Yes, you can buy replacement AirPods from Apple, authorized retailers, and third-party sellers

Replacement AirPods are sold as new products through the same channels where you bought the originals. Apple sells them directly through its website and retail stores. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target all stock them. You can also buy from wireless carriers like Verizon and AT&T if that's where you purchased your phone. The price is the same everywhere Apple sets it — around $129 for standard AirPods, $249 for AirPods Pro, and $349 for AirPods Max, though sales and discounts appear regularly at third-party retailers.

You do not need proof of your original purchase or a warranty to buy a replacement pair. You are straightforward buying a new product. The only decision is whether to replace one earbud, both, the charging case, or the entire set — and which model makes sense for your budget and use.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, Target, and wireless carriers all sell replacement AirPods at the manufacturer's suggested price, with occasional discounts at retailers.
  • You can buy just one earbud, just the case, or a full new pair depending on what broke or was lost.
  • Third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay may offer lower prices but carry the risk of counterfeit products or missing warranty coverage.
  • Certified refurbished AirPods from Apple or Best Buy cost less than new and come with a limited warranty.
  • If your AirPods are still under warranty and the damage is not accidental, Apple may replace them at no cost through a Genius Bar appointment.

Buying individual components versus a full replacement set

Apple sells replacement parts separately. A single AirPod earbud costs $69 for standard AirPods or $99 for AirPods Pro. A replacement charging case runs $59 for standard AirPods or $79 for AirPods Pro. If only one earbud is damaged or lost and the case still works, buying the single earbud is cheaper than replacing the whole set.

However, if the battery in your case has degraded after years of use, or if both earbuds are damaged, a full replacement pair often makes more financial sense. Check the current price of a complete set against the cost of individual parts before deciding. Prices shift with sales, so a full set might be cheaper than you expect.

Where to find the best prices on new AirPods

Apple's official website and retail stores charge the full manufacturer's price. Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon frequently run sales on AirPods, especially during holiday shopping periods and back-to-school season. Signing up for price alerts on these retailers' websites or using a price-tracking tool can notify you when the model you want drops in price.

Wireless carriers sometimes bundle AirPods with phone purchases or offer them at a discount when you add a line or upgrade. Check your carrier's current promotions before buying elsewhere. If you have a student email address, Apple offers a small discount through its education store, though the savings are modest.

Refurbished AirPods as a lower-cost option

Apple sells certified refurbished AirPods directly through its website at 15 percent below the new price. These units have been returned, tested, cleaned, and repackaged with a new battery and case. They come with a one-year limited warranty, the same as new AirPods. Best Buy also stocks refurbished models from various manufacturers.

Refurbished AirPods are a legitimate way to save money if you do not mind that the product is not brand new in its original packaging. The functional performance is identical to new. The main trade-off is that you cannot choose the color or finish — refurbished stock is whatever is available that day.

Risks of buying from third-party sellers and marketplaces

Amazon, eBay, and other marketplaces host both authorized resellers and independent sellers. Prices from independent sellers are sometimes lower, but counterfeit AirPods exist and are common in these channels. Fake AirPods may look identical but have shorter battery life, poor sound quality, and connectivity problems. They also do not may have access to for Apple's warranty or support.

To reduce the risk, buy only from sellers with high ratings and many reviews. Check the product photos carefully — counterfeit packaging often has spelling errors or slightly off logos. If the price seems unusually low compared to other listings, that is a warning sign. When in doubt, buy from Apple directly or from a major retailer like Best Buy or Walmart, where the supply chain is controlled.

What to do if your AirPods are still under warranty

If your AirPods are less than one year old and the damage is not from accidental drops or water exposure, Apple may replace them at no cost. Make an appointment at an Apple Store Genius Bar or contact Apple Support online. Bring your AirPods and the original charging case, even if they are damaged. Apple will examine them and determine whether the issue is a manufacturing defect or user damage.

If Apple determines the damage is accidental, you will be offered a replacement at a reduced price through the out-of-warranty repair program. This is usually cheaper than buying new but more expensive than the warranty replacement. If you have AppleCare+ coverage, accidental damage is covered with a small service fee.

Comparing the cost of repair versus replacement

Apple does not repair individual AirPods — the company replaces the entire set or the case as a unit. Out-of-warranty replacement of a full pair of standard AirPods costs around $99, compared to $129 for a new pair. For AirPods Pro, out-of-warranty replacement is around $149 versus $249 new. If only one earbud is damaged and you are out of warranty, buying a single replacement earbud at $69 or $99 is cheaper than any repair or replacement option.

Before paying for any repair or replacement through Apple, price a new set at Best Buy or Amazon — a sale might make a new pair cheaper than Apple's out-of-warranty fee. This is especially true during major shopping events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy just one AirPod earbud if I lost one?

Yes. Apple sells single replacement earbuds for $69 (standard AirPods) or $99 (AirPods Pro). You do not need to buy a full set. The replacement earbud will pair automatically with your existing case and the other earbud.

Do replacement AirPods come with a warranty?

Yes. New AirPods come with a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects. Refurbished AirPods from Apple also come with a one-year limited warranty. AirPods bought from third-party sellers may not include warranty coverage — check the listing before buying.

Are refurbished AirPods as good as new ones?

Functionally, yes. Refurbished AirPods have been tested and come with a new battery and case. The only difference is cosmetic — they are not in original packaging and may show minor signs of previous use. Performance and sound quality are identical to new.

What is the difference between Apple's refurbished AirPods and used AirPods sold on eBay?

Apple's refurbished units are professionally tested, cleaned, and may provide to work. Used AirPods from private sellers have no testing, no may provide, and no warranty. Battery health is unknown. Buy refurbished from Apple or Best Buy if you want a discount with confidence.

Can I return replacement AirPods if I change my mind?

Apple allows returns within 14 days of purchase if the AirPods are unused and in original condition. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target have their own return windows — typically 15 to 30 days. Check the retailer's policy before buying.