WikiCompare live prices on airpods across Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, AliExpress, and curated Awin partner merchants. AirPods Pro 2 ($249) are the default pick for iPhone — H2 chip, adaptive ANC, MagSafe charging, conversational awareness, and hearing-aid mode in iOS 18. AirPods 4 (open-fit, no silicone tip) come in two versions: $129 standard and $179 with ANC — surprising ANC quality for an open earbud. AirPods Max ($549) are now USB-C with H2 and Apple Lossless support; great for at-home listening, heavy at 385g for commuting. Travel cases, Apple Care+, and silicone covers are the most-bought accessories. Click any card to open the seller's product page; we earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions about airpods
Which AirPods model should I buy?
AirPods Pro 2 ($249) is the default pick — H2 chip, adaptive ANC, USB-C case, conversational awareness, hearing-aid mode in iOS 18. AirPods 4 ($129 standard / $179 with ANC) are the open-fit option for people who hate silicone tips. AirPods Max ($549) is for premium home/travel listening. Skip the original AirPods — outdated chip, no ANC.
Do AirPods work with Android?
Yes, as regular Bluetooth headphones — sound quality is identical. You lose Apple-only features: hands-free Siri, auto-switching between Apple devices, find-my-AirPods in iOS, spatial audio with head tracking, and the in-ear detection that pauses music. Pixel Buds Pro or Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are better picks if you're Android-only.
How long do AirPod batteries last before needing replacement?
AirPods batteries are tiny lithium cells that degrade ~20% over 2 years of daily use. By year 3, ANC-on listening time often drops from 6 hours to 3-4. Apple doesn't sell user-replaceable batteries — battery service costs $49-79 per bud or the same as a new pair. Most users replace rather than service after year 3.
Are AirPods Pro worth the upgrade from regular AirPods?
Yes — ANC alone justifies the $80 price gap if you commute, fly, or work in noisy environments. Pro also has Adaptive Transparency (lets you hear surroundings without removing them), better mic quality, sweat resistance (IP54), and a more secure silicone-tip fit. The standard AirPods 4 with ANC is the middle-ground compromise.
Why are my AirPods only playing in one ear?
Most often: the mesh grille on the silent bud is clogged with earwax. Clean with a dry soft toothbrush and toothpick (carefully — don't pierce the mesh). Other causes: stereo balance accidentally shifted in iPhone Settings → Accessibility → Audio → Balance slider. Reset AirPods (hold setup button 15 sec until amber + white) fixes most software issues.
Can I track lost AirPods?
AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC can play a loud chirp via Find My app — works only if they're charged and within Bluetooth range of any nearby iPhone (uses the Find My network). Older AirPods only show last known location. Always-on case finding requires AirPods Pro 2 USB-C case or newer.
Is AppleCare+ worth it for AirPods?
Marginally. AppleCare+ for AirPods is $29 for 1 year, covers accidental damage at $29 per incident. Without it, a single replacement bud costs $89-99. If you've lost or damaged AirPods before, it pays for itself. If you've never lost a pair of headphones, skip it.