Honestly, walking into an Apple Store and asking "how much are the airpods" is a bit like asking how much a car costs. You could walk out spending a hundred bucks, or you could drop over five hundred if you’re feeling fancy.
Prices have shifted quite a bit lately. With the release of the AirPods Pro 3 last autumn and the constant flux of "winter sales" at places like Best Buy and Amazon, the "sticker price" isn't always the "real" price. I’ve seen the base models dip into double digits for the first time in ages, while the high-end gear stays stubbornly expensive unless you know where to look.
The Current Price List for 2026
If you want the short answer, here is the official Apple breakdown as of January 2026.
The entry-level AirPods 4 start at $129. These are the basic ones—no noise cancellation, just the classic "open" fit. If you want that same shape but with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the price jumps to $179.
Then you’ve got the heavy hitters. The AirPods Pro 3—which just launched with that cool heart rate sensing feature—retail for $249. And the big over-ear AirPods Max? Those are still holding onto a $549 price tag at the Apple Store, though they’ve finally moved to USB-C across the board.
AirPods 4: The Budget-Friendly Entry
Most people I talk to just want something that works for calls and the gym. For that, the AirPods 4 are the go-to.
Right now, in early 2026, we’re seeing some aggressive post-holiday discounting. While Apple sells them for $129, I’ve caught them at Best Buy for $99.99. That’s a massive psychological barrier to break. Under a hundred bucks for current-gen AirPods is basically the "buy it now" signal.
There is a catch, though. The $129 (or $99 on sale) version doesn't have a speaker in the case for Find My, and it doesn't support wireless charging. You have to plug them in via USB-C. If you want the "Pro" features in the "non-Pro" body—like the speaker in the case and ANC—you’re looking at that **$179 MSRP**.
The AirPods Pro 3 Leap
The big news this year was the AirPods Pro 3. Apple didn't raise the price from the Pro 2, which was a relief. They kept it at $249.
What’s wild about these is the heart rate sensor. It’s meant for people who don’t want to wear an Apple Watch but still want to track their cardio. Tech experts like Ryan Christoffel have noted that these are basically a health wearable now, not just headphones.
Wait for the sale?
Yes. Always. Even though they are relatively new, Amazon and Target have already been spotted nudging the price down to $199.99 during flash sales. If you see them for $219, you’re getting a fair deal. If you see them for $199, grab them.
Are the AirPods Max Still $549?
The Max is the outlier. It’s a luxury item. Honestly, paying $549 for headphones that are a couple of years old (even with the USB-C refresh) feels a bit steep to me.
But here’s the secret: nobody should pay $549 for these in 2026.
Just this week, retailers like Mashable and 9to5Toys reported that all colors of the USB-C AirPods Max dropped to $449.99. That $100 discount is pretty standard now. If you’re looking at your screen and the price says $549, close the tab and check back in three days. They fluctuate more than the stock market.
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Hidden Costs: AppleCare and Refurbs
Don't forget the "Apple Tax" beyond the hardware.
- AppleCare+: Usually runs about $29 for the buds and $59 for the Max.
- The Refurbished Market: This is where the real "how much are the airpods" question gets interesting. You can find "Excellent" condition AirPods Pro 2 (the previous gen) for around $130-$150 on sites like Back Market or Walmart’s restored section.
The AirPods Pro 2 are still fantastic. They have the H2 chip and great noise cancellation. If you don't care about the heart rate tracking in the Pro 3, a refurbished Pro 2 is probably the smartest way to spend your money right now.
Where to Buy to Get the Best Deal
Stop buying them directly from Apple unless you really want that free engraving. You’re paying a premium for the experience.
- Amazon: Usually has the lowest "new" price but watch out for third-party sellers. Stick to "Ships from and sold by Amazon."
- Costco: Often includes AppleCare at a discount or has a 90-day return policy that beats everyone else.
- Best Buy: Great for "Open Box" deals. I’ve seen "Open Box - Excellent" AirPods 4 for as low as $85. That’s basically a steal.
Quick Price Reference
- AirPods 4 (Basic): $129 (Retail) / $99 (Sale)
- AirPods 4 (with ANC): $179 (Retail) / $149 (Sale)
- AirPods Pro 3: $249 (Retail) / $199 (Sale)
- AirPods Max (USB-C): $549 (Retail) / $449 (Sale)
- AirPods Pro 2 (Refurbished): ~$130-$150
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake is assuming the "Pro" name always means better. If you hate silicone ear tips that shove into your ear canal, the $179 AirPods 4 with ANC might actually be a better product for you than the $249 Pro 3.
Also, keep an eye on the "Year of the Horse" limited editions if you're in Asia or looking at resellers. Those are popping up for the Lunar New Year and usually retail for the same $249, but they’ll be worth way more on eBay in six months.
Actionable Next Steps
Check the price on Amazon and Best Buy simultaneously before you click buy. If the AirPods 4 are above $115 or the Pro 3 are above $230, wait. These prices change weekly, and there is almost always a "weekend sale" around the corner. If you're on a tight budget, look for those Open Box units at Best Buy—they’re usually just returns from people who didn’t like the fit, and you can save fifty bucks easily.