Apple's Standard Replacement Prices

A single AirPod costs $69 to replace through Apple, whether you need a left or right earbud. If you need to replace the charging case instead, that costs $79. These are the prices Apple charges at its stores, through its website, and via phone support — they do not vary by location in the United States.

The price covers a new AirPod that arrives with a full battery and a one-year warranty. Apple does not offer a discount if you buy multiple replacement earbuds at once; each one costs $69 regardless of how many you order together.

Shipping is free if you order online and choose standard delivery, which typically takes five to seven business days. If you walk into an Apple Store with a broken or lost AirPod, you can usually walk out with a replacement the same day, though availability depends on stock at your location.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $69 for a single replacement AirPod earbud and $79 for a replacement charging case.
  • AppleCare+ for AirPods costs $29 upfront and covers two accidental damage incidents for $29 each, which can save money if you lose or damage earbuds frequently.
  • Third-party retailers like Best Buy and Amazon sell Apple replacement parts at the same official prices.
  • If your AirPods are still under the one-year limited warranty and the earbud failed on its own, Apple will replace it at no cost.
  • Counterfeit AirPods sold by unauthorized sellers are cheaper but do not work reliably with Apple devices and carry no warranty.

AppleCare+ and Accidental Damage Coverage

If you bought AppleCare+ for AirPods when you purchased your earbuds, the cost to replace a damaged or lost AirPod drops to $29 per incident. AppleCare+ itself costs $29 upfront and covers up to two accidental damage claims over two years.

This means if you have AppleCare+ and lose one AirPod, you pay $29 to replace it. If you lose the second one later, you pay $29 again. After two claims, the coverage ends, though the one-year hardware warranty continues. Without AppleCare+, each replacement costs the full $69.

AppleCare+ does not cover normal wear or battery degradation — it covers accidental damage, loss, and theft. If your AirPod straightforward stops holding a charge after normal use, that falls under the standard one-year warranty instead, and Apple replaces it free.

Where to Buy Replacement AirPods

Apple's official channels are not the only place to buy replacement earbuds. Best Buy, Amazon, and other major retailers sell genuine Apple replacement AirPods at the same $69 price. Buying from these retailers gives you the same product and the same one-year warranty as buying directly from Apple.

The main difference is convenience and speed. An Apple Store can hand you a replacement when ready if stock is available. Online retailers ship to your home but take several days. Some Best Buy locations offer same-day pickup if you order online before closing time.

Avoid sellers on third-party marketplaces who offer AirPods at significantly lower prices — these are often counterfeit units that may not pair reliably with your iPhone or Mac, and they carry no warranty. Stick to authorized retailers if you want a genuine product.

What Happens If Your AirPod Fails Under Warranty

If one of your AirPods stops working within one year of purchase and the failure is not caused by physical damage or liquid exposure, Apple's limited warranty covers a free replacement. You do not pay anything — you contact Apple Support, describe the problem, and they send you a new earbud.

To use the warranty, you will need proof of purchase (your receipt or order confirmation) and the serial number of your AirPods. Apple can look up the serial number if you have the original box or if you can access it through the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone or Mac.

The warranty does not cover damage from drops, water exposure, or normal wear. If your AirPod was physically damaged, you will be charged the $69 replacement fee unless you have AppleCare+.

Comparing the Total Cost of Ownership

Whether AppleCare+ makes financial sense depends on how often you lose or damage earbuds. If you have never lost a pair and your AirPods typically last the full two-year lifespan, AppleCare+ is an unnecessary expense — you are paying $29 for coverage you will not use.

If you lose or damage earbuds regularly, the math shifts. AppleCare+ costs $29 upfront plus up to $58 in damage claims (two incidents at $29 each), totaling $87 for two years of coverage. Without it, a single lost earbud costs $69, and a second one costs another $69 — $138 total. If you lose both earbuds, AppleCare+ saves you $51.

Consider your habits: Do you frequently misplace small items? Do you use AirPods during exercise or outdoor activities where they might fall out? If yes, AppleCare+ is worth the upfront cost. If you are careful with your gear, skip it and pay per replacement only if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a single AirPod I bought by mistake?

Apple's standard return window is 14 days from purchase. If you bought a replacement AirPod and changed your mind, you can return it within that window for a refund, provided it is unopened and in original condition. After 14 days, returns are not accepted.

Do I need the original box to get a replacement?

No. You need proof of purchase (receipt or order confirmation) and the serial number of your AirPods, but you do not need the original box. If you have the box, it makes the process faster because the serial number is printed on it, but Apple can look up the serial number through your Apple ID if you registered your AirPods.

What if I lost one AirPod and the case still works?

You can replace just the earbud for $69 (or $29 with AppleCare+). The case will work fine with a new AirPod. You do not need to buy a new case unless it is physically damaged or no longer holds a charge.

Are refurbished replacement AirPods cheaper?

Apple does not sell refurbished individual AirPods as replacements. When you order a replacement earbud, you receive a new unit. Some third-party sellers offer refurbished AirPods at lower prices, but these do not come with Apple's warranty and may have reduced battery life.

How long does it take to get a replacement AirPod shipped?

Standard shipping through Apple's website takes five to seven business days. Express shipping is available for an additional fee and typically delivers in two to three business days. If you visit an Apple Store in person, you can often leave with a replacement the same day, depending on local stock.