When it comes to wireless earbuds, Apple’s AirPods have set the standard for convenience, sound quality, and design. One of the key considerations for many users is battery life. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating than running out of juice in the middle of a workout or during a long commute. So, which AirPods has the longest battery life?
Understanding AirPods Battery Life
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand how Apple measures battery life for its AirPods. According to Apple, battery life is based on testing conducted with a pair of AirPods and a single charge, with volume set to 50%. The tests were conducted with the AirPods connected to an iPhone or iPad, and the battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and other factors.
Apple also provides guidelines for charging and maintaining AirPods battery life. For example, storing your AirPods in their charging case when not in use can help preserve battery life. Regularly cleaning your AirPods and charging case can also help maintain optimal performance.
AirPods (1st Generation) Battery Life
The original AirPods, released in 2016, had a battery life of up to 5 hours of listening time and up to 2 hours of talk time on a single charge. While this may seem limited by today’s standards, it was a groundbreaking achievement at the time. The charging case provided an additional 24 hours of battery life, making it possible to enjoy up to 30 hours of listening time with a fully charged case.
AirPods (2nd Generation) Battery Life
The second-generation AirPods, released in 2019, saw a significant improvement in battery life. Apple touted up to 5 hours of listening time and up to 3 hours of talk time on a single charge. The charging case still provided an additional 24 hours of battery life, bringing the total to up to 35 hours of listening time.
AirPods Pro Battery Life
The AirPods Pro, also released in 2019, took battery life to the next level. With active noise cancellation and transparency mode, Apple managed to squeeze out up to 4.5 hours of listening time and up to 3.5 hours of talk time on a single charge. The charging case still provided an additional 24 hours of battery life, bringing the total to up to 34.5 hours of listening time.
AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case Battery Life
In 2020, Apple introduced the AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case, which added a new dimension to battery life. With the MagSafe Charging Case, Apple achieved up to 5 hours of listening time and up to 4.5 hours of talk time on a single charge. The charging case still provided an additional 24 hours of battery life, bringing the total to up to 37 hours of listening time.
AirPods 3 Battery Life
The latest addition to the AirPods family, the AirPods 3, boasts an impressive battery life. Apple claims up to 6 hours of listening time and up to 4 hours of talk time on a single charge. The charging case provides an additional 30 hours of battery life, bringing the total to up to 36 hours of listening time.
Which AirPods Has the Longest Battery Life?
Now that we’ve covered the battery life of each AirPods model, it’s time to answer the question: which AirPods has the longest battery life?
| AirPods Model | Battery Life (Listening) | Battery Life (Talk) | Total Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods (1st Generation) | Up to 5 hours | Up to 2 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| AirPods (2nd Generation) | Up to 5 hours | Up to 3 hours | Up to 35 hours |
| AirPods Pro | Up to 4.5 hours | Up to 3.5 hours | Up to 34.5 hours |
| AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case | Up to 5 hours | Up to 4.5 hours | Up to 37 hours |
| AirPods 3 | Up to 6 hours | Up to 4 hours | Up to 36 hours |
The AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case takes the top spot with up to 37 hours of total battery life. This is thanks to the improved charging case, which provides an additional 3 hours of battery life compared to the standard AirPods Pro charging case.
The AirPods 3 comes close, with up to 36 hours of total battery life, but falls short of the AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case. The AirPods (2nd Generation) takes third place, with up to 35 hours of total battery life.
Additional Tips for Maximizing AirPods Battery Life
While understanding the battery life of each AirPods model is essential, there are some additional tips to help you maximize your battery life:
- Use Low Power Mode: Enabling Low Power Mode on your iPhone or iPad can help reduce power consumption and extend AirPods battery life.
- Turn Off Active Noise Cancellation: If you’re not using active noise cancellation, turn it off to save battery life.
- Remove Dirt and Debris: Regularly clean your AirPods and charging case to ensure optimal performance and battery life.
- Store Your AirPods Properly: Store your AirPods in their charging case when not in use to help preserve battery life.
By following these tips and choosing the right AirPods model for your needs, you can enjoy extended battery life and uninterrupted listening time.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right AirPods for your needs, battery life is a critical consideration. With the AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case offering up to 37 hours of total battery life, it’s the clear winner for those who need extended battery life. However, the AirPods 3 and AirPods (2nd Generation) are still excellent options for those who want a balance of performance and battery life. By understanding the battery life of each AirPods model and following our additional tips, you can maximize your AirPods battery life and enjoy an uninterrupted listening experience.
Do AirPods Pro have a longer battery life than AirPods 2?
The AirPods Pro and AirPods 2 have similar battery lives, but the AirPods Pro have a slight edge. The AirPods Pro have up to 5 hours of listening time and up to 3 hours of talk time on a single charge, while the AirPods 2 have up to 5 hours of listening time and up to 3 hours of talk time. However, the AirPods Pro have a more efficient battery life due to their active noise cancellation feature, which can help prolong battery life.
It’s also worth noting that the AirPods Pro come with a wireless charging case, which can provide up to 24 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation turned off and up to 18 hours with it turned on. The AirPods 2 also come with a wireless charging case, but it provides up to 24 hours of battery life without active noise cancellation.
Can I use AirPods for long flights or road trips?
Yes, you can use AirPods for long flights or road trips, but you’ll need to plan ahead and prepare your charging strategy. A single charge of AirPods can last up to 5 hours, which may not be enough for long trips. However, you can use the charging case to top up your AirPods and get additional listening time.
For example, if you’re on a 10-hour flight, you can use your AirPods for 5 hours, then put them back in the charging case for 15-30 minutes to get an additional 1-2 hours of listening time. You can repeat this process to get up to 24 hours of battery life with the charging case.
Do AirPods Max have the longest battery life of all AirPods models?
Yes, AirPods Max have the longest battery life of all AirPods models. They have up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is significantly longer than the AirPods Pro and AirPods 2. This is due to their larger size, which allows for a more substantial battery.
The AirPods Max also come with a Smart Case that puts them in an ultra-low power state to help conserve battery life. When you’re not using your AirPods Max, you can put them in the Smart Case to save battery life.
How do I charge my AirPods?
You can charge your AirPods using a Lightning connector and a USB-C power adapter. Simply plug the Lightning connector into the charging case and the USB-C end into a power adapter, such as a wall outlet or a computer. You can also charge your AirPods wirelessly using a Qi-compatible charging mat.
Make sure to place the charging case on the charging mat correctly, as it may not charge if it’s not aligned properly. It’s also important to use a Qi-compatible charging mat, as not all wireless charging mats are compatible with AirPods.
Can I use my AirPods while they’re charging?
No, you cannot use your AirPods while they’re charging. You’ll need to put them back in the charging case and wait for them to charge before you can use them again. However, you can use one AirPod while the other is charging, which can be useful if you need to take a call or listen to music while the other AirPod is charging.
It’s also worth noting that you can quick-charge your AirPods, which can give you up to 1 hour of listening time with just 5 minutes of charging.
Do AirPods have a battery life indicator?
Yes, AirPods have a battery life indicator that shows how much battery life is left in your AirPods and charging case. You can check the battery life indicator on your iOS device, such as an iPhone or iPad, or on the charging case itself.
To check the battery life indicator on your iOS device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and look for your AirPods. You’ll see a battery level indicator next to the AirPods icon. You can also check the battery level on the charging case by opening it near your iOS device.
Can I replace the battery in my AirPods?
No, you cannot replace the battery in your AirPods. The batteries in AirPods are fixed and cannot be removed or replaced by users. If your AirPods’ battery life is no longer meeting your needs, you may need to consider replacing them or taking advantage of Apple’s battery replacement program.
Apple’s battery replacement program provides battery replacement for AirPods for a fee, which varies depending on your location and the type of AirPods you have. You can contact Apple support to learn more about the program and see if you’re eligible.