Skip to main content

How much are AirPods? A pricing breakdown for each model

So you’ve been researching the best headphones and earbuds online (it’s an important decision), have undoubtedly come across Apple’s popular offerings, and are wondering how much lighter your wallet’s going to be if you shell out for a pair.

You undoubtedly already know that there are currently four models in Apple’s oft-raved-about AirPods range: The latest and greatest 3rd-generation AirPods with new MagSafe charging case; the still very-capable 2nd-gen AirPods from 2019, with a charging case or wireless charging case; the AirPods Pro, introduced in October 2019, which come with a wireless charging case; and the first over-ear AirPods, the AirPods Max, which were introduced in December 2020 and come with a Smart Case. But how do these variants differ, and how much does each one cost? Let’s find out.

Apple AirPods Max.
Riley Young / Digital Trends

First, some context

Apple’s entry-level AirPods have the most basic true wireless experience Apple has to offer. The original AirPods launched in December 2016 and then got an update in 2019, adding improvements like Apple’s H1 chip, longer talk times, and “Hey Siri” hands-free voice command capability. While they look similar to the higher-end AirPods Pro, the tech tells a different tale: The AirPods Pro add noise-canceling along with Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ to optimize sound quality to your liking. Plus, they are water- and sweat-resistant, come with custom eartips for a better fit, and include a pressure valve on each side to help reduce the pressure in your ears when you’re wearing them for long periods of time. They also come with a shorter, wider wireless charging case.

Recommended Videos

Now, take almost all of the above-mentioned features of the AirPods Pro (save for the active noise-canceling), and you’ve got the AirPods 3, which also boast a new shorter stem design and controls, as well as six hours of listening time and up to 30 hours of total listening with its fancy MagSafe-compatible wireless charger thrown in the box (wireless charging was previously sold separately).

Meanwhile, the AirPods Max represent a departure from the true wireless space for the sub-brand, employing an over-ear design instead of the in-ear setup of the other two models. Providing an immersive sound experience, they feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology and Spatial Audio and come in five cool color options to express your personality.

Pricing, dissected

So, how much does each of them cost? Well, the AirPods 3 with included wireless charging case retail for $179; the AirPods 2 retail for $129; the wireless charging case for Airpods 1 and 2 is now sold separately at $79; the AirPods Pro with included wireless charging case sit on the shelves for $249; the AirPods Max will set you back a cool $549.

Model Price
AirPods 3 $179
AirPods 2 $129
Wireless charging case for AirPods 1 and 2 $79
AirPods Pro $249
AirPods Max $549

If you happen to lose a Pod or a charging case, you won’t have to fork out the full price all over again. You can replace each damaged item for what Apple calls an “out-of-warranty fee.” Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t cheap, with a lone AirPod coming in at $69 and an AirPod Pro at a staggering $89. Charging cases, on the other hand, start at $59 and max out at $99.

Replacement part Price (each)
AirPods 2 and 3 $69
 AirPods Pro $89
AirPods Max Ask
Charging case for AirPods $59
Wireless and MagSafe charging case for AirPods $79
Wireless and MagSafe charging case for AirPods Pro $99

Replacement parts are capped at $29 per piece for customers with an AppleCare+ subscription.

If you require battery service for the AirPods, you can get that for free with AppleCare+ or for a small fee if they’re out of warranty, with pricing ranging from $49 per bud up to $79 to repair the Max’s battery.

Battery service Price 
AirPods/AirPods Pro $49 each
 AirPods charging case $49
AirPods Max $79

All this said, you don’t have to buy direct from Apple. You can often find deals at other retailers like Target or Amazon if you want to save a little money.

Derek Malcolm
Former Contributing Editor, A/V
Derek Malcolm is a contributing editor and evergreen lead for the A/V and Home Theater section of Digital Trends. Derek…
Apple is eyeing AirPods with camera and health sensors as a priority
Simon Cohen wearing Apple AirPods 4.

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently sat for an interview with Wired and dished on Apple’s focus in the foreseeable future. Health and wellness stood out as a recurring element. AirPods, which recently landed a hearing assistance facility, are visibly at the center of those ambitions. Now, Bloomberg reports that the earbuds will soon add cameras and health sensors to their arsenal.

At one point in time, Apple was reportedly working on integrating cameras into the wireless earbuds, but the project was put on ice. It seems that the recent explosion of AI-based workflows across nearly every product category inspired Apple to revive the endeavor.

Read more
Cyber Week AirPods deals 2024: Save big on AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max
Apple AirPods 4.

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, Cyber Week deals are officially our focus. As it usually goes for this sale event, Cyber Week Apple deals are some of the best savings you can score on great tech for less. Besides discounts on MacBooks and iPads, there are some big savings on AirPods, making now the best time to treat yourself to the upgrade you've been waiting for or to buy a pair to gift simply.

Below, you’ll find some great deals on everyone’s favorite headphones and earphones so you can listen in style and comfort. These will work particularly well alongside any Apple Watch Cyber Week deals you snap up, too, as all things Apple co-exist super well. Besides tracking down the best AirPods deals, we also have some great advice on what to consider when buying some AirPods and which AirPods might be best for your plans. Read on for the best Cyber Week AirPods deals to shop now.
Our Top Pick: Apple AirPods Max -- $459 $549 16% off

Read more
Next-gen AirPods Max headphones might take a while to hit the shelves
Apple AirPods Max with USB-C in Orange.

Apple’s 2024 launch slate has been pretty stacked across the board. From flagship iPads rocking a generation-first desktop processor ahead of Macs and diversifying the AirPods TWS lineup even further to reimagining the Mac Mini, Apple didn’t leave fans disappointed.

The only weak link, so to speak, was the top-of-the-line Max headphones. Instead of a meaningful hardware refresh for the otherwise highly anticipated successor, what fans got was a color revamp and a USB-C port. Unfortunately, it looks like a true refresh is still a bit further into the future.

Read more