The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds are water-resistant, but definitely not waterproof. There's an important distinction there.
They have an IPX4 rating, which means they can handle splashes and sweat. Normal gym sessions? Fine. Getting caught in light rain? Also fine. But don't jump in a pool with them or take them into the shower – that's going beyond what they're designed for.
The charging case has zero water protection, so keep that completely dry. Don't toss it in your gym bag next to a sweaty towel.
For everyday use, the IPX4 rating is practical. You can work out hard, deal with unexpected weather, and not worry about ruining your $330 earbuds. Just wipe them down after particularly sweaty sessions to keep moisture from building up around the ports and sensors.
If you need something for swimming, surfing, or really extreme conditions, the AirPods Pro 3 has better water resistance at IP57 – they can actually handle brief submersion. But for most people in most situations, the XM6's IPX4 is plenty.
One thing to keep in mind: water damage from going beyond the IPX4 rating won't be covered by warranty. So when you're in doubt, err on the side of keeping them dry.
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How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from 1 retailer in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Mar 18, 2026.
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