How Long Do AirPods Stay Charged?

AirPods have become exceedingly popular in recent times. With a minimalist design and compact packaging, AirPods are very convenient—and they’re reliable enough to last you the whole day.

However, you may be asking how long AirPods stay charged exactly. Whether you’re considering a pair or feel like you should be getting more life out of your current ones, we can help you understand your earbuds’ lifespan.

Your wireless earbuds’ lifespan depends on several factors, so if you’re wondering how long your AirPods should stay charged, we’re here to answer your questions.

What’s the Battery Life of AirPods?

The battery life of AirPods depends on the model and how the earphones are used. Earlier models have shorter battery life than newer models, but efficient practices can increase that life.

Turning off any unnecessary features can reduce the amount of energy your earbuds use. Lowering the volume and storing your earbuds when not in use prevents them from draining energy too quickly.

While using a full charge before recharging your earbuds is good practice, you should avoid fully discharging them. A deep discharge can decrease the battery’s overall capacity and reduce the usage time for the next charge.

It is best to charge your earbuds once they reach 20 percent. Your phone will notify you with a tone when they’ve fallen to 20 percent and another when they reach 10 percent.

Overcharging your earbuds can also reduce their lifespan. Charging fully charged AirPods can increase the stress on the battery, reducing its life. Later models have implemented optimized battery charging, limiting how much time your earbuds spend fully charged.

Avoid exposing your earbuds to extreme temperatures and shield them from dust and water.

How Long Does an AirPods Case Battery Last?

An AirPods case’s battery life depends on its model. Older models, such as the 1st and 2nd generations, will run out of charge quicker than newer models, such as the 3rd generation. To know your case’s charge, open the lid and check the status light. If the light is green, it is fully charged. If it is orange, it needs charging.

The less you need to charge your earbuds, the longer your case’s battery will last. Lowering your volume and keeping your earbuds in their case when not in use are ways to prevent them from dying quickly.

Battery cases are designed to last two years, but this lifespan can vary by user. If you constantly have to charge your earbuds, your case will begin to deteriorate sooner than later.

AirPods 1st and 2nd Generation

1st and 2nd-generation AirPods cases provide more than 24 hours of listening time and 18 hours of talking time. AirPods typically charge fully after 30 minutes and provide up to 5 hours of listening or 3 hours of talking time.

15 minutes of charge can provide up to 3 hours of listening or 2 hours of talking time.

AirPods 3rd Generation

3rd-generation AirPods cases provide more usage time than the previous two models. These cases give you up to 30 hours of listening and up to 20 hours of talking time. Fully-charged AirPods provide up to 6 hours of listening time or up to 4 hours of talking time.

A 5-minute charge can give you up to 1 hour of listening or talking time. These 3rd generation earbuds are also compatible with MagSafe technology for convenient wireless charging.

AirPods Pro 1st Generation

1st generation AirPods Pro cases provide up to 24 hours of listening or over 18 hours of talking time. Fully charged AirPods Pro provide up to 4 and a half hours of listening time with noise cancellation turned on, 5 hours with it turned off, or up to 3 and a half hours of talking time.

A 5-minute charge can give you up to 1 hour of use.

AirPods Pro 2nd Generation

2nd generation AirPods Pro cases provide up to 30 hours of listening or 24 hours of talking time. Fully charged AirPods Pro provide up to 6 hours of listening time with noise cancellation turned off or 4 and a half hours of talking time.

AirPods Max

The AirPods Max case doesn’t charge the headphones as they're charged via a lightning cable. However, keeping the headphones in their case when not in use is advised, as they will enter low power mode immediately and ultralow power mode after 18 hours.

Fully charged AirPods Max provide up to 20 hours of listening or talking time. A 5-minute charge provides around 1 and a half hours of listening time. Turning off active noise cancellation can increase usage time.

How Many Recharges Does a Fully Charged AirPods Case Provide?

A fully charged case is essential to keeping your earbuds charged throughout the day. One case should give you four recharges. Each recharge should give you 4 to 5 hours of usage, which can be extended by lowering the volume.

If your earbuds are not in the case, they will lose power, even if they’re not being used. Wireless earbuds constantly use Bluetooth to search for a device to pair to. To maximize battery life, place them inside their charging case when they’re not being used.

Why Is My AirPods Case Battery Not Lasting Very Long?

If your case battery lasts much shorter than its expected charge, then your case is likely deteriorating. Batteries have a certain lifespan, and the lithium-ion ones in AirPods cases begin to deteriorate after two years.

AirPods cases are designed to preserve the battery for as long as possible. They will slow their charging as they approach 97 percent and stop all charging once they reach 100. To further preserve the battery, let your case fully charge rather than charging it in small doses..

Can I Charge My AirPods Case While Using a Case Cover?

AirPods cases can be charged using a case cover. The covers provide protection and personality to your case but also have an opening to plug in your charger. They do not affect the charging potential of your case whatsoever and can provide much-needed protection.

Case covers protect your case from elements such as dirt or water, ensuring your batteries last longer. Case covers are also useful for protecting your device from bumps and falls. If you drop your unprotected case, you may need a replacement long before its batteries give up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will Fully Charged AirPods Last?

Fully charged AirPods are expected to last 4 to 6 hours. This amount will be less if you are using talking time or a high volume. A fully charged AirPods case should last 24 to 30 hours, ensuring your earbuds stay charged throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

The amount of time your AirPods stay charged depends on their model and how they are used. Minimizing unnecessary features and implementing efficient charging practices can maximize the life you get from your AirPods.

A well-taken-care-of pair of earbuds can last several hours, while a similar case can last over a day. Protecting your battery life is important, but you’ll also want to protect the outside of your case to extend its life. Casely has various AirPods and AirPods Max cases to fit your personality while ensuring your earbuds stay protected.