Here’s Why AirPods Are So Expensive [Are They Worth It?]

Alvaro Trigo Avatar

Follow on Twitter

AirPods are pretty popular these days, with their cool design and compatibility with iPhones. But they are also quite expensive, which makes people wonder if they are worth the money. 

In this article, we’ll talk about why AirPods are so expensive, whether AirPods are worth it, and how they compare to other earbuds. We’ll also discuss the features and technology that make AirPods unique. Finally, we will see the cheapest and most expensive AirPods available.

Why Are Airpods So Expensive

What Is the Most Expensive AirPods?

The most expensive AirPods is the AirPods Max, priced at $549. These headphones cover the ears completely and provide superior sound quality. The battery life lasts over 20 hours, even with the noise-canceling feature turned on.

Apple’s AirPods Max are quite expensive but worth the investment, given their superior audio quality compared to the AirPods and AirPods Pro.

Although they are not very portable due to their over-ear design and no option to fold them up, they offer excellent noise cancellation, making them perfect for long study sessions. 

Note: Prices may vary depending on the shop you’re buying from. The price displayed here is for the United States of America.  

Why Are AirPods So Expensive?

These are the reasons why AirPods are expensive:

  • Brand Value.
    Apple’s reputation for producing innovative and high-quality products has contributed to the perceived value of its brand. As a result, this brand value is one of the key factors that make AirPods expensive.
  • Features.
    AirPods are expensive due to a wide range of features. These features allow for seamless control of devices like iPhones or iPads, decent sound quality, and a wireless charging case. 
  • Quality.
    Apple’s focus on design and build quality is unparalleled. They use top-notch materials and advanced manufacturing processes to craft products that are not only functional but also visually appealing. 
  • Seamless Integration.
    AirPods are best-sellers due to their excellent Bluetooth range and effortless compatibility with mobile devices, especially Apple devices. iPhones are widespread, so having headphones that are designed to work with them is a logical choice.
  • Technology.
    The touch controls that work with iPhones, such as the capability to tap to start and stop music, automatic ear detection, ear tip fit test, and compatibility with Siri, are also big selling points.
  • Premium Look and Feel.
    AirPods’ overall cost is attributed to including a charging case and other accessories. Its design is also unparalleled. 

In summary, AirPods are expensive due to Apple’s brand value, seamless integration with Apple devices, advanced technology, and excellent design and build quality.

Find out more about AirPods’ pricing on the Apple Store.

Are AirPods Really Worth It?

Whether or not you should get AirPods depends on what you’re looking for. Your personal preferences, priorities, and budget all play a role in making that decision. 

Here are some things to think about to help you decide if Apple AirPods are worth it:

  • Portability.
    Apple AirPods are popular because they’re lightweight, easy to use, reliable, offer decent sound, and bring Siri to life. They work with any Bluetooth device, from smartphones to smart TVs.
    AirPods are portable and convenient, with a charging case for extra battery life.
  • Noise Cancellation.
    AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are highly effective in reducing noise, making them ideal for use in noisy surroundings or while traveling.
  • Sound Quality.
    Although the sound quality of AirPods is respectable, several wireless earbuds on the market offer superior sound quality at different prices. It’s essential to consider your audio preferences and requirements before deciding.
  • Budget.
    AirPods are more expensive than other wireless earbuds available in the market. It’s essential to consider your budget and whether the added features and compatibility with Apple devices are worth the cost.
  • Comfort.
    The comfort level a person derives from using earbuds is subjective and varies based on the shape of your ears. While some individuals may find AirPods comfortable, others may prefer alternate earbud designs for a comfortable fit.

Before deciding to buy AirPods, try them out. Also, consider reviews, compare features with similar products, and evaluate your specific needs and preferences to determine whether AirPods suit you.

Have you ever wondered if AirPods are bad for your ears?

What Is the Cheapest AirPods?

The cheapest AirPods available are AirPods 2nd generation, priced at $129. These AirPods have a handy charging case that will give you extra battery life. You can get it from the Apple Store or third-party online shops like Amazon.

AirPods 2nd Generation - Cheapest AirPods

While they may not have the latest features, such as IPX4 water resistance, they offer reliable connectivity and good sound quality.

Moreover, they have become increasingly affordable depending on the shop you’re buying from. If you’re searching for budget-friendly AirPods, this is the best value for your money. 

Considering how high-quality AirPods are, you’re probably thinking of wearing them while you run? But are AirPods good for running?

What Earbuds Are Better Than AirPods But Cheaper?

Various wireless earbuds in the market provide similar quality and features as AirPods but at a more affordable price. However, it’s always good to remember that what’s considered “better” can differ for everyone based on their preferences.

Here are some earbuds that are better yet cheaper than AirPods:

1. Anker Soundcore Earbuds

Anker Soundcore - AirPods Cheaper Alternative

Price: Starting at $49.99

Users claim that Anker Soundcore Life P3i Earbuds, Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, and Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro are good alternatives to AirPods that won’t break the bank. If you value this feature, the Anker Liberty 4 NC also has noise cancellation. 

Moreover, the case of the Liberty Air 2 Pro with Qi compatibility offers fast charging. A 10-minute charge gives two hours of listening, providing three extra charge cycles before needing a two-hour charge with the USB-C cable. This gives over a day of listening, which is impressive.

2. Google Pixel A-Series Buds

Google Pixel A Series - AirPods Cheaper Alternative

Price: $99.99

The A-series of this brand are cheaper earphones and better than the old Pixel Buds. It has no active noise cancellation, but the Google Assistant integration is great. It also has Good audio quality and easy-to-use touch controls with a matte surface.

Like Apple’s AirPods Pro series, the earphones’ location can be tracked through the app, which is very useful for such tiny devices. The app also allows you to enable Bass Boost, in-ear detection, and learn touch controls. 

However, since you need to use a Google app, it is essential to keep in mind that it collects data when you permit access to features like Find Device, which tracks the location of your earbuds.

3. Sony WF-C500

Sony WF C500 - AirPods Cheaper Alternative

Price: $98

Sony fans will appreciate Sony WF-C500 earphones as they have intuitive EQ controls. While the pricier WF-1000XM5 earphones deliver a more premium audio experience, the sound presentation is similar. A no-frills design helps to keep costs down for those on a budget.

The Sony WF-C500 earbuds are designed to cater to people who are always on the move. These earbuds are compact and lightweight.

Even though they are made mostly of plastic, they have an IPX4 rating that makes them resistant to sweat and splashes. This feature makes them ideal for use during workouts or while commuting.

4. SkullCandy Dime 2

SkullCandyDime 2 - AirPods Cheaper Alternative

Price: $24.99

The Skullcandy Dime 2 True Wireless earbuds are affordable, stable during workouts, and have an IPX4 rating for water resistance. However, battery life is its weak point, as they only last for just over three hours of continuous use, and the case only holds about 2.5 additional charges.

The Skullcandy Dime 2 also uses isolation to block noise, but only for high-frequency sounds above 1kHz. It doesn’t have active noise canceling or transparency mode.

5. JBL Tune Buds

JBL Tune Buds - AirPods Cheaper Alternative

Price: $49.95

The JBL Tune Buds have decent noise cancellation, built-in Alexa, and customizable EQ. These headphones deliver a bass-heavy listening experience but may not be ideal for purists who prefer accurate audio presentation. The noise cancellation is decent for commuting and travel purposes.

Tune Buds have touch buttons for play, pause, skip, and volume. They also control calls, ANC, and voice commands. Advanced controls can be customized with the JBL Headphones App.

The above are just some AirPods alternatives you can check out. Remember to compare prices and reviews before you buy a new pair of earbuds. 

Do Fake AirPods Sound the Same?

No, fake AriPods don’t sound the same as authentic ones. The sound quality of fake AirPods is significantly lower than the authentic ones. A few counterfeit AirPods might try to copy the audio profile of genuine AirPods, while others may not measure up regarding sound quality.

If you’re considering buying fake AirPods, you might be disappointed with the sound quality. They probably won’t sound as good as the real deal, with weaker bass and less balanced audio.

AirPods’ Worth Is Based On Your Preferences

AirPods are pretty cool, right? They’re popular earbuds from Apple that work seamlessly with iPhones and iPads. But AirPods are expensive, making people wonder if they are worth the money. 

Some people think AirPods are overpriced, while others claim it’s worth the price. Ultimately, the decision to purchase AirPods depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re still undecided, you can check reviews and price comparisons to help you choose the perfect earbuds. 

Was this page helpful?