Can You Trade in Your Airpods Pro 2

Yes, you can trade in your AirPods Pro 2 through Apple’s Trade In program, though they are considered “Accessories” and have a specific low trade-in value. You can also sell them through third-party marketplaces, trade them at retailers like Amazon or Best Buy, or recycle them responsibly. The best option depends on your AirPods’ condition, how much effort you want to put in, and whether you prefer instant credit or maximum cash payout.

Key Takeaways

• Apple Trade In Categorizes AirPods as Accessories: AirPods Pro 2 typically qualify for a small trade-in credit (often $0–$50 depending on condition and generation), which is automatically applied to your next purchase.
• Third-Party Sales Yield More Cash: Selling directly on platforms like eBay, Swappa, or Facebook Marketplace can net you 50–80% of the original retail price, especially if you include the original case and accessories.
• Condition Matters Enormously: Functionality, battery health, physical damage, and whether you have the original charging case dramatically affect trade-in offers.
• You Don’t Have to Buy a New Apple Product: Unlike Apple, third-party buyback programs often give you cash, gift cards, or direct deposits with no strings attached.
• Eco-Friendly Recycling Is Always an Option: If your AirPods are broken or worthless, Apple will still recycle them for free, keeping harmful lithium batteries out of landfills.
• Trade-In Timing Affects Value: Trading in shortly before or right after a new AirPods launch typically reduces your trade-in value significantly.
• Data Privacy Starts With You: AirPods don’t store personal audio data, but unpairing them from all devices is a smart security step before trading them in.

Everything You Need to Know Before Trading in Your AirPods Pro 2

So, you’re thinking about upgrading your earbuds or just want to clear out some clutter, and now you’re wondering, “can you trade in your AirPods Pro 2?” You’re definitely not alone. According to Statista, Apple shipped over 80 million AirPods in 2023 alone, meaning there are millions of people in the exact same situation right now, trying to figure out what to do with their old pair.

The short answer is yes, absolutely you can. The slightly longer answer is that how you do it, and how much money you’ll get, depends on a bunch of factors. Think of it like selling a used car. You can trade it in at a dealership and get a convenient but lower offer, or you can spend a weekend listing it yourself and potentially make hundreds more. Both work. They’re just different experiences.

In this guide, we’ll walk through every single option available to you. We’ll explain Apple’s official program, compare it to third-party buyback sites, discuss how condition affects pricing, and even cover what to do if your AirPods are too beat up to sell. By the end, you’ll know exactly which path makes the most sense for your situation.

1. Who, What, Where, When, and Why of AirPods Pro 2 Trade-Ins

Let’s get the basics out of the way with a simple breakdown of the five W’s. This is your foundation.

Who Can Trade in AirPods Pro 2?

Anyone who owns them. You don’t need to be the original purchaser. If you received them as a gift or bought them secondhand, you can still trade them in. The only exception is if you currently have them on a payment plan through Apple Card Monthly Installments, in which case you’ll need to pay off the remaining balance first.

What Exactly Can You Trade In?

You can trade in:

• AirPods Pro 2 with a Lightning charging case
• AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C charging case (released September 2023)
• Just the earbuds, even if you’ve lost the case (though this reduces value)
• AirPods Pro 2 in various conditions, from “like new” to “broken”

You generally cannot trade in counterfeit AirPods, AirPods purchased outside of authorized channels, or AirPods with completely missing components like both earbuds.

Where Can You Trade Them In?

Your main options are:

• Apple Trade In (online or in-store at an Apple Store)
• Best Buy (in-store only for AirPods)
• Amazon Trade-In (online program)
• Third-party buyback sites like Decluttr, SellCell, or Gazelle
• Peer-to-peer marketplaces like eBay, Swappa, or Facebook Marketplace

When Should You Trade Them In?

The best timing is usually:

• Right before a new model launches if you want maximum value (current owners tend to upgrade)
• Immediately after purchase if you decided they aren’t for you
• As soon as they start showing wear like degraded battery life, before they lose more value

Did You Know? AirPods Pro 2 launched in September 2022 and were updated with a USB-C case in September 2023. The AirPods Pro 3 are rumored for late 2025, which means AirPods Pro 2 trade-in values may drop slightly when new models launch, similar to how older iPhones depreciate.

Why Should You Trade Them In?

Three big reasons:

1. Make money that you can put toward new tech
2. Save the environment by recycling lithium batteries properly
3. Declutter your life instead of letting them collect dust in a drawer

2. How Apple’s Official Trade-In Program Works

Let’s start with the source itself. Apple’s Trade In program is the most straightforward option, but it’s important to understand that AirPods fall under a special category.

Why AirPods Are Considered “Accessories”

Here’s something most people don’t realize. When you trade in an iPhone to Apple, the phone goes through a detailed inspection and is often refurbished and resold. AirPods are different. Apple categorizes them as “Accessories” rather than primary devices. This matters because the trade-in value is typically lower, and the process is simpler.

Think of it like this. Trading in an iPhone is like trading in a car. The dealer inspects everything under the hood. Trading in AirPods is more like trading in a pair of sneakers. The store wants to make sure they’re real, wearable, and in decent shape, but they won’t run a 50-point diagnostic on them.

Step-by-Step: Using Apple Trade In

Ready to trade in through Apple? Here’s exactly how it works.

Step 1: Get a Quote

Visit apple.com/shop/trade-in. Select “AirPods” as your device category. You’ll need to identify your specific model (AirPods Pro 2), generation, and answer questions about their condition. You’ll get an estimated trade-in value instantly.

Step 2: Prepare Your AirPods

Before shipping, do the following:

• Clean them gently with a soft, dry cloth
• Make sure the charging case is included
• Reset them to factory settings (hold the button on the back until the light flashes amber, then white)
• Unpair them from all your Apple devices in Settings > Bluetooth

Step 3: Ship Them to Apple

Apple sends you a prepaid shipping label and box. You pack your AirPods, attach the label, and drop them off at UPS or schedule a pickup. Apple covers all shipping costs.

Step 4: Receive Your Credit

Once Apple receives and verifies your AirPods (usually within 3-5 days), they issue your trade-in credit. If you traded them in as part of a new purchase, the credit is applied instantly. If you traded them without buying anything, you get an Apple Gift Card via email.

How Much Does Apple Give You for AirPods Pro 2?

Based on Apple’s current trade-in values (which fluctuate), here’s what you can generally expect:

• AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) in good condition: Around $45–$50 in trade-in credit
• AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning) in good condition: Around $35–$45 in trade-in credit
• AirPods Pro 2 with any damage: $0 trade-in credit (but Apple will still recycle them)

Important: Apple doesn’t pay you cash for AirPods. The value only applies as credit toward a new purchase or as an Apple Gift Card. This is a dealbreaker for many people who want actual money.

What Happens to Your Traded-In AirPods?

Apple has stated that trade-in devices are either refurbished and resold, or recycled through their recycling partner. According to Apple’s 2024 Environmental Progress Report, the company diverted over 12 million devices from landfills through these programs. So at least you know your old earbuds aren’t going to waste.

3. Third-Party Trade-In and Buyback Programs

If you want more cash and more flexibility, third-party buyback programs are often the smarter financial choice. These services buy your used electronics directly and pay you via PayPal, direct deposit, check, or gift cards.

Popular Buyback Sites for AirPods Pro 2

Here are the most trusted options, based on Better Business Bureau ratings and user reviews.

Decluttr

Decluttr is known for fast payments and transparent pricing. You get an instant quote, ship your AirPods for free, and get paid the day after Decluttr receives them. Typical AirPods Pro 2 offer: $50–$75 depending on condition and whether you have the case.

SellCell

SellCell isn’t a buyer itself. It’s a comparison site that shows you quotes from multiple buyback companies at once. This is the easiest way to find the highest offer without visiting 10 different websites. Typical AirPods Pro 2 offer: $55–$85 across various buyers.

Gazelle

Gazelle has been around since 2008 and is one of the most established names in electronics trade-ins. They pay via PayPal, Amazon gift card, or check. Typical AirPods Pro 2 offer: $40–$65 depending on condition.

Back Market

Back Market specializes in refurbished electronics. They buy used AirPods, refurbish them, and resell with a warranty. Typical AirPods Pro 2 offer: $60–$90, though the process can be slower.

How Buyback Programs Make Money

You might wonder, “How can these companies pay more than Apple?” The answer is simple economics. Apple uses trade-in offers as a discount on new purchases. They don’t need to give you top dollar because you’re already buying something. Third-party buyers, on the other hand, make their profit by refurbishing and reselling your AirPods at retail prices. They can afford to pay you more because they keep the full resale margin.

Think of it like this. If you return a coffee maker to a department store, you might get store credit worth 30% of the original price. But if you sell that same coffee maker on Facebook Marketplace, you can often get 50–60%. The store’s offer is convenient. The marketplace offer pays more but takes more work.

What Buyback Sites Look For

Most buyback programs evaluate AirPods Pro 2 based on:

• Functional condition: Do both earbuds work? Does the case charge properly?
• Battery health: Has the battery degraded significantly?
• Physical condition: Scratches, dents, or cosmetic damage
• Charging case condition: Is it included and functional?
• Original packaging: Nice to have, not required

4. Selling Your AirPods Pro 2 Directly to Other People

If you want to maximize your payout and don’t mind dealing with strangers, selling directly to buyers is the way to go. You keep 100% of the sale price, minus any platform fees.

Where to Sell Directly

eBay

eBay is the largest peer-to-peer marketplace for used electronics. You can list your AirPods Pro 2 as an auction or “Buy It Now.” The trade-off is that eBay takes about 13% of the final sale price in fees. Typical sale price: $70–$110 for AirPods Pro 2 in good condition with the case.

Swappa

Swappa is a marketplace specifically for used tech. It’s more curated than eBay, meaning fewer scammers and tire-kickers. However, Swappa requires listings to include the original charging case and a working condition. Typical sale price: $75–$115.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is great for local sales. You avoid shipping hassles and can get paid in cash. The downside is that local buyers often try to lowball you. Typical sale price: $60–$100, depending on your negotiation skills.

OfferUp and Mercari

These mobile-first marketplaces are growing in popularity. They work like a hybrid of eBay and Facebook Marketplace, with optional shipping. Typical sale price: $65–$105.

Tips for a Smooth Private Sale

Selling directly to people can be lucrative, but you need to protect yourself. Here are some practical tips.

Tip 1: Take Clear, Honest Photos

Photograph your AirPods in good lighting from multiple angles. Show the case, the earbuds, the serial number on the inside of the case lid, and any wear. Honest photos build trust and reduce complaints later.

Tip 2: Reset Before Selling

Always factory-reset your AirPods before shipping them out. This is non-negotiable. The buyer should receive them in a clean, unpaired state.

Tip 3: Ship with Tracking and Insurance

Use USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground with tracking. If the package gets lost, you have proof of shipment. For AirPods valued over $50, add shipping insurance.

Tip 4: Describe Battery Health Honestly

You can check AirPods battery health by going to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone, tapping the “i” next to your AirPods. While Apple doesn’t show a percentage like iPhones, buyers will ask about listening time. Be honest. If you only get 3 hours per charge, say so.

Tip 5: Bundle for Higher Value

If you have extras like replacement ear tips, the original box, or unused charging cables, include them. Bundling can increase your sale price by 10–20%.

5. Trading in AirPods Pro 2 at Other Retailers

Beyond Apple, several major retailers offer their own trade-in programs. These can be worth considering, especially if you’re already shopping at one of these stores.

Best Buy Trade-In

Best Buy accepts AirPods Pro 2 in-store as part of their Trade-In program. The process is similar to Apple’s, but Best Buy pays you in the form of a Best Buy gift card. Typical offer: $40–$60 depending on condition.

The biggest advantage of Best Buy is that the trade-in value is instantly credited to your purchase. You walk out of the store with your new item and the credit already applied.

Amazon Trade-In

Amazon runs a Trade-In program through its website. You can trade in eligible electronics in exchange for an Amazon gift card. AirPods Pro 2 are generally eligible, but Amazon’s offers tend to be on the lower side. Typical offer: $20–$45.

Target and Walmart

As of 2025, Target and Walmart have limited electronics trade-in programs. Some stores accept old tech for recycling, but they don’t typically pay you cash for AirPods. Check your local store for current policies.

EcoATM

EcoATM is a kiosk-based service found in many malls and grocery stores. You can drop off old electronics and get instant cash. However, EcoATM primarily buys smartphones, and AirPods are typically categorized as “accessories” with very low offers, often just $5–$15. It’s better for recycling than for profit.

6. What If Your AirPods Pro 2 Are Broken or Worthless?

Not every pair of AirPods is worth selling. If your AirPods Pro 2 have serious issues, like one earbud not working, a dead battery, or water damage, you might be looking at a $0 trade-in value from any buyer. But that doesn’t mean you should toss them in the trash.

Why You Should Never Throw AirPods in the Trash

AirPods contain lithium-ion batteries. According to the EPA, lithium batteries are a leading cause of fires in waste management facilities. When damaged or improperly disposed of, they can cause dangerous chemical leaks and even explosions in garbage trucks and landfills. This is a real, documented problem, not an exaggeration.

Think of it like throwing a can of hairspray into a campfire. The can might look empty, but the residual chemicals can still cause an explosion. Same concept, different scale.

Free Recycling Options

Here are safe, free ways to dispose of broken AirPods.

• Apple Recycle Program: Apple will recycle any AirPods for free, regardless of condition or brand. Just bring them to an Apple Store or mail them in using a prepaid shipping label from apple.com/shop/recycle.
• Best Buy Recycling: Best Buy accepts all kinds of electronics for free recycling, including broken AirPods. They recycle millions of pounds of e-waste every year.
• Call2Recycle: This nonprofit organization has drop-off locations across the US where you can recycle lithium batteries safely.
• Local E-Waste Events: Many cities host quarterly electronics recycling events. Check your local government’s website for upcoming dates.

Repair as an Alternative

Before you recycle, consider whether your AirPods Pro 2 can be repaired. Apple offers out-of-warranty battery service for AirPods Pro for $49 per earbud. If your issue is just a degraded battery, this might be worth it, especially if the repair cost is less than what you’d pay for a new pair.

However, if your AirPods are physically damaged, water-damaged, or have motherboard issues, repair usually isn’t cost-effective. Recycling is the better choice in those cases.

How to Maximize Your AirPods Pro 2 Trade-In Value

No matter which option you choose, there are steps you can take to get the best possible price for your AirPods Pro 2. These small efforts can add up to a meaningful difference.

Clean Them Thoroughly

First impressions matter, even in trade-ins. Buyers and refurbishers will pay more for clean AirPods. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth (like the kind you use for glasses) to wipe down the earbuds and case. For stubborn grime on the speaker meshes, use a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid liquids, as they can damage the electronics.

Include All Original Accessories

If you still have the original box, charging cable, extra ear tips, and paperwork, include them. Original packaging can increase your trade-in value by 10–20% because it makes the AirPods easier to resell as “like new.”

Time Your Trade-In Strategically

Just like the housing market, the electronics market has seasons. The best time to trade in AirPods Pro 2 is usually right before Apple announces a new model. Why? Because existing AirPods Pro 2 owners want to upgrade, and they need to sell their old ones first. This creates demand in the secondhand market, which pushes prices up.

The worst time is right after a new AirPods launch, when the secondhand market floods with people trying to sell their old pairs all at once.

Check Multiple Quotes

Don’t accept the first offer. Use a comparison site like SellCell to check quotes from 10–15 different buyers simultaneously. The highest offer might be 20–30% better than the lowest one for the exact same device.

Provide Accurate Information

Don’t exaggerate the condition of your AirPods. If you claim they’re “like new” but they’re scratched and one earbud has a weak battery, the buyer will catch it during inspection and either reduce your offer or reject the trade-in entirely. Being honest from the start avoids these problems and builds your reputation if you’re selling on marketplaces like Swappa.

Final Thoughts: Making the Smart Choice for Your Situation

So, can you trade in your AirPods Pro 2? Yes, you absolutely can, and now you know exactly how. The right choice depends on what you value most.

If convenience is king: Apple’s Trade In program is hard to beat. You get a quote, ship your AirPods for free, and receive credit toward your next Apple purchase. The trade-in value might be lower, but the process is seamless.

If cash is king: Third-party buyback sites like Decluttr, Gazelle, or SellCell will pay you actual money, usually more than Apple offers. The process takes a few days longer, but the payout is worth it.

If maximum profit is the goal: Selling directly on eBay, Swappa, or Facebook Marketplace yields the highest return. You’ll need to invest some time in listing, photographing, and shipping, but you can earn 30–50% more than trade-in programs offer.

If your AirPods are broken: Don’t throw them in the trash. Take them to an Apple Store, Best Buy, or a local e-waste recycler. You’ll keep toxic batteries out of landfills, and in some cases, you might even get a small gift card for your trouble.

No matter which path you choose, you’re doing the right thing by trading in your AirPods Pro 2 instead of letting them gather dust. You’ll either make some money, reduce electronic waste, or both. That’s a win-win in our book.

Ready to get started? Pick the option that fits your situation, follow the preparation steps we outlined, and you’ll have your old AirPods turned into cash or credit in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you trade in AirPods Pro 2 without the case?

Yes, you can trade in AirPods Pro 2 without the case, but expect a significantly lower offer. Most trade-in programs and buyback sites require the charging case for maximum value. Without it, your AirPods Pro 2 might only be worth $10–$30 instead of $50–$100.

Does Apple Trade In give you cash for AirPods Pro 2?

No, Apple Trade In does not give you cash for AirPods Pro 2. The trade-in value is issued as an Apple Gift Card or as credit toward a new purchase on apple.com. If you want actual cash, you’ll need to use a third-party buyback site or sell directly to another person.

How much are AirPods Pro 2 worth used in 2025?

Used AirPods Pro 2 in good condition typically sell for $50–$110 in 2025, depending on where you sell them. Trade-in programs offer $40–$60, buyback sites offer $50–$85, and direct peer-to-peer sales can net you $70–$110. AirPods Pro 2 with the USB-C case generally fetch higher prices than the Lightning version.

Can you trade in AirPods Pro 2 if they don’t work?

You can trade in broken AirPods Pro 2, but you won’t receive any trade-in credit. Apple and most buyback programs will still accept them for free recycling. If your AirPods have minor issues like degraded battery life, you might still get a small offer, but completely non-functional AirPods are typically valued at $0.

Is it better to trade in AirPods Pro 2 or sell them on eBay?

Selling on eBay typically yields 30–50% more money than trading in, but it requires more effort. You’ll need to create a listing, take photos, communicate with buyers, and handle shipping. Trade-in programs are faster and more convenient but pay less. Choose eBay if maximizing profit matters more than convenience.

How do I factory reset AirPods Pro 2 before trading them in?

To factory reset your AirPods Pro 2, put them in the charging case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white. Your AirPods are now reset and ready to trade in or sell.