How Much Are Used AirPods Worth? (And Why Apple Won’t Take Them)

AirPods hold less value than an iPhone or iPad — they're smaller, batteries wear faster, and there's no screen or storage tier to drive the price up — but they're absolutely still worth selling rather than tossing in a drawer.

Here's what GadgetRenu currently pays at the top of each model's range:

GadgetRenu maximum cash offers as of August 2026, for a complete set in Excellent condition with the correct charging case. Battery wear and missing pieces reduce the number. Check the Sell AirPods page for your model's live quote.

AirPods Max — the over-ear headphones — lead by a wide margin because they're a premium product with a much higher original price. The in-ear models land lower, but a working pair with its case is still real money.

This surprises a lot of people: Apple Trade In does not accept AirPods for credit. You can send any AirPods to Apple to be recycled for free — which is genuinely good for the planet — but you get $0 back for them.

Apple's trade-in program is built around iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, where devices can be refurbished and resold. AirPods fall outside it. So if you want actual money for your AirPods, a third-party buyback like GadgetRenu is your only real option — we pay cash for working pairs instead of recycling them for nothing.

Four things move the number:

• Generation. Newer models and AirPods Max pay the most; older in-ears pay the least. Apple's model names look alike, so check yours in Settings → Bluetooth → tap the (i) next to your AirPods, or on the case's model number.
• Battery health. This is the single biggest factor for in-ear AirPods. The tiny batteries degrade with every charge cycle, and a pair that only lasts an hour is worth much less than one that still holds its rated life. There's no built-in battery-health readout like an iPhone has — buyers judge it by age and real-world runtime.
• Completeness. You need both earbuds and the matching charging case. A single bud or a case-only won't get a full offer; Apple pairs the buds to the case, so mismatched pieces are a problem.
• Condition. Deep scratches, cracks, or a case that won't charge lower the grade. Normal light wear is fine.

It's the same simple flow as selling a phone:

1. Get a quote on GadgetRenu's Sell AirPods page — pick your model and condition, about two minutes, no account needed.
2. Unpair them from your Apple Account — on your iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth → (i) next to your AirPods → Forget This Device. This removes them from Find My so the next owner can pair them.
3. Pack the full set — both buds plus the charging case — and ship with the free prepaid, insured USPS label.
4. Get paid within 3 business days of delivery via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or check.

Selling a whole Apple setup? You can bundle your AirPods with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac — see everything GadgetRenu buys on the Sell Apple devices page.

Does Apple buy back AirPods?

No. Apple Trade In only accepts AirPods for free recycling — you get no credit. To be paid for them, use a third-party buyback service like GadgetRenu, which pays cash for working pairs.

How much are used AirPods worth?

At GadgetRenu, AirPods Max 2 pays up to $203, AirPods Pro 3 up to $50, AirPods 4 (ANC) up to $40, and AirPods 4 up to $25 (complete set, Excellent condition, August 2026). Battery wear and missing pieces lower the offer.

Can I sell AirPods without the charging case?

You'll get much less, if anything. The case is required for the buds to charge and pair, and Apple links the buds to their specific case — so a complete set (both buds plus the correct case) is what earns a full offer.

How do I check which AirPods I have?

On your iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth, tap the (i) next to your AirPods, and look at the model name. You can also match the model number printed on the case to Apple's list.

Do I need to reset my AirPods before selling?

Yes — unpair them so they leave your Apple Account. Go to Settings → Bluetooth → (i) next to your AirPods → Forget This Device. That lets the next owner pair them cleanly.