AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C), AirPods 4 with Charging Case (USB-C), and AirPods 4 (ANC) with Wireless Charging Case are dust resistant and sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise, and have a rating of IP54 under IEC standard 60529.
Sweat and Water Resistance: The AirPods Pro have an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to sweat and light rain, suitable for most workouts.
AirPods 3 are sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise, and they are IPX4 rated. Sweat and water resistance are not permanent conditions. Size and weight vary by configuration and manufacturing process. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage, and many other factors.
Yes, AirPods Max can potentially be damaged by sweat. While they are designed to be durable and have some level of water resistance, they are not fully waterproof or sweatproof. Sweat can seep into the ear cushions and the internal components, which may lead to corrosion or other damage over time.
The shortened stem houses the H2 chip, while the new force sensor lets you control playback and calls with just a pinch. Dust, sweat, and water resistant. AirPods 4 and the charging case are rated IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistant, so they'll withstand anything from rain to heavy workouts.
The AirPods and charging case for these models are sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise, and have a rating of IPX4 under IEC standard 60529: AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning)
Audio Performance
The AirPods Pro 2 are the hands-down winners here. Sealed-off ear canals make for better audio balance and bass response, period. But, the AirPods 4 models both deliver rich bass and clear highs, continuing to improve upon what is already the best open-earbud audio performance we've tested.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
The NBC Select team loves AirPods Pro for working out and everyday life — they are comfortable and secure in our ears during workouts, including outdoor runs and indoor gym routines. The earbuds have excellent sound quality and noise canceling.
AirPods 4 with ANC offer great sound quality, Apple ecosystem compatibility, and stay in my ears well while running. The earbuds performed well during a half marathon, with only one issue. AirPods 4 may be among the best running earbuds, with ANC optional for street running.
Are the Apple AirPods 4 worth it? Both myself and Musacchio were impressed by many of the features in both the basic and ANC models, particularly improved audio. "The improvement in sound and microphone quality alone makes these AirPods worth it for me," she shares.
The moisture can then leak through the speaker holes and cause internal water damage. Apple's website notes that the AirPods Max are not sweat- or water-resistant.
Keep your AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, and AirPods 4 safe
Don't place your AirPods under running water, such as a shower or faucet. Don't swim with or otherwise submerge your AirPods. Don't put AirPods in the washing machine or dryer. Don't wear AirPods in a sauna or steam room.
AirPods are a common choice for personal listening but can harm your hearing if overused. They can also contribute to ear infections by closing off the ear canal, causing the buildup of sweat, moisture, and earwax.
They offer an improved high-quality sound, powered by Apple's H2 chip, which boosts call clarity and audio performance. Plus, the AirPods 4 are IP54 dust and water-resistant—perfect for sweaty runs or rainy days.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are among the best running headphones, but whether they work for you depends heavily on the fit. For some people, the in-ear buds nestle comfortably and securely in the ear with no problems, for others, they shake loose when you start running and get a little sweaty.
"Simply put, sweat—and any kind of water—will damage headphones permanently if it gets inside," our executive editor, TJ Donegan, explains. "The AirPods don't take any special measures to prevent this from happening, so your best bet is to just not use them while working out."
If you prefer to have your AirPods cleaned professionally, the Apple store will clean them for free. (Confirm with your local store before driving there.) A store employee will give the AirPods and case a general outer cleaning, taking one item off your to-do list.
Your device might get warm
These are some of the higher ambient-temperature conditions and activities that might cause the device to change performance and behavior: Leaving the device in a car on a hot day. Leaving the device in direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
At this point, we ought to acknowledge that there is a third generation of the standard AirPods out, but we still rank the Pro 2 buds higher because of their superior in-ear security—the 3s don't have rubber ear tips and simply can't handle the same repeated shocks.
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 is a worthy upgrade over the Pro 1 due to superior sound quality and up to 2x more effective noise cancelling. Those reasons alone are worth the upgrade, in my honest opinion. Also, the latest version has a USB-C charging case instead of lightning.
Apple's premium AirPods Pro 2 are some of the best earbuds on the market. They're far from outdated, but are they still worth the money? During Apple's September hardware event last year, the company announced the iPhone 16 lineup, new AirPods, and an upgraded Apple Watch.
We believe you will be thrilled with the products you purchase from the Apple Store. In the unlikely event a product is not what you expected, you can return or exchange it with a receipt within 14 days of the date you receive the product from Apple.
Go for the serial number verification of the product
Make a note of this method as every genuine pair of Apple Airpods comes with a unique serial identification number that can be easily checked and verified through Apple's official website.