AirPod Pro replacement costs at Apple

A single replacement AirPod Pro costs $89 from Apple, whether you need the left or right earbud. If you need both earbuds replaced, you are paying $178 total. Apple also sells a replacement charging case for $99 if yours is damaged or lost.

These prices are current as of 2024 and explore whether you buy in an Apple Store, through apple.com, or by calling Apple Support. The price does not change based on how old your AirPods Pro are or whether they are still under warranty — Apple charges the same flat rate for all customers.

You can order a replacement online and have it shipped, or walk into an Apple Store and buy one the same day. If you order online, Apple typically ships within one to two business days. In-store pickup is usually available the next day if you order before 2 p.m. local time.

Key Takeaways

  • A single replacement AirPod Pro earbud costs $89 from Apple, and a replacement case costs $99.
  • Apple charges the same price whether your AirPods are under warranty, out of warranty, or damaged by accident.
  • You can buy replacements online at apple.com, in an Apple Store, or by calling Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE.
  • If your AirPods Pro are still under the one-year limited warranty and the earbud failed on its own, Apple may replace it at no cost.

When Apple replaces AirPods Pro for free

AirPods Pro come with a one-year limited warranty from Apple. If an earbud stops working, charges incorrectly, or has a hardware defect during that first year, Apple will replace it for free — you do not pay the $89. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but not physical damage, water damage, or normal wear.

To use the warranty, contact Apple Support by phone, through the Apple Support app, or in person at an Apple Store. Have your proof of purchase ready — a receipt, order confirmation email, or the serial number of your AirPods Pro. Apple will ask you to describe the problem and may ask you to run a diagnostic test through the Apple Support app. If the earbud qualifies under warranty, Apple will ship a replacement to you or give you one in the store.

If your AirPods Pro are older than one year, the warranty has expired and you will pay the $89 replacement price even if the earbud failed without any damage on your part.

Third-party replacement options and their costs

You can buy replacement AirPod Pro earbuds from retailers other than Apple, though the price is usually similar or higher. Best Buy, Amazon, and other electronics retailers sell individual AirPod Pro earbuds for prices ranging from $85 to $95. Some third-party sellers on Amazon list them lower, but verify the seller is authorized by Apple before buying — counterfeit AirPods exist and do not work reliably.

Authorized Apple resellers like Best Buy and Walmart offer the same $89 price as Apple itself. The advantage of buying from a reseller is convenience — you may already be shopping there or live closer to their store. The disadvantage is that resellers sometimes run out of stock, whereas Apple.com usually has inventory available.

Do not buy from unknown third-party sellers claiming to offer AirPod Pro earbuds for significantly less than $89. These are almost always counterfeit products that will not pair correctly with your case or will fail within weeks.

How to order a replacement earbud

Start by going to apple.com and searching for "AirPods Pro replacement earbud" or "AirPods Pro left earbud" and "AirPods Pro right earbud" depending on which one you need. Add it to your cart and proceed to checkout. You can choose standard shipping (usually three to five business days) or pay extra for faster options. Payment is by credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or financing through Apple Card Monthly Installments.

If you prefer to buy in person, find your nearest Apple Store using the store locator on apple.com. Call ahead or use the Apple Store app to check if the replacement earbud is in stock — some smaller stores do not carry them and will need to order it for you. Bring your AirPods Pro case with you so the staff can verify the serial number and confirm which earbud you need.

To order by phone, call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753). A representative will confirm which earbud you need, take your payment information, and arrange shipping or in-store pickup.

What to do if your AirPods Pro are damaged or lost

If you lost one earbud, you still pay $89 for the replacement — Apple does not charge differently for lost versus broken items. If both earbuds are lost or damaged, you are paying $178 for a pair. If your charging case is lost or damaged, that is a separate $99 charge.

Before you buy a replacement, check whether your AirPods Pro are still under warranty. If they are less than one year old and the earbud failed without physical damage, contact Apple Support first — you may not need to pay. If the earbud was physically damaged (cracked, water-damaged, or crushed), the warranty does not cover it and you will pay the full $89.

If you have AppleCare+ for your AirPods Pro, the coverage is different. AppleCare+ costs $29 upfront and covers accidental damage with a $29 service fee per incident. If you have AppleCare+ and drop an earbud or spill water on it, you pay $29 instead of $89. Check your receipt or the Apple Support app to see if AppleCare+ was included with your purchase.

Comparing the cost of replacement versus buying new

A single replacement earbud costs $89. A brand-new pair of AirPods Pro costs $249. If you have lost or broken one earbud, replacing just that earbud for $89 is cheaper than buying a whole new pair for $249. You keep your existing case and the working earbud, and you only pay for what you need.

However, if both earbuds are damaged or lost, you are paying $178 for replacements — only $71 less than a new pair. At that point, some people choose to buy new AirPods Pro instead, especially if the original pair is several years old and the battery no longer holds a charge as well. Newer models may also have features the older version did not have.

If your charging case is damaged and you need both a new case ($99) and one new earbud ($89), you are at $188 — very close to the $249 price of a new pair. In that scenario, buying new might make more sense financially.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a replacement earbud if I change my mind?

Yes. Apple allows returns within 14 days of purchase if the item is unused and in original packaging. If you opened the earbud and paired it with your case, you can still return it within 14 days, but Apple may deduct a restocking fee. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to start a return.

Do I need the original packaging or receipt to buy a replacement?

No. You do not need a receipt or original packaging to buy a replacement earbud. You just need to know which earbud you need (left or right) and have a payment method. If you want to use your warranty, you will need proof of purchase, but if you are paying the $89 price, no proof is required.

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

Standard shipping from Apple.com takes three to five business days. Expedited shipping options are available for an extra fee and typically arrive in one to two business days. If you buy in an Apple Store, you walk out with the earbud the same day.

Will a replacement earbud work with my old charging case?

Yes. A replacement AirPod Pro earbud will pair with your existing charging case as long as the case is the same generation (first generation or second generation). When you put the new earbud in the case, it will automatically pair with your iPhone or other Apple devices within a few seconds.

Is there a discount if I buy two replacement earbuds at once?

No. Apple charges $89 per earbud with no bulk discount. Whether you order one earbud or two, you pay $89 each. Some third-party retailers may occasionally run sales, but Apple's price is fixed.