How long do owners say Apple AirPods typically last?

While smartphone buyers can easily find iPhone models that can last five years, they may not have the same luck with the AirPods models they pair with those iPhones. A review of various threads about the lifespan of AirPods and AirPods Pro models sold by Apple over the past few years shows that the wireless earbuds probably won’t last that long. Average lifespan is 2 to 3 years with regular use. Taking good care of AirPods, which may involve regular cleaning of the wireless earbuds and case, can extend their lifespan, but the main problem remains, and it’s not their durability. The main problem with AirPods is battery degradation. Regular use will inevitably impact battery life, as charge cycles accumulate and the battery degrades. AirPods can remain physically intact and functional for more than three years, but their battery life could render them unusable and force users to replace older models.

Reddit user hi_im_bored13 said in a thread about AirPods lifespan that their first-generation AirPods models “were still fully functional even five years later, albeit with significantly reduced battery life.” The same user explained that battery life had dropped to around an hour, down from three hours initially. They also said Apple would “replace” the AirPods battery for $50, a process that actually involves getting new AirPods.

Apple can repair AirPods when battery health is affected, but the total cost may be higher. As a reminder, each earphone has its own battery, just like the case. A total of three batteries will degrade over time and may need to be replaced. Buying a new model of AirPods would make more sense than paying to replace all three batteries.

The more you use it daily, the faster the battery will degrade. Reddit user DOOM98 said in a thread that someone who uses AirPods eight hours a day will “probably reduce the lifespan” by eight times more than someone who uses them for just an hour. The person explained that their AirPods lasted 18 months with about two hours of use per day, five days per week. During the pandemic, they increased their usage time to about eight hours a day during the week, and the batteries “died” in about three months. Battery life then dropped to 20-30 minutes.

According to a Reddit user, who has since deleted his account, there might be a way to reduce battery degradation. Users must charge the case without the earbuds inside, the person said. “Everyone I know who charges the case with the included pods has experienced much faster battery deterioration,” they said, speculating that removing the earbuds from the case reduces overall heat exposure, which can degrade batteries. The person owned second-generation AirPods at the time of the comment, saying they offered strong battery life after three years, despite using them for 4-6 hours daily.

Reddit’s Ryocoon explained in a more detailed comment that AirPods and similar products “experience issues within two years as the batteries begin to degrade,” depending on their usage. They also highlighted that cleaning the headphones “makes a difference” in ensuring they continue to provide a great sound experience. Reddit user UrAlexios also pointed out that cleaning AirPods is a key step in extending their lifespan, although they admitted that battery degradation cannot be avoided.

Apple currently sells three models of in-ear AirPods: AirPods Pro 3 ($249), AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation ($179), and AirPods 4 ($129). AirPods Pro 3 provide up to eight hours of listening time on a charge, and up to 10 hours when Transparency mode and hearing aid features are enabled. The charging case provides 24 hours of listening time. AirPods 4 with ANC last up to four hours (up to 20 hours total). AirPods 4 base models offer up to five hours of continuous listening time and up to 30 hours of total use.

Since battery degradation seems to be the main reason AirPods “die,” buyers looking for a new pair may want to consider the AirPods Pro 3 for longer listening time per charge. The AirPods Pro 3 may also be the model of choice for users who want to use them as low-cost hearing aids, but this type of use will likely degrade the battery faster since users will likely wear them for longer periods of time.

Purchasing AppleCare+ ($19.99 per year) seems like a good idea for any AirPods model to avoid battery service fees when eligible. Reddit user BlueFrozenSoul noted that AppleCare+ is “essential for AirPods” because it’s affordable and can extend their lifespan. The user said that towards the end of the two years, AirPods owners will be able to request a battery replacement. Redditor Boobmagazine noted that they wouldn’t buy a new pair without AppleCare+, after seeing two models die in two years of heavy use. According to Apple, battery replacement is free if the battery is below 80% capacity. Without AppleCare+, users would have to pay $50 for battery service.