How far can AirPods be away from phone? Have you ever considered this? We all been there where you move away from your phone before the sound starts to get cut off. But is anyone really measured it at one point? Let’s put it to the test and see how far AirPods really reach
AirPods can sustain their Bluetooth connection from 120 to 164 feet. Which is 36.5 to 50 meters away. This will depend on the generation AirPods you have, their condition and your iPhone condition as well. These rates are based on apple official statement.
How far can AirPods be away from phone? Range of AirPod Models
Below is a table of all AirPods models and it shows how far can AirPods be away from the phone
AirPods Model | Range in feet | Range in meters | Bluetooth type |
AirPods Max | 164* | 50* | 5.0 |
AirPods Pro | 164 | 50 | 5.0 |
AIrPods 3rd Generation | 130 | 39.6 | 5.0 |
AirPods 2nd Generation | 120 | 36.5 | 5.0 |
If you’re looking to purchase a new pair of AirPods and are concerned about the range, below is a detailed explanation of each AirPods model and their range.
How far AirPods reach? The long explanation version
Not all AirPods have the same range. The newer generations of AirPods have a more extended range than their predecessors, and this is understandable and predictable as technology improves over the years.
AirPods 2nd generation
AirPods 2nd generation or the first generation of AirPods has a range of 120 feet or about 36.5 meters. This will obviously be effected by blocks in the way, for example if you move between rooms, trees or other things that block the line of sight between the AirPods and the iPhone, this range can be lower.
Here’s a nice video review testing the range of the AirPods 2nd generation
While the 2nd generation is the oldest AirPods model available, it still uses the same chip and Bluetooth type as the other models, but obviously, the technology over the years have gotten better, this is why the range of these is shorter.
AirPods 3rd Generation
The third generation of AirPods or AirPods 3 saw an improvement. AirPods 3 have a range of 130 feet or 39.6 meters which is a nice improvement from the previous generation.
Similar to the 2nd generation, the third generation and beyond all use H1 chips. These offer far better connectivity and range as we previously mentioned.
AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro is the latest and most advanced ( before the Max ) and similar to the previous models it uses the same chip and the same Bluetooth type.
However, here it’s where it gets interesting as these models all have the same chip and Bluetooth technology, however, the AirPods Pro have a longer range of 164 feet which is 50 meters.
Here’s a quick video showing how far can AirPods be away from the phone.
A few important things to note are the distance estimates can vary greatly based on the real world conditions, so take these ranges with a grain of salt. A few things that can and will effect your range are:
- If you’re connected to devices other than Apple, you’re going to have a lower range. Some Android users claim the AirPods cut off beyond 10 meters.
- The environment is another factor that plays a crucial role. You can come close to the maximum range if you’re in an open area with fewer trees, walls, or obstacles. But in closed spaces, the distance will drop considerably.
Does the Bluetooth Version affect the AirPods range?
The wireless connectivity in AirPods is maintained via Bluetooth. It’s a short-range wireless technology that’s standardized for cross-device use. The company behind it, Bluetooth Special Interest Group, releases newer versions of Bluetooth with added features.
And, yes, the Bluetooth version does have an impact on range. The first AirPods adopted the Bluetooth 4.2 version, while its successors were powered by Bluetooth 5.0 ( You can’t get the first AirPods anymore )
Bluetooth 5.0 has four times more coverage than 4.2. Theoretically, it can reach a range of up to 200 meters. But practically, that isn’t feasible because of various constraints.
How to extend AirPods range
To use the AirPods for the maximum range, consider these few tips that will help you make the most out of your headphones.
- If you can, make sure there are no distractions blocking the way between you and the iPhone
- If you have other devices and not an iPhone or apple product, your range will decrease dramatically.
- Make sure your Bluetooth is ON and stable.
- Stay within the recommended range of each AirPods model for best usage.
Conclusion
AirPods range varies significantly among models and real life scenarios. You may get connectivity of only 120 feet with older generations while someone else using the newer Pro or Max will be able to talk even at a distance of 164 feet. It all depends on the physical environment and device.
Frequently Asked Questions About AirPods Range
AirPods may disconnect from the iPhone when you’re outside the range area. If you’ve exceeded the maximum range, it’s obvious that AirPods will disconnect. Incompatible software is another reason why the two devices may disconnect.
If the battery on the AirPods is low, it may also cause the earbuds to disconnect from the iPhone.
You cannot extend the AirPods range more than the one specified in the manual. For example, you cannot go beyond 164 feet if that’s the maximum range and in most cases the AirPods will disconnect after this range regardless of the model.
You can, however, maximize the range by clearing the obstacles. Outdoors, you’ll have a higher range than indoors. That’s because the waves can travel more freely.
AirPods do not need the case to work. So AirPods will work even if the case is far away outside the specified maximum range. You’ll only need the case when the charge is low.