AirPods, Apple’s wireless earbuds, have become a popular accessory for iPhone and Apple Watch users. One of the most common questions about AirPods is how long they last.
On a single charge, AirPods can last up to five hours of listening time or two hours of talk time. The charging case provides multiple charges, extending the total listening time to 24 hours and talk time to 18 hours.
Additionally, the charging case is designed to be very efficient, and AirPods can get up to three hours of listening time or an hour and a half of talk time with just 15 minutes of charging.
It’s important to note that the battery life of AirPods can be affected by several factors. The volume level and usage patterns can impact the battery life, as well as the age of the AirPods and the charging case. Over time, the battery capacity of AirPods can degrade, reducing their total listening time.
However, Apple offers battery service for AirPods, allowing users to replace their batteries for a fee. Additionally, Apple’s Battery Health feature can help users monitor the battery life of their AirPods and the charging case, providing insights into their usage patterns and battery capacity.
Here is a comparison of the different Apple AirPods and their battery life.
| AirPod | AirPod Case | |||
| % of Battery | Listening Time | Talk Time | Listening Time | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd Gen) | 100% | 5 hours | 3 hours | 24 hours |
| Apple Airpods (3rd Gen) | 100% | 6 hours | 4 hours | 30 hours |
| Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Gen) | 100% | 6 hours | 4.5 hours | 30 hours |
| Apple Airpods Max | 100% | 20 hours | 20 hours | (No Charging Case) |
Related: Why Do My AirPods Die So Fast? Reasons And Solutions
Apple AirPod Models
- The Apple AirPod (Second Generation) is the oldest model Apple offers and has the least features compared to more recent models. It has an H1 chip that enables automatic switching. It also has a lightning charging case.
- The Apple AirPod (Third Generation) – Has more features than the second-generation AirPod. New features include Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and a force sensor. It is also sweat and water-resistant.
- The Apple AirPod Pro (Second Generation) is a new AirPod that uses an H2 chip that packs more features than the third-generation AirPod. Added features include Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive transparency, touch control, and a MagSafe Charging Case with a speaker and lanyard loop. It also sweats and is water-resistant, making it perfect for working out.
- The Apple AirPod Max – This over-ear headset has the same features as an Airpod pro but has more talk and listening time abilities.
Related: How to Find Lost Airpods that are Offline? Here Are Your Options
Table Of Contents
Airpods Battery Life
Apple Airpods are ideal for use while you are on the go. The charging case is reliable for power as you do your daily routines. This power is time-limited, so you need to know how much use you have left of your Apple Airpod.
Below is how much charge you have left on your Apple AirPod before the percentage drops to zero.
How Long Do AirPods Last on 50 Percent
On 50% of charge on your Airpods battery, the listening time on the various models is as shown below;
- Apple AirPod (2nd Gen) – 2 hours 30 minutes
- Apple AirPod (3rd Gen) – 3 hours
- Apple AirPod Pro (2nd Gen) – 3 hours
- Apple AirPods Max – 10 hours
Talk time at 50%Â is as follows in the four models of AirPods
Apple AirPod (2nd Gen) – 1 hour 30 minutes
Apple AirPod (3rd Gen) – 2 hours
Apple AirPod Pro (2nd Gen) – 2 hours 15 minutes
Apple AirPods Max – 10 hours
Related: Why Do My AirPods Keep Pausing? Reasons & Solutions
How Long Do AirPods Last on 25 Percent
On 25% of charge on your Airpods battery, the listening time on the various models is as shown below;
- Apple AirPod (2nd Gen) – 1 hour 15 minutesÂ
- Apple AirPod (3rd Gen) – 1 hour 30 minutesÂ
- Apple AirPod Pro (2nd Gen) – 1 hour 30 minutesÂ
- Apple AirPods Max will have 5 hours
Talk time at 25%Â is as follows in the four models of AirPods.
- Apple AirPod (2nd Gen) – 45 minutesÂ
- Apple AirPod (3rd Gen) – 1 hourÂ
- Apple AirPod Pro (2nd Gen) – 1 hour 9 minutes
- Apple AirPods Max – 5 hours
Related: Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting? Reasons & Solutions
How Long Do AirPods Last on 20 Percent?
On 20% of charge on your Airpods battery, the AirPods are running low, and you may get a low warning notification on your iPhone indicating that you charge your AirPods to continue using them. However, they still have some functionality.Â
On 20% of charge on your Airpods battery, the listening time on the various models is as shown below;
- Apple AirPod (2nd Gen) – 1 hour
- Apple AirPod (3rd Gen) – 1 hour 12 minutes
- Apple AirPod Pro (2nd Gen) – 1 hour 12 minutes
- Apple AirPods Max will have 4 hours
Talk time is as follows in the four models of AirPods.
- Apple AirPod (2nd Gen) – 36 minutes
- Apple AirPod (3rd Gen) – 48 minutes
- Apple AirPod Pro (2nd Gen) – 54 minutes
- Apple AirPods Max – 4 hours
Related: How to Connect Two AirPods to One Phone?
How Long Do AirPods Take to Charge
The charging time for Airpods may vary across the generations of Airpods.
The Apple AirPod (2nd Gen) will provide 3 hours of listening time with only 15 minutes of charging. The Apple AirPod (3rd Gen) will have 6 hours of listening time with a single charge. The Apple AirPods Max will have 1.5 hours of listening time with a quick 5-minute charge.
Charging time to 100% capacity will be as follows for the different generations of Airpods;
- Apple AirPod (2nd Gen) – 25 minutes of charge in the AirPod case
- Apple AirPod (3rd Gen) – 30 minutes of charge time in the AirPod case.
- Apple AirPods Max – 1hr 10 minutes of charging using a lightning cable.
Related: Why Are My AirPods So Quiet? 6 Reasons & The Corresponding Solutions
How to Increase Airpod Battery Life
AirPods will give you quality sound output when listening to music, making a phone call, or even asking Siri questions without touching your iPhone mobile device. However, all these functions reduce battery life. You can use the following methods to increase the AirPod battery life.
- Ensuring that you store Airpods in their case to utilize the 24-hour long battery life of the AirPod case. It is important to note that you can only charge your AirPods through the charging case. You can use the methods listed on this website to find your AirPod case if it gets lost.
- Avoid opening the AirPod case unnecessarily to avoid unnecessary activation of Bluetooth, which drains the battery life.
- Keep the AirPod case topped off every time you get the opportunity.
- Practice not running your Apple AirPods to 0% charge. Charging the AirPod before reaching the low battery warning can help extend its useful life.
- Turn off the innovative features integrated into the AirPod, like Automatic Ear Detection.
- Keep the AirPod and case away from extreme temperatures since they may damage the batteries.
- Try using one AirPod at a time to maximize the use of the charge in the AirPod case.
- If any of these methods fail to prolong battery life, you can utilize Apple Care to repair your AirPod, which may be faulty.
Related: How To Change Name On AirPods? A Step-By-Step Guide
AirPods Pro Battery Life Check,
The AirPods Pro is a new range of wireless headsets that give you up to 6 hours of listening time and up to 30 hours while using the MagSafe Charging case. If you are wondering how to know the battery charge level in your AirPod Pro, you can use the following methods.
Method 1 – Open your AirPod Pro case: When you open the AirPod case, make sure your iPhone is close to the case. Wait for a few seconds and observe the screen of your iPhone. A pop-up window appears on the bottom half of your iPhone screen, showing the charge level for both the AirPods and the charging case.
Method 2 – Use the iPhone Widget Functionality: Click on ‘edit’ on the widget screen of your iPhone and locate the battery widget. Click to add it to your widget list, then click ‘done’ on the top right of the screen. In the widget’s battery section, you can view the battery levels for the Airpods and the charging case.
It is important to note that the charge for the AirPod case only appears when at least one AirPod is in it.
Related: Beats Studio Buds Vs. AirPods Pro – Which one is Right For You?
AirPods Battery Replacement
If you notice that the Apple AirPod battery takes a lot of time to charge, it may indicate a faulty battery. Repairing or replacing AirPods battery will require technical knowledge and know-how.
Fortunately, you can get Apple support to replace or repair your AirPods batteries for free at an apple service center if you have an AppleCare+ warranty.
However, it is essential to note that Apple servicing does not cover batter wear due to regular use. In addition, the servicing agents determine if your Apple Airpod and charging case hold less than 80% of the battery’s original capacity.
Related: Raycon vs. AirPods – Which Earbuds Are Right For You?
How Many Years Does an Airpod Last?
Airpods last for three years before requiring to replace them. While Apple AirPods are generally durable, continuous charging causes the small lithium-ion batteries to experience cycling, thus reducing the charge they can hold. It results in the wear of the batteries reducing the overall lifespan of the AirPods.
As this happens, you will notice that the listening time will gradually reduce from 3-5 hours to 1-2 hours. When this happens, it may be time to get some new AirPods or upgrade to newer generation AirPods that keep a charge longer.
Related: AirPods Pro Vs. AirPods 3 – A Detailed Comparison
How Often Should I Change My AirPods?
Apple makes AirPods durable, but their lifespan eventually ends, and their overall functionality drops, especially when charging.
You can change your AirPods anywhere between two to three years, depending on how well you maintain the AirPods and if you are a daily user.
You can change your AirPods depending on when you feel this functionality has decreased. For example, when the AirPods give you 1-2 hours of listening time and it takes more than 2 hours to charge the AirPod to full capacity.
Changing your AirPods (2nd Gen) will cost you $129, AirPods (3rd Gen) will cost you $169, and AirPods Pro will cost $249.
Related:Â Are AirPods Waterproof? All You Need to Know
Conclusion
Apple has made improvements to the AirPod since the release of the first generation of Airpods in 2016. The Airpods have improved in listening time and talking time, less time is taken to charge, and inclusion of more useful features like active noise cancellation and automatic ear detection.
In addition, Apple engineers the AirPods to be durable and provide the user with a range of features that ensure effective hands-free use of the iPhone. To maintain this functionality, Apple supports its users with an AppleCare+ warranty that covers issues that may arise when using the AirPods.
