You’re looking at your old wired EarPods and thinking it's time. Or maybe you lost one bud from your 2021 set and need a replacement. Honestly, figuring out how much are airpods 3 right now in early 2026 is a bit of a headache. Why? Because Apple officially stopped selling them. When the AirPods 4 dropped with that fancy noise cancellation, the "3s" were pushed off the digital shelves of the Apple Store.
But they didn't disappear. Not even close.
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The Current Market Reality
If you walk into a store today, you aren't going to see a $179 price tag like we did back in the day. Retailers like Walmart and Amazon are basically playing a game of "clear the warehouse." You can regularly find brand new, sealed units for around $129 to $149. Sometimes, if you're lucky and hit a random Tuesday sale, they've been known to dip to **$119**.
It's weird. You’d think they would be dirt cheap, but because some people actually prefer the fit of the 3rd generation over the newer 4s, the price has stabilized.
Why Prices Are All Over the Place
Don't just look at the headline number. There are actually two versions of the 3rd generation out there.
- The MagSafe Case Version: This is the one everyone wanted. It sticks to your magnetic chargers. It usually commands a $10–$20 premium.
- The Lightning-only Case Version: Apple released this later to shave off some cost. If you find a pair for under $130, check the box. It’s probably the Lightning version.
Prices also fluctuate based on who is selling. Big-box retailers have "New Old Stock." Meanwhile, the secondary market is a different beast entirely.
Going Refurbished: The $80 Sweet Spot
If you’re okay with someone else’s (sanitized) tech, the refurbished market is where the real deals live. Sites like Back Market or eBay Refurbished are moving these for $75 to $95. I’ve seen them as low as $69 during holiday pushes.
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Just a heads-up: check the battery health if you can. A "refurbished" pair from 2022 might have been sitting in a drawer for years, and lithium batteries don't like that. Look for "Certified Refurbished" which usually comes with a fresh warranty.
How Much Are AirPods 3 Compared to the New Guys?
This is where it gets spicy. Apple currently sells the AirPods 4 for $129.
Wait.
If the new ones are $129, why would you pay $149 for the old ones?
It sounds backwards, right? But it's a classic supply and demand trap. Some people hate the "open-ear" ANC on the new model or find the 3rd gen stem more comfortable. Some retailers haven't updated their pricing in ages, hoping a confused shopper just clicks "buy." Honestly, if you see AirPods 3 for more than $110, you should probably just buy the AirPods 4. You get the H2 chip, better acoustic architecture, and USB-C charging.
The Replacement Bud Tax
Maybe you don't need a whole set. Maybe your dog chewed the left one.
If you go through Apple Support, a single replacement bud for the 3rd gen is roughly $69. That’s almost half the price of a new set! On eBay, you can find "authentic" single buds for $35 to $50. Just be careful—the market for fake AirPods is massive, and the 3rd gen is the most copied design in history. If the price looks too good to be true, it’s probably a "PearPod" from a factory that doesn't care about your hearing.
Hidden Costs: AppleCare+ and Cases
Don't forget the extras. Even though these are older, you might still want protection. AppleCare+ for headphones is usually $29.
Then there's the charging situation. Since the 3rd gen uses Lightning (unless you got the MagSafe version), you might need to keep an old cable around. If you're trying to move your whole life to USB-C, buying the 3rd gen in 2026 feels a bit like buying a DVD player. It works, but you're carrying around extra baggage.
The "Wait and See" Strategy
Is the price going to drop further? Probably not. We are reaching the point where the 3rd gen will just sell out and vanish from major retailers. Once they become "vintage" in the eyes of the market, the price might actually go up for collectors or people desperate for that specific fit, weirdly enough.
What You Should Actually Pay
To keep it simple, here is my "Buy or Pass" checklist for early 2026:
- New in Box: Anything over $125 is a rip-off. Buy the AirPods 4 instead.
- Used/Refurbished: Target $80. If it’s $100, you’re paying too much for used tech.
- The "Great Deal": If you find them for $99 brand new at a local clearance, grab them. That’s the "winner" price.
The AirPods 3 were a massive leap when they launched—spatial audio, sweat resistance, and that 6-hour battery life. They still sound great today. But in a world where the AirPods Pro 2 often go on sale for $189 and the AirPods 4 are the new standard, you have to be careful not to overpay for yesterday's news.
If you’re hunting for a pair today, check the "Renewed" section on Amazon first. They often have the best balance of price and return policy. Just make sure the seller is reputable. Avoid "unboxed" deals on marketplaces where you can't verify the serial number.
The goal is to get that crisp Apple sound without paying the "legacy tax" that some retailers try to sneak past you. Shop smart, check the charging port type, and don't pay 2021 prices for 2026's secondary tech.
To get the most for your money, check the model number on the box before you pay. Model MME73 is the original MagSafe version, while MPNY3 is the Lightning-only case. If a seller is asking for the same price for both, always demand the MagSafe one. It gives you more charging flexibility and holds its resale value significantly better if you decide to upgrade again next year.
Also, verify the warranty status immediately. Use the Apple "Check Coverage" website as soon as you get them. If the "Purchase Date" isn't validated or shows as 2022, you’ve likely bought a unit that's been sitting in a warehouse, and you should negotiate a lower price or return it for a fresher pair.