Swappa’s catalog now covers 11 AirPods models, from the 2016 originals to the AirPods 5 that went on sale September 18, 2026. Used prices run from about $34 to about $393, and the biggest difference between models isn’t age. It’s whether they have Apple’s H2 chip.
This guide compares every AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max model with current Swappa prices, shows which features each one gets, and covers what to check before you buy. For non-Apple headphones and the selling side, start with Used AirPods and Headphones: The Complete Buyer and Seller Guide.
Quick Answer
AirPods Pro 2 are the best used value in 2026. They average about $111 on Swappa, less than half their $249 launch price, and have the H2 chip, strong ANC, and Apple’s Hearing Aid feature. If you can spend more, AirPods Pro 3 (about $164) add stronger noise cancellation, heart rate sensing, and longer battery life. For open-ear AirPods, the new AirPods 5 cost $129 new with ANC, so only buy a used AirPods 4 with ANC well below that. Shop used AirPods on Swappa.
Used AirPods Prices on Swappa: Every Model Compared
| Model (Year) | Avg. Sale on Swappa | Launch Price | Chip | ANC | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods (1st gen) (2016) | $34 | $159 | W1 | No | Skip |
| AirPods (2nd gen) (2019) | $56 | $159 | H1 | No | Rock-bottom budget |
| AirPods (3rd gen) (2021) | $68 | $179 | H1 | No | Cheap spatial audio |
| AirPods 4 (2024) | $86 | $129 / $179 with ANC | H2 | ANC version only | Best budget H2 |
| AirPods 5 (2026) | No sales yet | $129 / $149 wireless case | H2 | Yes | Newest open-ear |
| AirPods Pro (1st gen) (2019) | $75 | $249 | H1 | Yes | Skip for Pro 2 |
| AirPods Pro 2 (2022) | $111 | $249 | H2 | Yes | Best value |
| AirPods Pro 3 (2025) | $164 | $249 | H2 | Yes | Best overall |
| AirPods Max (Lightning) (2020) | $221 | $549 | H1 | Yes | Cheapest Max |
| AirPods Max (USB-C) (2024) | $252 | $549 | H1 | Yes | Best Max value |
| AirPods Max 2 (2026) | $393 | $549 | H2 | Yes | Best Max |
Average sale prices come from Swappa’s price pages as of September 24, 2026, and they move with condition, case type, and demand. The AirPods 4 average covers both versions. AirPods (1st gen) and AirPods Max 2 have eight or fewer live listings, so their averages can swing quickly, and AirPods 5 have no Swappa sales yet. Check current Swappa prices before you buy.
The AirPods Lineup in 2026: What’s New and What’s Discontinued
Apple’s lineup changed three times in the past year:
- AirPods Pro 3 (September 2025) replaced AirPods Pro 2 at the same $249 price.
- AirPods Max 2 (announced March 2026) added the H2 chip at $549, and Apple stopped selling the USB-C AirPods Max.
- AirPods 5 (September 2026) replaced AirPods 4. Both versions now include ANC: $129 with a USB-C case, or $149 with a Wireless Charging Case.
Each release pushes more of the previous model onto the used market. That is why AirPods Pro 2 and the USB-C AirPods Max now sell for about half their launch prices on Swappa.
H1 vs. H2: The Chip That Decides Which Features You Get
Apple’s newer AirPods features are built around the H2 chip, and Apple has not brought them to older H1 models. That makes the chip the clearest dividing line for a used purchase.
- H2: AirPods 4, AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Max 2
- H1: AirPods (2nd and 3rd gen), AirPods Pro (1st gen), AirPods Max (Lightning and USB-C)
- W1: AirPods (1st gen)
Depending on the model, H2 brings Adaptive Audio, which blends ANC and Transparency automatically; Conversation Awareness, which lowers your audio when you start talking; Siri head gestures; and Live Translation. Live Translation works on AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max 2, paired with an Apple Intelligence iPhone (iPhone 15 Pro or later) on iOS 26 or later.
Two features are Pro only. The Hearing Aid feature and Hearing Test run on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3, and heart rate sensing for workouts is on AirPods Pro 3 alone.
Standard AirPods: 1st Gen Through AirPods 5
AirPods 5 (2026): Newest, but No Used Deals Yet
What’s new: ANC comes standard on both versions, and Apple says it removes up to 50 percent more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. The earbuds are now rated IP57 for dust, sweat, and water, up from IP54. They keep the H2 chip and the open-ear design with no ear tips. The $149 version’s case adds wireless charging with Qi-certified and Apple Watch chargers, and Apple rates it for up to 5 hours of listening with ANC, versus 4 hours for the $129 version.
Used price: Swappa’s AirPods 5 page is live but had no listings on September 24, less than a week after launch. You can subscribe on that page to get alerts when the first listings appear.
Verdict: The $129 price sets a ceiling for used open-ear AirPods. Now that ANC is standard at that price, a used AirPods 4 with ANC only makes sense well below it.
AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC (2024): Best Budget H2 Pick
What they are: The first standard AirPods with the H2 chip and a USB-C case, with a redesigned fit and IP54 resistance. There are two versions: the $129 standard model and the $179 model with ANC, Adaptive Audio, a wireless charging case, and a Find My speaker in the case. Apple discontinued both when AirPods 5 launched.
Used price: About $86 across both versions. On September 24, used standard listings ran about $80 to $100 and ANC listings about $80 to $125.
Verdict: The standard AirPods 4 are the cheapest way into the H2 feature set. For the ANC version, aim for $100 or less. At $110 and up, a used AirPods Pro 2 or a new AirPods 5 is the better buy.
AirPods (3rd Gen, 2021): Spatial Audio on a Budget
What they are: H1 chip, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, shorter stems than earlier models, and IPX4 sweat and water resistance. They launched with a MagSafe case, and Apple added a cheaper Lightning case version in 2022. Swappa lets you filter listings by case. There’s no ANC.
Used price: About $68.
Verdict: Good sound for the money, but a used AirPods 4 costs only about $18 more on average and adds the H2 chip and USB-C.
AirPods (2nd Gen, 2019) and AirPods (1st Gen, 2016): Rock-Bottom Prices Only
The 2nd gen added the H1 chip and hands-free “Hey Siri.” They have no ANC, no spatial audio, and no ear tips, and came with either a Lightning case or a wireless charging case. The original AirPods use the older W1 chip and a Lightning case, and Swappa had only four listings on September 24.
Used price: About $56 for the 2nd gen and $34 for the 1st gen.
Verdict: The 2nd gen works as a cheap pair for calls and podcasts. Units are up to seven years old, so expect worn batteries. The originals, up to ten years old, are hard to recommend at any price.
AirPods Pro: 1st Gen, Pro 2, and Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 (2025): Best Overall
What’s new: Apple says AirPods Pro 3 remove up to twice as much noise as AirPods Pro 2. They add heart rate sensing for workouts, IP57 resistance, up to 8 hours of listening with ANC (up from 6 hours on Pro 2), and new foam-infused ear tips in five sizes, including a new XXS. The Hearing Aid feature and Hearing Test carry over. The case charges over USB-C, MagSafe, Qi, or an Apple Watch charger.
Used price: About $164, roughly a third below the $249 launch price, across 18 live listings. Units bought in the past year may still have Apple’s one-year limited warranty, which the serial number check below will show.
Verdict: The pick if you want the best AirPods Apple makes and can spend about $50 more than a Pro 2.
AirPods Pro 2 (2022 and 2023): Best Value
What they are: H2 chip, up to twice the ANC of the original AirPods Pro, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, and the Hearing Aid and Hearing Test features. There are two versions. The 2022 model has a Lightning MagSafe case and IPX4 resistance. The 2023 model has a USB-C MagSafe case, IP54 resistance for the earbuds and case, and lossless audio with Apple Vision Pro.
Used price: About $111, with 34 live listings on September 24. Used Lightning and USB-C listings sat in the same range, mostly $100 to $130, so there’s little reason not to get USB-C.
Verdict: The best used AirPods for most people: about 55% off the launch price with nearly every current feature except heart rate. Units range from 2022 to 2025, so test the battery before you commit.
AirPods Pro (1st Gen, 2019): Skip for a Pro 2
What they are: The first AirPods with ANC and Transparency mode, on the H1 chip, with IPX4 resistance. The case was a wireless charging case at launch and a MagSafe case from 2021. They don’t get Adaptive Audio, the Hearing Aid feature, or Live Translation.
Used price: About $75.
Verdict: A Pro 2 costs about $36 more on average and adds the H2 chip, stronger ANC, hearing health features, and a younger battery. Only buy a first-gen Pro at a steep discount.
AirPods Max: Lightning, USB-C, and Max 2
All three AirPods Max share the same over-ear design: aluminum ear cups, a knit mesh canopy, the Digital Crown, a Smart Case, and up to 20 hours of listening with ANC. Each launched at $549. What changed is the port and the chip. For Sony and Bose alternatives, see Used Over-Ear Headphones: Sony vs. Bose Buyer’s Guide.
AirPods Max 2 (2026): Best Max
What’s new: The H2 chip, which Apple says makes ANC up to 1.5 times more effective, plus Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, Bluetooth 5.3, and 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over the included USB-C cable.
Used price: About $393, roughly 28% below the $549 launch price, with only eight live listings.
Tip: AirPods Max 2 and the USB-C AirPods Max come in the same five colors (midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue) and look alike. Confirm the model name with the serial number check before you pay.
Verdict: The Max to buy if you want Apple’s current features in an over-ear headphone. It costs about $140 more than a USB-C Max, and it’s the only Max with Adaptive Audio and Live Translation.
AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024): Best Max Value
What they are: The original H1 hardware with a USB-C port and new colors. A 2025 firmware update added lossless audio and ultra-low-latency listening over a USB-C cable. They don’t get Adaptive Audio or Live Translation.
Used price: About $252.
Verdict: About $31 more than a Lightning Max on average, for a USB-C port and wired lossless audio. That’s worth it.
AirPods Max (Lightning, 2020): Cheapest Way Into Max
What they are: The original AirPods Max, with the H1 chip, a Lightning port, and the first five colors (space gray, silver, sky blue, green, and pink). With 39 live listings, they have the deepest supply of any AirPods on Swappa.
Used price: About $221.
Verdict: Still excellent ANC headphones, but they have the oldest batteries in the Max line and a Lightning port. Pay close to the average or less.
Which Used AirPods to Buy by Budget
| Budget | Best Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under $60 | AirPods (2nd gen) | Cheapest H1 AirPods, fine for calls and podcasts |
| $60 to $100 | AirPods 4 | H2 chip and USB-C; get the ANC version near $100 |
| $100 to $130 | AirPods Pro 2 | Best-value ANC, Hearing Aid, Live Translation |
| $129 to $149 (new) | AirPods 5 | Open-ear ANC, IP57, a fresh battery |
| $150 to $200 | AirPods Pro 3 | Strongest ANC, heart rate sensing, 8-hour battery |
| $200 to $260 | AirPods Max (Lightning or USB-C) | Over-ear ANC for less than half the launch price |
| $370 to $430 | AirPods Max 2 | H2 features in an over-ear design |
These ranges are based on Swappa’s average sale prices on September 24, 2026. Condition, case type, and included accessories all move them. For how resale prices shift over a device’s life, see Used Tech Resale Value: The Complete Pricing Guide.
What to Check Before Buying Used AirPods
Make Sure They’re Genuine
Fake AirPods are common in the used market, and good ones are hard to spot by eye. Every genuine pair has a serial number printed inside the case lid, and it also shows in iPhone Settings when the AirPods are connected. Enter it at checkcoverage.apple.com: a genuine pair shows the model name, which should match the listing. Some fakes reuse real serial numbers, so pair the serial check with the software tells in How to Tell If Used AirPods Are Fake.
Confirm Find My Lock Is Off
AirPods can be paired with only one Apple Account at a time. If the seller didn’t remove them from their account, Find My shows a message that the AirPods are paired to another Apple Account, and you can’t add them to yours. Apple can’t remove this Find My Lock for you. Only the previous owner can, from Find My or iCloud.com.
Swappa listings can’t have an active lock, but confirm with the seller before you pay that they removed the AirPods from their Apple Account.
Check That the Earbuds and Case Belong Together
If an earbud or the case was replaced or swapped, your iPhone may show a “Mismatched AirPods” alert. Apple says this appears when the AirPods in the case are different generations or belong to someone else. Ask the seller whether anything was replaced. If you’re shopping for a single earbud to replace a lost one, Is it Worth Replacing a Lost Apple AirPod Earbud? compares the options.
Test the Battery
iOS doesn’t show a battery health percentage for AirPods, so the practical test is real playback time. Charge the earbuds fully, play audio at a moderate volume, and compare the result to Apple’s rating for the model (for example, 6 hours with ANC for AirPods Pro 2 and 8 hours for Pro 3). AppleCare+ replaces the battery at no extra charge if capacity drops below 80%. Outside that, battery service is paid. Used AirPods Battery Health & Hygiene: What to Know explains how to judge a worn battery.
For hygiene, How to Clean Apple AirPods: Every Model, Every Part covers Apple’s current cleaning method. Fresh ear tips are an inexpensive upgrade for any used AirPods Pro.
Buying Used AirPods on Swappa
Swappa staff review listings before they go live. Listed AirPods must be fully functional, with no active account lock, water damage, or cracked parts. Payments run through PayPal with buyer and seller protection. If a pair arrives not as described, you’re entitled to a refund. Buyer’s remorse returns are up to the seller, so read the description closely. Swappa’s human support team is available 24/7, with a typical response in about 20 minutes.
Buyers pay a 3% fee that is already included in the listing price, plus sales tax where required. Sellers pay 3% of the sale price, and listing is free. Condition grades are explained in Swappa Condition Grades Explained: New, Mint, Good, Fair.
Upgrading to AirPods 5 or Pro 3? How to Sell Used AirPods and Headphones for the Most Money covers pricing and prep, and you can sell your AirPods on Swappa.
FAQ
Are used AirPods worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if you pick an H2 model and buy from a verified seller. On Swappa, AirPods Pro 2 average about $111 against a $249 launch price, and AirPods Pro 3 average about $164. The main risks are fakes, a worn battery, and AirPods still locked to the seller’s Apple Account, and each takes a few minutes to check.
Which used AirPods are the best value?
AirPods Pro 2. They average about $111 on Swappa, less than half their $249 launch price, and have the H2 chip, strong ANC, Adaptive Audio, Live Translation, and Apple’s Hearing Aid feature. Get the USB-C version, since it sells in the same price range as the Lightning version.
Should I buy new AirPods 5 or used AirPods Pro 2?
Buy used AirPods Pro 2, at about $111, if you want an in-ear seal that blocks more outside noise and the Hearing Aid feature. Buy AirPods 5, at $129 new, if you prefer open-ear AirPods without ear tips and want a fresh battery and IP57 water resistance. Both have the H2 chip, ANC, and Live Translation.
What is the difference between AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3?
Apple says AirPods Pro 3 remove up to twice as much noise as AirPods Pro 2. They also add heart rate sensing, IP57 resistance (up from IP54), up to 8 hours of listening with ANC instead of 6, and a new XXS ear tip size. On Swappa, Pro 3 average about $164 and Pro 2 about $111.
Can you check battery health on used AirPods?
Not as a percentage. iOS doesn’t show battery health for AirPods the way it does for iPhone. Charge them fully, play audio at a moderate volume, and compare the playback time to Apple’s rating for the model. AppleCare+ replaces the battery if capacity drops below 80%.
What if used AirPods are still linked to the seller’s Apple Account?
You can’t add them to your own Apple Account or Find My until the seller removes them. Apple calls this Find My Lock, and Apple can’t remove it for you. Only the previous owner can, from Find My or iCloud.com, so confirm it before you pay.
Conclusion
For most buyers in 2026, used AirPods Pro 2 are the AirPods to get: about $111 on Swappa with the H2 chip, strong ANC, and hearing health features. Step up to AirPods Pro 3 for the strongest noise cancellation and heart rate sensing, buy AirPods 5 new if you want open-ear AirPods with ANC, and pick a USB-C AirPods Max or AirPods Max 2 for over-ear listening. Skip the original AirPods and first-gen AirPods Pro unless the price is very low.
Before you buy, check the serial number, confirm the seller removed the AirPods from their Apple Account, and test the battery. Swappa listings are staff-reviewed, the 3% buyer fee is already in the price, and PayPal protection covers the payment.
