Apple has released several models of AirPods, and they are one of the most popular earbuds on the market. These wireless earphones offer the best in all features, including battery life and how fast they charge. However, you have to keep them charged up before using them. So, how fast do AirPods charge?
Apple does not have an official number on how long it takes their AirPods to charge, but generally, AirPods charge pretty fast. Reports from different users and numerous tests suggest that it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to charge the AirPods and up to 60 minutes to change the AirPods Pro from 0 to 100%.
While for most people, when a battery-powered device charges so fast, it means one thing: the battery is dying. However, this is not always the case, particularly now that technology has advanced. Keep reading to learn more about what makes Apple AirPods charge so fast.
How Are Apple AirPods Able To Charge So Fast?
One of the reasons many people love the Apple AirPods is because it charges so fast. But why does it charge so fast? One of the reasons attributed to the fast charging nature of the Apple AirPods is its miniature lithium-ion batteries. Because the battery is small, it makes it easy for the current to move from the charger to the battery, thus experiencing less current resistance.
Another reason the Apple AirPods can charge so fast is because they can achieve higher wattage than the average non-rechargeable lead battery. Watt is the unit used to measure power, and power is the rate at which energy is transferred. So, when the battery has a large energy transference capacity, it can easily be recharged.
Note that the wattage rating varies from AirPods generation to generation. But on average, an AirPod earbud holds around 93 mWh while the case can hold about 1520 mWh, totaling 1706 mWh.
Even though you use a good charger to get the AirPod to charge faster, it wouldn’t because it only draws the power it needs and not more.
Does AirPods’ Fast Charge Damage the Battery?
One concern many people have with Apple AirPods is that its battery will damage after a while because of its fast-charging nature. Every battery would typically deteriorate after a considerable amount of time. But on the contrary, fast charging would not damage the battery. So, because the AirPods charge fast does not mean the life expectancy of the AirPods battery will reduce.
Apple employed superior technological engineering in building the AirPods; its battery is capable of handling fast charging. And because generally, fast charging is not suitable for any battery long term, Apple integrated a system whereby the AirPods stop fast charging when it reaches 90% and above. So, it only charges fast for a brief period.
Knowing this, you can ease your mind if you are worried about the battery condition of your AirPods because of the fast charging nature. And even if your AirPod’s battery gets damaged, you can get a replacement service at an Apple Store close to you.
How Long Does an AirPods Battery Last?
When you fast charge a battery, intuitively, you expect the battery to discharge fast. However, the opposite is the case with AirPods. Though its batteries charge pretty fast, they have running hours. And when you have the earbuds and the case charged, you can get more run time from your AirPods.
Generally, on a single charge, the Apple AirPods offer up to 6 hours of listening time and up to 4 hours of talk time. However, the battery life of AirPods varies from generation and depends on features, volume, and many other factors. Below we compare the battery expectancy of two popular AirPods, the 2nd generation and the 3rd generation.
Here’s how long the AirPods 2nd generation battery last.
- Up to 3.5 hours of talk time.
- Up to 5 hours of listening time.
- With the charging case, you can get up to 18 hours of talk time.
- With the charging case, you can get up to 24 hours of listening time.
Here’s how long the AirPods 3rd generation battery last.
- Up to 4.5 hours of listening time when the ANC is on.
- Up to 5 hours of listening time when the ANC is off.
- With the charging case, you can get up to 20 hours of talking time.
- With the charging case, you can get up to 30 hours of listening time.
Conclusion
Regardless of the AirPods you use, it will charge fast every time. We recommend you fully charge your AirPods before using them, as this reduces the number of charges and discharge cycles known to damage all batteries quicker. You should also not overcharge the AirPods or allow the battery to get too low before recharging it.
If you can maintain your AirPods, you can use the battery for years without needing a replacement.
