IPX7 vs IPX4: What Waterproof Ratings Mean for a Speaker
IPX4 means a device resists splashing water from any direction; IPX7 means it survives being submerged in up to 1 metre of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. IPX7 is a much higher level of protection: rain, sweat and splashes are covered by both, but only IPX7 is tested for a drop into water. The Mookiz D70 wearable speaker is rated IPX7.
How to read an IP rating
IP ratings come from the international standard IEC 60529. The code has two digits after “IP”:
- First digit: dust / solids (0–6). An X means the device was not tested for dust — it does not mean zero protection.
- Second digit: water (0–9).
So “IPX7” is a water rating of 7 with no dust rating tested.
Water ratings compared
| Rating | Tested against | Real-world meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IPX4 | Splashing water from any direction | Rain, sweat, splashes |
| IPX5 | Water jets (6.3 mm nozzle) | Rain, a rinse under a tap |
| IPX6 | Powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle) | Heavy rain, strong spray |
| IPX7 | Temporary immersion, up to 1 m for up to 30 minutes | Rain, sweat, and an accidental drop into water |
| IPX8 | Continuous immersion beyond 1 m, as specified by the maker | Underwater use within the maker’s limits |
The ratings are not strictly cumulative: an IPX7 device is tested for immersion, not for high-pressure jets.
IPX7 on the Mookiz D70
The D70 is a 60 g clip-on speaker you wear on a shirt, bag or jacket, so it meets rain and sweat far more often than a desk speaker. Its IPX7 rating covers:
- sweat during a workout or a hike
- rain on the way to work
- an accidental drop into a puddle or a sink
A full charge lasts over 30 hours at 70% volume, and it charges over USB-C.
Keeping an IPX7 speaker working
General guidance for water-resistant electronics:
- Tested water is fresh water; rinse off salt water or pool water and let the speaker dry.
- IP ratings do not cover hot water, steam or saunas.
- Let the USB-C port dry completely before charging.
- Seals age; water resistance can decrease over time or after a hard knock.
What about the U60 and D55?
The U60 (USB desk speaker) and the D55 (magnetic stereo pair) do not list a water rating. Keep them dry and away from liquids.
| D70 | U60 | D55 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water rating | IPX7 | not rated | not rated |
| Use | Worn outdoors and on the move | On a desk | At home or on a desk |
FAQ
- Can I swim with an IPX7 speaker?
- No. IPX7 is tested for a short immersion (up to 1 m, 30 minutes), not for swimming or continuous use under water.
- Is IPX7 better than IPX4?
- For water, yes: IPX7 is tested for immersion, IPX4 only for splashes.
- Does the X mean it is not dustproof?
- It means dust protection was not tested or not rated.