Since its release in 2016, tens of millions of people around the world have purchased AirPods. Go to any public place, and you’re sure to see countless people wearing them. They are by far the most popular truly wireless earphones.
Are AirPods waterproof, though? Apple doesn’t claim that AirPods are either waterproof or water-resistant, but they still demonstrate some degree of resistance to moisture.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the environments where you can safely use AirPods and the ones where you shouldn’t. In the end, we’ll also provide a few suggestions for wireless earphones that are better suited to stand up to water and moisture.
Before We Get Started
AirPods are among the most expensive wireless earphones, so test their resistance to moisture at your own risk. You should know that even earphones rated waterproof may not do well with submersion or long-term exposure to moisture.
Think of them as an extension of your iPhone. Your iPhone may be moderately water-resistant, but there’s no reason to take it swimming in the ocean, unless you have a specially designed case.
AirPods 1 vs. AirPods 2 vs. AirPods Pro
Both the 1st and 2nd generation AirPods are neither waterproof nor water-resistant. This means they’re not intended to withstand either submersion or even splashes of water.
On the other hand, the AirPods Pro are sweat and water-resistant. There have been two generations of AirPods Pro up to this point, and they both have an IPX4 rating. This means that water splashes or sweat won’t damage them, but they aren’t meant for submersion.
There’s also the AirPods Max, which came out in 2020. Unlike the AirPods or AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max has an over-ear headphone design.
The AirPods Max is neither waterproof nor water-resistant. If you’re caught in a thunderstorm, it’s best to take them off and stow them somewhere safe to avoid damaging them.
Now, we’ll run through some everyday situations to help you get a better understanding of what you can do with AirPods and AirPods Pro. Since AirPods 1 and 2 have the same rating, we’ll group them together.
Note: The charging case for either the AirPods or AirPods Pro is not water-resistant or waterproof. The same is also true for the majority of other brands.
What if My AirPods Get Sweaty?
Apple has shown people exercising with AirPods in their commercials. A little sweat likely won’t damage them, but keep a towel handy to prevent excess moisture.
Sweat is fine for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max as well.
Can I Wear Them in the Rain, Shower, etc.?
There’s a big difference between a drizzle and a torrential downpour. If you forget for a minute or two that your AirPods are on in the shower, they will probably be okay. You shouldn’t make a habit of doing it, though.
AirPods Pro should be fine in the rain, but you should avoid showering with them. You should always avoid showering with the AirPods Max, and we already mentioned how you should take them off in the rain.
Can I Swim or Dive with Them?
You should not swim or dive with any AirPods model. You should also avoid the following with all models:
- Wearing them in a sauna or steam room
- Using them while playing water sports
- Placing them under running water for extended periods of time
Can I Make AirPods Waterproof?
You can attempt to make your AirPods waterproof, but you do so at your own risk. Some people use a shower cap or swimming hat that covers their ears and blocks water. This might work in the shower, but if you’re swimming, you may dislodge the earphones and send them sinking to a watery grave.
How Can I Check for Water Damage?
Like most products that Apple has released since 2006, the AirPods have a liquid contact indicator (LCI). You can check this to see if they have suffered water damage or not.
What if My AirPods Get Wet?
If you sent you AirPods through the washer or they fell into the toilet, you don’t need to panic just yet. Plenty of users have reported a full recovery. Follow these steps:
- Gently dry your AirPods with a microfiber cloth.
- Move them around as little as possible. You don’t want moisture to spread through the insides and damage internal components.
- Allow your AirPods time to dry completely. Don’t try to use them or place them in a charging case. Find a dry area and place a desiccant on top of your Air Pod. Wait a minimum of 24 hours, though even longer than that is better.
If a different liquid, like coffee, soap, shampoo, or anything else has soaked your AirPods, clean them by following these steps:
- Use a microfiber cloth to gently remove excess moisture. Then, lightly dampen a cloth with distilled water and clean the AirPods with it.
- Leave them to dry for 24 hours or more. Place a desiccant on top of them if you have one available.
- Do not use the AirPods until they are completely dry.
Are There Any Waterproof Alternatives to AirPods?
There are now several water-resistant and waterproof wireless earphones on the market. Many of them are even cheaper than the original AirPods.
Here are three options worth looking into:
1) Best Overall: Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones
Amazon: $25.99
These are in-ear headphones with an LED Display Light Control feature. They are competitively priced and fully waterproof, with a nano-coating. They stand up to exposure to sweat and water. You also get a full five hours of listening from a single charge.
2) Extra Endurance: JBL Endurance Race Waterproof True Wireless Active Sport Earbuds
Amazon: $59.95
These ones have a higher price tag, but they have 30 hours of battery life. They are also compatible with iOS and Android devices. You can both hear and feel the music with pure bass sound. They can also be totally submerged in water up to 1 meter.
3) Best Budget Option: Kurdene Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds
Amazon: $15.99
These earbuds are waterproof and work with both Android and iOS devices. You can also get them in several fun colors, and the music experience comes with noise cancelling technology. This is definitely the most budget-friendly option.
Bottom Line: Are AirPods Waterproof?
The bottom line is that AirPods are not waterproof. AirPods Pro are water-resistant, but there are plenty of other products on the market that are not only cheaper, but much better equipped to handle water and moisture. AirPods Max aren’t waterproof or water-resistant either.
With Apple, you generally pay more for quality. Unless you’re a die-hard Apple fanatic, though, you’ll be better off going with another waterproof earbud option instead of overpaying for AirPods.
Visit the Buyback Boss Blog to learn more about AirPods, iPhones, the Apple Watch, and more. Click here to troubleshoot connectivity issues with AirPods. Get a better understanding of how waterproof the Apple Watch is here. Discover all things Apple on our blog!
