Their resistance can also wear over time. For running, they should be able to hold up. Unless you sweat a stream of water, your AirPods should be able to handle the moisture. Make sure to always store and charge your AirPods dry, as small amounts of moisture that linger can add up over time.
* AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd generation), the MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), the Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), and the MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a notable upgrade on the original AirPods Pro, though if you already have a set of those or spy them in a sale with $100/£100 knocked off the price I'd say they're still excellent headphones for sports and general use (if you can get on with the in-ear fit).
Your AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), and MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are water and sweat resistant, but they are not waterproof or sweatproof.
They're also more functional for running. The seal formed around my ear canal felt tighter and more secure; I wasn't readjusting the buds every three blocks as I constantly did with the original AirPods Pro. Sweat absorption was also better, reducing slippage when perspiring heavily or running in the rain.
Physical Impact. If you get hit, stop short, or experience excessive impact (such as from running or jumping,) you can jar your AirPods loose, and they can fall out. Except for making them fit better, there's little you can do to prevent this cause of your AirPods falling out.
Stick a piece of tape near the top and another one at bottom of each earbud, close to where the AirPods go in your ears. Place the AirPods in your ears, then move around, do some exercise, or go for a jog. The AirPods should remain in your ears thanks to the raised surface of the tape.
The AirPods 3 make for very good earbuds for running so long as they fit your ears securely, which is far from guaranteed. They feature very good sound for earbuds with an open design and also are good for making calls. Like the AirPods Pro 2, they're sweat-resistant with an IPX4 splashproof rating.
The AirPods Pro 2 come with an IPX4 water resistance rating. While the earbuds are not completely waterproof, they can withstand sweat and splashes of water. The AirPods Pro 2 are available for purchase on the Apple Store, Best Buy, and Amazon.
AirPods Pro 2: IPX4 water resistance
The second-gen AirPods Pro come with an IPX4 rating, which means they can withstand splashes of water from any direction. While you wouldn't want to take them swimming — as some headphones are designed for — you don't have to worry about rain.
If you need to save for a bit longer, trust me – it'll be worth it. In fact, the second generation AirPods Pro are so good, that there's only one thing I want from the next version – and, yes, it's USB-C charging, please!
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless Earbuds
The third generation has a shorter stem and smaller case, like the Pro, but keeps that open-ear design (the Pro has sound-isolating ear tips). It's been a love-hate feature of the original AirPods for many runners—they just don't stay put for some people.
AirPods Pro 2 feature a new low-distortion driver, similar to Beats Fit Pro, and an upgraded amplifier. Apple claims this combo delivers greater detail and clarity across the full frequency range. And there is a definite improvement that even casual listeners will notice.
Even if you're someone who doesn't sweat a lot or who has worn their AirPods to they gym a few times without a problem, TJ doesn't recommend taking the risk. "You may get away with it once, or twice, or 100 times, but it only takes one time for your AirPods to be permanently damaged," he warns.
The verdict
I took these pods on a five-mile run and had no issues. If you are looking for an everyday headphone that can do it all, AirPods 3 is the way to go for its solid sound, above-average battery life and, my favourite feature, its comfortable, secure fit.
This means your Apple AirPods (3rd generation) and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have no dust protection rating, but are considered protected from splashes, drips, and sprays of water. Basically, if you get caught out in the rain, or you sweat a lot at the gym, these will perform without issue.
According to the Airpods designers; Apple Inc, this equipment is not to be used in or with water. So, if you are willing to use Airpods in the shower our advice for you is, please never do that.
With an in-ear design, AirPods Pro (gen 1 and 2) can become dirty more quickly than AirPods. But cleaning them is easy enough when you know what to avoid and what materials/tools are best.
Most notable during physical activities like exercises and workouts, sweat in the ears can be slippery enough to cause the earbuds to fall out. To prevent any sweat from entering the ears, consider wearing a sweatband or headband to absorb any sweat and prevent them from soaking your face and ears.
Load music onto a smartwatch to avoid carrying any devices.
Smartwatches have a limited amount of memory, but they can usually store enough songs to listen to during your run. Plug your watch into your computer or sync the music with your phone so you can listen to it offline.
Give your ears a break.
The World Health Organization suggests that people listen through their headphones for just one hour per day.
As mentioned, there are various why your AirPods keep disconnecting or cutting out such as congested connections, low battery power, running too many apps on the audio source, and distance between the AirPods and your source.