AirPods typically last about 2 to 3 years before their battery capacity significantly degrades, which is primarily due to the lithium-ion batteries inside them losing charge capacity over time
. This lifespan corresponds to around 300 to 500 full charge cycles, after which the battery can hold less than 80% of its original charge
Battery Life per Charge by Model
- AirPods (1st gen): Up to 4.5 hours of listening or 3.5 hours of talk time per charge
- AirPods (2nd gen): Up to 5 hours listening and 3 hours talk time per charge
- AirPods (3rd gen): Up to 6 hours listening (without Spatial Audio) and 4 hours talk time per charge
- AirPods Pro (1st gen): Up to 4.5 hours listening with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on
- AirPods Pro (2nd gen): Up to 5 hours listening with ANC off per charge
- AirPods Max: Up to 20 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled
The charging case extends total usage time by providing multiple additional charges throughout the day
Additional Notes
- The AirPods Max, having a larger battery, may last longer overall-potentially 4 to 5 years before noticeable battery degradation
- Battery degradation is irreversible and influenced by charging habits and environmental factors
- Some users report AirPods lasting beyond 2-3 years with daily use, but battery life will diminish noticeably by then
- AirPods are difficult to repair or replace batteries in, so eventual replacement is common once battery life declines significantly
In summary, you can expect your AirPods to function well for about two to three years under typical usage before the battery life per charge noticeably decreases, necessitating replacement or battery servicing if possible.
