For the uninitiated, an IP rating means that a device is both dust and waterproof. The first digit in the rating corresponds to how dust resistant the device is, and the highest one can get is 6. The second digit is the water resistance rating, with the highest grade at an 8. If you see a device with an IP68 rating, that means the device has been certified dust- and water-proof to the highest degree possible. Here are the best waterproof devices you can buy right now:
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Waterproof smartphone: iPhone 11 Pro Max/Huawei P30
Almost all flagship smartphones nowadays have waterproof ratings. Gone are the days when we keep our phones from any body of water. For the past two years, smartphone manufacturers have been hard at work to make their flagships become sweatproof, swim-proof, and ultimately waterproof.
If you’re partial to iOS, the latest iPhone 11 Pro Max is one of the best waterproof phones you can buy. It has a water resistance rating of IP68, which is the highest rating for dust- and water-proofing. That means you can submerge the phone at a depth of 1m for 30 minutes without damage. Using your phone on pool parties, lakes etc. should be okay, and even when you’re drenched in rain, the Pro Max should be able to withstand it easily.
For Android users, Huawei’s P30 is the best-waterproof phone you can buy. Like the Pro Max, it also has an IP68 water resistance rating. With a quad-camera set-up, the P30 is one of the best smartphone cameras there is today, so if you want to use it for some pool photos this summer, trust that it will resist accidental splashes effortlessly.
Swimproof smartwatch: Apple Watch Series 5/Garmin Vivoactive 4
Smartwatches are the first type of wearables that saw commercial success, and as more and more people are investing in one, dust- and water-proofing for these devices have improved greatly. What’s great about having a smartwatch is that you don’t miss any notifications even when your phone is out of reach. Plus, it keeps you motivated, moving, and healthy.
The best waterproof smartwatch right now is the Garmin Vivoactive 4. The swim tracking on this device is second to none, and it effortlessly updates your record in real-time. It’s water-resistant for up to 50 meters, which is the minimum for smartwatches. The Vivoactive is also cheaper than most smartwatches, so you get the most bang for your buck when you decide to get one.
There’s no question about it – the Apple Watch Series 5 is a cut above the rest when it comes to integration and reliability. It is waterproof for up to 50m, both on pools and open water. If you’re going to go diving though, it’s probably best to get a shockproof case for it. The Series 5 is as accurate as the Vivoactive 4 when directly compared in sending stats in real-time.
Waterproof Speaker: Ultimate Ears Wonder Boom 2
Poolside parties or even a day at the beach will be so much better with music blaring from a speaker. Music elevates the mood in any situation, and so when you’re suntanning while on a floatie in the middle of your pool, make sure that you have tunes to listen to. The Ultimate Ears Wonder Boom 2 is excellent for this – it not only is a great, solid speaker with top-notch audio quality, it can also float, so you can put it near you while swimming!
The Wonder Boom 2 boasts of 13 hours of music playback, a 360 surround sound, plus the ability to connect to multiple sources. The 33-meter range secures that even when you go to your kitchen for a bit with your phone in tow, the music won’t be interrupted or cut off. It has an IP67 rating, so even when you’re backpacking, having a day on the beach, or just bathing, the device got you covered.
Takeaway
Competition is truly a gem for consumers. With more and more companies wanting to make it in a saturated market, consumers get the best technology for a fraction of its original price. Just imagine that a few decades ago, a waterproof device would cost anyone thousands of dollars, but with the improvements in technology, that is not the case anymore!
