Apple’s AirPods are compact, powerful, and incredibly easy to misplace or damage. Whether it’s a cracked case, a dead battery, or a trip through the washing machine, these little wireless earbuds are vulnerable. That’s where AppleCare+ comes into play — but is it actually worth the extra money?
Let’s dig into what AppleCare+ offers, how much it costs, and whether it’s a smart buy based on real-world usage, repair costs, and user experiences.
What Does AppleCare+ for AirPods Include?
AppleCare+ for AirPods (and AirPods Pro or Max) extends your warranty from the standard 1 year to 2 years and adds coverage for unlimited incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a $29 service fee. Here’s what you get:
- Two years of extended warranty coverage
- Battery service if your battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity
- Unlimited accidental damage protection (each incident has a $29 service fee)
- 24/7 priority Apple Support access
This coverage applies to AirPods, the charging case, and even AirPods Max — making it one of Apple’s more comprehensive protection plans for accessories.
How Much Does It Cost?
AppleCare+ costs a flat fee based on your model:
- AirPods (2nd/3rd gen): $29
- AirPods Pro (all generations): $29
- AirPods Max: $59
That’s the total for two years — no monthly subscription, just one payment up front.
What Are Repairs Like Without AppleCare+?
If you don’t have AppleCare+, repairs or replacements can be expensive:
- One lost or damaged AirPod Pro: $89
- Charging case replacement: $99
- AirPods Max repair out-of-warranty: up to $299
Battery replacement alone can cost $49 per AirPod. If you end up damaging both buds and the case, you could easily spend over $200 without AppleCare+.
When AppleCare+ Makes the Most Sense
AppleCare+ is most valuable if:
- You use your AirPods daily and expose them to wear and tear
- You’ve accidentally damaged or lost tech before
- You travel frequently or take your AirPods to the gym, work, or outdoors
- You plan to resell your AirPods later and want to keep them covered
Because the cost of a single repair is often more than the AppleCare+ fee, one incident already pays for the plan.
When You Might Skip It
You might not need AppleCare+ if:
- You rarely use your AirPods or mostly keep them at home
- You’ve never broken or lost small electronics before
- You’re buying AirPods as a temporary or short-term solution
In these cases, the risk might not outweigh the cost — especially if you plan to upgrade soon or don’t mind paying for the occasional repair.
Real User Experiences
Many AirPods owners on forums and Reddit threads report that AppleCare+ has saved them hundreds of dollars — especially those with kids, pets, or active lifestyles. Others mention that Apple’s customer service during a claim is fast and hassle-free, often shipping out replacements within 1–2 days.
Users also point out a useful hack: If you’re planning to sell your AirPods, having AppleCare+ coverage can help you get a better resale price — or even replace a worn-out unit before listing it.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
For just $29, AppleCare+ for AirPods offers strong value — especially if you’re prone to accidents or use your AirPods heavily. The low service fee, extended coverage, and peace of mind make it a smart buy for most users.
If you’re careful, always store your AirPods properly, and don’t mind paying out-of-pocket for the rare accident, skipping AppleCare+ might be fine. But for the majority of people who use AirPods daily, it’s a small price to pay for big protection.
Key Takeaways
- AppleCare+ provides coverage for two accidental damage incidents per year, potentially saving significant repair costs.
- The upfront cost of AppleCare+ is relatively low compared to the replacement cost of damaged AirPods.
- Battery service coverage included with AppleCare+ extends the usable lifespan of AirPods compared to the standard warranty.
Understanding AppleCare+ for AirPods
AppleCare+ provides extra protection for AirPods beyond the standard warranty. It covers more damage types and extends the service period, though costs and benefits vary by AirPod model.
Overview of AppleCare+ Coverage
AppleCare+ for AirPods extends coverage to two years from the purchase date. This extended warranty includes:
- Apple-certified service and support for 2 years
- Unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection (subject to service fees)
- Battery service for batteries holding less than 80% capacity
- Express replacement service to minimize downtime
The protection plan covers the AirPods, charging case, and original accessories that came in the box. Apple support is available through multiple channels including phone, chat, and email.
When damage occurs, users can visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider for repairs. Some locations require appointments, but the process is generally straightforward.
Comparing Warranty Options
Standard Warranty (Free with purchase):
- 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects
- 90 days of complimentary technical support
- Does NOT cover accidental damage
- No coverage for lost AirPods
AppleCare+ (Paid protection):
- 2-year coverage period
- Covers manufacturing defects AND accidental damage
- Includes technical support for the full 2 years
- Battery service included
Without AppleCare+, repair costs are significantly higher. For regular AirPods, damage repair costs $69 per AirPod. AirPods Pro repairs cost $89 per AirPod.
With AppleCare+, each accidental damage incident has a much lower service fee, typically around $29 regardless of which part needs repair.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
The price of AppleCare+ varies by AirPods model:
- Regular AirPods: $29
- AirPods Pro: $29
- AirPods Max: $59
To determine if AppleCare+ is worth it, consider these factors:
- Usage patterns – Active users who exercise or commute have higher damage risk
- Replacement cost – Without coverage, replacing both AirPods and case can cost $138-$178
- Peace of mind value – Some users find the security worth the upfront cost
For most users, AppleCare+ pays for itself with just one repair incident. If a user damages both AirPods without coverage, the repair cost would be $138-$178, while with AppleCare+ it would only be the $29 service fee plus the initial cost of the plan.
Users who are careful with their devices or don’t need them for critical purposes might skip AppleCare+ and save money in the long run.
Additional Considerations for AirPods Protection
When deciding on protection for AirPods, several factors beyond the basic warranty deserve attention. These include damage handling options, available support resources, and the long-term value of extended coverage plans.
Dealing with Accidental Damage and Loss
AirPods are small and easy to drop or misplace. AppleCare+ covers up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months, each subject to a service fee of $29 for standard AirPods and AirPods Pro, or $59 for AirPods Max. Without this coverage, replacement costs can be much higher.
For example, replacing a single lost AirPod Pro without AppleCare+ costs around $89, while replacing both earbuds can cost $178. The charging case alone is approximately $89 to replace at full price.
Accidental damage protection also covers water damage, which is particularly valuable since AirPods lack official water resistance ratings. Many users accidentally put their AirPods through the washing machine, which often results in permanent damage.
Lost AirPods aren’t covered under AppleCare+, but Apple’s Find My feature can help locate misplaced earbuds if they’re within Bluetooth range.
Support and Technical Assistance
AppleCare+ provides priority access to Apple experts via chat or phone for two full years. This benefit is especially valuable for troubleshooting connectivity issues, audio problems, or charging difficulties.
Technical support includes remote diagnostics, which can identify problems without requiring a store visit. Apple technicians can run tests on your AirPods and charging case to pinpoint exact issues.
For battery concerns, Apple offers battery service coverage if your AirPods battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity. Without AppleCare+, this service would cost significantly more.
Apple Store visits also become more streamlined with AppleCare+. Users receive faster service and often same-day replacements for defective units instead of waiting for mail-in repairs.
The Value of Extended Coverage
The standard warranty for AirPods lasts one year for hardware repairs and 90 days for technical support. AppleCare+ extends both to a full two years from the purchase date.
For $29 (standard AirPods and AirPods Pro) or $59 (AirPods Max), this extension provides peace of mind for users who plan to keep their devices long-term. The coverage is tied to the AirPods’ serial number, not the owner, so it transfers with the device if sold.
Battery service is particularly valuable in the extended period. Wireless earbuds typically show battery degradation after 18-24 months of regular use, falling outside the standard warranty but within AppleCare+ coverage.
For frequent users who charge their AirPods multiple times daily, battery degradation happens even faster. Getting a battery replacement in the second year without paying full replacement costs can make AppleCare+ worth the investment.
