Relaxing in a sauna is a great way to relieve stress, detoxify your body, and promote overall well-being. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Finnish sauna, an infrared sauna, or a steam room, the experience can be even more enjoyable with your favorite music, podcast, or guided meditation.
However, not all headphones can handle the extreme heat and humidity inside a sauna. Most standard headphones can overheat, malfunction, or degrade quickly due to exposure to high temperatures and sweat. To avoid this, you need heat-resistant, sweatproof, and durable headphones that are designed for extreme environments.
In this detailed guide, we’ll review the best headphones for sauna use in 2025, covering:
✅ What to look for in sauna-friendly headphones
✅ Top-rated heatproof and sweatproof headphones
✅ Pros and cons of each model
✅ Whether AirPods or other popular headphones are safe for sauna use
✅ Best practices for using headphones safely in a sauna
Let’s get started! 🔥🎧
What to Look for in Sauna-Friendly Headphones
1. Heat Resistance
A sauna’s temperature typically ranges between 150°F and 195°F (65°C – 90°C). Many standard headphones, especially those with plastic components, can melt, warp, or experience battery issues in such conditions. Look for headphones made from heat-resistant materials, such as metal, silicone, or reinforced thermoplastics.
2. Water & Sweat Resistance (IP Rating)
Saunas produce intense sweat and humidity, so your headphones need a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating for water and moisture resistance.
- IPX4: Minimal sweat resistance
- IPX5–IPX6: Good for sweat and light water exposure
- IPX7–IPX8: Fully waterproof, can handle immersion in water
3. Wireless vs. Wired Headphones
- Wireless (Bluetooth) headphones are recommended for convenience and to prevent tangling. However, Bluetooth signals might weaken in some sauna environments.
- Wired headphones can work but require keeping your device outside the sauna, as excessive heat can damage it.
4. Battery Life
A long battery life ensures uninterrupted listening during extended sauna sessions. Look for headphones with at least 6+ hours of playback time per charge.
5. Comfort & Fit
Sauna heat and excessive sweating can make certain headphones uncomfortable. Consider:
- Bone Conduction Headphones – Sit outside the ears, allowing better airflow and less heat buildup.
- In-Ear Earbuds – Lightweight and compact, but they may slip out due to sweat.
- Over-Ear Headphones – Provide immersive sound but can trap heat, making them less comfortable.
Best Headphones for Sauna in 2025
We’ve researched and tested some of the most heat-resistant and sweatproof headphones. Here are our top picks for sauna use:
1. Shokz OpenRun Pro – Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Sauna
🔥 Heat Resistance: Excellent
💧 IP Rating: IP67 (Water & Sweatproof)
🔋 Battery Life: 10 Hours
🎧 Type: Bone Conduction
Why We Recommend It:
Shokz OpenRun Pro is an excellent choice for sauna users because it uses bone conduction technology, meaning the headphones rest outside your ears instead of covering or plugging them. This allows better airflow and keeps your ears cool while still delivering clear sound.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Heat and sweat-resistant design
✔️ Open-ear comfort prevents overheating
✔️ Secure and lightweight fit
✔️ Fast charging (1.5 hours for full charge)
❌ Cons:
❌ No noise cancellation
❌ Lacks deep bass
2. TOZO T10 – Best Budget Wireless Earbuds for Sauna
🔥 Heat Resistance: Moderate
💧 IP Rating: IPX8 (Waterproof)
🔋 Battery Life: 6 Hours (24 Hours with Case)
🎧 Type: True Wireless Earbuds
Why We Recommend It:
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, TOZO T10 earbuds offer an IPX8 waterproof rating, making them resistant to sweat and moisture buildup. They also provide decent sound quality and a compact, comfortable design.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Affordable and great value for money
✔️ IPX8 waterproof rating for maximum sweat protection
✔️ Lightweight and secure fit
❌ Cons:
❌ Can slip out if sweating heavily
❌ No noise cancellation
3. Jaybird Vista 2 – Best Premium Wireless Earbuds for Sauna
🔥 Heat Resistance: High
💧 IP Rating: IP68 (Dustproof & Waterproof)
🔋 Battery Life: 8 Hours (24 Hours with Case)
🎧 Type: True Wireless Earbuds
Why We Recommend It:
Jaybird Vista 2 is a top-tier option for extreme conditions, featuring an IP68 rating that makes it fully waterproof, dustproof, and sweatproof. It also includes Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for a more immersive experience.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Extremely durable (IP68 rating)
✔️ Secure fit for intense activities
✔️ Active Noise Cancellation for focused listening
❌ Cons:
❌ Slightly expensive
❌ Controls can be sensitive
4. Jabra Elite 7 Active – Best Sweat-Resistant Earbuds for Sauna
🔥 Heat Resistance: High
💧 IP Rating: IP57 (Water & Sweatproof)
🔋 Battery Life: 8 Hours (30 Hours with Case)
🎧 Type: True Wireless Earbuds
Why We Recommend It:
Jabra Elite 7 Active features ShakeGrip™ technology to keep the earbuds securely in place, even during heavy sweating. With an IP57 rating, they’re built for athletes and work well in high-humidity environments like saunas.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Secure fit with ShakeGrip™ technology
✔️ Durable and sweat-resistant design
✔️ Excellent sound quality with customizable EQ
❌ Cons:
❌ No bone conduction option
❌ Slightly lower heat resistance than IP68 models
5. Naenka Runner Diver – Best Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones
🔥 Heat Resistance: High
💧 IP Rating: IPX8 (Fully Waterproof)
🔋 Battery Life: 10 Hours
🎧 Type: Bone Conduction
Why We Recommend It:
If you want bone conduction headphones with maximum water resistance, the Naenka Runner Diver is the best choice. It has an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand full submersion, making it perfect for extreme sweat and high humidity levels in saunas.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Bone conduction for open-ear comfort
✔️ IPX8 waterproof rating
✔️ Secure fit for sports and sauna use
❌ Cons:
❌ Lacks deep bass
❌ No Bluetooth streaming (MP3 mode only)
Can You Use AirPods in a Sauna?
Apple does NOT recommend using AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max in a sauna. The maximum operating temperature for AirPods is 95°F (35°C)—much lower than typical sauna temperatures.
Using AirPods in a sauna can cause:
❌ Battery damage
❌ Moisture buildup leading to failure
❌ Plastic warping
For sauna-safe alternatives, choose Shokz OpenRun Pro, Jaybird Vista 2, or Naenka Runner Diver.
Final Thoughts: Best Sauna Headphones for 2025
🏆 Best Overall: Shokz OpenRun Pro (Bone conduction, heat-resistant)
💰 Best Budget: TOZO T10 (Affordable, waterproof)
🎧 Best Premium: Jaybird Vista 2 (IP68, ANC)
🔥 Best Sweatproof: Jabra Elite 7 Active
🌊 Best Waterproof Bone Conduction: Naenka Runner Diver
Would you use headphones in a sauna? Let us know in the comments! 🔥🎧