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Are Airpods Waterproof? Everyone wears AirPods everywhere. But what if you could simply pop in your Pods and listen to some beautiful music in the shower? Can you wear AirPods in the shower? Are AirPods waterproof or just water-resistant?
Here is the information you need to know about AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max when it comes to underwater activities.
How water-resistant are AirPods?
Different AirPods models have water-resistance levels. Apple designed the products to be water-resistant but not waterproof. This means they can resist a light splash and even sweaty conditions but you shouldn’t take them underwater or are designed to prevent water from entering and damaging the internal components.
The efficacy of this protection is typically measured using an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. For example, most waterproof devices come with an IPX7 rating. AirPods usually have an IPX4 rating.
Here’s a quick summary of different AirPods models and their IPX ratings.
| AirPods Model | IPX Rating |
| AirPods (1st Generation) | No official IPX rating; not certified for dust, sweat, or water resistance |
| AirPods (2nd Generation) | No official IPX rating; not certified for dust, sweat, or water resistance |
| AirPods (3rd Generation) | IPX4; resistant to water splashes from different directions |
| AirPods Pro | IPX4; resistant to water splashes from different directions |
| AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) | IPX4; resistant to water splashes from different directions |
| AirPods Max | No official IPX rating; not certified for dust, sweat, or water resistance |
Can you wear your AirPods in the shower?
No. Based on the IP rating of AirPods, most versions of AirPods should not be used in the shower.
What are the risks of wearing AirPods in the shower?
As you have already seen above, different AirPods models have different degrees of water resistance. Therefore, it can be risky to use them in the shower.
Wearing AirPods or any other type of non-waterproof earbuds in the shower can present a number of potential problems:
- Damage to the AirPods: As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Apple’s AirPods (including AirPods Pro) are not waterproof or even water-resistant. Water exposure can damage the electronic components inside, leading to reduced sound quality, distorted audio, or total failure of the device.
- Risk of electric shock: While the risk is relatively small because AirPods run on low voltage, it’s generally not advisable to mix electronics and water. Water could potentially cause a short circuit.
- Risk to hearing: Listening to music with earbuds in a loud environment (like a shower) can lead to increased volume levels to compensate for background noise, which may potentially damage your hearing over time.
- Loss of AirPods: There’s a risk that the AirPods could fall out of your ears and down the drain or get lost in the process of showering.
- Warranty void: Water damage is typically not covered under warranty, so any damage caused by using AirPods in the shower would likely be an out-of-pocket cost for repair or replacement.
Instead, consider using a waterproof Bluetooth speaker designed for bathroom use. These are designed to handle the moisture and humidity inherent in a bathroom environment and pose less risk to your personal safety and wallet.
How can I listen to music in the shower?
Here are several ways you can enjoy music while taking a shower:
- Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers: Many models of waterproof Bluetooth speakers are available on the market. Pair your device (like your phone or tablet) with the speaker and play your favorite tunes. Some models are even designed to be attached to shower walls. We particularly like the $149 Bose SoundLink Flex and the $22 Raymate Bluetooth Speakers.
- Waterproof Headphones: While this may not be the most comfortable option for some, waterproof headphones (including earbuds) are an option, particularly useful for those who share their living space and want to keep their music to themselves. We recommend picking up something inexpensive because no headphone is truly waterproof. For example, these $22 TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds are cheap enough so that you can take a bit of a risk.
- Shower Radio: This is an old-school option, but a reliable one. Many shower radios are water-resistant and can be hung on the showerhead or attached to the wall. We’d recommend something like this $29 BassPal IPX7 Waterproof Speaker, Bluetooth Portable Wireless Shower Speakers with LED Display, FM Radio. It has plenty of features and also acts as a Bluetooth speaker.
- Shower Sound Systems: If you’re into a bit more high-end solution, you can install a sound system into your shower. Some models even come integrated with lights to provide a full sensory experience.
- Smart Home Devices: If you have a smart home system (like Google Home or Amazon Alexa), you can ask it to play music in the bathroom while you shower. Be sure to set it up so that it won’t be damaged by water or humidity.
- Phone in a Ziplock Bag: This is a makeshift solution for those who don’t want to invest in additional hardware. Simply put your phone in a ziplock bag (make sure it’s tightly sealed!), and you’ve got yourself a water-resistant way to play music. Note that the sound quality will not be as good with this method.
- Waterproof Phone Cases: These are commercially available and often have better sound quality than the ziplock bag solution, while providing protection for your phone. If you absolutely have to have your phone in the shower, pick up something like these $9 Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches.
Remember to always take care to protect your electronic devices from water and humidity!
