What's actually in the box with AirPods

Most AirPods models come with a charging case but not a power adapter. You get the case itself, a USB cable, and the earbuds — but no wall plug. Apple stopped including power adapters with most products around 2020, and AirPods followed that pattern.

The specific cable depends on which AirPods you own. Standard AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) come with a USB-C to USB-C cable. Older models like AirPods Pro (1st generation) and AirPods Max come with a Lightning to USB-C cable instead. AirPods Max, the over-ear model, also includes a carrying case but still no wall adapter.

If you already own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you likely have a USB-C power adapter somewhere in your house. If you don't, you'll need to buy one separately — they're inexpensive and widely available.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods come with a charging case and cable but no wall power adapter, so you'll need to provide your own USB-C adapter or use an existing one.
  • Newer AirPods models use USB-C to USB-C cables, while older models use Lightning to USB-C, so check which generation you're buying.
  • Any standard USB-C power adapter will work — you don't need an Apple-branded one, and cheaper third-party adapters function identically.
  • If you're upgrading from older AirPods with Lightning cables, your old chargers won't work with new USB-C models.

Which AirPods models use which cables

Apple sells several AirPods versions, and the cable type changed partway through. AirPods Pro (2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), and AirPods Max all ship with USB-C to USB-C cables. These are the current models you'll find in stores.

AirPods Pro (1st generation) and AirPods (2nd generation) use Lightning to USB-C cables instead. If you own either of these older models, a USB-C to USB-C cable won't fit — the case has a Lightning port, not USB-C.

Check the port on the bottom of your charging case before buying a replacement cable. If it's a small rectangular connector, it's Lightning. If it's a rounded oval with pins arranged in a circle, it's USB-C.

What power adapter to buy if you don't have one

You need a USB-C power adapter with at least 5 watts of output. Apple's own 20W USB-C adapter works fine, but you don't need to buy Apple's version — any certified USB-C adapter at 5 watts or higher will charge your AirPods case at the same speed.

Anker, Belkin, and other third-party brands sell USB-C adapters for $10 to $25. Look for one that says "5W" or higher on the packaging. A 20W or 30W adapter will also work; it just won't charge faster than necessary, since the AirPods case only draws what it needs.

If you have an existing USB-C adapter from a phone, tablet, or laptop, test it with your AirPods case first. Chances are it will work, and you won't need to buy anything new.

How long the case takes to charge

A fully drained AirPods charging case takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes to charge completely with a standard 5W adapter. Using a higher-wattage adapter (20W or 30W) won't speed this up significantly, because the case itself only accepts power at a certain rate.

The case itself holds enough charge to refill your AirPods multiple times. A single full charge of the case typically gives you three to five complete charges of the earbuds, depending on the model and how you use them. This means you can go several days without plugging in the case if you charge it overnight.

Wireless charging as an alternative

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Max support wireless charging. You can place the case on any Qi-certified wireless charging pad instead of plugging in a cable. The case still comes with a USB-C cable in the box, so you have both options.

Wireless chargers are optional — they're convenient if you already own one, but not necessary. A wired USB-C connection will always be faster and more reliable than wireless charging. If you're considering buying a wireless charger just for AirPods, a standard wired adapter is cheaper and does the job just as well.

What happens if you lose or damage the cable

If your AirPods cable breaks or goes missing, you can buy a replacement from Apple or from third-party sellers. Apple sells official cables for around $19. Third-party USB-C to USB-C cables cost $5 to $15 and work identically.

Make sure you buy the correct cable type for your model. If you own AirPods Pro (1st generation), you need a Lightning to USB-C cable, not USB-C to USB-C. Check your case's port before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any USB-C cable to charge my AirPods?

Yes. Any standard USB-C to USB-C cable will charge your AirPods case. You don't need an Apple-branded cable or a special one — a $5 third-party cable works exactly the same as a $19 Apple cable.

Do I need to buy a power adapter separately?

Only if you don't already own a USB-C power adapter. If you have an iPhone 15, iPad, Mac, or other recent device, you likely have one. If not, any 5W USB-C adapter will work and costs $10 to $25.

Will my old Lightning cable work with new AirPods?

No. Newer AirPods models use USB-C, not Lightning. If you're upgrading from older AirPods, your old Lightning cables won't fit the new case. You'll need a USB-C to USB-C cable instead.

Is wireless charging worth buying for AirPods?

Only if you already own a wireless charger or use one regularly for your phone. A wired USB-C connection is faster and cheaper. Wireless charging is a convenience feature, not a necessity.

How do I know if my AirPods case uses Lightning or USB-C?

Look at the port on the bottom of the case. Lightning is a small rectangular connector. USB-C is a rounded oval shape with pins arranged in a circle. If you're unsure, check the model name on the back of the case or in your Apple account.