Can You Wear Headphones in Cold Weather & Can Headphones Freeze?

Headphones, also known as the inseparable electronic device in today’s technology world are stepping forward each and every day. If we were talking about this topic a decade ago, I wouldn’t be able to give exactly the same answer that I’m about to give it now.

Every headphone has its own operating temperature which depends on the manufacturer’s mentioned key spec. The recommended temperature stands between 32°F and 95°F (0°C and 35°C). For battery-powered/wireless headphones, the recommended operating temperature stands between -4°F and140°F (-20°C and 60°C). 

Wearing headphones at a low temperature won’t cause the headphones any issue, but exposing them to a temperature that is either too hot or cold constantly can cause the sound quality to come across some changes. 

As for the freezing part, your headphones neither won’t stop working in the bad weather nor will freeze. If the winter days in your area are freezing cold, this only affects the battery life of the headphones. The battery will drain quicker and the moisture will disable by a short circuit.

It’s important to keep the headphones at a certain degree of warmness, since we cover ourselves with scarves, gloves and hat to protect ourselves from cold, the same rule goes for headphones as well.

Can Headphones be Used in Cold Weather?

Actually, it is better for headphones to cooperate in cold weather since heat and electronic devices are enemies for life. The circuit generates more power and heats itself in order to work properly.

Keep in mind that everything is limited with these new technology items, it isn’t like before when phones and TVs were as durable as avengers. Now, only a harsh drop or extremely severe weather condition can end a single device’s life.

Can Headphones Freeze and Still Work Fine?

Unless you are not living in Antarctica, there is no way in heaven or on earth that headphones can freeze and start working because of weather conditions.

We know that there are always exceptions, but if we speak in general, no freezing can happen. If the electronic device specifically headphones freezes, this may be your headphone’s time to die has come. It doesn’t have to do with the severe weather situation whatsoever.

As I mentioned before if the headphones work wirelessly, the only battery will last longer and if it’s wired form, the coils inside may damage a little bit, but your headphones will work perfectly fine.

What Happens When You Use Headphones In Freezing Cold Weather?

• Corded Headphones: They are less likely prone to cold weather, the only piece that can be slightly damaged is the wire, but it won’t lead to breaking point.
• Wireless Headphones: The battery can be drained pretty easily than it normally would.
• Non-Resistant Against Weather: The headphones being non-resistant to dust, water, moisture, and shock are less likable. It’s not because the headphones can’t withstand cold weather, but when you come from cold to warm weather, the moisture sucks in and can damage the speaker drivers over time. 

Listen to Music Securely in Cold Weather 

1. Consider Switching up from Headphones to Earbuds

Earbuds can be hidden under the hat or cap and that can prevent the freezing cold to penetrate inside the music player devices. Then, when you will take the earbuds out, it is less likely to create as much moisture as usual headphones do.

2. Wired Connectivity Over Wireless

I know wires are annoying, but it is better and certainly more secure than battery-powered headphones. Most wireless headphones and earbuds are powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery. The reason behind it is the cold weather can drain the battery much faster than wired connectivity. Wires tend to withstand more harsh conditions.

3. Weatherproof Feature

Look for headphones with a water-resistant feature. Mostly those headphones with IP67 or IPX6 and above ratings, tend to withstand cold, snowy, and rainy days without a problem.

Another feature to check is being dustproof, and moisture-proof because when you come from a cold place to the warm, the moisture covers the headphones entirely. With that feature, you can eliminate the moisture to go deeper inside the device.

The shockproof feature isn’t necessary, but optional. Isn’t it better to have a durable headphone that every time you drop, can handle itself and still work fine? I guess we all do.

4. Don’t Go Back and Froth Between Hot and Cold Weather

Getting inside a warm room and going outside in the cold weather and doing it constantly is damaging your headphones. This time my friend the opposite doesn’t attract, on contrary it destroys. Try to avoid doing that as much as you can.

Additional Knowledge: Can Headphones Explode in Your Ear?

It’s a rare occasion for headphones to explode in your for any hot and cold temperature reasons. I guess you still keep in mind that sometimes the bigger brands like Samsung (Galaxy Note 7 phone) and Apple with the AirPods happenings. On TikTok Zheng Tang reported he had an explosion from AirPods and he had gone to the doctor complaining about swelling.

This is one in a million case, normally, it is NOT possible for your headphones to explode in your ears. 

Final Opinion in Brief

To sum up the article, I know it can be tricky to decide whether or not the headphones are wearable in cold weather. The answer is yes, it’s perfectly fine to use them in cold weather because the average recommended operating temperature is between 32°F- 95°F, and with battery-powered headphones is -4°F to 140°F.

If you are worried that headphones will freeze, stay safe my friends they won’t. If you own wireless headphones with a rechargeable Li-ion battery, then only the battery life will drain much faster than usual.

If you want to listen to music in a safe and secure way, try to switch from headphones to earbuds. because they are easily hidden under the hat or beanie. Choose wired connectivity over wireless because of the battery drain. Check for weatherproof features like water, dust, moisture, or shock resistance. Lastly don’t move back and forth between freezing cold and room temperature, to prevent any possible damage.  

Further Reading

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Check out this post to compare the AKG K702 and K712 side by side, and discover which one comes out on top.