Stop wearing your AirPods at the gym
AirPods seem like ideal workout headphones — you often forget you're wearing them, and they fit snugly into most people's ears.
Apple's own advertising has shown people running while wearing AirPods.
But you really shouldn't wear AirPods while exercising. They are not sweat-proof or water-resistant.
With no official IP rating against water or dust, you should not expect your AirPods to survive a prolonged period of time in contact with liquid, like sweat.
Water damage is not covered by Apple's warranties, so expect to pay $70 to replace each broken AirPod.
If the AirPods case happens to get damaged from your sweat, it costs $60 to replace the normal case, and $70 for the new wireless case that launched this year.
Not everyone sweats the same, so some people may not have any issues working out with AirPods. But just know that if you do choose to work out with them, you don't have Apple's warranty as a safety net.
Aside from the possibility of water damage causing them to fail, Apple's AirPods just aren't great for noise isolation. This means you'll need to crank up your music to hear it over the sounds of treadmills, machines, and people — and that's not good for your ears.
Other active headphones and earbuds do a better job at creating a seal around your ear to limit background noise. I personally recommend Master & Dynamic's MW07's if you want wireless earbuds, since those are advertised as "splash-resistant."
If you prefer wireless over-ear headphones for working out like I do, you'll love Urbanears' Hellas, which only cost $60.
Even more exercise-friendly AirPods alternatives are on the horizon, like Beats' Powerbeats Pro, and JBL's Endurance Peak.
Apple may release water-resistant AirPods down the line, but the first two generations of AirPods are not safe from your sweat. Bringing them to the gym, while convenient, is rolling the dice.
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