How long do AirPods last without the case?

Answered by Tom Adger

The AirPods are wireless earbuds that offer a convenient and portable audio experience. One of the primary concerns users have is the battery life of the AirPods when not in the case. On a single charge, the AirPods can last up to 5 hours of listening time or 3 hours of talk time.

This means that once fully charged, you can enjoy up to 5 hours of continuous music playback or 3 hours of uninterrupted phone calls. Of course, the actual battery life may vary depending on factors such as the volume level, the type of content being played, and the overall usage pattern.

If you find yourself running low on battery and don’t have access to a charging cable or a power source, there is a potential solution. By simply placing the AirPods back into their case and charging them for just 15 minutes, you can extend the listening time to up to 3 hours or talk time to up to 2 hours.

This quick charging feature can be incredibly useful, especially when you’re in a hurry or on the go. For example, if you’re about to head out for a jog and realize your AirPods are low on battery, a quick 15-minute charge in the case can provide you with enough power to enjoy your music during your workout.

It’s important to note that the case itself also has its own battery, which can hold multiple charges for the AirPods. So, if you’re not using the AirPods and keep them stored in the case, you can expect to have additional listening or talk time available when you need it.

In my personal experience, the battery life of the AirPods has been quite reliable. I typically use them for listening to music while working or commuting, and I find that the 5-hour listening time is sufficient for my needs. However, there have been occasions when I’ve needed to charge them during the day, and the quick charging feature has come in handy.

To summarize, the AirPods can last up to 5 hours of listening time or 3 hours of talk time on a single charge. With just 15 minutes of charging in the case, you can extend the listening time to up to 3 hours or talk time to up to 2 hours. The actual battery life may vary, but overall, the AirPods offer a decent battery performance for wireless earbuds.