IPX4

IPX4 rating explained: splash-resistant, dust not rated

Resists splashing water from any direction; X means the solids characteristic is not specified in the designation.

Maintained by Giorgi Gaprindashvili Published July 4, 2026 Updated September 18, 2026 Editorial check September 2026

X (first digit)Solids characteristic not specified in this designation (not zero protection).

4 (second digit)Splashing water from any direction.

Want the full system, or to decode any other code? See the IEC 60529 standard explained or the IP rating decoder.

How to read the IPX4 code

IPX4 resists splashing water from any direction. The X means a dust rating was not declared, not that there is none; it is not rated for jets or immersion.

Key facts

Standard: IEC 60529 (Ingress Protection code)
Solids: X = solids characteristic not specified in this designation
Water: 4 = splashing from any direction
Best for: Earbuds, fitness wearables, portable speakers
Does not cover: Jets, immersion, a stated dust rating

What IPX4 protects against

The second character, 4, specifies protection against splashing water from any direction within the applicable IEC 60529 test conditions. It is not a jet or immersion rating.

The X in the first position is a placeholder: the solids characteristic is not specified in this IP designation. It does not mean zero solids protection, and the X alone does not tell you whether separate testing or manufacturer declarations exist.

Why the X does not mean zero

X is not a rating level below 0. It simply leaves that characteristic unspecified in the designation.

If a declared solids characteristic matters, look for an IP code with a number in the first position and verify the manufacturer's actual product declaration.

IPX4 at a glance

IPX4 specifies splash protection only; X means the solids characteristic is not specified in this designation.
Property	IPX4
First digit (solids)	X - not declared
Second digit (water)	4 - splashing
Jets	Not covered
Immersion	Not covered
Best for	Earbuds, wearables, sweat and rain

IPX4 vs IPX7

Both use X for an unspecified solids characteristic, so the comparison is about water. IPX4 covers splashing; IPX7 covers temporary immersion under the applicable test setup.

Choose from the actual exposure and product declaration rather than treating the water digits as one universal higher-is-better ladder.

See the full IPX7 rating page

Frequently asked questions

What does IPX4 mean?

IPX4 specifies water characteristic 4 for splashing water. X means the solids characteristic is not specified in this designation; it does not mean zero protection.

Are IPX4 earbuds waterproof?

No, they are splash-resistant. IPX4 handles sweat and rain but not jets or submersion. Do not swim or shower with IPX4 earbuds.

Does the X in IPX4 mean no dust protection?

No. X means the solids characteristic is not specified in that designation. It does not prove zero protection, and it also does not by itself tell you whether separate solids testing exists.

Can I work out with IPX4 earbuds?

Yes. IPX4 is designed for exactly that: it resists sweat and rain splashes. It is not designed for immersion, so keep them out of the pool.

What is the difference between IPX4 and IPX7?

Both leave the solids characteristic unspecified. IPX4 addresses splashing water; IPX7 addresses temporary immersion under its applicable test setup.

IPX7 rating explained IPX8 rating explained IP67 rating explained IEC 60529 standard explained IP rating decoder IP rating chart (all codes)

Sources: IEC 60529 (IEC Webstore) · IEC: IP ratings. An overview for design reference - verify against the current edition before relying on it for compliance.