IP67 vs IP68 on a Smartwatch: How the Two Ratings Differ

What the IP code means

An IP rating, short for Ingress Protection, is a two-digit code defined by an international standard. The first digit rates protection against solid particles, like dust. The second digit rates protection against water. On a smartwatch, you will most often see IP67 or IP68, sometimes written as IP67/IP68 in a spec sheet.

Both ratings share the first digit, 6, which is the highest solid-particle rating. It means the watch is dust-tight: no dust can enter the enclosure, even in a dusty environment. That is useful for runners on trails, cyclists on gravel roads, or anyone who works outdoors. For a breakdown of how the first digit works, see our guide to dust ratings.

IP67 vs IP68 on water: depth and time

The second digit is where the two ratings diverge. An IP67-rated device can be immersed in water under defined conditions: typically up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. An IP68-rated device goes further, but the exact depth and duration are set by the manufacturer, not by a single global number. One IP68 watch might be rated for 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, another for 3 meters for 2 hours. The rating tells you the maker tested it, but you have to check the specific spec to know what the test was.

For everyday use, the practical gap matters less than the label suggests. A watch with IP67 will handle rain, hand washing, and a splash from a sink. An IP68 watch adds a margin for deeper or longer accidental immersion, like dropping it in a pool while reaching for something. If you only need protection from rain and splashes, IP67 is enough. If you want a bigger safety margin around water, IP68 is the safer pick.

Why neither rating means swim-proof

Here is the part that catches many buyers: IP67 and IP68 ratings are tested with the device stationary, in still water. Swimming is a different situation. Your wrist moves, the water pressure shifts as you stroke, and you might press buttons or use the touchscreen while wet. These dynamic conditions are not covered by the static immersion test.

The World Health Organization counts swimming among the popular ways to be physically active, and many smartwatch owners want to track laps or open-water sessions. For tracking outdoor activities like hiking, many smartwatches also include GPS, a U.S.-owned utility that provides positioning and navigation services, according to GPS.gov. But a watch with only an IP67 or IP68 rating is not designed for swimming. For swimming, look for a watch with an ATM rating, like 5 ATM or higher, or an ISO 22810 standard. Those ratings are based on water-pressure tests that better approximate the forces of swimming. See our guide on water-resistance ratings for swimming for the full picture.

Other limits to keep in mind

Even a watch with a high water-resistance rating has limits. Hot water, soap, and steam can degrade seals faster than cold fresh water. Saltwater is corrosive, so if you swim in the sea, you should rinse the watch with fresh water afterward. The same advice applies to chlorine from a pool. Our guide on saltwater smartwatch care explains the steps.

Water resistance also wears out over time. Seals and gaskets age, especially if the watch has been dropped or serviced. A rating is true on day one, not necessarily after two years of hard use. If you plan to wear the watch in water, factor in that the protection will fade. See water resistance wears out to understand the timeline.

Finally, a wet smartwatch is not the same as a waterproof one. If the speaker gets water inside, the sound will be muffled. Some watches have a water-ejection feature that plays a tone to push water out of the speaker grille. That feature is common on watches designed for swimming, not on basic IP67 or IP68 models. Read about the water ejection speaker to know what to look for.

Which rating should you pick?

Choose based on your water exposure, not on marketing. If you mostly wear the watch indoors, in the city, or in the gym, IP67 is plenty. It protects against sweat, rain, and washing your hands. There is no reason to pay extra for IP68 unless you spend time near water.

If you run outdoors in heavy rain, work in wet conditions, or want to wear the watch while doing dishes or gardening, IP68 adds a real margin. But if your goal is swimming or surfing, skip IP ratings entirely and look for an ATM-rated watch. The best rugged or military smartwatches guide lists models that combine high water resistance with durable builds. For general outdoor use, the best Garmin smartwatches are a strong reference because many of their models carry high ATM ratings.

For many users, IP67 is common on many models and is enough for everyday wear. You can focus on other features like battery life or GPS. See the best smartwatches under 100 guide if you want a basic watch that handles splashes without any fuss.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is IP68 better than IP67 for a smartwatch?

Yes, for water resistance. Both are dust-tight, but IP68 allows deeper or longer immersion, depending on the maker's spec. However, neither is designed for swimming.

Can I swim with an IP67 smartwatch?

No. IP67 is tested for shallow, short, static immersion, not for the movement and pressure changes of swimming. Use a watch with an ATM rating for swimming.

Can I shower with an IP68 smartwatch?

It is not recommended. Hot water, steam, and soap can degrade seals. Even a high-rated watch can be damaged by showering over time.

What does the number 6 mean in IP67 and IP68?

It means the watch is dust-tight, the highest protection against solid particles. No dust can enter the enclosure.

Does IP68 mean the watch is waterproof?

No. Waterproof is not a defined standard for consumer electronics. IP68 means the watch survived a specific immersion test set by the maker, not that it is immune to water in all conditions.