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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.

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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.

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.

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Best Prime Day AirPods Deals for October 2022
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Amazon's aptly-named Prime Early Access Sale is happening now, but it's the last day. It ends tonight! Like the original two-day Prime event in July, we've seen tons of savings on tech, toys, goodies, and more. Of course, you'll have to be an active Amazon Prime member to participate, but the good news is that you can sign-up for a 30-day trial, if you haven't already done so recently. If you're on the hunt for the best Prime Day AirPod Deals, or Apple Prime Day deals, you're in luck, since we're starting to see a lot of offers already. Don't forget, Amazon isn't the only place to shop during these deal extravaganzas! Walmart's October Rollbacks sale is essentially a Walmart Prime Day sale, with lots of enticing discounts.

As for Prime Early Access, it means that you have another chance to pick up both Prime Day AirPod deals and Prime Day deals in general, which is good, considering the latest versions of AirPods tend to be expensive. For example, a new pair of AirPods Max can easily set you back nearly $500 at retail price, so grabbing them on sale is likely what most folks are planning to do. Either way, you'll get a chance at some early holiday shopping Apple AirPods deals, and we've gone ahead and put together a list of the best Prime Day Apple AirPods deals to shop today. Check those out below.
Today's best Prime Day AirPods deals
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It might seem strange to buy accessories for something that is already an accessory, but when you consider that the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro are going to set you back at least $200 for true wireless earbud freedom, any accessories — from cases and covers to chargers and more — that can extend their life and help you get the most bang for your buck should be more than welcome. But there's a wide world of AirPods accessories out there, so we've waded through them to bring you this list of some of the best you can buy right now.

Note: With the arrival of the AirPods Pro 2, Apple has discontinued the original AirPods Pro. That's why our picks on the list are for the second-generation model. Many accessories may work with both the first-gen Pro and the Pro 2, but some may not, so always check your model if necessary.

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Whether you’re thinking about AirPods as a gift or a wireless earbud upgrade for yourself, it’s important to think about how they’ll be used so you can determine if they can stand what you're going to throw at them. For example, wearing a pair of AirPods in the rain or while sweating during a workout might not be a good idea, as early AirPods, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro 2 models all have different levels of water resistance. So if you want to avoid damage, you should know what to watch for.

Let’s break down how waterproof each AirPods model is and what their water-resistance ratings mean for your daily activities.

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