Saunas are a great place to relax your body and reduce stress.
But let’s be honest…
Staying inside one can be pretty boring.
So, on your next sauna trip…
Why not wear some earbuds and enjoy listening to music?
Lucky you, I know the perfect audio devices for sauna use.
Continue reading to find out:
- 7 best earbuds for sauna.
- Whether you can wear earbuds when you’re inside a hot room.
- Some crucial tips and reminders for keeping your earbuds safe inside a sauna.
- And this is just the beginning…
Can you wear earbuds in a sauna?
You can wear earbuds in a sauna. As long as they have an IP rating of X4 or higher. However, it’s not recommended to do so. Electronics degrade faster when exposed to constant heat and humidity. So, wearing your earbuds inside a sauna can potentially damage them.
7 best earbuds for sauna
Disclaimer: All audio companies don’t recommend bringing your earbuds inside a sauna. And some brands even void your audio device’s warranty if you do. So, note that the earbuds I’ll mention below aren’t officially sauna-proof.
“Then, how was this list made?”
Simple. I tried using 20 different earbuds inside a sauna myself.
Then, I picked the ones that could withstand the heat and humidity.
So, rest assured that you can bring any of the earbuds below inside a sauna.
Warning: Don’t expose your audio to excessive heat and humidity for long durations. I recommend only using your earbuds inside a sauna for up to 20 minutes. Otherwise, you’ll risk ruining your device’s protection against humidity.
Note: I’ve arranged these audio devices based on their prices. From the cheapest to the most expensive.
#1: Tozo T10
Let’s start this list with the most affordable earbuds, the Tozo T10.
This device only costs $24.
But don’t let its low price fool you into thinking you’ll get low-quality earbuds.
After all, the Tozo 10 has an IPX8 rating.
It can survive being deeper than 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes.
3 best features:
Sound quality
For audio devices, the bigger the speaker driver, the better.
Luckily, the Tozo T10 got this aspect covered.
Because its 8mm driver is about 1.77 times bigger than those inside most earbuds.
This device also has a solid bass, reaching as low as 16 Hz.
And its higher-end sounds reach up to 20 kHz.
Note: Humans can only hear 20 to 20 000 Hz. So, the Tozo T10 won’t let you miss any audible frequency.
Ease of use
The Tozo T10 is 1 of the easiest audio devices to use.
In fact, it only takes 3 steps to pair these earbuds with your phone:
- Remove both earpieces from the case.
- Launch your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
- Pair your audio device with your gadget.
Moreover, controlling these earbuds is a no-brainer.
Because the Tozo T10 allows you to use either earpiece to:
- Change the song.
- Adjust the volume.
- Play/pause the track.
- Launch your voice assistant.
Battery life
These earbuds can play for over 10 hours after a single charge.
And that’s a very impressive battery life. Considering that most earbuds only last 4-5 hours.
To make it even better…
With its charging case, you can use the Tozo T10 for up to 45 hours.
So, this device is a must-have if you prioritize long battery life.
#2: Soundcore Anker Life P2
Here’s another pair of sauna-friendly earbuds you don’t wanna miss:
Soundcore Anker Life P2.
Compared to the previous audio device…
These earbuds have a slightly lower water-resistant rating (IPX7).
But don’t worry.
IPX7 earbuds can still last for 30 minutes when they’re 1 meter underwater.
So, this device can survive a sauna’s humidity.
3 best features:
Sound quality
Although I admit that the Anker Life P2 isn’t the best at filtering out external noise…
Its overall sound quality is more than what I expected for a device that only costs $46.
To be specific, these earbuds only have a slightly boosted bass. Unlike similarly-priced models that overwhelm you with low frequencies.
Plus, this device’s high-end sounds are as clear as those from earbuds that cost $100.
Design
Do you prefer light and minimalistic earbuds?
Then, the Anker Life P2 is for you.
This device looks very similar to Apple’s AirPods.
But here’s 1 big difference between the 2:
Anker’s earbuds contain tactile buttons you rarely see in most models.
My favorite part about this audio device?
It’s designed for sports use. Meaning it can withstand excessive sweat.
So, it won’t fall OFF your ears even if it’s very humid inside the sauna.
Battery life
Now, the Anker Life P2’s battery duration isn’t as good as the previous device’s.
But a 7-hour long playback is still worth acknowledging.
Because as mentioned earlier, most earbuds can only last 4-5 hours.
In addition to this decent battery life…
Anker’s earbuds also give you 1 hour of playback after just 10 minutes of charging.
So, it’s 1 of your top picks if you don’t like spending hours charging your audio device.
#3: AfterShokz OpenMove
Now, this one isn’t technically an earbud.
But if what you’re looking for is a sauna-friendly audio device you can:
- Carry around in your pocket.
- Wear for long durations without feeling pain.
- Use to privately listen to high-quality music and calls.
Then, these open-ear wireless bone conduction headphones are for you.
Wondering why?
Here are the AfterShokz’ OpenMove’s…
3 best features:
Open-ear design
Since this audio device doesn’t block out your ears…
You’ll have a better awareness of your surroundings.
Plus, you can avoid bacteria buildup that earbuds often cause inside your ears.
Only 2 EQ settings
Not everyone wants to be very specific in customizing their sound’s EQ.
After all, this process isn’t really easy to do.
Luckily, AfterShokz OpenMove doesn’t overwhelm you with all customizing options.
Because you only have 2 EQ settings to choose from:
- Standard (for music).
- Human (for listening to people’s voices).
You can make your audio listening experience as simple as possible.
Secure fit
This device wraps around your head using a band.
Hence, it won’t fall OFF as traditional earbuds often do.
Interested in knowing more about this bone-conduction headphone?
Watch this video:
#4: JBL Endurance Peak 3
When it comes to audio…
JBL won’t back down in the competition.
So, the brand also has a representative for sauna-friendly earbuds.
And that’s none other than the Endurance Peak 3 model.
This device has an IPX8 rating, making it water-resistant.
Here are its…
3 best features:
Sound quality
I’ve always loved JBL’s audio devices.
And here’s the main reason:
The brand has a mobile app for personalizing your earbuds’ music.
It’s called the JBL Headphones (Android/iOS).
And you can use it to:
- Turn Noise Cancelling ON/OFF.
- Adjust the Equalizer for your sound.
- Add customized gestures for controlling your device.
Apart from the beauty of this app…
The Endurance Peak 3 also has a 10mm driver in each earbud.
So, you can still hear powerful sounds even if you don’t use the app’s customization options.
Design
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 has a bendable ear hook.
You can adjust this device to perfectly sit on your ears.
So it won’t fall OFF even if you’re sweating or regularly moving around.
If you’re into aesthetics…
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 also won’t fail you.
After all, this device comes in 4 different colors:
- Blue.
- Black.
- White.
- Orange.
So, you can select the version that suits you best.
Call quality
These earbuds have 4 built-in microphones in total.
Hence, your voice will be crystal clear during calls. Even if your earbuds are covered in sweat.
With the VoiceAware feature…
You can also choose how much of your own voice you can hear through your earbuds.
So, it’ll be very easy to get high-quality long-duration calls, even inside a sauna.
#5: Jabra Elite Active 65t earbuds
This model is also a powerful candidate for sauna-friendly earbuds.
In fact, it was 1 of my favorites when I compared the audio devices on this list.
The Jabra Elite Active 65t has an IPX7 rating.
And below are the reasons I love using this audio device inside a sauna.
3 best features:
App support
Like JBL, Jabra also offers in-app support for its audio devices.
It’s called Jabra Sound + (Android/iOS).
And it’s extremely helpful in customizing your sound experience.
Because not only does it let you adjust your EQ…
It also allows you to activate the hear-through mode.
Which is a feature that lets you customize how much outside noise you want to hear.
Leakage isolation
Saunas are shared spaces.
So, you won’t want to disturb other people near you with your music.
Luckily, these earbuds have exceptional leakage isolation.
You’ll keep your music to yourself even if you crank the volume up.
Connectivity
The Jabra Elite Active 65t has excellent connectivity.
Its line of sight range reaches 95 ft (29m).
So, these earbuds are an excellent choice if you want to keep your phone in the locker.
But still enjoy high-quality audio inside the sauna.
Unfortunately, these earbuds have some noticeable latency. Or delay between the video and audio.
However, fret not.
It won’t affect your sauna listening experience if you’re not watching any video.
You might also want to know: 7 Dangers When Taking Your iPhone In The Sauna
#6: LG TONE Free FP9
LG is best known for its TVs and mobile devices.
But did you know the brand also has some of the best earbuds and headphones?
The LG Tone Free FP9 is proof of this.
It might only have an IPX4 rating…
But this device is safe to bring inside a sauna.
As long as you don’t use it for longer than 20 minutes.
Want to know what makes this audio device better than most earbuds?
Here are its…
3 best features:
UV cleaning capabilities
According to scientists, earbuds can harbor up to 119,186 colony-forming bacteria units.
That’s about 2,700x dirtier than a regular kitchen cutting board.
Hence, not cleaning your earbuds regularly can lead to ear infections.
Unfortunately, most people don’t clean their audio devices as often as they should.
But with LG’s Tone Free FP9, that won’t be a problem.
Because this device’s charging case has UVnano.
A built-in self-cleaning feature that kills almost every bacteria on your earbuds.
Convenient modes
It’s not always quiet inside a sauna.
Sometimes, there’ll be people beside you holding a conversation.
Similarly, you might want to talk to others in person or through a call.
Luckily, LG’s earbuds become handy in these situations.
Because this audio device has convenient modes, namely:
- Chat.
- Whisper.
- Ambient.
Chat allows you to hear the person in front of you, even with earbuds on.
And as the name suggests, if you want to keep your phone call private…
Whisper lets you whisper on 1 of your earbuds. And the person on the other end of the line will still hear you clearly.
Lastly, Ambient allows you to hear your surroundings.
It’s similar to the Chat mode. But this one doesn’t enhance the voices of people around you.
Earbuds locator
Saunas are very humid.
So, unsurprisingly, your earbuds may fall OFF every now and then.
And if you’re unlucky, you might have difficulty finding them again.
Unless you have the LG Tone Free F9 earbuds.
See, this device’s app (Android/iOS) has a Find My Earbuds feature.
Once activated, it’ll chirp loud enough so you can hear your earpieces from afar.
Read next: Apple Watch In Sauna: 7 Alarming Dangers (Updated)
#7: Bose SoundSport Free
It’s time to talk about the most expensive earbuds on this list:
The Bose SoundSport Free.
It costs $269, which some may think is too expensive.
But considering all the features you’ll get with this device…
Trust me. You’ll get what you pay for.
This device only has an IPX4 rating. But as long as you don’t submerge it underwater…
The Bose Soundsport Free will survive inside a sauna.
3 best features:
Sound quality
As always, Bose doesn’t disappoint.
Despite being small audio devices…
These earbuds pack a strong punch with their solid low-end frequencies.
And the high-ends are also much more detailed than the cheaper models on this list.
The Bose Soundsport Free’s sound profile is also well-balanced.
So, it’s perfect for all types of music genres.
Comfort and fit
Like most earbuds on this list…
This Bose audio device was designed for sports fanatics.
Hence, it won’t fall OFF even if you sweat or move consistently inside a sauna.
“Aren’t they too bulky to wear?
Bose’s earbuds may look bigger than models from other brands.
But don’t worry.
This audio device barely weighs anything (only 0.04 lbs/0.018 kg).
So, you’ll feel comfortable wearing it even in the heat.
Build quality
Earbuds are infamous for breaking so easily.
But you don’t have to worry about this problem if you have Bose’s SoundSport earbuds.
Because this device’s build quality is the best out of all models I’ve mentioned.
Now, it’s still made out of plastic.
However, it’s much denser and sturdier.
You won’t need to worry about breaking your earbuds even if you accidentally drop them.