Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: What IP Ratings Mean

Ratings Explained

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: What IP Ratings Mean

Q: Is IP68 better than IP67?

For submersion, yes. Both are dust-tight, but IP67 is rated to 1 metre for 30 minutes while IP68 covers deeper or longer submersion at a depth the manufacturer specifies.

Q: What does the X in IPX8 mean?

It means dust resistance wasn't formally tested, not that there is none. IPX8 is submersion-rated but carries no certified dust number; for dusty environments prefer a rating with a real first digit like IP68.

“Waterproof” sells cases. But it isn’t actually a measurable spec — the IP rating is. Here’s how to read those two little digits so you know exactly how much water your gear can take.

8 min readProCase360 Team

Key Takeaways

“Waterproof” and “water-resistant” are marketing words; the IP code (like IP68) is the real, testable spec.
In “IP68,” the first digit is dust protection and the second is water — higher is better. An “X” just means that part wasn’t rated.
Ratings are tested in clean, still, fresh water — not saltwater, hot showers, or high-pressure jets. Real life is harsher.

“Waterproof” isn’t a spec — IP is

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: there’s no universal legal definition of “waterproof.” A brand can print it on a box whether the product survives a rainstorm or a scuba dive. “Water-resistant” is even vaguer. The only language that actually means something is the IP code — short for Ingress Protection — a standardized rating (IEC 60529) that’s measured in a lab and stated as two numbers.

So when two cases both say “waterproof” but one is IPX4 and the other is IP68, they are not remotely the same product. Learn to read the code and the marketing stops mattering.

How to read an IP code

Every IP rating follows the same pattern: the letters “IP” followed by two characters. The first describes protection against solids (dust); the second describes protection against water. Bigger numbers mean more protection.

IP68 = fully dust-tight, plus submersion beyond one metre at a depth the maker specifies.

The water digit, fully decoded

This is the number you care about most for cases. Here’s what each level actually survives:

Water digit	Protects against	Real-world meaning
0	Nothing	No water protection at all
1–2	Dripping water	Light condensation or drips, straight down
3	Spraying water	Light rain at an angle
4	Splashing from any direction	Rain, splashes, kitchen spills
5	Low-pressure water jets	A gentle hose-down
6	Powerful water jets	Heavy seas, strong spray, pressure washing (briefly)
7	Immersion to 1 m for 30 min	Accidental dunk — toilet, sink, shallow puddle
8	Continuous immersion beyond 1 m	Submersion to a depth/time the maker states (often ~1.5–2 m+)
9 / 9K	High-pressure, high-temp jets	Industrial steam cleaning

The 7-vs-8 surprise. The scale isn’t perfectly cumulative. A device rated for jets (6) isn’t automatically rated for submersion (7/8), and vice-versa. That’s why you’ll occasionally see combined ratings like “IP66/IP68” — it passed both tests.

The dust digit (and what “X” means)

The first number runs 0–6, from no protection to completely dust-tight (6). For cases, the highlights are 5 (dust-protected — some may enter but won’t harm function) and 6 (fully sealed against dust, sand, and grit). If you’re at the beach or on a dusty trail, that first digit suddenly matters as much as the second.

And the “X” you keep seeing? It simply means that category wasn’t tested. IPX8 means “not rated for dust, but rated for submersion.” It doesn’t mean zero dust protection — just that no number was certified. A true do-it-all case will give you real digits in both slots, like IP68.

Ratings you’ll actually see

Out in the wild, a handful of ratings cover almost everything you’ll shop for:

Rating	What it means	Good for	Floats?*
IPX4	Splash-resistant, untested for dust	Rain, sweat, light splashes	No
IP54	Dust-protected + splash-resistant	Trail, job site, everyday grit	No
IP67	Dust-tight + 1 m dunk for 30 min	Pools, puddles, accidental drops	No
IP68	Dust-tight + deeper submersion	Boating, kayaking, snorkeling shallows	No†
IPX8	Submersion-rated, dust untested	Dry pouches, water sports	No†

*An IP rating describes sealing, not buoyancy. †A waterproof case can still sink — floating is a separate design feature. See how floating cases work.

What an IP rating doesn’t tell you

Ratings are reassuring, but they’re measured under tidy lab conditions. Reality adds variables the test never saw:

Saltwater and chemicals. IP tests use clean fresh water. Saltwater corrodes and pool chlorine degrades seals over time — rinse gear with fresh water after every outing.
Pressure and depth. “IP68” depths are stated by the manufacturer. Go deeper than rated and the pressure can defeat the seal. Diving is a different category entirely.
Hot water and steam. Heat changes how seals and air behave; most consumer ratings exclude showers, hot tubs, and saunas.
Wear and age. Gaskets compress, ports get grit in them, and a dropped case can crack a seal you can’t see. Ratings describe a new product.
Case rating ≠ phone rating. A waterproof case can protect a non-waterproof phone — but only while the case stays sealed and closed correctly.

Rule of thumb. Buy one rating tougher than you think you need. Conditions get worse than planned, seals get older than new, and the cost of being wrong is your phone.

Match the rating to your activity

If you’ll be…	Look for at least	Bonus feature
Out in the rain	IPX4 / IP54	Port covers
At the pool or beach	IP67	Dust digit of 6 for sand
On open water	IP68 / IPX8	Buoyancy (floats)
Snorkeling shallows	IP68 (check depth)	Tether + clear lens
On a dusty job site	IP65 / IP66	Drop rating (MIL-STD)

Editor’s Pick

Want the rating and the float?

For open water, IP68 sealing plus buoyancy is the combo to look for. Our floating line pairs both — or compare sealed-and-floating options across marketplaces.

Shop Floating Cases Compare on Amazon eBay

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IP68 better than IP67?

For submersion, yes. Both are dust-tight (the “6”), but IP67 is rated to 1 metre for 30 minutes, while IP68 covers deeper or longer submersion at a depth the manufacturer specifies. If you’ll be in more than a metre of water, look for IP68.

What does the “X” in IPX8 mean?

It means the dust resistance wasn’t formally tested, not that there’s none. IPX8 tells you the product is submersion-rated but carries no certified dust number. For sandy or dusty environments, prefer a rating with a real first digit, like IP68.

Can I take an IP68 phone in the ocean?

Cautiously. IP tests use fresh water, so saltwater is harder on seals and accelerates wear. Keep within the rated depth, rinse with fresh water afterward, and add a floating case or tether so a drop doesn’t become a loss.

Does a waterproof case make my phone waterproof?

It protects the phone as long as the case is sealed correctly and undamaged. Check that ports and seams are fully closed before exposure, and remember the protection is only as good as the case’s current condition.

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