Are the Apple AirPods (Pro, Max) waterproof? Overview of all models
AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods Pro and now AirPods 3: The small wireless headphones from Apple are very popular. Due to their compact design, they can be carried easily in practically any situation. But what about protection against water (rain, bathtub) or sweat from sports? We explain which Apple AirPods models are waterproof and what to look out for with the charging case.
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Are AirPods waterproof? Overview of all models
The earphones of AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) are not waterproof and also not waterproof. This also applies to the associated charging cases.
The earphones of AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) and the Third Generation AirPods (2021) are not waterproof, but they are rated IPX4, making them water resistant. The associated charging cases are not waterproof and not water-resistant – with one exception: the case of the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is water-resistant.
| waterproof and sweatproof | water and sweat resistant | |
| AirPods (1st Gen) / Charging Case | No no | No no |
| AirPods (2nd Generation) / Charging Case | No no | No no |
| AirPods (3rd Generation) / Charging Case | No no | Yes / no |
| AirPods Pro (1st Gen) / Charging Case | No no | Yes / no |
| AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) / Charging Case | No no | Yes / Yes |
| AirPods Max | no | no |
Differences: What do the terms “waterproof” and “waterproof” mean?
- waterproof = protection against water jets and submersion.
- water-protected = protection against dripping and splashing water, but no protection against water jets and submersion
More on the topic of protection classes for water resistance:
Apple AirPods (1st and 2nd gen) are not waterproof: what can you do with the headphones?
Apple itself does not advertise the AirPods as waterproof. That means the AirPods are not officially protected against water, sweat and other liquids are. So if you accidentally spill a glass of water over the headphones, the liquid can theoretically get inside and cause damage. As a customer, you will then probably have poor chances of getting free help from Apple support. In such an accident, it is best to dry the AirPods as quickly as possible to counteract any corrosion damage. This also applies to the contacts in the charging case.
Rumors vs. manufacturer information: In practice, the AirPods (1st and 2nd gen.) have shown themselves to be surprisingly resistant to water, as some forum reports and Show YouTube videos must. Nevertheless, one should not forget that this is not the official information from the manufacturer.
AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd gen) and AirPods 3 are water resistant: can you go out in the rain? What is allowed?
The AirPods Pro (1st gen) and AirPods 3 aren’t quite as strict. The charging case must be kept away from water – the two earphones but are classified according to IPX4 and therefore at least waterproof. Apple explains exactly what that means on the support page Information on sweat and water resistance of AirPods Pro. With the AirPods Pro (2nd gen.), presented in September 2022, both the earphones and the charging case are classified according to IPX4 and are water-resistant.
In practice, “waterproof” means that the AirPods Pro and the AirPods 3 are protected from dripping and splashing water, for example if they get a few drops in the rain. To be on the safe side, however, you should not submerge the AirPods Pro in water, take a shower or hold them under the running water tap. The water vapor in saunas or steam baths is also not good for the AirPods Pro – so it’s better to leave them outside.
Good to know: The manufacturer’s information refers to new items. Over time, the seals and materials used in the headphones age, so that the water protection of the AirPods Pro becomes weaker and can even disappear completely. This is part of normal wear and tear.
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