As an owner of Apple AirPods, I’ve often wondered how long they last before they die. Frustrated by the lack of clear information out there, I decided to do my own research and testing to find out the answer. Here I’m sharing my findings and other solutions I discovered to help answer the question: How long do AirPods take to die?
| Factors Affecting AirPods Lifespan | AirPods Gen 2 | AirPods Gen 3 | AirPods Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening Time | Up to 5 hours | Up to 6 hours | Up to 4.5 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Talk Time | Up to 3 hours | Up to 4 hours | Up to 3.5 hours | Up to 4.5 hours |
| Charging Case Extra Listening Time | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Battery Lifespan | 2-5 years (with regular use) | 2-5 years (with regular use) | 2-5 years (with regular use) | 2-5 years (with regular use) |
| Usage | Usage affects battery lifespan; using the microphone and going through multiple charging cycles can lead to faster battery degradation | Usage affects battery lifespan; using the microphone and going through multiple charging cycles can lead to faster battery degradation | Usage affects battery lifespan; using the microphone and going through multiple charging cycles can lead to faster battery degradation | Usage affects battery lifespan; using the microphone and going through multiple charging cycles can lead to faster battery degradation |
| Maintenance Tips | – Avoid letting battery reach 0% for extended periods |
Table of Contents
How long do AirPods take to die?
How long AirPods take to die depends on which model of AirPods are being used, the number of charging cycles the AirPods have been through, and the way you are using the AirPods.
- AirPods gen 3 have up to 6 hours of listening time and up to 4 hours of talk time. The charging case can give 30 hours of extra listening time to the AirPods 3.
- AirPods Pro have up to 4.5 hours of listening time and up to 3.5 hours of talk time. The charging case can give 24 hours of extra listening time to the AirPods Pro.
- AirPods Pro 2 have up to 6 hours of listening time and 4.5 hours of talk time. The charging case gives up to 30 hours of extra listening time. The charging case is the first case to also feature speakers and work with find my iPhone.
- AirPods gen 2 have up to 5 hours of listening time and up to 3 hours of talk time. The charging case can give up to 24 hours of extra listening time to the AirPods 2.
If you use the microphone, the AirPods will die faster. Also, if the AirPods have been through a lot of charging cycles, the AirPods will die faster as well. This is because the battery will degrade over time as they go through charging cycles.
Read more: Do alarms go off with AirPods?
What is the longevity of the battery in AirPods?
The batteries in AirPods are lithium-ion batteries. Generally, these batteries are meant to last for 2-5 years with regular use.
If you store them in very cold or very hot temperatures, the battery will degrade faster.
Also, allowing the battery to be at 0% charge for too long can also cause the battery to die permanently.
This is because the battery does need some charge in order to be able to actually allow itself to be charged. So, it is important to allow your AirPods to be at 0% charge for too long.
Having the battery at 100% of the time is also not ideal because it puts additional strain on the battery.
However, it is much better than allowing the AirPods to be at 0% charge for too long. So, for most people, the best option is to just leave the AirPods in the case when they are not being used.
Read more: How to stop AirPods from hurting?
How is the longevity of AirPods?
The lifespan of AirPods is mostly dictated by their batteries and how much you use them. With regular use, lithium-ion batteries should last for 2-5 years.
Many AirPod owners have found that these devices last approximately two years. However, the latest models were introduced too recently for anyone to definitively know how long they’ll last.
Like many mobile devices, AirPods contain lithium-ion batteries. Their lifespan varies considerably depending on how you use them, but most of these batteries last two to five years.
How to make AirPods last longer
It is important to avoid allowing the AirPods to fall to a 0% charge for too long. Lithium-ion batteries do need some charge to actually allow themselves to be charged.
If your AirPods are at 0% for too long, it might result in the battery becoming permanently broken.
Also, ideally, you would keep the battery at 20% to 80% charge most of the time.
To make this easier, Apple added a feature called Optimized Battery Charging to its 3rd generation AirPods. The Pro edition is also equipped with this feature.
If your earbuds have this capability, make sure it’s turned on (under “More Info” in Bluetooth device settings). It prevents excessive charging and keeps the charge level below 81 percent at most times.
Remember that using less power means your batteries will undergo fewer charging cycles. This is likely to extend their lifespan.
You can conserve energy by reducing the volume or turning off active noise cancellation (Pro model only). Consider using wired earbuds or headphones in places where you don’t really need to listen wirelessly.
Another way to extend your AirPods’ lifespan is to protect them from harsh conditions. Don’t let the earbuds or their case become wet.
Apple recommends using this product at temperatures ranging from 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and storing it at 14 to 113 degrees.
Avoid keeping AirPods in vehicles or unheated buildings, and don’t place them on surfaces exposed to direct sunlight.
Like any small wireless device, an AirPod is easy to lose or break. Watch out for crevices in furniture and holes in pockets.
Store the earbuds in their case whenever you’re not using them. If you lose the case, you can get a replacement from Apple, Target or Best Buy. Apple also replaces individual AirPods, so you don’t have to buy two if you lose one.
Also, the AirPods can get dirty over time. A soft piece of cloth is useful for this task. You’ll also need something long and narrow like a toothpick or cotton swab.
It’s important not to stab the earbud speaker when removing earwax and other grime. You can clean the exterior with a damp cloth, but don’t allow any water to get inside of your AirPods.
The AirPods Pro has silicone tips over its speakers. To clean these earbuds thoroughly, you’ll have to temporarily remove the tips.
Only use water to wash them, and ensure that you completely dry the tips before returning them to their original positions. You can purchase new silicone tips if necessary.
