If you own—or are thinking about buying—AirPods, you may be wondering how long AirPods actually last. The answer depends on two things: daily battery life and overall lifespan over years of use.
This article breaks down both, explains what affects AirPods longevity, and shares tips to help them last longer.
Average Lifespan of AirPods
On average, AirPods last 2–3 years before battery degradation becomes noticeable.
Because AirPods use small, non‑replaceable lithium‑ion batteries, their capacity decreases over time. Once battery health drops significantly, performance declines—and replacement usually means buying a new pair.
Battery Life Per Charge (By Model)
Here’s how long AirPods last on a single charge when new:
| AirPods Model | Listening Time | With Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods (1st & 2nd gen) | ~5 hours | ~24 hours |
| AirPods (3rd gen) | ~6 hours | ~30 hours |
| AirPods Pro (1st gen) | ~4.5 hours | ~24 hours |
| AirPods Pro (2nd gen) | ~6 hours | ~30 hours |
| AirPods Max | ~20 hours | ~20 hours |
⚠️ Battery life decreases with age and usage.
How Long the Charging Case Lasts
The charging case typically lasts 3–4 years, often outliving the earbuds themselves. However, frequent charging cycles will eventually degrade the case battery too.
What Shortens AirPods Battery Life?
Several factors can reduce how long AirPods last:
- Frequent full charge cycles
- High volume levels
- Active Noise Cancellation (Pro models)
- Extreme heat or cold
- Leaving AirPods fully discharged
- Constant use without rest
Signs Your AirPods Are Wearing Out
You may notice:
- Much shorter listening time
- One AirPod draining faster than the other
- AirPods dying at 20–30%
- Charging inconsistencies
- Overheating while charging
These are common signs of battery aging.
Can You Replace AirPods Batteries?
❌ Not easily.
AirPods batteries are not user‑replaceable. Apple does offer:
- Battery service (for a fee, often close to replacement cost)
- Single AirPod replacement if only one fails
For most users, replacing the entire set is more cost‑effective after several years.
How to Make AirPods Last Longer
Battery Care Tips
- Keep volume below 80%
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Store AirPods in the case when not in use
- Don’t leave them at 0% for long periods
- Update firmware regularly
Usage Tips
- Turn off ANC when not needed
- Alternate between devices if possible
- Clean AirPods to prevent overheating
How Long Do AirPods Last Compared to Other Earbuds?
AirPods have a similar lifespan to other true wireless earbuds. The difference is Apple’s tight ecosystem integration—but battery wear affects all wireless earbuds similarly.
When Should You Replace AirPods?
Consider replacing them if:
- Battery life is under 1–2 hours
- Charging issues are constant
- Repairs cost nearly as much as new ones
- You want improved features or sound quality
Final Verdict
- Daily battery life: 4–6 hours per charge (model‑dependent)
- Overall lifespan: About 2–3 years
- Charging case lifespan: Around 3–4 years
AirPods are designed for convenience, not longevity—but with good charging habits, you can maximize their usable life.
