Summer has arrived, and is everyone's desire for coolness already stirring? From the water parks filled with laughter and joy to the boundless blue ocean, from family picnics by the streams in the countryside to kayaking adventures amidst the lake and mountain scenery, various water-related activities in summer have become the top choice for people to escape the heat. With music as a companion in these activities, it undoubtedly adds a lot to the entire experience. Therefore, various audio devices, whether it's lightweight and portable headphones or speakers that can bring joy to a group, have quietly become indispensable notes in this summer symphony. So, how should one choose audio devices suitable for summer and for various water-related activities?

In the various water-related activities of summer, there are individual ways to play such as swimming, rafting, paddleboarding, as well as group activities like pool or beach parties, and water-oriented camping. Naturally, when purchasing audio devices, there will be different focuses. Wireless headphones or "palm-sized" speakers suitable for hanging on backpacks and other personal items are the product types that the former should focus on, while the latter is suitable for carefully selecting from portable Bluetooth speakers.

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At the same time, most water-related activities take place outdoors, and the particularity of this usage environment determines that when choosing products, in addition to paying attention to the audio quality of the audio products themselves, we should also focus more on aspects such as waterproof rating, durability, portability, and safety. Only audio products that are capable of meeting the needs of water-related environments can seamlessly integrate the companionship of music into every moment of our fun, without affecting the joy of the water experience due to equipment limitations. Below, we will analyze from multiple aspects the key points that should be considered for audio products suitable for different water-related activities, hoping to help everyone choose the right products.

In a water-oriented environment, how to choose headphones?

When swimming in pools, at the beach, or playing in the water while rafting, participants in these water-related activities are constantly moving. If you don't need to share music with companions, then choosing a pair of headphones is more suitable.

Determine the type of headphones

Headphones are divided into many types based on usage methods and shapes, and Bluetooth wireless products are naturally the best choice for use while playing in water. Further细分, bone conduction sports headphones and true wireless headphones are even more suitable choices. The former's stable wearing and non-in-ear characteristics are suitable for outdoor use, while the latter is compact, lightweight, and has good portability. How to choose specifically depends on personal preferences and whether their wearing method can meet the commonly used water play scenarios.

For those who will not submerge their headphones in water, there is more flexibility in determining the type of headphones, mainly based on personal preferences. Let's focus on products suitable for swimming, which is a more special application. In terms of product wearing methods, most of these products adopt an open design, combined with an over-ear wearing method, aiming to provide users with a stable and comfortable listening experience. Bone conduction technology dominates in these headphones, and its uniqueness lies in not transmitting sound through the ear canal but using the skull as the medium for sound transmission, allowing users to enjoy clear audio even underwater. In addition, there are still some products that use an in-ear design, and these headphones physically isolate external noise to provide a more immersive audio experience. It is worth noting that even for headphones with an open design, some brands also offer optional earplugs, which not only help improve sound quality but also prevent water from entering the ear canal.So for consumers who primarily use headphones for swimming, if they prefer lightweight options and dislike the feeling of insertion into the ear canal, open-ear bone conduction headphones would be an ideal choice. For those with higher demands for sound quality, in-ear headphones or open headphones with dedicated ear tips can provide better sound performance and an immersive listening experience. Additionally, some products may have multiple modes that adjust the sound effects for land and water listening environments, as well as whether to use ear tips, ensuring good sound quality in various situations.

Pay attention to the protection level

When using headphones in aquatic environments, waterproof performance is undoubtedly a key consideration when purchasing. According to the widely accepted international protection level standard— the IP rating, this standard system sets clear quantitative indicators for the protection capabilities of electronic devices. When consumers see a description of "IPXX" (where the first "X" can be a number or X, and the second "X" is a number) in the specifications of headphones, it means that the product has a specific dust and water protection level.

Firstly, the first "X" represents the device's dust protection capability. For headphones, the main protection needed is against water, not dust, so many products on the market are marked with "X" in this position, indicating that they do not particularly emphasize dust protection. Our focus should be on the second digit, which represents the device's water protection level. Generally, this digit starts from "4" and goes up to "9," representing different levels of water protection. When selecting headphones for water play, it depends on the needs to determine which water protection level to choose. If there is only a situation of splashing water, such as canyoning, hiking, or playing by the stream, then products with a protection level of "4" or above can meet the needs. We can look at the IP rating's description of water protection level "4"— "prevents water from splashing from all directions from entering the appliance and causing damage," which is enough to cope with daily water-related situations. Of course, for users who often wear headphones for sports, since headphones are often stained with sweat, they should consider purchasing products with a water protection level of IPX5 or above, because once the water protection level reaches "5," the product can "prevent damage from continuous low-pressure water spray for at least 3 minutes," meaning that it is also no problem to simply rinse the headphones for cleaning.

If you are going to swim or engage in activities like paddleboarding where there is a risk of falling into the water, the headphones will be completely submerged or even soaked for a long time, then you need to consider headphones with a water protection level of at least "7" or above. However, since "7" only represents "protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes," headphones for swimming should at least reach IPX8. The "8" here means that the device can be soaked in water for a long time without damage under certain water pressure, and it has long been the peak of waterproof performance in the IP rating. However, the highest waterproof level in the current IP standard has reached "9," which is more common in the industrial field. Although there are headphones with this level of protection on the market, there are fewer choices.

Battery life should meet the needs of a day's use

Headphones suitable for water play are all wireless products, so battery life is another point worth paying attention to when purchasing. Considering that such situations are mostly outdoors, the battery life of the headphones should at least ensure high-intensity use within a day, starting from about five to six hours. Of course, it is now very convenient to recharge wireless headphones outdoors, whether through a power bank or a charging case for true wireless headphones. On the contrary, the charging speed is worth paying attention to. If the headphones support fast charging functions like "5 minutes of charging, 2 hours of use," even if the battery life is slightly shorter, there is no need to worry about its impact on the continuity of long-term outdoor use.

Also considering the outdoor water play scenario, safety and convenience are equally important, and open-ear headphones have a natural advantage in this regard. The non-in-ear design of these headphones allows users to enjoy music while still being alert to the surrounding environment. This is particularly important for various water-related activities, helping users to respond to changes in the environment in a timely manner and increasing safety. In contrast, although in-ear headphones may have better sound quality and sound insulation, open-ear headphones are undoubtedly more advantageous in situations where it is necessary to pay attention to environmental dynamics at all times.Another major highlight of open-back headphones is their stable over-ear design. This design not only ensures the stability of the headphones during intense physical activity, preventing them from falling off due to jumping or quick movements, but also enhances overall wearing comfort, so that users do not feel discomfort even with prolonged use. Especially during water activities, the over-ear structure can effectively resist the impact of water waves, keeping the headphones securely fitted, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in their games without worrying about the safety of their equipment.

Fear not the water.

How to choose a speaker?

When it comes to selecting speakers suitable for use in water-friendly environments, the considerations are similar to those introduced earlier for headphones. First and foremost is protection. Compared to ordinary speakers, products used in outdoor water environments naturally have stricter requirements for protection levels. When purchasing such products, they should at least be able to resist daily splashes, meaning they should have at least an IPX4 water resistance rating. However, if users hope that the speaker can come into direct contact with water for a short time, or even continue to work while floating on water, then an IPX7 water resistance performance becomes crucial. IPX7 means that the speaker can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without water ingress, making it suitable for scenarios like pool parties or beach gatherings where the speaker might be briefly submerged. Since speakers are not typically used in situations where they are fully submerged in water for extended periods, like headphones might be during swimming, an IPX8 rating is not necessary.

In addition to water resistance, the speaker's ability to withstand drops and dust should not be overlooked. Especially considering that speakers, unlike headphones, are not worn on the head but are placed in various environments. The variability of placement locations means that speakers need to be able to withstand minor impacts and erosion from sand and dust. Therefore, if the speaker is to be used on a beach, it is advisable to consider products with a dust protection rating of "5" or "6"— the former indicating "complete protection against the ingress of solid objects, although not entirely dust-tight, the quantity of dust ingress will not affect the normal operation of the equipment," and the latter meaning "complete protection against the ingress of solid objects and dust." In the face of frequent movement and potential accidental impacts, the choice of speaker material is also particularly critical. Speakers wrapped in soft materials like silicone can effectively absorb impact forces, reducing damage caused by bumps, and also provide additional water resistance and anti-slip properties, ensuring that the speaker remains stable and reliable in damp environments, less likely to slip or be damaged.

For water-friendly scenarios during movement, such as rafting, hiking, paddleboarding, etc., where users wish to share music with companions, speakers are even more useful. When selecting such speakers, the first consideration should be their compact size and moderate weight, allowing them to be carried in the side pocket of a backpack without causing significant burden. Additionally, the speaker's structural design should facilitate carrying, such as having a handle or lanyard, which can be better attached to the backpack for flexible transportation.

The type of speaker should also be chosen to support Bluetooth, making it easy for users to play music wirelessly from devices like smartphones and tablets. At the same time, the operation buttons should be simple and intuitive, allowing for easy control even with wet hands or while wearing gloves. Furthermore, for scenarios with a larger number of people, it is advisable to consider products with higher output power that can deliver clear sound quality and sufficient volume, ensuring the enjoyment of quality music even in noisy outdoor environments. Regarding battery life, refer to the purchasing suggestions for headphones, which are not elaborated upon here.Summary

In general, when selecting headphones and speakers to meet the listening needs in water-related activities, consumers focus on aspects such as protection level, comfort and stability of wear, portability, battery life, and safety. Different products emphasize these aspects in their design and specifications, and the application scenarios and the level of water exposure also affect our specific requirements for these selection points. Therefore, while consumers pay attention to these selection points, they should also clarify their needs and not overly pursue high-specification, high-indicator products. The best choice is the one that suits them.

Innovative Outlier Free Mini Bone Conduction Sports Headphones

Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth 5.3

Sound Unit: Bone Conduction Sensor x 2

Audio Codec: AAC, SBC, Low Latency Mode

Frequency Response: 20Hz~20kHz

Battery Type: 180mAh Rechargeable Lithium-ion Polymer Battery

Battery Life: 6 hoursWaterproof Rating: IPX5

Other Features: Built-in microphone

Dimensions: 128mm × 108mm × 44mm

Weight: 26g

Reference Price: 188 yuan

The innovative Outlier Free Mini bone conduction sports earphones are designed with a focus on being compact and lightweight, featuring a smaller rear hook that is suitable for adults and teenagers with smaller head circumferences. The Outlier Free Mini has a protection rating of IPX5, which is capable of handling light water play scenarios, and it can even withstand short periods of water rinsing. The built-in battery provides up to 6 hours of music playback after a full charge, and it supports fast charging technology with the claim of "10 minutes of charge for 2 hours of playback." The Outlier Free Mini comes with a pair of silicone ear plugs, which may not be necessary for outdoor water play, but they can be useful for daily outings in noisy environments. Users can insert them into their ears to hear clearly without having to turn up the volume too loud. As an entry-level bone conduction earphone priced under 200 yuan, the Outlier Free Mini by Creative does a great job of showcasing the characteristics of such products: they are easy and comfortable to use, capable of handling light water play scenarios, and suitable for long-term wear.

Shokz OpenSwim Pro Swimming Earphones

Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.4

Colors: Coral Sea (red and blue contrast), Shale Peak (black and gray contrast)Work Mode: Bluetooth Mode / MP3 Mode

Acoustic Technology: PremiumPitch 2.0 + Bone Conduction Technology

Call Quality: Dual MIC + DNS Call Noise Reduction + Voice Enhancement

Battery Life: 9 hours in Bluetooth Mode, 6 hours in MP3 Mode

Quick Charge: 10 minutes of charge for 3 hours of use

Protection Rating: IP68

Supported Audio Codecs: MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, M4A, APE, WMA (in MP3 Mode)

Dimensions: 124.0mm × 100.0mm × 45.25mm

Weight: 27.3g

Reference Price: 1298 YuanShokz OpenSwim Pro can be considered a "masterpiece" in the existing bone conduction sports earphone market. Although named as a swimming earphone, the experience that OpenSwim Pro can provide to users is no longer limited to this. It offers dual-mode support for Bluetooth and MP3, possessing "amphibious capabilities" in water and on land, which can cover a wide range of usage scenarios. Its IP68 protection rating should be among the top in existing earphones; swimming is not a problem, and other water-related activities are even easier. The comfortable wearing experience allows users to wear it all day without feeling tired. At the same time, the characteristic of bone conduction earphones not entering the ear enables users to have unobstructed awareness of the surrounding environment during outdoor water activities, ensuring the safety of play.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3

Battery Life: 7.5 hours (with Bose Immersive Audio mode off)

4.5 hours (with Bose Immersive Audio mode on)

Charging case provides additional battery life: 19.5 hours (with Bose Immersive Audio mode off); 12 hours (with Bose Immersive Audio mode on)

Earbud charging time: up to 1 hour

Charging case charging time: up to 3 hours

Fast charging time: 10 minutes of charge provides 2 hours of useBattery charging method: USB-C

Microphones: 4 (2 on each earbud)

Protection rating: IPX4

Dimensions: 19mm × 17mm × 27mm (earbuds)

42mm × 65mm × 26mm (charging case)

Reference price: 2299 yuan

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature a clip-on design. One end of the earbud houses the speaker unit in an "L" shape, while the other end contains the battery compartment in a cylindrical form. These two parts are connected by a wide, flexible band and are encased in soft silicone on the outside, giving it a unique and textured visual appeal. The comfort of wearing these earbuds is exceptionally high, offering an almost "invisible" feeling, allowing for comfortable all-day wear. With a single charge, the playtime can reach up to 7.5 hours, ensuring a full day's use for users on the go. When paired with a fully charged charging case, it can provide an additional 19.5 hours of playtime. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have an IPX4 protection rating, making them suitable for water-friendly scenarios where splashes are expected. Utilizing Bose's proprietary OpenAudio open audio technology and supporting Bose Immersive Spatial Audio technology, the earbuds deliver superior sound quality among similar products on the market. Therefore, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are an excellent choice for both light water activities and everyday use, offering an outstanding experience.

JBL GO ESSENTIAL Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 4.2Sound Unit: 40mm

Frequency Response: 180Hz to 20kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB

Battery Type: Lithium-ion battery (2.7Wh)

Battery Life: Approximately 5 hours

Charge Time: Approximately 2.5 hours

Protection Rating: IPX7

Dimensions: 71.2mm × 86mm × 31.6mm

Weight: 0.24kg

Reference Price: 169 yuanJBL GO ESSENTIAL is a signature portable Bluetooth speaker under the JBL brand. With its palm-sized compact volume and a weight of 0.24kg, the JBL GO ESSENTIAL is very convenient to carry around. Users can slip it into the side pocket of a backpack, allowing music to accompany their activities on the go. The protection level of JBL GO ESSENTIAL reaches IPX7, and the "7" level of water resistance is more than capable of handling various water-related activities—enjoying music by the pool or at the beach is a breeze, and even carrying it while hiking in streams and immersing it in water is not a problem. Its shell is made of durable and lightweight materials, paired with a variety of colorful options, which not only meets the aesthetic preferences of the younger demographic but also ensures durability. The built-in battery provides about 5 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, sufficient for most short trips. The application of Bluetooth 4.2 technology ensures stable wireless connection and playback within a 10-meter range in outdoor scenarios. With its high portability and excellent water resistance, the JBL GO ESSENTIAL will be a great companion for sharing music during activities like hiking in streams and paddleboarding.

Edifier M100 Plus Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3

Driver Unit: 43mm full-range internal magnet speaker

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≥85dBA

Output Power: 5W

Battery Capacity: 1500mAh

Endurance Time: 9 hours

Protection Rating: IPX7Dimensions: Approximately 160mm × 95mm × 49.8mm

Weight: Approximately 0.18kg

Reference Price: 209 Yuan

The M100 Plus is a portable Bluetooth speaker designed specifically for outdoor sports and camping enthusiasts. It is shaped like a hamburger and weighs about as much as a mobile phone. It comes with a versatile magic strap, which allows you to easily attach it to your wrist or backpack without adding extra weight, making it convenient to carry. It features a flexible fabric mesh combined with an ABS+TPU dual-color injection molded base shell, which is tough and elastic, effectively resisting impacts. The two color options, Forest Green and Lake Blue, also showcase individuality. In terms of protection, the M100 Plus has an IPX7 waterproof rating, allowing it to function normally even when submerged in water, making it perfect for water play. Its silicone cover fits seamlessly with the buttons, leaving no gaps around the edges, so even if it accidentally falls, it can still work normally after being retrieved. The built-in lithium-ion polymer battery of the M100 Plus provides over 9 hours of playtime, meeting the needs of a full day's outdoor use. In terms of power, the M100 Plus has a continuous undistorted power of 5W, which is sufficient for listening to music while playing in the water outdoors. It also supports the latest Bluetooth 5.3 standard, ensuring a stable connection with mobile devices.

Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker

Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3

Audio Codecs: AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive

Input/Output Interfaces: USB-C input/output, AUX input

Special Feature: SimpleSync connectionBattery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery

Playtime: Up to 20 hours

Protection Rating: IP67

Dimensions: 120mm × 265mm × 105mm

Weight: 2.13kg

Reference Price: 3199 Yuan

As the latest flagship product in the classic SoundLink series, the Bose SoundLink Max boasts the largest size in the series. This allows it to house three acoustic drivers, including 2 subwoofer units and 1 high-frequency speaker, and employs Bose's proprietary passive resonance dual-mode technology, delivering an impressive overall sound quality that can easily meet the listening needs of several tens of square meters in a camping environment. One of the design highlights of the Bose SoundLink Max is the use of a climbing rope as a handle, wrapped with a large area of silicone material, making it convenient for users to carry and combining visual appeal with practicality. The handle also features a detachable design, allowing users to switch to handles or straps in different colors for a more personalized visual effect and diverse carrying options. The built-in battery of the Bose SoundLink Max provides a playtime of up to 20 hours, which can meet the needs of high-intensity use throughout the day, and it can even charge mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, serving as a power bank. The IP67 protection rating also gives the Bose SoundLink Max a "carefree" usage environment, allowing it to float even when dropped in water without affecting its operation. So whether you plan to take the Bose SoundLink Max for camping in the forest meadows or to host a party by the lake or at sea, with it, the music will never stop.