Are the Sony WF-1000XM5 waterproof?

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Short answer: water-resistant, not waterproof. The WF-1000XM5 has an IPX4 rating, which means they can handle sweat and splashes, but don't go swimming with them.

What IPX4 Really Means

IPX4 is splash protection. Think: sweat, light rain, water splashing from a sink. The earbuds are tested to withstand water spraying from all directions, but not submersion or heavy water flow.

What You Can Do

Gym workouts? Totally fine. Sweat won't hurt them, even during intense sessions. Just wipe them down afterward.

Running in rain? Light rain or a quick drizzle is okay. I wouldn't run a marathon in a thunderstorm with them, but getting caught in rain for a few minutes won't be a problem.

Accidentally drop them in water? Pull them out immediately. They're not meant for dunking, but brief exposure shouldn't kill them if you dry them properly.

What You Shouldn't Do

Swimming. Not even close. No pool, no ocean, no lake. IPX4 is not for submersion.

Showering. That's a direct water stream, which exceeds what IPX4 is designed for.

Heavy rain for extended periods. The earbuds can handle some rain, but prolonged exposure to heavy rain is pushing it.

The Case Isn't Protected At All

This catches some people off guard. The earbuds have IPX4, but the charging case has zero water resistance. Keep that thing dry. Don't leave it in your gym bag pocket with a sweaty towel, don't set it on a wet counter, and definitely don't bring it near the pool.

If They Get Wet

Accidents happen. Here's what to do:

1. Take them out of your ears immediately
2. Gently shake out any water
3. Wipe them dry with a soft cloth
4. Let them air dry completely (not in the case, just out in the open)
5. Don't charge them until they're 100% dry
6. Don't try to speed things up with a hair dryer. Heat damages electronics.

Give them several hours or overnight to dry before using them again.

Is IPX4 Enough?

For most people, yes. The WF-1000XM5 isn't marketed as a sports earbud, but IPX4 covers normal use cases: gym, running, daily life where things might splash.

If you need earbuds specifically for swimming or water sports, you'll want something rated IPX7 or higher. Those are designed for actual submersion. The WF-1000XM5 is designed for world-class audio and noise cancellation. Water protection is just enough to handle everyday situations.