If you are ready to ditch the tangled cords and finally invest in a pair of AirPods, you may wonder just how hardy they really are. Can they handle daily use? What if one falls out of your ear, or if you drop the case with the AirPods inside?
On average, AirPods can withstand the abuse of daily use, including drops from several feet high. While there are some instances in which AirPods have broken when dropped, this isn’t typically the case because of the way the earbuds are designed.
Items that travel with us throughout the day tend to endure more abuse than the ones that sit at home. And with a hefty price tag, you don’t want to invest in a gadget that will easily break from an accidental fall. Read on to find out how much AirPods can handle, and if they will break if dropped.
Do AirPods Break if Dropped?
Questioning the durability of a new gadget is a valid concern that many consumers have. Especially one that requires you to spend a bit more than you normally would. After all, you don’t want it to break only a couple of weeks after making the purchase.
When it comes to AirPods, you can rest easy. While Apple has not made any official statements regarding the durability and drop resistance of AirPods, many others have taken it upon themselves to analyze the design of the earbuds and conduct their own drop tests.
The results? AirPods were designed with the possibility of them being dropped in mind. The lightweight design of the AirPods mixed with the durable outer coating helps to protect the inner components from impact damage. So much, in fact, that the battery is more likely to be the cause of your AirPods dying out on you before damage from dropping them ever is.
But that doesn’t mean that they still can’t break if dropped. If your AirPods fall from a high distance and land on a hard surface, there is a higher chance of them breaking or the inner components becoming damaged.
Can AirPods Be Damaged If Dropped in the Case?
Just like the AirPods themselves, the case they come in is also quite durable. In fact, this is the best way to keep your AirPods protected from impact damage and getting misplaced.
The case is made from a lightweight plastic with a closing mechanism that prevents the earbuds from falling out. However, there have been situations where the case was dropped and the AirPods were ejected. If this happens then the AirPods could sustain some damage.
How To Know If Your AirPods Are Damaged
If your AirPods suddenly won’t connect, are producing static or stuttering, won’t charge, or are not putting out any sound at all, this could mean that they are damaged or broken.
Your best option here is to take the AirPods to an Apple Store for some troubleshooting or to get a replacement. You could also contact Apple Support to discuss your service options over the phone.
Cases That Can Protect AirPods From Drop Impacts
Because of their size, AirPods are easy to drop and lose track of. Just like with a phone, the best way to keep your AirPods safe from damage is to get them a reliable case. But what if your case has incurred some damage as well? Or maybe you’re looking for something that feels a bit more reliable?
Though AirPods come with a case, you may need a replacement at some point, especially if you are prone to dropping it. Here are some of the best AirPods cases to considered to protect from impact damage:
- Soft Silicone Case from R-fun
- Vault Case from Caseology
- Urban Fit Case from Spigen
- Wireless Charging Case from Apple
- Tough Armor Case from Spigen
- Hard Shell Protective Case from MOBOSI
Many of these have a sleek design that will easily fit into a pocket or purse. When searching for the right case you’ll want to keep in mind aspects such as charge, style, size, and shock resistance.
Related Content: Can AirPods Go in the Sauna?
Final Thoughts
This article should have given you an idea of whether your AirPods will break if dropped. AirPods have slowly become a must-have accessory for iPhone users since their relace in 2016. While the technology has improved each year, they still aren’t completely impact resistant (yet). However, the outer layer of the earbuds and the case they come in can help prevent any damage to the inner components if a fall should occur.