Headphones have gradually become integral gadgets for many of us. Most people use them to listen to music, and some use them to drown out the noise that can distract you from whatever task you are handling. Since multiple brands are available in the market, users take more interest in the properties of the headphones before purchasing.
When considering buying my Beats Solo 3 headphones, my biggest concern was whether they were waterproof. I sometimes like running when drizzling and would not want them damaged.
I finally figured out if they are waterproof, and this article will tell you all you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Always check for the IP rating of the headphones to find out if they are waterproof.
- IP rating stands for Ingress Protection rating, which is a standard for determining the resistance of a device to solids and water.
- IP ratings are written in the IPXX format where the X represents numbers.
- The first X after IP represents a gadget’s ability to resist solid particles from getting in. It runs from 0 to 6, zero being it cannot resist any dust, while six means the product is entirely dustproof.
- The second X represents the gadget’s ability to protect against water, and the scale runs from 0 to 9.
- 0 means the product is not waterproof at all, while 9 means it can resist high-pressure and high-temperature water.
- If the headphones do not have an IP rating, they are most likely not waterproof.
- Beats Solo 3 headphones are not water or sweat resistant. They are also not water or sweatproof.
- If your Beats Solo 3 headphones are exposed to water, wipe them and ensure they are dry before charging them.
Are Beats Headphones Waterproof?
What Is an IP Rating?
Before determining whether the Beats Solo 3 headphones are waterproof, it’s good to understand the various IP ratings. That will help you make an informed choice since it will be easier to decide if you are comfortable with the Beats Solo 3 IP rating.
IP rating means Ingress Protection rating; however, some people erroneously refer to it as International Protection.
An IP rating is a standard that efficiently communicates how a product protects against solids like dust and water. The rating is written in an IPXX format where the XX are numerical values.
The first X represents a number between 0 and 6, communicating a product’s protection against solids or dust. The second X represents the product’s protection against water, with a scale ranging from 0 to 9.
IP Rating – Basic Form
The IP rating was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), an organization that develops standards that promote the quality of electrical and electronic devices and their services.
For a product to receive an IP rating, the manufacturer has to go through the IEC, which some may consider costly hence why some products do not have this rating.
How to Interpret an IP Rating?
The IP rating is usually written in an IPXX format where the IP is usually the same, and the first X after IP indicates the protection of the product against solids.
Zero means the product has no protection against dust, while six means the product has the best protection against dust, i.e., it’s impervious to dust after being tested under extreme conditions.
The second X represents the protection of the product against water, and it runs from 0 to 9. When the value is zero, the product has no protection against water, while nine means the product is protected against water with high pressure and temperature.
When there is no value in the first X after IP or the second one, the product has not been tested for that quality, i.e., IPX8 means the product has not been tried for dust resistance but has been tested for water resistance.
X means the device was not tested for dust or water ingress
Below is the breakdown of the different IP codes for dust and water protection:
IP Dust Protection Rating
- IP0X – the product has no protection against solid objects.
- IP1X – the product is protected against solid objects that measure 50mm or approximately 2 inches and greater in diameter. This is the least protection that is available. Meaning the products are not dust resistant, but one cannot insert their hands in them.
- IP2X – these products are protected against objects with a diameter of 12.5mm or approximately half an inch going forward. That means your fingers cannot fit in any openings on the product.
- IP3X – products with this rating are protected against solid objects that have a diameter of 2.5mm or greater, which translates to 0.1 inches.
- IP4X – objects with a one-millimeter diameter or greater cannot get in the opening on this product.
- IP5X – such products are not entirely dust protected, but they can take damage if used in highly dusty environments for extended periods.
IP5X Test
- IP6X – these products are considered entirely dustproof and have been tested by a vacuum forcing dust into them for up to eight hours.
IP6X Test
Generally, most headphones are not rated for dust resistance because manufacturers do not test for this property. Also, users are usually more interested in water resistance.
Introduction to Dust Resistance IP Tests
IP Water Protection Rating
Unlike the solid resistance test, which uses the diameter of the solid objects, the water resistance rating uses the angle, intensity, and pressure of the water coupled with the immersion of the object in the water.
This is necessary since water can get into the gadget in various ways. Therefore, just because the device has an IPX7 rating, it does not qualify for an IPX6 rating unless tested.
IPX6 relates to objects protected against powerful water jets, while IPX7 relates to electronics protected against temporary water immersion. If the gadget has been tested under both circumstances, you will see the water resistance rating indicated as IPX6/IPX7.
- IPX0 – the product does not have any protection against water, so it is vital to ensure it is always dry.
- IPX1 – products with this rating are protected against vertically falling water, including condensing water or light rainfall at the rate of 1mm per minute. Often gadgets achieve this rating without any special modifications.
- IPX2 – products achieve this rating when the water falls on them at a 15-degree angle at a rate of 3 millimeters per minute without them sustaining any damage. Headphones with this rating are water and sweat-resistant, meaning you can wear them when working out or when there is little rain. Just remember to clean and dry them afterward.
- IPX3 – this rating means the headphones are protected from sprays when tilted at a 60-degree angle. The sustainable sprays in this category are rated at 50 to 150 kPa for five minutes. Therefore, headphones with this rating are protected against sprays.
- IPX4 – headphones in this category can sustain the same pressure as IPX3 but from different angles, unlike the 60-degree angle of IPX3. IPX4 headphones are splash-resistant – they can survive mild splashes from any angle.
- IPX5 is given to headphones that can sustain the same conditions as IPX4 with the perk that they can also sustain low-pressure water jets.
IPX5 Water Ingress Test
- IPX6 – headphones in this category can sustain high-pressure water jets from any angle. You can shower with them but not submerge them in water as they are not rated for that.
- IPX7 – if headphones have this rating, they can survive temporary submersion in water for thirty minutes at a depth of fifteen centimeters to one meter. This is usually the highest IP rating on earbuds.
IPX7 Water Ingress Test
- IPX8 – these devices can be immersed in water at greater depths of one to three meters without sustaining damage. However, the manufacturer determines the duration they can last in the water, so always check the specifications on the product packaging.
- IPX9 – this rating is never used in headphones or earbuds. It is used in the automotive industry since it rates products that can withstand high temperatures and pressure water jets.
IP Ratings Explained
Are Beats Solo 3 Waterproof?
Unfortunately, the Beats Solo 3 headphones are not waterproof or sweatproof. That means they will sustain damage if you expose them to a lot of water or sweat.
This is because the headphones do not have an IP rating, meaning the warranty would not cover if they were to be damaged because of water or sweat.
However, that does not mean they are completely unusable when you expect light sweating or rain droplets.
Remember that headphones are one of the gadgets that naturally achieve the IPX1 rating meaning if you must, you can use them at the gym, or they can survive if exposed to tiny droplets of water at a vertical angle. Note that this is not the manufacturer’s rating but is a standard they achieve because of how they are made.
Change the cushions on the earcups to ensure you can use them in a slightly sweaty environment. The cushions that come with the Solo 3 headphones will peel if you use them in sweaty environments.
Once the cushions peel, it will be easier for sweat or water to pass through and damage the internal components.
How to Replace Ear Pads on Beats Solo 3?
Can I Work Out with the Beats Solo 3 Headphones?
According to the manufacturer, the headphones are not suitable for working out. This is because the cushions will ultimately wear out and start peeling, allowing sweat to seep in and destroy the internal components.
However, you can get better quality replacement cushions that can sustain the sweating and prevent the internal components from damage.
Beats Solo 3 – Gym Test
What if the Beats Solo 3 Headphones Are Exposed to Water?
If the water is not near any crevices and there is no sign it has seeped into the headphones, dry them with a microfiber cloth.
The important thing to note is that you should not charge the headphones while wet. Always wait until they are completely dry.
If water seeps in and you have the skills to open them up, do so and clean the parts using isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth. Wait until the parts dry off and check whether they work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Can I wear my Beats Solo 3 in the rain?
- Answer: Beats Solo 3 headphones are not IP rated, meaning they are not waterproof, sweatproof, water resistant, or sweat resistant. Therefore, you should not wear them in the rain as they will be damaged.
- Question: Is Beats Solo 3 sweatproof?
- Answer: The Beats Solo 3 headphones are not IP rated. Therefore, they are not sweatproof or sweat resistant. If you use them while sweating profusely, the ear cushions will fade, and sweat will get into the headphones.
- Once this happens, the headphones gradually lose sound in one or both ears.
Conclusion
Always respect the IP ratings of your various Beats products, as they are meant to help you understand the specific qualities and conditions under which the gadgets should be used.
If the manufacturer does not mention the product’s waterproof, sweatproof, water-resistant, or sweat-resistant abilities, likely, the product does not have these features.
It is, therefore, essential to read the product specifications of your Beats headphones so you understand what they are or aren’t capable of.
