Bluetooth headphones are becoming the norm for mobile users. One of the best things about these devices is the portability feature. You don’t need to worry about entangling the cables anymore. It’s particularly useful when you’re on the go.
We hate it when our headphones get tangled up. You don’t need to worry about it if you can get a pair of wireless headphones. Apple AirPods is one of the most popular wireless headphones in the market right now. It’s Apple’s offering of truly wireless earbuds.
Apple AirPods have an excellent sound quality and good battery life. However, while buying wireless headphones, you need to be aware of their range if that’s important to you. Wireless headphones have a specific range. They don’t work outside that range. So how far can Apple AirPods reach?
Find out about this and much more in this article so you can realize whether an Apple AirPod is for you or not.
What is the range of Apple AirPods?
Now, let’s talk about AirPods’ range. When we talk about the range of wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, there is an optimal and maximum range involved. AirPods can be used even beyond the full range sometimes. But using them within the optimal range yields the best results.
Apple recommends that the optimal range of the AirPods is 30-60 feet (10-18 meters). In our tests, we got the best results from them within 40 feet. You can expect a similar outcome. This means you can use your AirPods without carrying the device within this range.
Some users tested the device beyond 60 feet and said it works just fine. However, there is no official confirmation to support that claim. You will not find a stable wireless connection at that range.
Apple AirPods work with many devices, i.e., iPhones, iPads, Macs, Windows PCs, Android smartphones. But obviously, they work more seamlessly with the Apple devices.
The Bluetooth technology of the connected device affects the range of the AirPods slightly. You should also note that the earbuds may have some connection and stability issues with other devices (non-Apple devices). Let’s take a look at the maximum range of different Bluetooth technologies.
- Bluetooth 3 can work up to 33 feet (10 meters)
- Bluetooth 4 can work up to 200 feet (60 meters)
- Bluetooth 5 can work up to 800 feet (240 meters)
Apple AirPods use Bluetooth 5 technology. But that doesn’t mean you can use your AirPods 800 feet away from your device. How far you can go depends on a lot of factors. Just use the AirPods within the Apple recommended range for the best results.
There isn’t any significant difference between the 1st gen and 2nd gen of AirPods. So, if you pick a 1st gen AirPod, you will get the same range as the 2nd gen. There are other differences, though.
Features of the AirPods
Performance
Apple AirPods have a stable and robust connection, especially with Apple devices. Apple’s H1 headphone chip enables fast connectivity and switching between active devices. Apple claims the H1 chip allows 2 times faster switching between devices.
Battery life
Apple AirPods have decent battery life. You can expect around 3 hours of talk time and 5 hours of playback time. The AirPods charging case is lightweight and stylish. You can get approximately 18 hours of playback time with a fully charged AirPods case.
Simplify your tasks
You can use certain features of your iPhone without taking it out with the help of your AirPods. You can talk to Siri, change the song track, check the weather, receive calls, and many other features by tapping on the earbuds.
Pros & Cons of AirPods
Pros:
- Apple H1 chip provides high-quality sound
- You can use features like Siri without pulling your phone out of pocket
- AirPods have sweat and water-resistance
- You can recover the lost AirPod through ‘find my iPhone.’
- It comes with a decent battery backup
- You can get 3 hours of audio playback and 2 hours talking with a 15 minutes charge
- If one of the earbuds falls out accidentally, the content will be paused immediately
- AirPods can be connected with Apple devices easily
Cons:
Frequently Asked Questions
AirPods can work effectively while you work out. It has dust and sweat resistance. So, when you work out, you don’t have to worry about damaging your AirPods from sweat. AirPods stop playing when either of the earbuds falls out.
As far as falling out is concerned, you will be okay if you’re into running and walking. But if you do weight lifting, running and gymnastics, the earbuds will probably fall out. AirPods are effective while working out, depending on the type of workout you do.
What are the differences between AirPods and AirPods Pro?
AirPods Pro is the premium version of the AirPods. You will get some premium features that are unavailable on the AirPods.
Active noise cancellation feature:
AirPods Pro blocks external noise to listen to songs without disturbance. You can double tap on the earbuds to complete different commands. The double tapping command can be customized. You can tap on the earbuds twice to wake up Apple’s voice assistant-Siri, play/pause the sound track, switch between tracks.
Sweat-resistance:
AirPods Pro is better than the regular AirPods in terms of sweat resistance. If you do light workouts like running, walking, simple stretching, pushups, and so on- you will have no issues. You don’t have to worry about your AirPods being damaged because of sweat.
Customizability:
AirPods Pro comes with extra ear tips so you can find the perfect fit for yourself. AirPods Pro also comes with a larger charging case. If you like engraving the case, AirPods Pro gives you a better option. Apple allows 22 character engraving on the AirPods Pro case compared to 14 characters on the AirPods case.
Smaller pressure valve:
AirPods Pro has a more advanced design and internals. It uses smaller pressure valves, so the pressure from the sounds is reduced while you’re listening to music. It saves you from the discomfort of wearing high-pressure headphones. So you can listen to music longer without discomfort.
Stylish and sleeker design:
AirPods Pro is a bit smaller than the original AirPods and has a better design.
Battery life:
AirPods Pro has decent battery life. But it is inferior to the AirPods 2nd gen. The 2nd gen AirPods have 5 hours of battery life and extra 19 hours from the charging case. AirPods Pro lasts 4.5 hours on battery and extra 19 hours with the charging case.
High power Bluetooth range:
The AirPods make use of the latest Bluetooth technology. It ensures that the users get a decent coverage.
Final words
As far as wireless range is concerned, AirPods have decent coverage. They will work excellently within 40 meters of your device. However, it can vary depending on the environment. If you have many walls between you and the device, the connection will be disrupted. It also depends on the Bluetooth version of your device. An older Bluetooth technology will hold you down from getting the best range from your AirPods.