Spending time in a sauna offers many health benefits – from detoxification and stress relief to improved circulation and joint pain relief. Listening to your favorite music or podcasts can make the sauna experience even more enjoyable and relaxing. However, high levels of heat and humidity inside saunas can easily damage headphones not designed for such conditions.

Using regular headphones in a sauna is risky. But new advances in audio technology have produced headphones that can withstand the demands of sauna use. This guide covers everything you need to know about using headphones safely in a sauna, plus recommendations for the best sauna-proof headphone models.

An Overview of Sauna Conditions

Before exploring suitable headphones, it helps to understand the environment inside a sauna.

Saunas heat air or water to produce dry or wet heat. Here are the typical conditions:

Dry Sauna

  • Temperature range: 150°F to 195°F
  • Humidity level: 10% to 20%

Wet Sauna

  • Temperature range: 110°F to 125°F
  • Humidity level: 40% to 60%

These high heat levels and humid conditions in wet saunas can damage electronics and audio components not built for such extremes.

Risks of Using Regular Headphones in a Sauna

While it may seem harmless to wear your regular headphones in a sauna, most are not designed to handle sauna conditions. Doing so comes with several risks:

Overheating batteries – The lithium-ion batteries in wireless headphones can overheat and fail above 140°F. Sauna temperatures far exceed this limit.

Moisture damage – Humidity and steam can condense inside headphones, leading to corrosion, electrical shorts, and failed components.

Mold and bacteria growth – The warm, moist environment promotes mold, fungus, and bacteria growth on headphone pads and inside nooks and crannies.

Permanent damage – Excessive heat and moisture cause cumulative damage each time headphones are exposed. Eventual failure is inevitable.

Voided warranties – Using headphones in conditions beyond manufacturer limits voids most factory warranties. Sauna damage will require out-of-pocket repair costs.

The risks apply to all headphones including sports headphones designed for workouts. Sweat resistance does not equal sauna or steam room protection.

Sauna-Proof Headphone Features

To withstand sauna conditions without damage, headphones require specific moisture protection and material technologies:

  • High IP rating – Look for waterproof IPX7 or IPX8 ratings.
  • Tight seals – Prevent steam from entering earcups and drivers.
  • Sweat/water resistance – Repels moisture and dries quickly.
  • Sauna-safe materials – Plastic, rubber and titanium withstand heat better than leather or foam.
  • Replaceable batteries – Allows switching out batteries once they lose capacity.
  • Moisture sensors – Detect incoming damage before it ruins headphones.

Best Headphone Types for Sauna Use

You have three main headphone style choices for listening in a sauna:

1. Bone Conduction Headphones

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Bone conduction headphones transmit sound by vibrating the cheekbones instead of the eardrums. AfterShokz is the most recognized bone conduction brand.

Benefits

  • Don’t cover ears so you can still hear ambient sounds. Safer for solo sauna use.
  • Stay cool around ears. Titanium bands minimize heat absorption.
  • Allow free airflow to keep head and ears cooler.

Drawbacks

  • Limited high volume capabilities. Sound quality lags behind conventional headphones.
  • Fit is not as secure and comfortable as earbuds.

2. Over-Ear Headphones

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Over-ear headphones surround the ears with padded cups. Popular examples are Beats Studio and Sony WH-1000XM5.

Benefits

  • Sealed earcups block heat and moisture when properly designed for sauna use.
  • Comfortable for long wear.
  • Often provide better sound quality and noise cancellation.

Drawbacks

  • Earcups can get hot next to skin.
  • Sweat and moisture stay trapped inside earcups.
  • No ambient sound awareness. Higher safety risk.

3. True Wireless Earbuds

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Completely wireless earbuds sit inside the ear canal for direct sound. Apple AirPods are the most ubiquitious example.

Benefits

  • Super portable and easy to wear in saunas.
  • Custom tip sizing for secure moisture-sealed fit.
  • Exposure to heat/moisture only in ear canal itself.

Drawbacks

  • Higher loss risk in public saunas.
  • Limited high volume capabilities.
  • Battery case must also be sauna proof.

Top Sauna-Proof Headphones

Based on sauna-focused design, proven durability, and customer reviews, here are top headphone recommendations:

AfterShokz Open Ear Bone Conduction Headphones

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Models: Aeropex, Titanium, Air

AfterShokz markets their headphones for sauna and open water use. The open ear design allows hearing ambient sounds for safety. Sweatproof performance and bone conduction technology deliver quality sound without overheating ears.

Key features:

  • IP55-IP67 waterproof ratings. Withstand total immersion.
  • Flexible, lightweight titanium headband.
  • Guided bone conduction sound to cheekbones. Leaves ears open.
  • 8 hour battery life. Quick charge ready.
  • Bluetooth connectivity and built-in mic for calls.

JBL Endurance Peak II

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JBL designed the Endurance Peak II for intense workouts and water use. The adjustable, over-ear hooks provide a secure fit for saunas.

Key features:

  • IPX7 waterproof rating.
  • Flexible hook design creates stable fit.
  • 30 hours total battery life.
  • Powerful bass performance.

Jabra Elite Active 75t

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Jabra’s Elite Active model earbuds are optimized for active lifestyles and wet environments like saunas. Just avoid full submersion.

Key features:

  • IP57 dustproof and water resistant rating.
  • Customizable EarGels for secure fit.
  • Around 7.5 hours battery life per charge.
  • Audio prompts indicate moisture detected.
  • Active noise cancellation capability.

Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3150

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Affordable and durable, these behind-the-neck wireless earbuds by Plantronics work great in saunas.

Key features:

  • IP57 dustproof and waterproof rating.
  • P2i nano-coating protects components from moisture.
  • Flexible and stable fit with ear gels and fin.
  • Up to 7 hours listening per charge.
  • Sound isolating to hear content clearly.

Precautions for Safe Headphone Use in Saunas

To avoid headaches, damage, or safety risks, follow these precautions when using headphones in saunas:

  • Never exceed time limits – Limit sauna sessions with headphones to 10-15 minutes.
  • Thoroughly dry after use – Gently dry headphones with a towel after exiting saunas. Allow to further air dry.
  • Clean regularly – Disinfect headphones and replace earpads regularly to prevent mold growth.
  • Avoid sealed earbuds – Opt for open earbud designs you can easily remove. Avoid trapped moisture risks.
  • Listen for trouble – Distorted or reduced sound can indicate moisture damage.
  • Prevent moisture traps – Store headphones in hard cases, not bags, to allow ventilation.
  • Gradual cooling – Slowly transition headphones to lower temperatures. Avoid condensation from quick cooling.

Finding the Right Sauna Headphones for You

Choosing the best headphones for your sauna comes down to:

  • Intended use – Do you need waterproof headphones for the shower and hot tub too? Or just for occasional sauna relaxation?
  • Headphone style – On-ear, over-ear and bone conduction each have pros and cons to weigh.
  • Sound quality needs – Assess audio quality requirements. Bone conduction models are limited on high fidelity sound.
  • Comfort and fit – Make sure headphones stay secure and don’t get too hot against your skin.
  • Budget – Costs range from $50 to $250+ for sauna-proof headphone models.

No headphones are totally indestructible. But following sauna headphone best practices helps ensure you can relax and enjoy your music without damage. Treat your headphones with care and inspect them regularly for any issues.

Conclusion

While regular headphones often can’t survive steam, heat and humidity – specialized sauna headphones do exist. Look for waterproof ratings like IPX7 or IPX8 and sweat-resistant materials. Popular sauna headphone options include AfterShokz bone conduction, JBL Endurance, and Jabra Elite Active models. Follow usage precautions and any manufacturer guidelines for sauna use. Finally, replace headphones at the first sign of lowered audio quality or moisture damage before problems worsen. Your headphones will thank you by continuing to deliver amazing sound.