How long do AirPods last? This is a question on many users’ minds. Have you ever been listening to an audiobook or podcast on your AirPods and worried that the battery would run out?
This guide will give you a detailed breakdown of the battery life of each AirPods model and introduce methods you can use to extend the life of your AirPods.
Brief Introduction of AirPods
As Apple’s iconic wireless earbuds, AirPods have won over countless fans with their portability, sound quality, and seamless compatibility with Apple devices. However, like other Apple products, battery life and longevity remain key concerns for users, such as the iPhone 16’s battery life.
By 2025, AirPods will have launched four major series and six main versions, including AirPods 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd.
Whether you’re listening to music or audiobooks on your commute or immersing yourself in Spotify audiobooks at a café, knowing how long your AirPods will last is crucial for planning your usage.
How Long Do AirPods 1st Last?
AirPods 1st were released in 2016 as the first wireless earbuds, offering seamless connectivity with Apple devices. Please note that AirPods 1st generation are now discontinued.
Battery life per charge:
- Music playback time: Up to approximately 4.5 hours.
- Talk time: Approximately 3.5 hours.
- The charging case provides over 24 hours of total listening time.
After the earbuds are fully charged, placing them in the charging case for 15 minutes allows for approximately 3 hours of music playback.
Overall service life:
- The battery life of AirPods 1st generation is approximately 1.5 to 2 years.
- After this period, each music listening session may be reduced to less than 1 hour. Call time is shorter. The battery life of the earbuds is significantly reduced, and they need to be charged frequently.
How Long Do AirPods 2nd Last?
AirPods 2nd were released in 2019. Compared to the first generation, it added voice activation for Siri, an optional wireless charging case, and slightly improved battery life.
Related: “Hey Siri” Not Working? Fix It with 10 Ways Easily
Battery life per charge:
- Music playback time: Up to approximately 5 hours.
- Talk time: Up to approximately 3 hours.
- When used with the charging case, the total listening time of over 24 hours, or up to 18 hours of talk time.
Overall service life:
- The battery life of AirPods 2 is typically between 2 and 3 years.
- After a period of use, the battery life of the earbuds will decrease to less than 2 hours. Battery consumption is faster during calls, and the device may automatically shut down in less than an hour. When the battery is severely degraded, it will only last for a short time even when fully charged.
How Long Do AirPods Pro Last?
The Lifespan of AirPods Pro 1st
Battery life per charge:
- Up to approximately 4.5 hours of music playback in noise-canceling mode.
- Up to 5 hours of music playback with noise-canceling mode off.
- Talk time: Up to approximately 3.5 hours.
- With charging case: Provides over 24 hours of total listening time and 18 hours of talk time.
Overall service life:
- Approximately 1.5 to 2 years.
- After this period, noise cancellation performance may diminish, and battery life may decrease to less than 2 hours. Some users may experience crackling or static noise, but Apple offers a free repair service program.
The Lifespan of AirPods Pro 2nd
Battery life per charge:
- Noise-canceling mode for music listening: Up to 6 hours.
- With noise-canceling mode off: Up to approximately 7 hours.
- Talk time: Up to approximately 4.5 hours.
- With charging case: Total listening time: 30 hours, talk time: 24 hours
Overall service life:
Compared to the first generation, the overall lifespan has been extended to approximately 2–3 years. After prolonged use, you may experience a decline in noise-canceling performance, reduced battery life, and the inability to replace the battery on your own.
How Long Do AirPods 3rd Last?
The AirPods 3rd generation was released in 2021, positioned between the AirPods Pro and AirPods 2nd generation. It features a “semi-in-ear” design without noise cancellation, but offers significant improvements in battery life and audio quality. The design is similar to the Pro model, supports spatial audio, and delivers better sound quality and battery life.
Battery life per charge:
After a full charge. It can:
- When listening to music with spatial audio enabled, battery life lasts up to 6 hours.
- When making calls, battery life lasts up to 4 hours.
- When used with the charging case, battery life lasts up to 30 hours.
Overall service life:
- The average battery life is 2 to 3 years.
- Music playback time has decreased to 1 to 2 hours.
- The battery drains quickly during calls, sometimes running out within half an hour.
- Fast charging performance has weakened, and charging speed has slowed down. Battery level display is inaccurate; the earbuds show 30% remaining even when they are out of power.
LightningX VPN: Make Listening to Audiobooks Safer and Smoother
No matter how long your AirPods battery lasts, a secure and stable network connection can take your audiobook experience to the next level. LightningX VPN offers the perfect solution for AirPods users, especially when using them on public Wi-Fi. Its advantages include:
- Data Security: Using advanced algorithms like WireGuard, Shadowsocks, VLESS, and more, it adds an extra layer of protection to encrypt and safeguard your personal information, preventing leaks on public networks.
- Smooth Experience: Optimized servers reduce buffering, ensuring seamless playback of music or podcasts.
- Simple and User-Friendly: One-click connection, compatible with all devices, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, TV, Linux, Chrome, and seamlessly integrates with AirPods.
Imagine using AirPods to listen to a science fiction book while LightningX VPN protects your data in the background and ensures uninterrupted audio streaming. No matter how long your AirPods last, LightningX VPN makes your listening experience safer and more enjoyable.
How to Extend Your AirPods Lifespan?
No matter how AirPods are updated and upgraded, the lithium batteries they use will gradually lose capacity after 2-3 years of daily use.
How long AirPods last depends not only on how often you use them, but also on your daily maintenance habits. Here are some practical tips to help you extend the life of your AirPods:
Avoid overcharging: Avoid leaving your AirPods charging continuously. Once fully charged, disconnect them promptly to minimize battery wear. Charge them promptly when the AirPods indicate “low battery.”
Clean the earbuds and charging case: Regularly clean the charging contacts on the earbuds and charging case with a soft cloth or cotton swab to prevent dust from affecting charging efficiency.
Store in a clean, dry place: Keep your AirPods in a cool, dry environment to protect the battery health.
Use them appropriately: Reduce prolonged use, high volume playback, and frequent toggling of noise cancellation to slow down battery aging.
Conclusion
AirPods are convenient wireless earphones, but their battery life and overall lifespan require careful maintenance. By understanding the battery life and proper care of your AirPods, you can enjoy a longer-lasting experience. If your earphones are showing signs of wear and tear, you can visit Apple’s official website to purchase a new model.
