“Waterproof” is a marketing word. An IP rating is a test result.
How to read it
IP is followed by two digits. The first is protection against solids such as dust (0 to 6). The second is protection against water (0 to 9). An X means that digit was not tested, so IPX7 means water-tested but not dust-tested.
- IPX4: splashing water from any direction.
- IPX5: water jets.
- IPX7: temporary immersion, up to 1 m for 30 minutes in lab conditions.
- IP6X: dust-tight.
The standard is IEC 60529. The tests use fresh water under lab conditions. They do not cover seawater, hot water or long-term wear.
What to check on a listing
- Is there an IP number at all, or only the word “waterproof”?
- Does the rating appear in the specification table and the description, not just a photo?
- Does it fit the use? A rain jacket, a dashcam and an earbud need different ratings.
We score a stated IP rating above a bare “waterproof”, and a listing that makes no waterproof claim above one that makes an unrated claim.