By Ethan BrooksUpdated November 2026
Are TOZO NC9 earbuds waterproof? According to the product listing, yes: this model carries an IPX8 rating, which is one of the higher water-resistance classifications used for consumer earbuds. That makes them a reasonable fit for sweaty gym sessions, rainy runs, and brief splashes at the pool or beach. They are a weaker fit for anyone who plans to wear them in the shower on a daily basis, swim laps with them in, or rely on them for dive-depth exposure. Buyers who want strong active noise cancelling and a long battery life for commuting will likely find them a good match. Buyers who need a rugged, sport-focused earbud built around a secure hook or fin, or who want the most conservative water rating available, should look elsewhere. Because this listing is for a renewed unit, check the seller’s condition notes and return policy before ordering.
Amazon Renewed6 Mic ENC Clear Calls, Deep Bass Sound, IPX8 Waterproof, in Ear Bluetooth 5.3 Ear Buds,32 EQs via APP, Comfort Fit (Renewed) TOZO NC9 Hybrid ANC Wireless Earbuds, 60H Playtime, LED Displ
Product Overview
The TOZO NC9 is a true wireless, in-ear earbud with a hybrid active noise cancelling (ANC) system and a charging case that includes a small LED display. The product name and listing describe a six-microphone array used for environmental noise reduction during calls, a Bluetooth 5.3 connection, a claimed 60-hour total playtime with the case, and app-based equalizer control with 32 presets. The listing also highlights an IPX8 water-resistance rating and a comfort-oriented fit.
This particular entry is sold as a renewed product through Amazon. Renewed items are generally described by the seller as inspected, tested, and restored to working condition, often with cosmetic wear that may vary from one unit to another. Renewed status does not change the product’s design, but it can affect packaging, accessories, and warranty coverage. Read the seller’s condition description and warranty terms carefully before purchase.
The TOZO NC9 is part of a broader family of budget-to-midrange earbuds from TOZO, a brand that has built its catalog around affordable Bluetooth audio with feature-rich specifications. Within that family, the NC9 sits as a model that emphasizes noise cancelling and long battery life alongside water resistance, which is why it appears in many searches about waterproof earbuds for workouts and travel.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists specifications drawn from the product name and commonly published details for this model family. Figures marked as manufacturer claims should be verified against the seller’s current listing, since battery and feature numbers can vary by firmware and by how a unit is used.
| Feature | Specification (as listed or claimed) |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | IPX8 (manufacturer rating; see the IPX8 notes below) |
| Noise cancelling | Hybrid active noise cancelling (ANC) |
| Microphones | 6 microphones with ENC (environmental noise cancelling) for calls |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
| Playtime | Claimed up to 60 hours total with charging case |
| Case display | LED display |
| Equalizer | 32 EQ presets via companion app |
| Sound profile | Marketed as deep bass / stereo |
| Fit | In-ear, comfort-oriented design |
| Condition | Renewed (per listing) |
What IPX8 Actually Means
The IP (Ingress Protection) code uses two digits. The first digit covers protection against solid objects such as dust, and the second covers protection against liquids. An “X” in place of the first digit means the product was not tested for dust. The “8” in IPX8 indicates the earbuds are rated for continuous immersion in water deeper than one meter. The exact depth and duration are defined by the manufacturer, and the standard itself does not specify a single test protocol that applies to every brand. In practical terms, IPX8 means the earbuds can handle rain, sweat, and submersion in shallow water such as a pool or a shower splash. It does not mean they are rated for saltwater, hot water, soap, shampoo, or pressurized jets.
Battery and Charging Notes
The 60-hour figure combines the earbud runtime with the charge the case provides. Real-world battery life will be shorter, especially with ANC enabled, higher volume levels, and frequent Bluetooth connection changes. ANC is one of the largest drains on battery life in true wireless earbuds, so expect the runtime without ANC to be noticeably longer than with it switched on. Owners generally recommend charging the case regularly rather than letting it run completely flat, since this habit tends to preserve lithium battery health over time.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- IPX8 water resistance is a higher rating than many entry-level earbuds carry, which supports sweaty workouts and rain exposure.
- Hybrid ANC and a six-microphone array are designed to reduce background noise in commutes and during calls.
- Bluetooth 5.3 typically offers a steadier connection and better power efficiency than older Bluetooth versions.
- The claimed total battery life is long for the category, which suits travelers and people who forget to charge.
- App-based equalizer with multiple presets gives listeners control over bass and tonal balance.
- The LED case display makes it easier to check remaining battery at a glance.
Cons
- Because the unit is renewed, cosmetic condition, accessories, and warranty terms may differ from a new retail box.
- IPX8 covers immersion in fresh water only; saltwater, chlorinated pool water over long sessions, and hot water are not part of the rating.
- Battery claims depend on settings and usage, so real-world runtime with ANC on will likely be shorter than the headline figure.
- As with most in-ear designs, fit varies by ear shape, and a poor seal can reduce both passive isolation and bass response.
- Budget-focused earbuds generally do not match the codec options, tuning refinement, or app ecosystem of premium brands.
Performance Analysis
Performance for an earbud like the NC9 can be judged on four main areas: water resistance, noise cancelling, call quality, and sound. Because this review is research-based, the analysis below draws on the listed specifications and on common patterns that owners of similar TOZO models tend to describe in product feedback, rather than on any personal testing.
Water Resistance in Practice
An IPX8 rating is a strong signal for sweat and rain. Owners of TOZO’s waterproof models frequently mention using them in the gym, on runs in wet weather, and during outdoor activities without issue. The most common caution in feedback concerns longevity: repeated exposure to sweat and moisture can degrade seals and charging contacts over time, so drying the earbuds and case after each sweaty session is a sensible habit. Water resistance also depends on the case being fully closed, since the charging case itself is usually a separate protection concern. Keep the lid latched and the charging port dry before closing it.
Noise Cancelling
Hybrid ANC combines feedforward and feedback microphones to measure and cancel ambient sound. In practice, hybrid systems are generally better than feedforward-only designs at handling varied noise, such as low engine rumble on a train or steady air conditioning hum. They are less effective against sudden, sharp sounds like voices or dropped objects. The quality of the seal matters a great deal: a good ear-tip fit typically produces noticeably better cancellation than a loose one. Owners of comparable TOZO ANC models often report that ANC is most useful for low-frequency noise and less dramatic for speech, which is typical across this price tier.
Call Quality
The six-microphone array and ENC feature are designed to isolate the speaker’s voice from wind and background noise during calls. Multi-microphone setups generally perform better than single-mic designs in noisy outdoor settings, but results depend heavily on wind, distance from the mouth, and how the earbuds sit in the ear. Users of similar models frequently say calls are clear in quiet rooms and acceptable in moderate traffic, with more variation in strong wind.
Sound Quality
The listing emphasizes deep bass and a stereo soundstage, and the 32 app presets give listeners room to adjust the tonal balance. Bass-forward tuning tends to be popular with listeners who use earbuds for workouts and everyday pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Detail and treble clarity are generally where budget earbuds show their limits compared with higher-priced models. Fit and seal affect bass strongly, so trying different ear tips is one of the most effective ways to improve sound.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The TOZO NC9 is a practical match for several types of buyers. Gym-goers and runners who sweat heavily and want an IPX8 rating will find the water resistance appropriate for their routines. Commuters who want ANC to reduce train and bus noise, and travelers who value a long claimed battery life, are also good candidates. Budget-conscious shoppers who want a feature-rich set with app controls and a case display will likely find the value reasonable, provided they accept that a renewed unit carries some condition variation.
The NC9 is less suitable for people who plan to swim laps while wearing earbuds, since IPX8 covers immersion but swimming involves motion, pressure changes, and potential exposure to chlorinated water over long periods. It is also a weaker choice for audiophiles who want detailed, reference-style sound, and for anyone who needs a secure, fin-style or hook-style earbud for high-impact sports like trail running or contact training. If you need a sport-first design built for those activities, Are Wireless and Waterproof Earbuds Worth It? IP Ratings Explained offers useful context on how to weigh ratings against fit and use case.
Buying Guide
Before buying any waterproof earbud, check three things: the exact IP rating, the type of water exposure you expect, and the fit. Water resistance ratings are not interchangeable. IPX4 handles sweat and light splashes, IPX7 covers temporary immersion, and IPX8 covers continuous immersion beyond one meter, with the depth and duration set by the manufacturer. If you plan to use earbuds in the shower or pool, look for a rating that explicitly covers that use and read the manufacturer’s care notes. Are Soundcore P30i Earbuds Waterproof? IP Rating and Use Guide shows how a specific model’s rating translates into everyday use.
Next, consider how you will use them. Workout buyers should prioritize a secure fit, sweat resistance, and an ear-tip size that stays in place during movement. Commuters should focus on ANC performance and battery life. Frequent callers should look at microphone configuration and ENC. If you want a sense of how other brands approach waterproof sport earbuds, 6 Best Waterproof Earbuds for Working Out (2026): Picks Compared compares several categories side by side.
Finally, verify condition and warranty if you are buying renewed. Renewed listings can vary in cosmetic state and accessories, so check whether the seller includes all ear-tip sizes, the charging cable, and the case. Confirm the return window and warranty coverage before purchase.
Several well-known alternatives are worth comparing depending on your priorities. The first is another TOZO model in the same family, which shares a similar feature set and may suit buyers who want a new unit rather than a renewed one.
TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, 6 Mics ENC Clear Call, IPX8 Waterproof, in Ear Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones Stereo Bass Ear Buds 60H Playtime with LED Display 32 EQs via APP
The second option is an older TOZO model that emphasizes a different battery and sound profile, which can be a good choice for buyers who prioritize runtime over ANC.
Waterproof, 55H Playtime, Ergonomic Design In Ear buds, App Customize EQ, Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones for Work, Travel, Black TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds Powerful Bass Stereo Wireless Charging, APP, IPX8
For buyers who want to explore a wider range of waterproof options, 7 Best True Wireless Earbuds Waterproofs for Workouts and Travel (2026) offers a broader comparison across different brands and price tiers.
FAQ
Are TOZO NC9 earbuds fully waterproof?
The listing describes an IPX8 rating, which means they are protected against continuous immersion in water deeper than one meter under the manufacturer’s test conditions. They are not rated for saltwater, hot water, or chemical exposure, so rinse them with fresh water if they get wet at the beach or pool.
Can I wear TOZO NC9 earbuds in the shower?
IPX8 suggests they can handle shower water, but many owners prefer not to wear them in the shower regularly. Hot water, soap, and shampoo can degrade seals and components over time. If you do use them in the shower, rinse them afterward and dry them thoroughly.
Can I swim with TOZO NC9 earbuds?
The rating covers immersion, but swimming adds motion, pressure changes, and repeated chlorine exposure that a standard IPX rating does not address. Many people use waterproof earbuds for pool sessions, but laps with ear-mounted electronics carry more risk. Consult the manufacturer’s guidance before swimming with them.
Does the case have the same water rating as the earbuds?
Charging cases are usually not rated to the same level as the earbuds. Keep the lid closed and the charging contacts dry, and avoid submerging the case unless the manufacturer explicitly states it is rated for that.
Is hybrid ANC better than standard noise cancelling?
Hybrid ANC uses both feedforward and feedback microphones, which generally handles a wider range of noise than a single-microphone system. Results still depend on fit and the type of noise, so a good ear-tip seal matters as much as the ANC design.
Why does battery life sometimes fall short of the claim?
Battery claims are usually measured under specific conditions, often at moderate volume and with ANC off. Enabling ANC, using higher volume, and frequent reconnections all reduce runtime. Charging the case regularly helps maintain battery health.
How do I keep waterproof earbuds working longer?
Rinse them with fresh water after sweaty or salty exposure, dry them with a soft cloth, and let them air-dry before charging. Keep ear tips clean and replace them if they wear out, since a poor seal affects both sound and noise cancelling.
Should I buy a renewed unit or a new one?
Renewed units can offer savings in exchange for some cosmetic variation and possibly limited accessories. Check the seller’s condition notes, return window, and warranty before buying. A new unit may be the better choice if you need full warranty coverage from the start.
Final Verdict
Are They Right for You?
The TOZO NC9 is a practical choice for buyers who want an IPX8-rated earbud with hybrid noise cancelling, a long claimed battery life, and app-based sound control. Its water resistance supports sweat, rain, and shallow water exposure, making it well suited to gym sessions, runs in wet weather, and commutes. It is less suited to laps in the pool, saltwater use, or buyers who need a rugged sport design. Because this listing is for a renewed unit, verify the condition and warranty terms before ordering. If those points fit your needs, the NC9 is a sensible option in its category.
About Ethan Brooks
Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our headphone tech & types guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
