No, AirPods are not waterproof. Apple calls its current earbuds sweat and water resistant, not waterproof, and says they aren't designed for water sports like swimming, or for showering. The rating is a number, so the useful question is which model has which one.
AirPods water resistance by model
Every rating below is Apple's, for AirPods used in non-water sports and exercise. Apple says it tested the products, charging case included, under controlled laboratory conditions to IEC standard 60529.
| Model | Rating | Charging case |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 5 (both models) | IP57 | Rated, IP57 |
| AirPods Pro 3 | IP57 | Rated, IP57 (MagSafe Charging Case, USB-C) |
| AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) | IP54 | Rated, IP54 |
| AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning case) | IPX4 | Rated, IPX4 |
| AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | IP54 | Rated, IP54 |
| AirPods 3 (Lightning or MagSafe case) | IPX4 | Rated, IPX4 |
| AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2 | No rating listed | Not applicable |
Sources: Apple's water resistance page (published Sept 17, 2026) and Apple's compare page. The original AirPods Pro are IPX4, and Apple says their MagSafe and Wireless Charging Cases are not water or sweat resistant.
Apple's spec page for AirPods Max 2 lists no dust, sweat or water rating, so there is no water resistance claim for the over-ear models.
What the IP numbers mean
IP is a code from the IEC 60529 standard. The first digit is dust protection and the second is water. An X means that part was not rated.
- IPX4: water resistant against splashes. Splashes and sweat, no dust rating.
- IP54: the same splash protection, plus protection against dust.
- IP57: dust protection plus temporary submersion. Apple's page puts it at a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
That 30-minute figure comes from controlled lab conditions. It is not a reason to swim, because Apple rates these for non-water sports and exercise.
Do the charging cases count?
Mostly yes on current models. Apple's page says the cases for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 5, AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 carry the same rating as the earbuds. The exceptions are older: the cases for the original AirPods Pro are not water or sweat resistant, and AirPods Max have no rating.
Apple's compare page still tells you not to charge AirPods when they are wet. Dry the earbuds and the case first, then charge.
What is safe and what is not
Fine for an IP54 or IP57 pair:
- Sweat during a run or a gym session.
- Rain or splashes while walking.
Apple says to avoid:
- Running water such as a shower or faucet.
- Swimming. Apple says not to submerge AirPods Pro 1, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3 or AirPods 4, and not to swim with any of them, IP57 included.
- Washing machines and dryers, saunas and steam rooms.
- High-velocity water, such as water skiing.
- Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil and hair dye. Apple says they can harm the water seals and acoustic membranes.
- Drops and impacts.
If your AirPods get wet
- Wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
- Let them dry completely, at least two hours, before you use them or put them in the case, per Apple.
- If they met soap, sunscreen or another listed liquid, clean them following Apple's cleaning pages.
Resistance fades
Apple says sweat, water and dust resistance aren't permanent and can diminish over time, and that AirPods and cases can't be rechecked or resealed. A pair that handled a rainy run two years ago has had two years of wear since. Older pairs deserve more caution, not less.
Which model to buy for workouts
For sweat and rain, any of AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 5 is rated. If you want the highest rating, it is IP57 on AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 5. Our look at the AirPods Pro 3 listing at Amazon covers that model's other features, and the AirPods 4 deal write-up covers the standard AirPods 4, rated IP54.
