Used AirPods and noise-canceling headphones are some of the easiest savings in tech, and a busy stretch of launches has pushed more good models onto the used market. Apple released AirPods Max 2 and AirPods 5 in 2026, and Bose updated its QuietComfort Headphones in August.
This guide covers every current AirPods model and the main Sony and Bose headphones with Swappa prices, the checks used audio gear needs before you buy, and how to sell the pair you have now.
Quick Answer
For most people, used AirPods Pro 2 are the best value, at about $111 on Swappa against a $249 launch price. For over-ear headphones, a used Sony WH-1000XM5 (about $155) or Bose QuietComfort 45 (about $140) gets you strong noise cancellation for less than half its launch price. Before you pay, confirm the pair is genuine, removed from the seller’s Apple Account if it’s AirPods, and still holds a charge.
Why Buy Used Audio Gear
Earbuds and headphones lose value quickly in their first couple of years, even though a well-kept pair sounds the same as a new one. On Swappa, AirPods Pro 2 sell for about 55% less than their launch price, and a Sony WH-1000XM5 sells for about 61% less.
Each new launch pushes the previous model onto the used market. AirPods 5 replaced AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3 replaced AirPods Pro 2, and the Sony WH-1000XM6 succeeded the XM5, so all three older models are now easy to find used. Prices vary with condition, included accessories, and demand, so check current Swappa prices before you buy or sell.
The Three Checks Every Used Audio Buyer Should Make
Audio gear has risks you don’t face with most phones or laptops:
- Authenticity. Fake AirPods are common and can look convincing. A serial number check on Apple’s coverage site, plus the pairing animation and Find My on an iPhone, catches most of them.
- Account lock. AirPods can be linked to only one Apple Account at a time. If the seller didn’t remove them, you can’t add them to yours, and only the seller can fix that.
- Battery wear. No earbuds or headphones show a battery health percentage. The practical test is real playback time compared with the maker’s rating.
Each check is covered below, with links to the full guides.
New AirPods and Headphones Released Since 2025
These are the AirPods, Sony, and Bose headphones announced since May 2025, newest first:
| Model | Announced | Launch Price | What’s New | Replaced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 5 | September 2026 | $129, or $149 with a Wireless Charging Case | ANC on both versions, IP57, H2 chip | AirPods 4 |
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | August 2026 | $359 | Immersive Audio (Still, Motion, and Cinema modes), wired USB-C lossless audio, multipoint | QuietComfort Headphones (2023) |
| AirPods Max 2 | March 2026 | $549 | H2 chip, up to 1.5x more effective ANC, Adaptive Audio, Live Translation | AirPods Max (USB-C) |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | September 2025 | $449 | 30-hour battery (up from 24), wired USB-C lossless audio, Cinema mode | QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
| AirPods Pro 3 | September 2025 | $249 | Up to 2x the ANC of AirPods Pro 2, heart rate sensing, 8-hour battery, IP57 | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | May 2025 | $449.99 | Folding design returns, QN3 processor, 12 microphones | WH-1000XM5 |
Two of these are new since this guide first ran in June 2026: AirPods 5 and the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen). Neither has used sales on Swappa yet. The AirPods 5 page is live with no listings so far, and the new QuietComfort Headphones don’t have their own Swappa page yet. Because the 2023 model and the 2nd Gen share the QuietComfort Headphones name, ask the seller which generation a listing is before you buy.
For used buyers, the bigger news is what these launches replaced. AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, the USB-C AirPods Max, the Sony WH-1000XM5, and the first QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are now some of the best used deals in audio.
AirPods: Every Model and What It Sells For
AirPods are the most popular used audio product on Swappa. Apple sells three lines: standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, and the over-ear AirPods Max.
| Model (Year) | Avg. Sale on Swappa | Launch Price | Chip | ANC | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods (2nd gen) (2019) | $56 | $159 | H1 | No | Rock-bottom budget |
| AirPods (3rd gen) (2021) | $70 | $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 standard AirPods |
| AirPods Pro (1st gen) (2019) | $74 | $249 | H1 | Yes | Skip for Pro 2 |
| AirPods Pro 2 (2022) | $111 | $249 | H2 | Yes | Best value |
| AirPods Pro 3 (2025) | $165 | $249 | H2 | Yes | Best overall |
| AirPods Max (Lightning) (2020) | $223 | $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. The original 2016 AirPods sell for well under $50, but their batteries are up to ten years old, so they’re hard to recommend at any price.
The chip matters more than the year. Apple’s newer AirPods features, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Live Translation, run on the H2 chip, and Apple hasn’t brought them to H1 models. The Hearing Aid feature is on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 only.
Best picks by type:
- Best value: AirPods Pro 2, at about $111, with the H2 chip, strong ANC, and the Hearing Aid feature. USB-C and Lightning versions sell in about the same range, so get USB-C.
- Best overall: AirPods Pro 3, at about $165, for the strongest ANC of any in-ear AirPods, heart rate sensing, and up to 8 hours of listening with ANC.
- Open-ear AirPods: AirPods 5 cost $129 new with ANC, so a used AirPods 4 with ANC only makes sense well below that.
- Over-ear: AirPods Max (USB-C), at about $252, is the value pick. AirPods Max 2, at about $393, is the only Max with Adaptive Audio and Live Translation.
For model-by-model detail, see the Used AirPods Buyer’s Guide: Gen, Pro & Max Compared.
Over-Ear Headphones: Sony vs. Bose
Sony and Bose make most of the premium noise-canceling headphones on the used market. Both released new flagships in 2025, so their previous models are now the best used deals.
Sony WH-1000XM Series
Sony’s headphones lead on codec support. Every WH-1000XM model supports LDAC, a higher-bitrate Bluetooth codec that works with many Android phones. iPhones use AAC.
| Model (Year) | Avg. Sale on Swappa | Launch Price | Folds | Battery (ANC On) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) | $258 | $449.99 | Yes | 30 hours |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 (2022) | $155 | $399.99 | No | 30 hours |
| Sony WH-1000XM4 (2020) | $144 | $349.99 | Yes | 30 hours |
- WH-1000XM6: Sony’s current flagship brings back the folding design and adds the QN3 processor, a 12-microphone array, and LE Audio (LC3) alongside LDAC, AAC, and SBC. Swappa had no live listings on September 24, so its average comes from recent sales.
- WH-1000XM5: The best Sony value right now. It costs about $100 less than an XM6 used, with the same 30-hour battery rating and LDAC support. It doesn’t fold, so it takes more room in a bag.
- WH-1000XM4: Folds flat, supports multipoint and LDAC, and costs a little less than an XM5. Live listings averaged about $121 on September 24. It has the oldest batteries of the three, so ask about playback time.
Bose QuietComfort Series
Bose headphones are known for long-wear comfort and call quality. The QuietComfort Ultra models also support aptX Adaptive on Snapdragon Sound phones, while the standard QuietComfort models use AAC and SBC.
| Model (Year) | Avg. Sale on Swappa | Launch Price | Battery (ANC On) | Codecs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) (2025) | $288 | $449 | 30 hours | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2023) | $148 | $429 | 24 hours | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023) | $113 | $349 | 24 hours | AAC, SBC |
| Bose QuietComfort 45 (2021) | $140 | $329 | 24 hours | AAC, SBC |
- QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Bose’s current flagship adds a 30-hour battery, wired USB-C lossless audio, and a Cinema mode for movies and podcasts. At about $288 used, it sells for roughly a third below its launch price.
- QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2023): Bose Immersive Audio and aptX Adaptive for about $148 in recent sales, roughly 65% below launch. Swappa had no live listings on September 24, so they can be hard to find.
- QuietComfort Headphones (2023) and QuietComfort 45: The budget Bose picks, at about $113 to $140, with a 24-hour battery and USB-C charging.
- QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen, 2026): $359 new, with the Ultra line’s Immersive Audio modes, wired USB-C lossless audio, and up to 24 hours of battery life (18 with Immersive Audio on). There’s no Swappa page for it yet.
Sony and Bose averages come from Swappa’s price pages as of September 24, 2026. Supply is thin, with a handful of live listings per model at most, so these figures can swing quickly. Launch prices are US prices at release.
Which brand to pick: Choose Sony if you use an Android phone and want LDAC, or want a folding XM4 or XM6 for travel. Choose Bose if all-day comfort and call quality matter most. On an iPhone, both brands use AAC, so pick on comfort and price, or look at AirPods Max for Apple features like automatic device switching. For the full comparison, see Used Over-Ear Headphones: Sony vs. Bose Buyer’s Guide.
What to Check on Used Over-Ear Headphones
Two parts wear out on over-ear headphones: the ear pads and the battery. Protein leather pads crack or peel with heavy use, so look for close-up photos of the pads or ask the seller. Replacement pads are available for most Sony and Bose models.
For the battery, ask how many hours a full charge lasts and compare it with the rating: 30 hours for the Sony models and the QC Ultra (2nd Gen), 24 hours for the other Bose models, and 20 hours for AirPods Max. On folding models, check both hinges for cracks.
Buying Safely: Fakes, Account Locks, and Battery Health
Spotting Counterfeit AirPods
Fake AirPods are common in the used market, and the good ones are hard to spot by eye. Every genuine pair has a serial number, which shows in iPhone Settings when the AirPods are connected and is also printed on the case. Enter it at checkcoverage.apple.com: a genuine pair returns the model name, which should match the listing.
Some fakes reuse real serial numbers, so also check these software tells:
- Pairing animation: Genuine AirPods trigger Apple’s setup animation when you open the case near an unlocked iPhone.
- Find My: Genuine AirPods show up in the Find My app once they’re connected to an Apple Account.
- Settings: Genuine AirPods show the correct model name and a firmware version in Bluetooth settings.
For every test, see How to Tell If Used AirPods Are Fake.
Checking for Find My Lock
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 that the AirPods are paired with another Apple Account, and you can’t add them to yours. Apple calls this Find My Lock, and Apple can’t remove it for you. Only the previous owner can, from the Find My app 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.
Battery Health on Earbuds and Headphones
No earbuds or headphones show battery health as a percentage. An iPhone shows the current charge for AirPods, and the Sony and Bose apps show the charge level for their headphones, but none of them show how much capacity the battery has lost. The best approaches:
- Time a full charge. Charge the pair fully, play audio at a moderate volume, and compare the result with the rating for the model (for example, 6 hours with ANC for AirPods Pro 2 and 8 hours for AirPods Pro 3).
- Ask the seller. Request real-world playback time, not the spec. “I get about 4 hours per charge” is more useful than “rated 6 hours.”
- Check the age. A 2022 AirPods Pro 2 can have four years of charge cycles on it. Factor that into your offer.
AppleCare+ replaces an AirPods 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 AirPods battery, and Battery Health in Used Electronics: What to Know covers headphones and other devices.
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.
What Used Audio Gear Is Worth
Here is what popular models sell for on Swappa compared with their launch prices:
| Model | Launch Price | Avg. Sale on Swappa | Below Launch Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 3 | $249 | $165 | 34% |
| AirPods Pro 2 | $249 | $111 | 55% |
| AirPods Max 2 | $549 | $393 | 28% |
| AirPods Max (USB-C) | $549 | $252 | 54% |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | $449.99 | $258 | 43% |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | $399.99 | $155 | 61% |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | $449 | $288 | 36% |
| Bose QuietComfort 45 | $329 | $140 | 57% |
Average sale prices on Swappa as of September 24, 2026. Launch prices are US prices at release.
A few patterns stand out:
- Current models sell for about 30 to 45% below launch. One generation back, the discount grows to about 55 to 60%.
- The case and accessories matter. A pair of AirPods without its original charging case is harder to sell and worth less. For headphones, the original cable and carrying case add value.
- Prices drop when a successor launches. When Apple, Sony, or Bose releases a new model, used prices on the previous one fall.
For how resale prices shift over a device’s life, see Used Tech Resale Value: The Complete Pricing Guide.
How to Sell Your Audio Gear
Audio gear sells well used when it’s prepped properly. The most important step is removing your account, because AirPods still linked to you will lock out the buyer.
Remove Your Account and Reset
AirPods and AirPods Pro:
- Remove them from your Apple Account. Open the Find My app, tap Devices, tap your AirPods, tap the Details button, then tap Remove. This clears Find My Lock so the buyer can set them up.
- Forget them on your iPhone. Put the AirPods in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the More Info button next to your AirPods, and tap Forget This Device.
- Reset them. Open the case lid, then follow the steps for your model:
- AirPods (1st to 3rd gen), AirPods Pro (1st gen), and AirPods Pro 2: press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white.
- AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Pro 3: these have no setup button. Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on, double-tap again when it flashes white, and double-tap a third time when it flashes faster. The light flashes amber, then white.
AirPods Max: remove them from Find My and forget them in Bluetooth settings the same way. Then press and hold the Digital Crown and the noise control button together for about 15 seconds, until the status light changes from flashing amber to flashing white.
Sony and Bose headphones: remove the headphones from the maker’s app, forget them in your phone’s Bluetooth settings, and run the factory reset in the manual for your model.
Include Everything, Clean Up, and Price From Sale Prices
Include everything. The original case, all ear tip sizes, cables, and the box if you have it. Listings with complete accessories sell faster and for more. Missing the AirPods case? Say so clearly and price accordingly.
Clean them. Clean the speaker mesh, wipe down the case, and replace worn ear tips if you have spares. For over-ear headphones, include close-up photos of the ear pads. A clean, well-lit listing signals a careful seller.
Price from recent sales. Check Swappa prices for what your model actually sells for, not what people are asking. A listing priced at market with accurate photos sells faster than one priced high with a vague description.
Know what can’t be listed. Swappa listings must be fully functional. If one earbud is dead or the battery won’t hold a charge, the pair won’t meet Swappa’s listing criteria. If you lost a single earbud, Is it Worth Replacing a Lost Apple AirPod Earbud? compares the options.
For the full selling playbook, see How to Sell Used AirPods and Headphones for the Most Money.
Fees: Listing is free. Sellers pay a 3% seller fee plus payment processing (PayPal, or Stripe for select sellers). Buyers pay a 3% fee that is already included in the listing price, plus sales tax where required. Selling fees are lower than other auction-site fees. See Swappa’s fees for details.
Buy and Sell Used Audio on Swappa
Swappa’s audio category covers AirPods, over-ear headphones, earbuds, speakers, and more. Swappa staff review every listing before it goes live: no cracked cases, no account locks, no misrepresented condition.
Payments run through PayPal with buyer and seller protection, or Stripe for select sellers. 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. Condition labels are explained in Used Electronics Condition Grades, Explained.
FAQ
What should I check before buying used AirPods?
Check the serial number at checkcoverage.apple.com and make sure the model name matches the listing. Then confirm the pairing animation appears on an iPhone, confirm the seller removed the AirPods from their Apple Account, and ask for real-world battery life compared with Apple’s rating for the model.
Which used AirPods are the best value in 2026?
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, and the Hearing Aid feature. AirPods Pro 3 cost more, at about $165, but add stronger ANC, heart rate sensing, and longer battery life.
What new AirPods and headphones came out in 2026?
Apple announced AirPods Max 2 in March 2026 and AirPods 5 in September 2026, and Bose released the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) in August 2026. Sony’s current flagship, the WH-1000XM6, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) both launched in 2025.
Should I buy Sony or Bose headphones used?
It depends on how you use them. Sony’s WH-1000XM series supports LDAC for higher-quality Bluetooth audio on many Android phones, and the XM4 and XM6 fold for travel. Bose’s QuietComfort line is known for comfort and call quality. For value, a used Sony WH-1000XM5 (about $155) and a used Bose QuietComfort 45 (about $140) are both strong picks.
How much can I get for selling used AirPods?
It depends on the model. On Swappa, AirPods Pro 2 sell for about $111, AirPods Pro 3 for about $165, AirPods 4 for about $86, and the USB-C AirPods Max for about $252. Pairs with the original case, all the ear tips, and the box sell faster and for more.
How do I reset AirPods before selling them?
First remove them from your Apple Account in the Find My app, then forget them in Bluetooth settings. On AirPods (1st to 3rd gen), AirPods Pro (1st gen), and AirPods Pro 2, hold the setup button on the case for about 15 seconds. On AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Pro 3, double-tap the front of the case three times as the status light changes. The light flashes amber, then white, when the reset is done.
Conclusion
Used AirPods and headphones are some of the best savings in tech, as long as you check what you’re buying. For most people, AirPods Pro 2 are the AirPods to get, and a Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45 is the over-ear value pick. If you want the newest models, AirPods Pro 3, the Sony WH-1000XM6, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) already sell for well below launch price.
Before you buy, confirm the pair is genuine, unlocked from the seller’s account, and still holds a charge. When you sell, remove your account first, include everything, and price from recent sales.
