I use my AirPods every day. Whether I’m listening to music, taking calls, or watching videos, they’re always in my ears. But one thing I always wonder is how long they actually last. Sometimes they run out of battery faster than I expect. Other times, they seem to go on forever.
I started paying attention to how long they work before needing a charge. I also checked how different settings and habits affect battery life. If you’re like me and want to get the most out of your AirPods, it helps to know what to expect. Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
How Long Can I Actually Use My AirPods Before They Die?
I use my AirPods daily, so knowing their battery life helps me plan. Each model lasts differently, and the features I use can change how long they last.
- AirPods (1st Generation): These last about 5 hours on a full charge. That’s enough for a long playlist or a couple of podcasts.
- AirPods (2nd Generation): They have the same 5-hour battery as the first version. No real upgrade here.
- AirPods (3rd Generation): These last a bit longer, about 6 hours, thanks to better efficiency.
- AirPods Pro: With Active Noise Cancellation on, they last around 4.5 hours before I need to charge them.
My case holds extra power, so I pop my AirPods in whenever I take a break. That way, they’re always ready when I need them.
How Long Can My AirPods Last Without a Charge?
I always wonder how long my AirPods will last when I’m out and about. They can last quite a while, but it depends on how I use them.
- Standard Usage: On a single charge, my AirPods can last anywhere from 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on the model and features.
- With the Charging Case: The case gives me several extra charges, bringing total listening time to over 24 hours.
So, even if I forget to charge them, my case has me covered for a full day of use.
How I Maximize My AirPods’ Battery Life
I’ve learned a few tricks to make my AirPods last longer. By taking care of them, I get more out of each charge.
- Adjust Volume Levels: Keeping the volume at moderate levels saves battery. I find that lower volumes don’t drain as fast.
- Disable Unused Features: If I don’t need Active Noise Cancellation, I turn it off. It helps my AirPods last longer.
- Regular Charging: I charge my AirPods regularly, even if I haven’t used them much. This helps keep the battery healthy.
- Store Properly: When I’m not using my AirPods, I always put them back in their case. This prevents unnecessary battery drain.
These small habits really help my AirPods last longer between charges.
How Long Do My AirPods Last on Low Battery?
I’ve noticed how my AirPods behave when their battery is low. Here’s what I’ve experienced.
- At 20% Battery: I get around 1 hour of listening time left.
- At 10% Battery: I usually have about 30 minutes before they shut down.
Of course, these times can change depending on what I’m doing with them, like listening to music or talking on the phone. Still, it’s good to know roughly how much time I have left when the battery gets low.
How I Extend the Lifespan of My AirPods
I want my AirPods to last as long as possible. A little care can make a big difference.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: I make sure to keep my AirPods away from heat or cold.
- Gentle Cleaning: I clean them regularly to avoid dirt buildup. It keeps them working well.
- Firmware Updates: I check for updates to improve battery life and overall performance.
Over time, the battery will naturally wear down. When that happens, I might consider professional battery service to keep them going.