There are three models in Apple’s oft-raved-about AirPods range: The base AirPods with Charging Case or Wireless Charging Case (the current version, which debuted in March 2019); 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 and come with a Smart Case. But how do these variants differ, and how much does each one cost? Let’s find out.
First, some context
The AirPods with Charging Case have the most basic true wireless experience Apple has to offer. They replaced the original AirPods, which launched in December 2016, adding improvements like Apple’s H1 chip, longer talk times, and “Hey Siri” hands-free voice command capability. While they look similar to the newer, 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.
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 with Charging Case retail for $159; the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case command $199; the AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case sit on the shelves for $249; and the AirPods Max will set you back a cool $549.
| Model | Price |
| AirPods with Charging Case | $159 |
| AirPods with Wireless Charging Case | $199 |
| 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 | $69 |
| AirPods Pro | $89 |
| AirPods Max | Ask |
| Charging Case for AirPods | $59 |
| Wireless Charging Case for AirPods | $79 |
| Wireless 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 |
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