Summary
- The Sony WF-1000XM5 headphones have an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them resistant to light rain and sweat.
- These headphones are not completely waterproof and may not be suitable for heavy rain or swimming.
- Although they are not waterproof, the IPX4 rating of the WF-1000XM5 is comparable to most competitors on the market.
Quick response: No, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are not completely in the waterevidence. However, they are IPX4 rated, meaning they can withstand conditions like light rain and a little sweat. We could call them water resistant, but not waterproof.
The Sony WF-1000XM5, Sony’s latest true wireless earbuds, follows the successful and critically acclaimed WF-1000XM4. Aside from being Sony’s flagship offering in the true wireless segment, the XM5 also has big shoes to fill thanks to the popularity of its predecessor.
As you would expect from a flagship, the Sony WF-1000XM5s are packed with features and also boast several improvements across the board, from improved sound quality to a sleeker, slimmer profile. Unfortunately, the list of upgrades does not include improved water resistance capabilities.
How waterproof are the Sony WF-1000XM5 headphones?
The Sony WF-1000XM5 maintains the same level of water resistance as its predecessor, with an IPX4 rating. This rating signifies the headphones’ ability to withstand minor splashes, such as light rain or the occasional splash of water near the pool. This means that the Sony WF-1000XM5s are not really waterproof.
While this is not problematic in itself, it is essential to note that the Sony WF-1000XM5 may not be your ideal choice if you plan to use it in heavy rain. And wearing them on a trip to the pool is a definite no. However, since no one really expects people to walk around in the pouring rain or swim while wearing their wireless earbuds, most manufacturers generally don’t make them completely waterproof, as demand for this feature increases. specific is not that high.
So while it may be disappointing to learn that a high-end product like the WF-1000XM5 isn’t waterproof, its IPX4 rating is standard among most competitors. That means most of their competition, including the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, aren’t waterproof either, which some may find strangely reassuring.
I accidentally dropped my Sony WF-1000XM5 headphones in the water. What do I do now?
Accidents happen and you may accidentally drop your XM5 earbuds in water. Although these headphones are designed to resist splashing water, it is important to remove them immediately from the water and dry them. Leaving them in water for too long can damage the electronic components and render them unusable. If you end up dropping these heads in water, here’s what you need to do to make sure they continue to work:
- Remove the earphones from the water and gently shake them to remove any excess water.
- Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris.
- Dry the headphones with a clean, soft cloth.
- Place the earphones in a bag of rice or silica gel to help absorb moisture.
- Leave the headphones in the bag for at least 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, check the headphones to see if they are dry. If they are still damp, continue drying them in the bag for another 24 hours.
Once the headphones are completely dry, you can try turning them on. If they are working properly, you are good to go!
It is also important to note that the Sony WF-1000XM5 charging case is not water resistant. So if you drop the charging case in water, you’ll need to dry it separately. However, its chances of survival are much lower than IPX4 rated headphones.
What are my options if I want waterproof true wireless earbuds?
While it’s rare for true wireless earbuds to support anything other than an IPX4 water resistance rating, if you really want your earbuds to be completely waterproof, there are a handful of options to consider.
Among the most notable are Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (IPX7), Jabra Elite 7 Pro (IP57), and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 (IP57). Note that these IP57 rated earphones offer the same degree of penetration protection as those rated IPX7. The “5” in IP57 only indicates that they are also rated 5 for dust resistance, so the IPX7 and IP57 ratings mean that these headphones are designed to survive for 30 minutes in 1 meter deep water.
If you want your earbuds to have even more comprehensive water-resistance capabilities, you’ll need to ditch the TWS form factor in favor of neckband-style earbuds. In fact, we’ve listed some of the best waterproof headphones and earphones for swimming in a dedicated article. Other waterproof headphones to consider include the Zygo Solo, Sony Waterproof (IP68), Shokz Xtrainers (IP68), and Finis Duo (IPX8).
SonyWF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are Sony’s flagship true wireless earbuds. These headphones have an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them able to withstand a light drizzle as well as intense, sweaty workout sessions. In addition to featuring Sony’s renowned noise-canceling technology to block out ambient noise, the WF-1000XM5s have also been redesigned to provide more comfort than their predecessors.
