Wireless vs Non wireless AirPods

The main difference between wireless and non-wireless AirPods is the way they connect to devices.

Wireless AirPods, also known as AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, connect to devices via Bluetooth technology. They are designed to work with Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs, as well as other devices that support Bluetooth connectivity. Wireless AirPods offer a cord-free experience and allow users to move around without any wires getting in the way.

Non-wireless AirPods, also known as AirPods with a Charging Case or AirPods with a Wireless Charging Case, are designed to be connected to devices via a physical cable. They come with a charging case that is used to charge the AirPods and keep them safe when not in use. Non-wireless AirPods are also compatible with Apple devices as well as other devices that have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

In terms of features and functionality, both types of AirPods offer similar features, such as touch controls, automatic pause and play, and the ability to activate Siri. However, wireless AirPods may have additional features, such as noise cancellation and spatial audio, depending on the model.

Table Of Contents

1 What is the Difference Between Wireless and Non-Wireless AirPods?
2 Is There a Difference Between Wireless and Wired AirPods?
3 Difference Between Wired and Wireless AirPods Charging Case
4 Apple AirPods Wireless Charger
5 Is it Worth Getting AirPods with a Wireless Charging Case?
6 How to Charge Non-wireless AirPods
7 Airpod Magsafe Vs. Wireless Charging
8 Final Thoughts: Are AirPods With Wireless Charging Worth It?

What is the Difference Between Wireless and Non-Wireless AirPods?

The evident difference between wireless and non-wireless Airpods lies in using a wired connection to utilize some functions of the iPhone, like listening to music, making calls, or using Siri.

Wireless Airpods have no wired connection to the iPhone. Non-wireless Airpods, on the other hand, have a wired connection that connects the Airpod and the iPhone.

On one end of the non-wireless AirPod is a lightning connector that provides the connection. There is also an option of getting a 3.5mm jack instead of the lightning connector. And you can use either of the connectors depending on the connection port on the iPhone device.

For an additional fee, Apple provides Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter and USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone jack adapter for $9.

Is There a Difference Between Wireless and Wired AirPods?

The difference between wireless and wired Airpods lies in using a wire to connect the AirPod and the mobile device. Apart from using a wire, there are also differences in functionality.

The following table shows how the two variants of AirPods compare.

	Wireless AirPods	Non-Wireless AirPods
Connectivity	Bluetooth	Wired connection with lightning connector or 3.5mm headphone plug
Compatibility	iOS 10 or later	iOS 10 or later
Functionality	It has a touch button and a Mic	Has remote and Mic
Charging	Wireless charge on Qi mat or through a lightning connector	It does not require charging
Durability	Sweat and water resistant	Sweat and water resistant
Noise Reduction	Active Noise Cancellation	No noise reduction functionality
Price	$249	$19

Difference Between Wired and Wireless AirPods Charging Case

The significant difference between wireless and non-wireless AirPods charging cases lies in the charging mode. The wireless charging case has an innovative technology (Qi wireless charging) that allows for the case to be charged by placing it on a charging mat. The none wireless case charges through a lightning cable.

Apart from the differences in the charging case, here are some other features of the charging case.

	Wireless AirPods	Wired AirPods
Charging Technology	Qi Wireless charging	Lightning cable and power adapter
Charging Case Design	Vertical case	Vertical case
Charging Case Dimensions	1.83’’ height, 2,14’’ width, 0.84’’ depth	1.83’’ height, 2,14’’ width, 0.84’’ depth
Charging apparatus	Lightning to USB-C Cable Apple Power adapter	Lightning to USB-C Cable Apple Power adapter
Charging Duration to capacity	Up to 1 hour	30 minutes
Price	$179	$169

Apple AirPods Wireless Charger

Apple AirPods can be charged using a Qi-compatible charging mat. All you need to do is place the AirPod case on the mat and let it charge. And if you’re wondering whether you can charge your AirPod case while the AirPods are inside, you can do so. They will not affect the wireless charging process.

And how will you know that the case is charged?

Check the LED indicator on the front of the case. If it is orange in color, then the AirPod is charging, and when the LED indicator turns green, then the case is fully charged.

While wireless charging of AirPods is easy and convenient, the charging time tends to be much slower than charging with the standard lightning cable. It may not be convenient when you wish to boost your AirPods’ charge quickly.

But you shouldn’t worry about this as Apple AirPods, such as the Apple AirPods (third generation) and Apple AirPods Pro (second generation), have dual charging capabilities. Therefore, they can be charged with a wireless or non-wireless charger. However, this dual charging functionality increases their price significantly.

Is it Worth Getting AirPods with a Wireless Charging Case?

AirPods with wireless charging are worth it. They are convenient because they remove the hassle of wires and outlets when charging. In addition, with the Qi mat, you can charge your iPhone device, provided it’s an iPhone 8 or later.

AirPods with wireless charging are convenient when you are on the go. It’s suitable for AirPod users in that they get more charging options.

The downside of the wireless charging case is that the initial cost of acquiring the Apple AirPod with wireless charging capabilities is high. In addition, you’ll have to be patient with the charging time, as wireless charging provides a slower charging rate than a lightning cable.

How to Charge Non-wireless AirPods

If your AirPods have a low charge, you can use the following steps to recharge.

Locate the charging port on the AirPod case and connect one end of a USB or USB-C lightning cable.
Plug the other end of the lightning cable into a USB port or power charging adapter with a USB port.
If you are using an adapter, plug it into a power outlet.
Check the LED indicator to see if the case is charging or not.

Charging with a lightning cable is fast compared to wireless charging. But if you want shorter charging times, you can use an iPhone USB charger or plug the lightning cable into a Mac.

Airpod Magsafe Vs. Wireless Charging

The Apple AirPod Pro has two types of wireless charging cases. There’s the AirPod Pro with a MagSafe charging case and the AirPod Pro with a wireless charging case.

The AirPod wireless charging feature is standard among the previous generation of AirPods. This charging method requires you to use a compatible Qi-certified charger to charge your AirPods. It functions well, although it has its limitations. They include,

Airpod devices with the wireless charge function have to be placed well on the charging mat for charging to take place.
The further you place the case away from the center of the mat, the longer it takes to charge.
Wireless chargers are not energy efficient; they use up more energy and are slow to charge AirPods.

Apple introduced the MagSafe as a way of solving the issue of unexpected disruptions or stopping during charging. It was a way to improve the wireless charging technology of Apple AirPods.

MagSafe has a magnet that holds the AirPod case on the MagSafe charger to minimize movements. For this added convenience, the AirPods with the MagSafe feature are slightly more expensive than the standard wireless charging cases.

Final Thoughts: Are AirPods With Wireless Charging Worth It?

Airpods with wireless charging provide the user with the convenience of eliminating the issue of bulky earphones. However, the cost of this convenience ($249) is far greater than the cost of getting a non-wireless AirPod at only $19.

In addition, with a non-wireless AirPod, you don’t get to worry about charging your AirPods as they have no charging functionality. You can just plug them into your compatible device and use them on the go.