduction and bone conduction. Both have their own pros and cons, so it’s important to know which type is right for you.
Air conduction headphones are the most common type of headphones. They work by vibrating the air around your ear, which then transmits sound to your eardrum. Air conduction headphones are typically more comfortable to wear and are less likely to cause ear fatigue. They also tend to be less expensive than bone conduction headphones.
Bone conduction headphones are another type of headphones that has gained popularity in recent years. Unlike air conduction headphones, bone conduction headphones vibrate your skull, which then transmits sound to your inner ear. Bone conduction headphones can be a great option for people who have hearing loss or who want to stay aware of their surroundings.
As we mentioned before, showerheads tend to be noisy, and bone conduction headphones don’t offer the same amount of noise cancellation as air conduction models. This may be a disadvantage for most users. However, if it is important for you to keep aware of your surroundings for safety while showering, then bone conduction pairs are a good choice.
Also Read: 10 Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100
7 Best Shower Headphones
1. MSTHOO Wireless Earbuds
Specifications:
- In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds
- IP Rating: IPX7
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
- Noise Cancellation: Passive
- Battery Life: 28 Hours
Review
The MSTHOO wireless earbuds are quite affordable, at only $26 by the time this article was written. It features an IPX7 rating, so it should suffice for most applications. One of our favorite features of this pair is the battery life: it supports up to 28 hours of playtime—an impressive amount considering the small size of these earbuds. The MSTHOO is also excellent for physical activities, as it features an ear hook that prevents it from falling off of your ears. Another great feature is the built-in buttons. You can adjust the volume while in the shower, without having to reach for your smartphone. Sound quality-wise, the MSTHOO is excellent as well, especially for fans of bass-heavy music genres.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Very affordable, priced at only $26 by the time this article was written.
- IPX7 rating. Fully waterproof.
- Impressive battery life. These earbuds support 28 hours of playtime.
- Built-in controls for volume.
- Ear hook that prevents the earbuds from falling off of your ears, both in the shower and when doing physical activities.
- Good response in the low frequencies.
Cons
- None.
2. SENSO Bluetooth Headphones
Specifications:
- In-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
- IP Rating: IPX7 Rating
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
- Noise Cancellation: Passive
- Battery Life: 8 Hours
Review
The SENSO Bluetooth headphones, unlike most other wireless earbuds, feature a cable between both ears and an ear hook to prevent them from falling. These headphones are also extremely comfortable. The ear tips mold to the ears perfectly, providing a better bass response and noise cancellation. If you like to practice sports as well, these are excellent, too, thanks to all of the comfort features. For the affordable price of $26, it is quite a good option for those on a budget.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Very affordable, priced at $26 by the time this article was written.
- Extremely comfortable.
- Adjustable ear hooks.
- Ear-molding silicone tips.
- Excellent bass response.
- Great noise cancellation features.
Cons
- Some may not like the fact that the earbuds are connected by a cable.
3. Swimbuds Sport Premium Waterproof Headphones
Specifications:
- In-Ear Earbuds
- IP Rating: Not Specified but Waterproof
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
- Noise Cancellation: Passive
Review
These are waterproof wired earbuds specifically designed for water sports. They can be used in the shower as well. Since these earbuds are wired, you will need to either bring your smartphone in the shower with you (provided it is waterproof) or use a Bluetooth receiver, which may not be very practical for most people. One of the best features of these earbuds is their comfort. Despite its wired design, it features 7 different ear tips for effectively sealing your ears against water. We only recommend the SwimBuds if you favor performance over practicality since they are not very practical after all.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Excellent audio quality.
- Comes with 7 ear tips.
- Provides a tight seal in the ear canal against water.
- Very comfortable.
Cons
- It has a wired design, which may not be the most practical solution for most people.
Also Read: Best Wired Earbuds for Phone Calls
4. OKEEFE Bluetooth Headphones
Specifications:
- In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds
- IP Rating: IPX5
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
- Noise Cancellation: Passive
- Battery Life: 48 Hours
Review
The OKEEFE Bluetooth headphones are a great choice for those looking to use their headphones while showering. They have an IP rating of 5 which means they will be able to withstand water jets. The earbuds are also designed with a built-in microphone and support noise cancellation technology. The built-in controls will allow you to pick up calls without having to remove your headphones and change the volume on the go while you shower. We like the battery life of the OKEEFE. It can give you up to 48 hours of playtime, which is certainly impressive considering the small size of these earbuds. These earbuds are also one of the most comfortable to wear among pairs with ear hooks.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- High-quality built-in microphone.
- Built-in controls.
- Impressive battery life. 48 hours of playtime.
- Very comfortable to wear. You can fully adjust the ear hooks.
Cons
- A bit larger than most other models.
5. VEIERSIA Wireless Bone Conduction Headset
Specifications:
- In-Ear Bone-Conduction Bluetooth Headset
- IP Rating: IP68
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
- Noise Cancellation: No
- Battery Life: 5 Hours
Review
This VEIERSIA headset utilizes bone conduction technology. This technology, as we discussed before, delivers audio through vibrations in your skull as opposed to via air. This can be a benefit if you prefer to keep aware of your surroundings while showering for safety reasons since you will be able to hear everything going around you. One downside is that the design doesn’t allow for noise cancellation technology, so your music might get muffled by your showerhead’s noise. This headset has been tested for 48 hours underwater, so they are able to withstand very rough conditions for a long time. The battery life is considerably shorter than most other models on the list, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you’re only using it for the shower.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Bone conduction technology will allow you to be aware of your surroundings while showering.
- Very lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- You can change the volume of your music via the built-in controls without having to reach for your smartphone.
- Extremely resistant to water.
- Comes with a pair of earplugs.
Cons
- Since this is a bone-conduction headset, it doesn’t feature any noise cancellation technology.
- Short battery life.
6. Sayrelances Bone Conduction Headphones
Specifications:
- In-Ear Bone-Conduction Bluetooth Headphones
- IP Rating: IPX8
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
- Noise Cancellation: None
- Battery Life: 6 Hours
Review
The Sayrelances bone conduction headphones look and sound great. It is excellent to wear in the shower since they have an IPX8 rating. Although the design doesn’t offer any noise cancellation technology, it comes with a pair of earplugs so you can concentrate on the music only. We like the fact that the design is highly adaptable regardless of your head’s size. If you have a larger head, for example, you can use the provided strap for extra comfort. This device only has a battery life of 6 hours, which is quite below other models but it shouldn’t be an issue if you’re wearing it only in the shower. The price is a bit higher than most other models as well, but it is justified by the high quality of these bone-conduction headphones.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- IPX8 rating.
- Very comfortable to wear. These headphones will adapt to your head regardless of its size. It also comes with a strap for extra comfort.
- Stays very secure on the head, and won’t fall down easily.
- Excellent build quality.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Short battery life.
7. Hikapa X9 Wireless Earbuds
Specifications:
- In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds
- IP Rating: Not Specified but Waterproof
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
- Noise Cancellation: Passive
- Battery Life: 6 Hours (48 Hours with the Charging Case)
Review
These earbuds are extremely affordable, priced at only $14.99 by the time this article was written, and they have excellent quality. Although the company doesn’t specify the IPX rating for this particular model, it states that it is waterproof. We wish Hikapa would give us the specific rating, though. The design of these earbuds is quite comfortable, but they are larger than most other models on the list and may feel heavy if you have a smaller ear. The battery life is 6 hours. The charging case can provide you with 48 more hours of battery, though. Given the low price of these earbuds, the sound quality is quite impressive and will please most listeners.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Very affordable, priced at only $14.99 by the time this article was written.
- Very comfortable to wear.
- Built-in controls.
- Excellent sound quality for the price.
Cons
- IPX rating is not specified by the company, although these earbuds are waterproof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bluetooth 5.0 Work Underwater?
Bluetooth 5.0 doesn’t work well underwater due to the physics involved. The signal can get weak if the Bluetooth earbuds are submerged.
Can I Swim with Waterproof Headphones?
Yes, you can swim with waterproof headphones. Make sure the IPX rating is of at least IPX8 if you want to swim while wearing your pair.
What Are IPX Ratings?
IPX ratings are a system of ratings that allow you to determine how well a product will protect your electronics from water, dust, and other damaging elements. These ratings range from 0 through 8 and are determined by the amount of time it takes for moisture to enter the device. For example, an IPX4 rating means that the product can withstand splashes of water but should not be submerged in liquid.
You can find more information about IPX ratings in our article here.
Can I Wear IPX7 Earbuds in the Shower?
Yes, IPX7 earbuds can survive immersion in water, so they should withstand shower conditions and jets of water.
Conclusion
In this article, we learned about the features a shower headphone must have. It should have an IPX rating of at least 5, that is, protection against water jets, although if you tend to take longer showers or have a bathtub that the headphones could end up being submerged in, we suggest going with a higher number such as IPX7.
We also noticed that some brands don’t specify the specific IPX ratings of their products, only that they are waterproof.
Without further ado, let’s take a lot at our favorite shower headphones from the list and why we chose them as our top picks.