If you’re a PC gamer, you might be wondering about your headphone options. Can you use 4th gen AirPods for PC gaming? The short answer is yes, you absolutely can connect them to your Windows computer. While they weren’t designed with hardcore PC gaming as their primary purpose, they offer a surprisingly decent wireless audio solution for many gaming scenarios. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from setup and performance to their real-world strengths and limitations.
Can You Use 4th Gen AirPods for PC Gaming
Connecting your AirPods to a PC is straightforward, but getting the best experience requires a bit of know-how. The process uses standard Bluetooth, which every modern Windows PC supports. Here’s how to get started.
First, make sure your PC’s Bluetooth is turned on. You can usually find this in the system tray at the bottom-right of your screen (the icon looks like a sideways teardrop) or in the Settings menu under “Bluetooth & devices.”
Next, put your 4th Gen AirPods in pairing mode. With them in the charging case, open the lid and press and hold the small setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
On your PC, click “Add device” and select “Bluetooth.” Your AirPods should appear in the list as “AirPods” or a similar name. Click on them to pair. Windows might show a confirmation dialog; just accept it. Once connected, the sound output should automatically switch to your AirPods, though you may need to select them manually sometimes.
Understanding Audio Codecs and Latency
This is the most critical technical aspect for gaming. Latency is the delay between an action on screen (like a gunshot) and when you hear it. For casual games, a tiny delay is fine. For competitive shooters, it can be a major disadvantage.
AirPods use Bluetooth audio codecs to transmit sound. With a PC, they typically use the SBC or AAC codec, which are not designed for ultra-low latency. While Apple has its own H2 chip for great performance on iPhones, that special low-latency magic doesn’t transfer over to Windows.
You will likely experience some audio lag. It might be barely noticeable in a story-driven RPG, but it could throw off your rhythm in a fast-paced game like Valorant or Fortnite. There’s no official way to enable a “gaming mode” for AirPods on PC like you can with some dedicated gaming headsets.
Microphone Quality for In-Game Chat
Using the AirPods’ microphone on a PC often leads to a significant drop in audio quality. This is due to a Bluetooth limitation called “Hands-Free Profile” (HFP). When the mic is active, Windows often switches the entire audio stream to a lower-quality mode to prioritize two-way communication.
The result? Your game audio might suddenly sound tinny and compressed while you’re in a Discord call or using in-game voice chat. The microphone quality itself also tends to be quite poor on PC, picking up more background noise and sounding muffled compared to a dedicated USB microphone or even a gaming headset’s boom mic.
A common workaround is to set your AirPods as the playback device (for hearing game sound) but use a separate microphone for your voice input. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Step-by-Step: Optimizing Your AirPods Setup on Windows
To minimize issues, follow these steps after pairing:
1. Right-click the sound icon in your taskbar and select “Sound settings.”
2. Under “Output,” ensure your AirPods are selected.
3. Scroll down to “Advanced” and click “More sound settings.”
4. In the Playback tab, right-click on your AirPods and select “Properties.”
5. Go to the “Advanced” tab. Here, you can try different default formats. A lower bitrate might improve stability if you have connection drops.
6. To avoid the bad microphone mode, go to the “Recording” tab, find your AirPods microphone, right-click it, and set it to “Disable.” This forces Windows to use another mic if you have one.
Battery Life and Comfort for Long Sessions
One area where the 4th Gen AirPods can really shine is comfort and battery life. They are incredibly lightweight and, for many people, comfortable for hours of wear. The battery offers up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the case providing multiple extra charges.
For a long gaming session, you might need to pop them in the case for a quick 15-minute boost during a break, which can provide hours of additional use. This is far more convenient than wired headphones that tether you to your desk, allowing you to get up and move around freely.
Comparing AirPods to Dedicated Gaming Headsets
It’s useful to see how AirPods stack up against the tools designed for the job.
* Sound Quality: AirPods offer good, balanced audio for music and media. Gaming headsets often emphasize bass (for explosions) and spatial clarity (for hearing footsteps), which can be a advantage.
* Microphone: This is the biggest gap. Even a budget gaming headset’s boom mic will vastly outperform the AirPods’ built-in mics on PC.
* Latency: Gaming headsets, especially wired ones or wireless ones with dedicated USB dongles, have near-zero latency. Bluetooth AirPods will always have more lag.
* Features: Gaming headsets offer physical controls, mute buttons, and sometimes companion software for equalizers. AirPods have basic touch controls that work less reliably on PC.
* Convenience: AirPods win for multi-use. Seamlessly switching from your phone to your PC is a huge plus if you’re a multi-device user.
Best Gaming Scenarios for 4th Gen AirPods
So, when do they work well? Here are some ideal use cases:
Casual and Single-Player Games: Playing games like Stardew Valley, Civilization, or story-based adventures where absolute audio sync isn’t critical.
* Remote Play or Cloud Gaming: If you’re streaming games from your PC to another device in your home, the latency is already inherent to the stream, making the AirPods’ delay less noticeable.
* Late-Night Gaming: Their discreet, open design (or with optional silicone tips) can be more comfortable than bulky over-ear headsets, especially in warmer environments.
* Secondary Audio Device: Great for keeping nearby when your main headset is charging or if you need to take a call without leaving the game.
Potential Connectivity Issues and Fixes
Bluetooth can be finicky on Windows. Here are common problems and how to fix them:
* Audio Stuttering or Cutting Out: This is often due to wireless interference. Keep other Bluetooth devices away, or move your PC’s USB 3.0 ports (they can sometimes interfere with 2.4GHz signals).
* AirPods Not Connecting: Remove the device from Windows Bluetooth settings and re-pair them from scratch.
* Poor Range: Bluetooth has a limited range, especially through walls. Staying within 10-15 feet of your PC is best.
* One AirPod Not Working: Check for debris in the AirPod and case contacts. Sometimes resetting them (by holding the case button for 15 seconds) solves the issue.
Advanced Tweaks: Third-Party Software Help
Some third-party apps can improve the experience. Tools like “Bluetooth Audio Receiver” or certain equalizer software can sometimes offer more control over your Bluetooth connection, though they won’t eliminate core latency issues. Be cautious and only download software from trusted sources. Windows own sound settings often provide enough control for most users without needing extra programs.
Final Verdict: Are They a Good Choice?
The 4th Gen AirPods are a functional and convenient option for PC gaming, but they are not an optimal one. They work best for casual, non-competitive gaming where wireless freedom and multi-device flexibility are your top priorities.
If you already own a pair, it’s definitely worth trying them out with your PC. The setup is easy, and you might find the performance perfectly acceptable for your needs. However, if you are shopping specifically for a PC gaming audio solution and care about competitive performance, microphone clarity, and zero latency, a dedicated wired headset or a proper wireless gaming headset with a USB dongle is a much better investment.
Their true strength lies in being a great all-around audio device that can game in a pinch, not a dedicated gaming powerhouse.
FAQ Section
Q: Do 4th gen AirPods work well with Windows 10 and 11?
A: Yes, they work with both operating systems through standard Bluetooth. The experience is virtually identical on Win 10 and Win 11, with the same latency and microphone considerations.
Q: How do you reduce the audio delay when using AirPods for gaming on PC?
A: There’s no perfect fix, but ensuring a strong Bluetooth connection helps. Keep other wireless devices away, stay close to your PC, and try disabling the AirPods microphone in Windows sound settings to prevent it from switching to the low-quality mode, which can sometimes worsen latency.
Q: Can you use the AirPods microphone for Discord on PC?
A: You can, but the quality will be poor and it will likely degrade your game audio quality. It’s strongly recommended to use a separate microphone for Discord if you plan to use AirPods for game sound.
Q: Is there a way to use AirPods for gaming with a wire to reduce lag?
A: No, AirPods are completely wireless and do not support any kind of audio-over-USB-C or wired connection. They rely solely on their Bluetooth connection.
Q: Do touch controls on AirPods work with a PC?
A: Basic play/pause and sometimes volume controls might work, but features like summoning Siri or custom double-tap actions configured on an iPhone will not transfer over to Windows. The support is limited and can be inconsistent.
Q: Are AirPods Pro better for PC gaming than the 4th gen?
A: The AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd Gen) offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which can be great for blocking out background noise. However, they suffer from the same core Bluetooth latency and microphone limitations on PC. The ANC is a nice bonus, but doesn’t fix the fundamental issues for competitive gaming.
Q: Why does my game audio sound terrible when I talk in Discord?
A: This is the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) switching on. When Windows uses the AirPods mic, it shifts the entire audio stream to a low-bandwidth mode for two-way communication. The fix is to disable the AirPods microphone in Windows and use a different mic for chat.