AirPods Price: Retail, Deals & Price History

Apple sells AirPods in three tiers: the standard AirPods, the noise-cancelling AirPods Pro, and the over-ear AirPods Max. Each tier has a different price, and the standard line was refreshed in September 2026 when AirPods 5 replaced AirPods 4.

The prices below are US launch and list prices from Tom's Guide and other published reports. Retailers often discount earlier generations, so the price you pay can be lower than the list figure.

The AirPods 5 cost $129 with the standard case, and $149 with the Wireless Charging Case. The AirPods Pro 3 cost $249. The over-ear AirPods Max 2 cost $549.

That is the full lineup from the cheapest earbuds to the most expensive headphones. The gap between the cheapest and the priciest model is large, so decide what features you need before you compare.

Apple sells replacement earbuds and charging cases individually through its support service, but the price depends on the model and on whether the item is covered. No single figure applies to every generation, so check Apple's replacement page for your exact model. Buying a single earbud usually costs far less than a new pair, which makes it worth checking before you replace both.

AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation cost $179 when Apple sold them. AirPods 5 replaced them in September 2026.

The AirPods 4 were the previous generation, and you may still find them at a discount from retailers clearing stock. A discounted AirPods 4 can be a better value than a new AirPods 5 if you do not need the newer features. If you buy a previous generation, confirm that the seller is authorized and the earbuds are new, since marketplace listings sometimes carry used or counterfeit units.

• AirPods 5. They are the entry point to the lineup and suit everyday listening, calls, and workouts. The wireless case version costs more but removes the need for a cable.
• AirPods Pro 3. They add stronger noise control for people who commute, travel, or work in loud places.
• AirPods Max 2. They are over-ear headphones for people who want the most comfortable, premium listening and do not mind the highest price.

If you mostly stream music at home, the standard model is usually enough. Pay for the Pro or the Max only if noise cancellation or sound quality is a priority for you.

• Charging case. The Wireless Charging Case adds to the price of AirPods 5.
• Replacement parts. A lost earbud or a worn case costs extra to replace.
• Cases and ear tips. Silicone covers and extra tips are cheap, but they add up.
• Protection plan. Apple's coverage for headphones is optional and priced separately.

Apple offers AppleCare+ for headphones. When a covered accident happens, you pay a service fee of $29 for accidental damage. The plan itself has its own price, which depends on the model, so check Apple's AppleCare page for the figure that applies to the AirPods you are buying.

Whether the plan is worth it depends on how likely you are to lose or damage the earbuds. Coverage helps with damage but may not cover loss, so read the terms before you buy.

Apple holds list prices steady, but retailers often drop prices on AirPods during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, and back-to-school sales. Discounts tend to be deepest on older generations. Right after a new release, the previous model is often the cheapest it will get.

Apple's education pricing and trade-in offers can also lower the price when you buy directly from Apple. Apple's refurbished store sells previous units with a warranty, usually at a lower price than new.

Buy from Apple, from major electronics retailers, or from carriers that stock them. Avoid unusually cheap listings from unknown sellers, because counterfeit AirPods are common. Check that the box is sealed and that the serial number registers on Apple's coverage checker.