Category Archives: Earbuds & Headphones

Best waterproof headphones and earbuds.

Posted on armytek fully waterproof headlamp

Is the Armytek Wizard Pro v3 XHP50 the best waterproof headlamp?

armytek fully waterproof headlamp

In the search for the ultimate fully waterproof headlamp, it’s hard to not stumble across the Armytek Wizard Pro v3 XHP50. It’s amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews along with unpaid testimonials on even the harshest platforms such as Reddit. So the questions stands: is it the ultimate waterproof headlamp?

Waterproof Capability

Let’s dive into the waterproof aspect first. The Armytek Wizard Pro v3 XHP50 is equipped with an impressive IP68 rating, which represents full submersion (if you’re paying attention to our waterproof ratings explanation). This rating certifies that the headlamp can withstand submersion in water up to a depth of 10 meters for extended periods without compromising its functionality. And across Amazon, we noticed reviewers reporting positively about using the headlamp in wet conditions without any issues (someone even reported submerging it when fishing for flounder).

Lighting Performance

Beyond the impressive waterproof capability, the most remarkable aspect of the Armytek Wizard Pro v3 XHP50 is its lighting performance. Featuring the powerful XHP50 LED, this headlamp delivers a maximum output of 2300 lumens (2300 lumens!), providing lots of light for a wide range of activities. The beam distance of up to 130 meters ensures excellent visibility in rough terrain. This headlamp offers multiple lighting modes, including strobe and SOS, which can be crucial in emergency situations, though the combination of button presses to cycle between settings can be a little complicated.

Versatility

The versatility of the Armytek Wizard Pro v3 XHP50 makes it suitable for a variety of applications. Whether you’re an avid hiker, camper, or a professional working in low-light conditions, this headlamp is invaluable. Its lightweight and comfortable design, combined with an adjustable headband, ensures that it can be worn for extended periods. The magnetic charging system adds convenience, allowing for easy recharging without the need to remove the battery, and the battery itself is advertised to last about 10 hours on a full charge. This headlamp is also highly regarded by cyclists and runners looking for safety.

The headlamp’s performance in real-world scenarios further validates its waterproof claims. One reviewer recounted a fishing trip where they were caught in a downpour. The Wizard Pro v3 XHP50 not only provided bright, consistent light through the rain but also remained completely waterproof, allowing the angler to continue fishing until they landed a nice sized carp.

The Verdict

Considering its high-performance features and durability, the Armytek Wizard Pro v3 XHP50 offers excellent value for money (about $70 on Amazon). Its long-lasting build, 2300 lumen output, magnetic charging and 10-hour battery, IP68 waterproof protection, and easy adjustability justify the cost. This is a grown-up headlamp for real-world, rugged conditions, making the Armytek Wizard Pro v3 XHP50 a worthy contender for the title of the ultimate waterproof headlamp.

FEATURED

Armytek Wizard Pro v3 XHP50

5

A grown-up headlamp for real-world, rugged conditions, with 2300 lumens and IP68 waterproof protection.

Pros
  • Exceptional Waterproofing: IP68 rating ensures durability and reliability in extreme wet conditions
  • Powerful Illumination: 2300 lumens and a beam distance of up to 130 meters provide excellent visibility.
  • Versatile and Comfortable: Lightweight design, adjustable headband, and multiple lighting modes for various activities. The light can also be removed from the mount and functions as a standalone handheld flashlight
  • Rechargeable: Up to a 10-hour battery
Cons
  • Complexity: The multitude of settings can be overwhelming for new users.
  • Higher Initial Cost: More expensive compared to other headlamps, though justified by its features and durability.
Posted on

Waterproof Headphones with Bluetooth Gear Guide

We reviewed and ranked highly-rated waterproof earbuds and headphones, choosing our top picks by using them for workouts on land (gym, running, cycling), on the water (kayaking, paddleboarding), and regular everyday use. Before we get to which one ranked #1 on our best waterproof earbuds and headphones list, here’s what we looked for:

  • Sound Transmission & Fit: in-ear, open ear, over-the-ear, or bone conduction. They need to offer a lockdown, solid fit through the ups and downs of outdoor activity. And without saying, all headphones on this list are Bluetooth.
  • Physical Buttons: with wet hands, what good are touch controls? Physical buttons are a must.
  • Speaker Holes (or lack thereof): speaker holes are an easy way to let in moisture, especially during a workout. We’ve found that bone conduction headphones have an inherent advantage to eliminating speaker holes, because they work by vibration, without needing an opening to transmit sound.
  • Charging Ports (or lack thereof): similar to speaker holes, if a “waterproof headphone” has a dedicated charging port, it’s a recipe for water ingress. The better waterproof ‘phones come with charging cases that work by just dropping each earbud into the case.
  • Long Battery Life
  • Non-Corrosive Construction: electronics need metal for conduction, but metal is a recipe for corrosion. Well-designed waterproof headphones are designed to eliminate exposed metal contact points.
TOP PICK

WANFEI Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones, IP67

5

After giving many different “waterproof headphones” a go, these Open Ear Wireless IP67 Bone Conduction Headphones from WANFEI came out on top. Why? Well, for starters, they’re legitimately waterproof! They don’t have a large speaker hole, which means sweat and water don’t get into the body of the earbud, meaning they’ll hold up to intense workouts, whether running or at the gym.

They’ve got a grippy silicone area on the upper part of the earhook to keep them in place. Also, in our usage, the battery never dipped under 80%, even after 1.5 hours of use.

The Good
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • IP67 waterproof and fully sweat-proof
  • Long battery life
  • Physical buttons
  • USB-C charging case
  • True Bone Conduction
  • Grippy silicone upper ear area
The Bad
  • Bone Conduction technology may feel odd for some people

Xmenha In Ear Clip On Earbuds

3.5

These unique clip-on earbuds hug the outside of your earlobes and remain comfortable despite their unusual design, though the “clip-ons” are gaining in popularity. The silicone tip and wraparound hook keep them in place, and the physical buttons are clutch. They feature a 5-hour battery and are extremely lightweight.

These do not offer a waterproof rating. They appear like they’d keep sweat out, but in our tests we avoided using them in heavy moisture situations due to the speaker hole. On the plus side, the speaker hole is aimed directly into your ear, so they’re among the loudest open-ear headphones we’ve used.

The Good
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • Very loud
  • Physical buttons
  • USB-C charging case
The Bad
  • No waterproof rating
  • Advertised as “Open Ear,” but these are effectively in-ear
  • Speaker hole allows moisture inside

Sotiepevs Open Ear Earhook Headphones, IPX6

3

A lightweight, comfortable earhook-style open-ear headphone with physical buttons. Though they are lightweight and useful around-the-house, these performed poorly in sweat and kayaking tests and wouldn’t charge after getting wet.

The Good
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • Comfortable on ear
  • USB-C charging case
The Bad
  • Speaker hole
  • Not very loud
  • Performed poorly in tests
  • Stopped charging

ORANPID Open Ear Air Conduction IPX6 Headphones

3

Almost an exact replica of the Sotiepivs above – and who knows which one is copying the other nowadays – the ORANPIDs offer the same functionality. They’re lightweight and comfortable, with physical buttons, but are not a reliably waterproof headphone.

The Good
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • Comfortable on ear
  • USB-C charging case
The Bad
  • Speaker hole
  • Not very loud
  • Not reliably waterproof

MSTHOO Purpods Open Ear Headphones, IPX7

3

We thought these were the ones, but were quickly proven wrong after one side died from sweat during a 20 mile cycling workout and they repeatedly kept getting stuck in helmet straps. The speaker hole is clearly an Achilles heel for letting sweat in, and there also appeared to be a charging issue, as only one of them would take a charge.

Yes, they are usable if a single side works, but they’ll seem so quiet when listening to one that it’s a lost cause. On the positive, this is the only model we reviewed that features a wireless charging case, meaning the case itself can be popped onto a wireless charger just like your smartphone.

The Good
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • Wireless & USB-C charging case
The Bad
  • Performed poorly in tests
  • Poor fit
  • Speaker holes
Want to suggest a product for this list? Let us know here!