---
title: "IPX7 vs IPX4: What Waterproof Ratings Mean for a Speaker - Mookiz Design"
description: "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.…"
url: https://mookiz.com/guides/ipx7-vs-ipx4
language: en-GB
last_updated: 2026-09-25
---

# IPX7 vs IPX4: What Waterproof Ratings Mean for a Speaker

Last updated: 25 September 2026

**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.

## Products in this guide

- [Wearable Bluetooth Speaker D70](https://mookiz.com/wearable-speaker.md)
- [Compare with the other Mookiz speakers](https://mookiz.com/compare.md)