Walking into an Apple Store in 2026 feels a bit different than it used to. There’s a lot more choice, which is great, but it also makes the simple question of how much are new airpods surprisingly tricky to answer with a single number.
If you just want the quick version: you’re looking at anywhere from $129 to $549. But honestly, almost nobody should be paying those full sticker prices. Between the recent release of the AirPods Pro 3 and the constant shuffling of the AirPods 4 models, the "real" price you pay at Amazon or Best Buy is usually $20 to $50 lower than what Apple says on their website.
The Current 2026 Price Lineup
Apple has basically split the "standard" earbud into two tiers now. It’s not just about the Pro vs. the regular anymore.
- AirPods 4 (Standard): $129. These are the entry-level buds. No noise canceling.
- AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: $179. These look identical to the cheap ones but have the tech to block out the world.
- AirPods Pro 3: $249. The flagship. These just dropped late last year and they've already been spotted for $199 at retailers like Best Buy.
- AirPods Max (USB-C): $549. Still the king of the "expensive" hill, though they frequently sit at $449 on sale.
It's kinda wild that the middle child—the AirPods 4 with ANC—exists. You're basically paying a $50 premium just for the software and the mics to cancel noise without the silicone tips of the Pro model.
Why AirPods Pro 3 Changed the Math
When the AirPods Pro 3 landed in September 2025, they didn't just add better sound. They added heart rate sensing. That’s a big deal if you’re a runner who hates wearing a chest strap or looking at your watch every ten seconds.
Because these are the "new" ones, the AirPods Pro 2 have officially been pushed into the bargain bin. You can find refurbished Pro 2s for around $150 now, and they still have the Hearing Aid feature that Apple rolled out last year. If you don't care about tracking your pulse through your ears, the Pro 2 is probably the smartest buy right now.
But if you want the latest and greatest, keep an eye on that $249 MSRP. MacRumors and 9to5Mac have been tracking "record lows" on the Pro 3 already this January. Seeing them hit $199 only a few months after launch tells you that Apple's retail partners are aggressive this year.
The Hidden Costs: AppleCare and Cases
When you're figuring out how much are new airpods, you've gotta factor in the "Apple Tax" extras.
- AppleCare+: For the earbuds, it’s about $29 for two years. For the Max, it's closer to $59. Given how easily batteries degrade on these tiny things, it’s one of the few warranties that actually makes sense.
- The Charging Brick: Remember, you just get the cable in the box. If you don't have a USB-C brick, add $19 to your budget.
- Loss Replacement: If you lose one bud out of warranty? Apple usually charges $89 to replace a single Pro bud. It's painful.
Where to Find the Best Deals Right Now
Don't buy from the Apple Store unless you’re getting an engraving. It’s literally the only reason to pay full price.
📖 Related: The Cover Macbook Air 15 Inch Dilemma: Do You Actually Need One?
Amazon and Walmart are currently the "price leaders." For example, the standard AirPods 4 are regularly hovering around $99 instead of $129. That $30 difference is basically a free year of Apple Music or a couple of nice cases from ESR or Spigen.
Best Buy is also great if you’re into their "Open Box" deals. A lot of people buy the AirPods Max, realize they’re heavy, and return them within 48 hours. You can often snag those for under $400 in "Excellent" condition.
Quick Price Check Table (Real-World Prices)
| Model | Apple Price | Typical Sale Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | $129 | **$99** | Casual listeners |
| AirPods 4 (ANC) | $179 | **$149** | Open-ear fans who want quiet |
| AirPods Pro 3 | $249 | **$199** | Fitness buffs & travelers |
| AirPods Max | $549 | **$449** | Home office & commuters |
Deciding Which One to Grab
If you hate the feeling of silicone tips "plugging" your ears, the AirPods 4 with ANC is the sweet spot. It's weirdly effective at blocking out low-end hums like bus engines or AC units without feeling like you've got earplugs in.
However, if you're on a plane every month, the AirPods Pro 3 are non-negotiable. The 4x noise cancellation (compared to the original Pro) is legitimate. I've used them on a cross-country flight, and the "Live Translation" feature actually works surprisingly well when you're trying to talk to a flight attendant in a different language.
The AirPods Max are a harder sell. They finally have USB-C, but they're still using the H2 chip in some configurations while the Pro 3 has moved on to more advanced processing for heart rate and health. You’re paying for the aluminum build and the fashion statement.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you pull the trigger, do these three things:
- Check the "Sold By" label: If you’re buying on Amazon, make sure it says "Sold by Amazon.com" and not a third-party seller to avoid fakes, which are rampant in 2026.
- Verify the port: Ensure you are getting the USB-C version. Some older Lightning stock of the AirPods Pro 2 and Max is still floating around on eBay and discount sites. You don't want to be stuck with an old cable.
- Scan for "Education" pricing: If you or a family member are a student, Apple’s education store sometimes offers $20-$30 off, though third-party retailers usually still beat these prices.
Check the current price on Amazon or Best Buy specifically for the "AirPods Pro 3" if you want the heart rate sensing, or grab the "AirPods 4" if you just need something reliable for Zoom calls.