IP55 vs IP68: what do these ratings mean on a sports headset?

IP55 and IP68: two ratings, two uses

IP ratings (Ingress Protection) are standardized by the international standard IEC 60529. A rating is made up of two digits: the first measures protection against solids (dust), the second protection against liquids. Source: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), IP codes.

What does IP55 mean?

IP55 means (general information, IEC 60529):

• First digit (5): protection against dust — dust intrusion does not interfere with operation.
• Second digit (5): protection against low-pressure water jets from all directions.

Translated for a sports headset: rain, sweat and water splashes are no problem. Immersion — pool, sea, a long shower — is not covered.

What does IP68 mean?

IP68 means (general information, IEC 60529):

• First digit (6): completely dust-tight.
• Second digit (8): protection against continuous immersion under the conditions declared by the manufacturer.

For the MyVibe Is Life headset, the declared conditions are: immersion up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes (verified MyVibe product fact).

Across the MyVibe range (verified product facts)

• MyVibe Is Good: IP55.
• MyVibe Is Strong: IP55.
• MyVibe Is Powerful: IP55.
• MyVibe Is Powerful² Powered by ONKYO: IP55.
• MyVibe Is Life: IP68 (IEC 60529, immersion 1.5 m / 30 min).

Can you run in the rain with an IP55 headset?

Yes: rain and sweat are exactly what IP55 protection covers. A prolonged storm with immersion is not the intended use.

Which model around water?

For swimming and water sports, the only model designed for immersion is Is Life. One important technical point: the Bluetooth signal does not travel underwater; Is Life has a built-in MP3 player with 4 GB of internal memory that takes over while you swim (see Swimming with a bone conduction headset).

Summary

IP55 = dust + water jets (rain, sweat) — suited to land-based sport. IP68 = fully watertight + declared immersion — Is Life, swimming. Both ratings refer to the same standard, IEC 60529; only the liquid protection level changes.

Full comparison: range comparison.