AirPods come with a Lightning cable but not a power adapter

Apple includes a USB-C to Lightning cable with most AirPods models, but does not include the wall plug itself. You will need to provide your own USB-C power adapter — the kind you may already have from an iPhone, iPad, or other device. If you do not own a compatible adapter, you will need to purchase one separately.

The exception is AirPods Pro (2nd generation), which ship with a USB-C to USB-C cable instead. The charging case itself is the same across all current models: a small rectangular box that holds the earbuds and charges them wirelessly or through the wired connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Most AirPods models include a Lightning cable in the box, but no wall power adapter.
  • AirPods Pro (2nd generation) include a USB-C to USB-C cable instead of Lightning.
  • You can charge the case using any USB-C power adapter you already own, or purchase one for $15 to $30.
  • The charging case itself supports both wired charging and wireless charging on a Qi-compatible mat.

Which AirPods models include which cables

AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (1st generation), and AirPods Max all ship with a Lightning to USB-C cable. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) switched to a USB-C to USB-C cable. In all cases, the cable is included but the wall adapter is not.

AirPods Max, the over-ear model, charges through USB-C and comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable. If you already own a recent iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you likely have a compatible USB-C power adapter in a drawer somewhere. Older AirPods models that used Lightning connectors are no longer sold new by Apple, but if you own them, the same USB-C adapter rule applies.

What power adapters work with your AirPods case

Any USB-C power adapter will work with AirPods Pro (2nd generation) or AirPods Max. For older AirPods models with Lightning cables, you need a USB-C power adapter paired with the included Lightning cable — the adapter converts wall power to USB-C, and the cable converts USB-C to Lightning.

Apple sells a 20W USB-C power adapter for around $19. Third-party adapters from brands like Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics typically cost $10 to $25 and work identically. The wattage does not matter much for AirPods — even a 5W adapter will charge the case, just more slowly than a 20W or higher model. Most people find that a 10W to 20W adapter strikes the right balance between cost and speed.

Wireless charging as an alternative

All current AirPods charging cases support wireless charging on any Qi-compatible mat. This means you can skip the cable entirely if you already own a wireless charging pad. Place the case on the mat and it will charge without plugging anything in.

Wireless charging is slower than wired charging — typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours versus 30 to 45 minutes with a cable. If you use your AirPods daily and need them ready quickly, wired charging is more practical. For overnight charging or a desk setup where the case sits on a mat all day, wireless is convenient and eliminates cable clutter.

How long the case takes to charge

With a USB-C power adapter and cable, the AirPods charging case reaches full battery in roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Wireless charging takes longer — between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on the mat and adapter power. The exact time varies slightly by model, but these ranges hold across AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd generation), and AirPods Max.

The case itself holds enough charge to refill your AirPods multiple times. A single full charge of the case will restore the earbuds from empty to full roughly 5 to 6 times, depending on the model. This means you do not need to charge the case every day if you charge the earbuds nightly. Many people charge the case once or twice a week.

Buying a power adapter if you do not have one

If you do not own a USB-C power adapter, you have two main routes: buy Apple's official 20W adapter, or buy a third-party option. Apple's adapter costs around $19 and is reliable but not faster than cheaper alternatives for charging AirPods.

Third-party adapters from Anker, Belkin, Amazon Basics, or similar brands cost $10 to $25 and work just as well for AirPods. Look for one rated for at least 5W output — anything higher is fine but unnecessary for the case alone. Many people buy a higher-wattage adapter (18W to 30W) because they plan to use it for phones or tablets too, making it a better long-term investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an old Lightning power adapter with my AirPods?

No. Old Lightning adapters connect directly to Lightning cables, but AirPods cases use USB-C ports. You need a USB-C power adapter paired with the included Lightning-to-USB-C cable (or USB-C-to-USB-C cable for AirPods Pro 2nd generation).

Will my iPhone charger work with AirPods?

Yes, if your iPhone is a recent model. iPhones 15 and newer come with USB-C, so their chargers work directly with AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Max. Older iPhones with Lightning adapters will not work unless you also have a USB-C adapter.

Is wireless charging slower than wired?

Yes. Wireless charging takes 1.5 to 2 hours, while wired charging with a cable and adapter takes 30 to 45 minutes. Both fully charge the case, so the choice depends on whether you need it ready quickly or can wait overnight.

Do I need Apple's adapter or can I use any brand?

Any USB-C power adapter works. Third-party brands like Anker and Belkin charge AirPods just as fast as Apple's adapter and cost less. The only reason to buy Apple's is if you prefer the design or already have a credit at an Apple Store.

What if I lost the cable that came with my AirPods?

You can buy a replacement USB-C to Lightning cable or USB-C to USB-C cable from Apple or third-party sellers for $10 to $20. Alternatively, if you have a wireless charging mat, you can charge without any cable at all.