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NickyValentine

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Aug 7, 2023
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Are AirPods Max good for running and sweat or will they eventually die like my AirPods do?

What do people run/exercise with as far as headphones go
 
Are AirPods Max good for running and sweat or will they eventually die like my AirPods do?

What do people run/exercise with as far as headphones go
I wouldn't want to exercise in AirPods Max, much less run. They're hot, they are not IP rated for sweat or moisture and they're heavy.

Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, Beats Studio Buds, Beats Studio Buds +, and Beats Fit Pro are all sweat and water resistant. Powerbeats Pro and Beats Fit Pro also have the same H1 chip as AirPods which gives all the advantages that offers.
 
It depends on the intensity of your workout. My old AirPods kept falling out with slightest amount of sweat/movement. I would not even consider AirPods Max for fitness purpose, just too bulky in my opinion. Other than that, they are not really designed for working out.

I'm using Beats Fit Pro these days. They were made for fitness and they work well in Apple ecosystem. Just one negative that is totally unrelated to their performance, no wireless charging.
 
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I use my AirPods Pro all the time for working out and really enjoy them, but using my Max in that setting would likely mean replacing the $69 ear cushions fairly often. It just seems like such an odd choice, though I see a surprising amount of folks with them (or knockoffs) at my gym.
 
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Are AirPods Max good for running and sweat or will they eventually die like my AirPods do?
I love mine, but I would absolutely not recommend them for running or exercising. They're rather heavy and the earpads will make you hot. Sweat will probably also condense in the ear cups.

If moisture is an issue I'd pick something with good sweat/water resistance, and personally I'd go for something light of the in-ear variety.
 
I would not consider APM for anything more than a walk. They are not water resistant, and they are too heavy and bulky for training IMO. That said I don't think they would die as you said, your sweat wouldn't be in direct contact with the hardware so it would take quite a lot to kill them. Still, I don't think they are great fitness headphones

I currently workout with AirPods Pro, but honestly I don't think it's the greatest experience because they fall if I'm sweaty or if I move too fast. It might be just me, it depends how good they fit in your ears. I think the Powerbeats Pro are the best dedicated fitness headphones designed by Apple/Beats, but I didn't have the chance to get them so far.
 
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Yeah this. I really don't get why people think it's a good idea.

Then add the fact the APM have those cushion style cups. Imagine the grossness of the sweat building up on them. Unless someone is washing them after every work out which I doubt!
 
Are AirPods Max good for running and sweat or will they eventually die like my AirPods do?

What do people run/exercise with as far as headphones go
Imagine wearing a big pair of wool earmuffs on a hot summer day. That gives you an idea of the torture that awaits you if you go running in APM. But if it’s winter time, that might work.
 
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I had used Airpods Max in gym a few times - before selling them as the price does not justify the product. I gotta say that they were terrible when working out, especially with exercises like bench press and others when you lie down, I constantly felt like they will slide off my ears.
 
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Working at your desk: Get the Max, the noice cancellation is great.

Running/hiking: Air Pods Pro if you want to stay Apple, but I currently use the Shokz OpenRun. Running equals wind and these are the best 2 I've tried.

Indoors: Powerbeats Pro Wireless. Lock on your head fantastically well. The Shokz would do the job too and they're cheaper than the Apple / Powerbeats options.
 
I have no AC at home and there are always a few days (maybe 2-4 weeks) per year, when it's really very hot and I get sweaty ears just from my Bose NC25.
I do wonder if that is enough to kill the APMs.
 
Don't use APMS for anything more than a gentle walk.

Why do people even consider using these for gym/hard exercise?

They're expensive.

They're metal (and easily scratch if knocked/dropped).

They have known condensation issues for some users which will be 10x worse exercising.

They're heavy.

Just...no.

If you want over-ear headphones then go for something cheaper like Beats or Sony XM4s.

If you want in-ear (best option) then go for Beat Fit Pro or Powerbeats Pro. AirPods/AirPods Pro seem to fall out often.
 
I've never heard of 404media.co, so I was not sure if I should even link to it....
It's a new group formed out of the ashes of Vice's Motherboard I believe. I would basically take everything of theirs with a grain of salt for a while because they will be desperate for as much virality as possible to establish themselves and build a readership. Perverse incentives and all that.
 
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As per RTINGS...

The Apple AirPods Max have passable breathability. Due to their over-ear design, they trap some heat, which can become uncomfortable over time.

That is over time under "normal" circumstances.
 
I wouldn’t use mine for exercise. I could barely keep them on one day when I tried to use them whilst I was doing housework. I lasted about 40 minutes and then gave up and just used my AirPods Pro. They kept falling off.
 
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