Yes, AirPods are worth it for most people who own an iPhone or other Apple device. They pair instantly, sound excellent for their size, and offer some of the best battery-plus-case longevity in the wireless earbud market. The real question is which model makes sense for your budget and use case.
The current Apple lineup spans three new tiers: the standard AirPods 4 (with and without ANC), the AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods Max 2 over-ear model. Older favorites like the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 have left Apple's new-product lineup but remain excellent buys refurbished, alongside the first-generation AirPods Max, which is the only Max generation sold refurbished so far. Refurbished models start from $54 on RefurbMe, cutting the cost of entry significantly. Keep reading for a full breakdown.
According to RefurbMe's own tracking (the RefurbMe Refurbished Apple Price Index), a refurbished AirPods Pro model first reaches the refurbished market a median of 292 days after Apple's release (as of August 2026), which is why the AirPods Pro 3 only began appearing refurbished this summer. The standard AirPods line runs longer at a median of 391 days, and AirPods Max at 324 days (as of August 2026). Across every AirPods model RefurbMe has ever tracked, the median refurbished discount versus the original Apple price is 65 percent (as of August 2026). That family figure spans older models, so it does not mean any single current model is 65 percent off, but it shows how far refurbished pricing falls once a model has been on the market a while.
Table of contents
- Which AirPods model should you buy?
- AirPods model overview
- 5 reasons AirPods are worth it
- AirPods 2 vs. AirPods 3: which is the better buy?
- FAQ
Which AirPods model should you buy?
The short answer depends on your budget and priorities:
- Best value overall: AirPods 4 (standard, no ANC) at $129 new or from $95 refurbished. Good sound, USB-C, IP54 rating.
- Best noise cancellation right now: AirPods Pro 3 at $249 new or from $142 refurbished. H2 chip, roughly 2x the noise cancellation of the Pro 2, heart rate sensing, and Live Translation, and currently cheaper refurbished than the older Pro 2.
- Still worth a look secondhand: AirPods Pro 2 from $175 refurbished. H2 chip and adaptive ANC. Apple stopped selling it new in September 2025, and shrinking refurbished stock has pushed its price above the newer Pro 3, so compare both before buying.
- Best for casual listeners: AirPods 3 from $89 refurbished. Spatial audio, MagSafe charging, IPX4 resistance.
- Best for audio enthusiasts: AirPods Max (1st generation) from $353 refurbished. Over-ear design with industry-leading ANC and 20-hour battery.
As of August 2026, the AirPods Pro 3 is the better buy over the AirPods Pro 2 for most people: it costs less refurbished, has the newer H2-based ANC, and adds heart rate sensing and Live Translation. The Pro 2 still makes sense if you find a listing priced closer to its record low. If you do not need ANC at all, the standard AirPods 4 remains the best value overall.
AirPods model overview
Apple first released its wireless earbuds in December 2016. Since then, each generation has improved on design, chip performance, and audio quality. Here is a complete look at every model.
AirPods (standard line)
AirPods (2nd generation) - 2019
- H1 chip with "Hey Siri" hands-free support
- Up to 5 hours of listening time; 24 hours with the charging case
- Optional wireless charging case
- No water resistance
Refurbished AirPods 2 are no longer widely listed as separate inventory since the AirPods 3 and 4 have pushed them out of most refurbisher catalogs.
AirPods (3rd generation) - 2021
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Adaptive EQ for optimized sound
- MagSafe charging case
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance
- Up to 6 hours of listening time; 30 hours with case
Apple no longer sells the AirPods 3 new, having narrowed its lineup to the AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max. Refurbished AirPods 3 start from around $89 on RefurbMe.
AirPods (4th generation) - 2024
- H2 chip for improved audio processing
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the higher-end model
- Improved bass response and sound separation
- USB-C charging case
- IP54 dust and water resistance (better than the IPX4 on the 3rd gen)
- Standard model: up to 5 hours listening; 30 hours total with case
- With ANC: up to 4 hours listening with ANC on (5 hours with ANC off); 20 hours total with case with ANC on (30 hours with ANC off)
The AirPods 4 with ANC retails for $179 new; the standard model is $129 new. Refurbished AirPods 4 start from around $95; the ANC model starts from around $154.
2024 release
Related article: AirPods 2 vs. AirPods 3: Key Differences and Which to Buy
AirPods Pro
AirPods Pro (1st generation) - 2019
- Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode
- H1 chip
- Interchangeable ear tips (3 sizes: S, M, L)
- Adaptive EQ
- Up to 4.5 hours listening with ANC; 24 hours total with case
Refurbished AirPods Pro 1 start from around $54.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) - 2022
- H2 chip with significantly improved ANC (up to 2x more effective than Gen 1)
- Adaptive Transparency mode
- Personalized Spatial Audio
- Touch control for volume
- Up to 6 hours listening with ANC; 30 hours total with case
- Four ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L)
- Find My support via U1 chip in the case
Apple discontinued the AirPods Pro 2 as a new product in September 2025 when the AirPods Pro 3 launched, so it is now sold refurbished or used only. Refurbished AirPods Pro 2 start from around $175 on RefurbMe as of August 2026, up sharply from earlier in the summer as remaining stock thins out. That is now more expensive than a refurbished AirPods Pro 3, so check both listings before buying a Pro 2.
AirPods Pro (3rd generation) - 2025
- H2 chip with roughly 2x the noise cancellation of the AirPods Pro 2, according to Apple
- Heart rate sensing via an infrared sensor for workout tracking
- Live Translation for real-time in-person conversations
- Conversation Boost hearing aid features and improved Transparency mode
- Up to 8 hours listening with ANC; 7.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking; 6.5 hours with heart rate sensing during workouts; 24 hours total with the case
- Personalized Spatial Audio and USB-C charging case with Find My
The AirPods Pro 3 launched in September 2025 at $249 new, the same launch price as the outgoing Pro 2. Refurbished AirPods Pro 3 start from around $142 on RefurbMe as of August 2026, now the more affordable Pro option since AirPods Pro 2 refurbished pricing has climbed above it.
2022 release
2019 release
2025 release
AirPods Max
AirPods Max (1st generation) - 2020
- High-fidelity audio with an Apple-designed 40mm dynamic driver
- Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation
- Transparency mode
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Digital Crown for volume control and playback
- Up to 20 hours of listening time with ANC enabled
- Smart Case for ultra-low power mode
The original AirPods Max retailed for $549 new. Refurbished 1st-generation units start from around $353 as of August 2026, still one of the pricier options in the lineup but a real saving on the original price. Apple announced a second-generation AirPods Max on March 16, 2026, on sale from April 2026, also at $549, with the same H2 chip family and up to 20 hours of listening time with ANC. So far only the 1st generation shows up in the refurbished catalog, so every "AirPods Max" listing on RefurbMe today is the older model; expect the 2nd generation to start appearing refurbished once it clears Apple's typical release-to-refurbished lag.
sky-blue • 2020 release
silver • 2020 release
space-gray • 2020 release
Related: Beats Studio 3 vs. AirPods Max: A Guide to the Best Headphones
5 reasons AirPods are worth it
1. Battery life
Battery life is one of the strongest arguments for AirPods across the full lineup. Here is how each current model stacks up:
- AirPods 4 (standard): 5 hours listening, 30 hours total with case.
- AirPods 4 (with ANC): 4 hours with ANC on, 20 hours total with case.
- AirPods Pro 2: 6 hours with ANC on, 30 hours total with case.
- AirPods Pro 3: 8 hours with ANC on, 24 hours total with case.
- AirPods Max (1st gen): 20 hours with ANC on (no charging case battery top-up).
These numbers compare favorably with most competitors. The Sony WF-1000XM5, for example, offers 8 hours of earbud-only time but only 24 hours total. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro delivers 6 hours and 26 hours total. AirPods Pro 2's 30 hours total puts it near the top of the market, while the standard AirPods 4 matches it without ANC.
2. Sound quality and noise cancellation
AirPods deliver clear, balanced audio across every model, but noise cancellation varies considerably:
- AirPods 4 (standard, no ANC): Good passive isolation, no active noise cancellation. Suitable for everyday listening.
- AirPods 4 (with ANC): This is the first standard AirPods model to include ANC. Effective in medium-noise environments such as offices or public transport.
- AirPods Pro 2: The H2 chip delivers up to 2x better noise cancellation than the previous generation according to Apple. Adaptive Transparency lets you hear your surroundings at reduced volume without removing the earbuds.
- AirPods Pro 3: Apple rates its ANC at roughly 2x the Pro 2, which makes it the strongest in-ear noise cancellation Apple has shipped. It adds Live Translation and heart rate sensing on top.
- AirPods Max (1st gen): The best ANC Apple makes overall, comparable to the Sony WH-1000XM5 in real-world use. Suited to frequent flyers and commuters who need deep quiet.
3. Apple ecosystem integration
Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem is a major, practical advantage.
All AirPods models connect instantly to iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs. Once paired with one device using the same Apple ID, they appear automatically on all your other Apple devices. Switching from a MacBook call to an iPhone call takes one tap, with no re-pairing needed.
AirPods also work with Android and other Bluetooth devices, though automatic switching and Siri integration are Apple-only features.
4. Fit and comfort
Fit is subjective, but Apple offers three distinct approaches across the lineup:
- AirPods 2, 3, and 4: Universal one-size design with no ear tips. The stem shape has shortened across generations, and the 4th gen has a more contoured outer shell. Some people find the open fit uncomfortable for extended wear; others prefer it for breathability.
- AirPods Pro 1 and 2: Silicone ear tips in 3 or 4 sizes create a seal in the ear canal. This improves passive isolation, helps ANC performance, and gives a more secure fit for exercise. The built-in ear tip fit test (in Settings on iPhone) helps you find the right size.
- AirPods Max: Breathable knit mesh headband, memory foam ear cushions, and a telescoping arm for size adjustment. They weigh 385g, which some users find heavy during very long sessions.
If you are unsure about fit, the AirPods Pro 2 are the safest choice because the ear tip system accommodates a wide range of ear shapes.
5. Price: new vs. refurbished
These are the current Apple new prices for the models still sold new:
- AirPods 4 (standard): $129
- AirPods 4 (with ANC): $179
- AirPods Pro 3: $249
- AirPods Max (2nd generation): $549
The AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 were dropped from Apple's new-product lineup (the Pro 2 in September 2025 when the Pro 3 launched), so Apple no longer lists a new price for either. Both are still widely available refurbished, though discontinued models are also the ones counterfeiters copy most heavily, so it pays to know how to tell real AirPods from fakes before buying from an open marketplace.
Refurbished models on RefurbMe bring these prices down significantly. As of August 2026, the most recently recorded refurbished prices are:
- AirPods 4: $95
- AirPods 4 with ANC: $154
- AirPods Pro 1: $54
- AirPods Pro 2: $175
- AirPods Pro 3: $142
- AirPods 3: $89
- AirPods Max (1st gen): $353
Prices move week to week as new listings come in, so treat these as recent reference points rather than a fixed floor; check the live comparison widgets below for today's price. Even at $142, a refurbished AirPods Pro 3 with the H2 chip and adaptive ANC costs less than a new AirPods 4 with ANC ($179). All units on RefurbMe are professionally tested and sold with a warranty. For the full picture on the Pro line specifically, read our verdict on refurbished AirPods Pro.
Learn more: How Long Do AirPods Last? (Battery and Lifespan)
AirPods 2 vs. AirPods 3: which is the better buy?
This is one of the most searched AirPods comparisons. The short verdict: buy the AirPods 3 over the AirPods 2 if you can.
The AirPods 3 add spatial audio, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe charging, and IPX4 water resistance compared to the AirPods 2. Refurbished AirPods 3 start from around $89 on RefurbMe, while AirPods 2 inventory has largely dried up. The price gap between the two is small enough that the AirPods 3 wins on features at nearly every price point.
If you want a detailed side-by-side, see our full article: AirPods 2 vs. AirPods 3: Key Differences and Which to Buy.
FAQ
If you want to explore the full range and compare live prices across refurbishers, check the widget below.
Check all refurbished AirPods models in real-time here:
2022 release
Last updated: Aug 21, 2026 · First published: Dec 27, 2024
