Chargers for AirPods: which ones work, tips and best options

The concept of AirPods has evolved since its first version, and so has the way in which users can fill their Apple headphones with autonomy. In this post we are going to tell you how you can charge each AirPods model at the same time that we are going to give you some options for it.

Chargers for AirPods

Charging times that AirPods have

We have just said that the way to charge the AirPods has evolved hand in hand with the headphones themselves, well, where it has not evolved much has been in the charging times of the headphones. Although seeing how long they take, they don’t really need it either, since with a few minutes of charging you will be able to enjoy your favorite music or podcast through the AirPods. Here we leave you how long each and every Apple headset takes to charge.

  • AirPods (1st gen.) : 15 minutes of charge gives you up to 3 hours of playback.
  • AirPods (2nd gen.) : 15 minute charge gives you up to 3 hours of playtime.
  • AirPods (3rd gen.) : 15 minutes of charge gives you up to 3 hours of playback.
  • AirPods Pro : 15 minutes of charge gives you up to 3 hours of playback.
  • AirPods Max : 15 minutes of charge gives you up to 4.5 hours of playback.

AirPods

What charging standard do AirPods use?

Although how you have been able to verify, except for the AirPods Max, the rest of the AirPods models have exactly the same charging speed. However, although this has not evolved, what has evolved has been the way of charging Apple headphones. It all started through the Lightning port, which is still present today, but wireless charging also makes an appearance. Next we leave you the way that the different models of AirPods have to charge.

  • AirPods (1st gen.) : Lightning port.
  • AirPods (2nd gen.) With charging case : Lightning port.
  • AirPods (2nd Gen.) With Wireless Charging Case : Lightning port and wireless charging.
  • AirPods (3rd gen.) : Lightning port, wireless charging and MagSafe charging.
  • AirPods Pro : Lightning port, wireless charging and MagSafe charging.
  • AirPods Max : Lightning port.

Some are also MagSafe

One of the novelties that the third generation AirPods brought and that the AirPods Pro also adopted is the MagSafe charging. This way of charging the battery of devices has been a constant in the history of Apple laptops. Later, it was transferred to iPhones from the iPhone 12 generation.

Well, now it is also present in the AirPods 3 and in the AirPods Pro , and predictably it will also be in all subsequent models. MagSafe charging is a wireless charge, but with a peculiarity, and that is that the adapter that is used remains fully attached to the device in question through the different magnets they have.

Lightning cables and adapters compatible with all

We begin with the compilation of accessories so that you have at your disposal at all times what you need to give you that kick of energy that your favorite headphones need. First of all, we put different cables and adapters on your table with which you will be able to charge absolutely all AirPods models.

Amazon Basics – Lightning to USB-A Cable

cable amazon

One of the basic ones that all users of Apple devices must have at their fingertips is a Lightning to USB-A cable, since despite the fact that the USB-C standard is increasingly present, many users continue to use power adapters with USB-A and, therefore, to be able to take advantage of these products, these cables come really well.

In this case it is the option of Amazon itself, which has a braided cable, something to take into account especially if you are one of those users who usually end up destroying the cables of Apple devices. It is available in two colors, this gray and another pink. In addition, it has a length of 1.8 m .

ESR USB C to Lightning Cable

ESR Cable USB C

Although we previously told you that it is necessary to have a USB A to Lightning cable, the reality is that Apple has long stopped providing USB A power adapters, moving to the USB C standard . Therefore, having at least one cable of this type is vital, both to be able to replace the Apple cables that you break and to use it as your daily use cable.

It has a length of 1 meter , ideal to place it on your bedside table or on your work desk. It is a braided cable, so you will have that extra durability that this type of product gives you. In addition, you have it available in different colors, this option in black and two more, in white and silver.

UGREEN Quick Charge 3.0 Charger

UGREEN USB A

Obviously, to be able to accompany the cables that we have just told you about, we also bring you a pair of power adapters. In this case, the one corresponding to the Lightning-USB A cable . The UGREEN brand is always one of the most charging accessories provided to all Apple device users, and the reality is the quality of its products is very high.

In this case it is an 18 W power adapter , so not only will you be able to charge your AirPods, but you can also use it to take advantage of the fast charging of devices such as the iPhone. It is available in two colors, this one in white, and another alternative in black.

UGREEN 20 W USB C Charger

UGREEN USB C

We continue with the UGREEN brand, but now to bring you the power adapter corresponding to the USB C-Lightning cable . You can also take advantage of this adapter with the charging cable that the headphones themselves bring you inside the box, a box that by the way does not include a power adapter, so if you do not have one at home you will have to get one as a requirement to be able to charge your AirPods, and this is one of the best options you can find.

In terms of power, it is capable of giving you up to 20 W , which will allow you to take advantage of the fast charging of other devices such as the iPhone and even the Apple Watch Series 7, although in this case you would have to use your own cable, obviously. In addition, it is available in two different colors, black and white.

Charging bases for Apple wireless

Now we are going with wireless charging, and as you know, from the AirPods 2 and except for the AirPods Max, these headphones can be charged wirelessly in the same way that you can charge the iPhone. Without a doubt, this is a convenience, since just by putting the case on top of the base you can charge your headphones. For this reason, below we leave you several very interesting options.

Belkin 3-in-1 BoostCharge PRO wireless charger

Belkin 3 en 1 One of the most popular charging docks out there for Apple devices is this one from Belkin. It is capable of giving each of the devices that you can place in it the power it requires to charge properly without damaging the battery. Its design is spectacular, being in total harmony with all the devices of the Cupertino company.

On the one hand, you will not only be able to place your AirPods on the base of it , but on its sides it has a MagSafe adapter, which will allow you to be able to charge two AirPods 3 or Pro cases at the same time, or the iPhone if you have with a model equal to or greater than 12. On the other side you can also place your Apple Watch to charge it comfortably. It is available in two colors, black and white, so you can choose the option that you like best.

Anker Wireless Charger

Anker Cargador inalámbrico

The charging bases in which you can place and charge different devices are really useful, as long as you have the devices that you can dock in it. For this reason, some users prefer wireless chargers like this one provided by the Anker brand, on which you can put your AirPods with wireless charging , as well as the iPhone or any device that enjoys this technology.

In this case, Anker provides up to 15 W of power , more than enough to properly charge your AirPods. It is an ideal option to be able to place on your desk or simply on your nightstand to be able to charge your devices whenever you want just by placing them on it.

Hoidokly 2-in-1 Wireless Charger

Hoidokly cargador

Charging bases are usually made up of three stations for three different devices. However, this HOIDOKLY option provides a fantastic solution for all users who have an iPhone and AirPods and want to charge both devices in the same place and at the same time.

It has two wireless charging surfaces , one for a mobile device and one for AirPods compatible with wireless charging. In addition, one of the most positive aspects of this charging base is that it provides an adapted charging speed so as not to damage the device’s battery and thus keep it in good condition for as long as possible. It is available in two colors, black and white.

Special mounts for AirPods Max

As we have told you at the beginning of this post, AirPods Max are the only ones that, as with the first version of AirPods, have no other way to charge them other than by connecting them to the Lightning cable, so in that case, the accessories we mentioned above also work perfectly for these headphones. However, we believe that it can be much more comfortable if you have a stand on which you can place your AirPods Max while charging them. In this way we provide you with the following options.

Walnut and Aluminum Headphone Stand

Soporte Auriculares Nogal

One of the points that stand out most of the AirPods Max, in addition to the fantastic sound and noise cancellation that they provide to all their users, are the manufacturing materials. Apple has used totally premium finishes for headphones that aesthetically do not leave anyone indifferent, therefore, if you are going to use a support for them and you do not want to break with that aesthetic line, this option is really ideal .

It is made of walnut wood and aluminum , which are two materials of a high quality and that, as we said, combine wonderfully with the manufacturing materials of the AirPods Max. In addition, they also give it that robustness that a product of this type needs. It is ideal to be able to hold the headphones on the desk and, why not, also charge them.

kaikki Silicone Charging Stand for AirPods Max

kaikki soporte de carga

The AirPods Max can only be charged by connecting them to a Lightning cable, but thanks to this kaikki brand support you will be able to place them on it to charge them and keep us upright at the same time, without having to leave them on any surface and occupy more space. It is undoubtedly one of the best solutions to charge the AirPods Max when you are not using them.

The material from which this charging stand is made is high-quality, durable and also ecological silicone, thus being very easy to always carry along with your headphones. They have a hole through which you can pass the charging cable. It is available in various colors such as black, midnight blue, red and dark green.

DISXKAER Magnetic charging stand for AirPods Max

DISXKAER soporte magnetico

We finish this compilation with, surely, the best way to charge your AirPods Max, and it is this magnetic charging stand . Aesthetically it fully maintains the line that Apple has marked with these headphones, since they have been specially designed for them, offering a vertical charging method.

It is made of high-quality silicone , and it is very easy to use, since you only have to insert the magnetic charging head into the headset, remove the power cable, adjust its length and fix the holder to the surface on which you want to place it. In this way, charging your AirPods Max vertically will be easier and more comfortable than ever.

Of all, what are the best accessories?

As we always do with this type of compilation, from the ITIGIC writing team we want to tell you what our preferences are. However, they are our personal choices, based on needs that may or may not be the same as yours, so we encourage you to decide which product or products are the best for you.

  • Best Lightning Cable: ESR USB C to Lightning Cable
  • The best adapter: UGREEN 20 W USB Charger C
  • Best foundation: Belkin BoostCharge PRO 3-in-1 wireless charger
  • Best Stand: DISXKAER Magnetic Charging Stand for AirPods Max