AirPod replacement costs depend on which model you own and what part needs replacing
A single replacement AirPod costs between $69 and $99, depending on whether you have the standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max. The charging case costs $79 to $399 to replace. Apple does not sell individual parts like the battery or speaker—you replace the entire earbud. If your AirPod is damaged but still under the one-year limited warranty, you may pay nothing; if it is out of warranty, you pay the full replacement price.
The price difference matters because AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are more expensive to replace than standard AirPods. You also have the option to buy a replacement through Apple directly, through an Apple Store, or through an authorized reseller—the price is the same everywhere, but availability and shipping time vary.
Key Takeaways
- A single replacement AirPod costs $69 for standard AirPods, $79 for AirPods Pro, or $99 for AirPods Max.
- A replacement charging case costs $79 for standard AirPods, $99 for AirPods Pro, or $399 for AirPods Max.
- If your AirPod is damaged within one year of purchase and you have proof of purchase, Apple's limited warranty covers the replacement at no cost.
- You can order a replacement online through Apple's website, visit an Apple Store in person, or contact Apple Support to arrange the purchase.
Replacement costs for each AirPod model
Standard AirPods (the second generation and third generation models) cost $69 per earbud to replace. The charging case costs $79. These are the least expensive AirPods to replace because they have fewer features than the Pro or Max versions.
AirPods Pro (both the first and second generation) cost $79 per earbud and $99 for the charging case. The higher price reflects the active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and other advanced features built into these models.
AirPods Max cost $99 per earbud and $399 for the charging case. Because these are over-ear headphones rather than earbuds, the case is larger and more complex. Replacement of the ear cushions or headband is handled separately and costs less than replacing the entire earbud.
How the warranty covers damage and loss
Apple's one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects—a speaker that stops working, a battery that fails to charge, or a microphone that cuts out. The warranty does not cover physical damage from drops or water exposure, and it does not cover lost or stolen AirPods. If your AirPod fails within one year and you have your proof of purchase, Apple will replace it at no cost.
To use the warranty, you need to show proof that you bought the AirPods within the past year. This can be an Apple Store receipt, an order confirmation email from Apple's website, or a receipt from an authorized reseller. If you bought them used or as a gift and do not have proof of purchase, you will pay the full replacement price.
If your AirPod is physically damaged—cracked, water-damaged, or broken from a fall—the warranty does not cover it. You will pay the full replacement cost. AppleCare+ is an optional protection plan that covers accidental damage for an additional fee, but it must be purchased within 60 days of buying your AirPods.
Where to buy replacement AirPods
You can order a replacement AirPod directly from Apple's website without visiting a store. Go to apple.com, select your AirPod model, and choose the part you need (left earbud, right earbud, or charging case). You can pay online and have it shipped to your address, or you can choose in-store pickup if an Apple Store near you has it in stock. Shipping usually takes three to five business days.
Visiting an Apple Store in person lets you walk out with your replacement the same day if they have it in stock. You can look up availability on Apple's website before you go. An Apple Store employee can also help you determine whether your AirPod is covered by warranty or if you need to pay out of pocket.
Authorized Apple resellers—including Best Buy, Target, and Walmart—also sell replacement AirPods at the same price as Apple. Availability varies by location and model. If you prefer to avoid Apple's website or stores, these retailers are an alternative, though they may not have every model in stock.
What happens if you lose one AirPod
If you lose one AirPod, you have two choices: buy a single replacement earbud, or buy a new pair. Buying a single replacement is cheaper—$69 to $99 depending on your model—than buying a full new pair, which costs $129 to $549. Most people choose to replace just the lost earbud.
When you order a replacement, you will receive a single earbud and a charging case. The new earbud will pair automatically with your existing earbud when you put it in the case. You do not need to unpair or reset anything; the pairing happens on its own.
If you lose the charging case but both earbuds still work, you can buy a replacement case separately. This costs $79 to $399 depending on your model and is cheaper than replacing both earbuds.
Timing and what to expect when you order
If you order online from Apple's website, standard shipping takes three to five business days. Express shipping is available for an additional fee and usually arrives in one to two business days. In-store pickup is faster if your local Apple Store has the part in stock—you can pick it up the same day or the next day.
When your replacement arrives, it will come in Apple's standard packaging with a charging cable if you ordered a case. The earbud itself arrives in a small box. You do not need to do anything special to set it up; just put it in the case with your existing earbud and it will pair automatically.
If you are having trouble with your AirPods and are not sure whether you need a replacement, you can contact Apple Support before you buy. They can run diagnostics over the phone or through the Apple Support app to determine whether the issue is a hardware problem that requires replacement or a software issue that can be fixed with troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement if my AirPod is water damaged?
No, water damage is not covered by Apple's standard one-year warranty. If you have AppleCare+, accidental damage including water damage is covered for a service fee. Without AppleCare+, you will pay the full replacement price: $69 to $99 per earbud depending on your model.
What if I lost my AirPod and do not have the case anymore?
You can buy a replacement earbud and a replacement case separately. The earbud costs $69 to $99 and the case costs $79 to $399. You do not have to buy them at the same time. When the new earbud arrives, it will pair with your existing earbud automatically.
Do I need to bring my AirPods to the Apple Store to get a replacement?
No. If your AirPods are under warranty, you just need proof of purchase. If they are out of warranty, you can order a replacement online or in-store without bringing the damaged AirPod with you. The Apple Store employee or website will process the order and ship or hand you the replacement.
Is there a cheaper way to replace a broken AirPod?
Apple's price is the same everywhere—$69 to $99 per earbud. Third-party sellers on marketplaces like eBay or Amazon may sell used or refurbished AirPods for less, but these do not come with a warranty and may not work with your existing pair. Buying directly from Apple or an authorized reseller is the safest option.
How long does it take to get a replacement if I go to an Apple Store?
If the Apple Store has your model in stock, you can walk out with it the same day. If they do not have it in stock, you can order it for in-store pickup, which usually takes one to two business days. You can check availability on Apple's website before you visit.