Is there a way to use only one AirPod?

Yes, you can use just one Apple AirPod at a time. This is useful if you would like to have your other ear free or if you want to extend the battery life (since each AirPod has its own battery).

If you are wearing both AirPods and remove one, audio playback will automatically pause. So in order to just use one AirPod, simply remove both AirPods from your ear and then put one back in.

all you have to do is keep one of them in the case, only the one in your ear will play. 🙂