What AirPods are water-resistant?

When shopping for wireless earbuds or outdoor headphones, water resistance should always be a top priority. The last thing you want is to have expensive buds ruined by a rainstorm or spilled drink. Water resistance is also important for fitness enthusiasts, as it can also mean sweat resistance to some extent.

Which AirPods are water-resistant?

From some defense to no protection at all

The second-generation AirPods Pro currently offer the best water protection with an IP54 rating, making them safe against dust and light splashing. While they can handle sweat and light rain, they may not withstand heavy rain or shower jets. It’s important to note that they are not designed to be submerged, so if they accidentally end up in water, immediate action is necessary to prevent damage.

The first-gen AirPods Pro and the third-gen basic AirPods have an IPX4 rating, providing similar water resistance to the second-gen Pro without a dust seal.

First- and second-gen AirPods, as well as AirPods Max, do not have any water resistance rating. It is recommended to use them in dry environments and consider safer alternatives for activities like lifting and running.

Are AirPods waterproof?

Waterproof is not synonymous with water-resistant

AirPods are not waterproof and should not be submerged in water for long periods. They are not suitable for activities like swimming or showering, as exposure to chlorine and saltwater can damage them.

Continued exposure to liquids can wear down the seals of AirPods, especially for those who sweat heavily during workouts. It is advisable for serious athletes to opt for earbuds with higher IP ratings, like the Jabra Elite 8 Active, which can withstand water depths up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

It is possible that Apple may release more rugged headphones in the future, as competition in the market for durable alternatives to AirPods continues to grow.

FAQ

Q: Why aren’t AirPods fully waterproof?

Most headphones, including AirPods, need to deliver sound into the ear canal and contain microphones for voice pickup or noise cancelation, which makes achieving full waterproofing challenging. There are swimming-ready headphones that use bone conduction, but they do not provide noise isolation.