Is JLab GO Air Waterproof?

Buying a new set of earbuds to take with you to the gym or while you’re on the go? JLab has been making high-quality earbuds and headphones for years now, and they price them at costs that the average consumer can afford.

Hence their appeal.

But can JLab earbuds get wet, or would they get ruined by a few splashes of water?

With their IP44 water-resistance rating, the JLab GO Air earbuds are able to resist splashes from any direction. They are not waterproof though. They do have protection against objects larger than 1mm and splashes coming from any direction for about 10 minutes.

People throw the term “waterproof” around when it comes to electronics, and this creates some misunderstandings among buyers.

When it comes to your standard electronic devices, “waterproof” isn’t an accurate description.

Instead, we use the term “water-resistant”.

There is indeed a difference, and it is an important one to learn about before you buy anything that advertises itself as “waterproof” or “water-resistant”.

In fact, there are different levels of water resistance!

What initially drew me into the JLab GO Air earbuds was their IP44 water-resistant rating.

At this price point, that is pretty impressive.

Considering that Apple’s AirPods and Amazon’s Echo Buds (which are designed to work with Alexa) carry IPX4 ratings, you’re getting a pretty good deal from the more reasonably priced JLab GO Air.

But what can you actually do with your JLab GO Air earbuds in? Is it safe to shower with them in your ears or wear them while working out? Let’s break this down a little more so that you get a better idea of what your earbuds can and cannot endure.

Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof: What’s the difference?

Being waterproof means that at object is totally impervious to water penetration. No part of that object can be affected by water.

Wellingtons (or rainboots) are totally impervious to water on the outside due to the materials used in their design.

The JLab GO Air are not designed with materials that are completely impervious to water penetration.

Instead, they offer some protection against splashes.

Their IP rating of IP44 indicates that they have some water-resistant capabilities, but they cannot endure being submerged or even sprayed by powerful jets of water.

IP Ratings Explained

That all being said, let’s go over what IP ratings mean and how to decipher them.

IP stands for “International (or Internal) Protection”.

This rating system is constructed with a two-digit grading system that relates to the mechanical or electrical item’s enclosure.

The first digit indicates the level of protection from a foreign body and particulate ingress.

Digits range from 0 (not rated) to 6 (full protection against dust and other particles, having been tested with continuous airflow).

The second digit indicates protection from moisture ingress.

Numbers range from 0 (not rated) to 9K (which indicates protection against high-pressure, high-temperature jet sprays, wash-downs, or steam-cleaning procedures).

With an IP44 rating, the JLab GO Air earbuds are able to resist particles over 1 mm in size and sprays from any direction, having been tested for at least 10 minutes with an oscillating spray device.

Can you wear JLab GO Air in the shower?

With an IP44 rating, you can wear your earbuds in the shower, but this is something I strongly caution against.

This isn’t so much due to the water itself as it is to the chemicals you probably use while you bathe.

The chemicals in your body wash, shampoo, conditioner, or lotion could get into the earbuds and wreak havoc on its internal components.

That is why it is best to leave your earbuds in their case while you shower.

Can you take your JLab GO Air to the beach?

Gains of sand can range in size from 0.0625 (or 1/16) to 2 millimeters.

Since the earbuds can only protect against solids 1mm or larger, there is a chance that your GO Air earbuds could get sand in them.

You also won’t want to wear them in the water at all since they cannot be submerged.

So, in other words, leave your earbuds at home or in the car when you go to the beach.

Will the JLab GO Air resist sweat?

You can workout in your JLab GO Air earbuds since they are sweat-resistant.

Even if you work up quite a sweat, this should not harm your earbuds at all.

You’ll just want to take care to clean them after each use so that nothing (like earwax, ew) clogs up the holes in the earbuds.

What should I avoid doing with the JLab GO Air?

By now, it should be clear that there are things you can and cannot do with the JLab GO Air.

Showering is not recommended, nor is taking them to the beach.

But what else should you avoid doing with your earbuds in?

I’d recommend staying away from:

dusty environments
any type of pressure jet
immersion in water
dropping them or subjecting them to force
extreme heat, humidity, or cold

How to Clean Your JLab Go Air Earbuds

As I mentioned above, ear wax can get into the little holes in the earbuds and cause buildup.

This can lead to loss of sound quality, so you will want to clean your earbuds on a regular basis.

You can use a disinfecting wipe to clean off your earbuds.

Then, get a toothpick and remove buildup from each individual hole.

You will want to make sure you dry your earbuds before placing them back in their case.

Closing Thoughts

No more wondering “Is JLab waterproof?” Now you know the answer.

Earbuds aren’t waterproof, but some – like the JLab GO Air – are water-resistant.

You can splash them and not worry about water damage, but you won’t want to go swimming with them in your ears.

Is JLab GO Air Waterproof?