Why buying new AirPods is expensive and risky
You want AirPods . Understandable. But those prices? Three hundred euros for earbuds feels like stealing. You scroll through offers, compare webshops, search for discount codes. The same promises everywhere: best deal, lowest price, exclusive offer. Yet, something feels off.
Those dirt-cheap AirPods on Marktplaats? Probably fake. That mysterious webshop with a fifty percent discount? Too good to be true. But here's the twist: you're looking at the problem completely wrong. It's not about finding the cheapest new AirPods. It's about smart shopping .
Refurbished AirPods are the exact same product, with the same quality and features, but without the artificially inflated retail price. In fact, with a two-year warranty and professional inspections, they're often more reliable than what you'll find in obscure online stores. The question isn't where to buy new AirPods for the cheapest price. The question is why you'd want new ones at all.
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The price of popularity
The search for cheap AirPods is a phenomenon in itself. Every month, thousands of Dutch people Google "AirPods offer," "cheap AirPods," or "AirPods discount." While demand is enormous, the availability of genuine discounts remains limited. Apple keeps a tight rein on prices, and official retailers are barely allowed to deviate from the suggested retail price.
That explains why you encounter so many dubious offers online. From mysterious webshops promising fifty percent off to Marktplaats sellers with "brand new" items for half the price. The reality? These are often counterfeit products from China, stolen goods, or simply scams.
Why new AirPods are actually too expensive
Let's be honest: three hundred euros for earbuds is objectively a lot of money. For that amount, you could also buy a decent laptop, a television, or a weekend getaway. The new price of Apple products includes a significant margin for:
- Marketing costs and advertising campaigns
- Packaging material and presentation
- Profit margins for Apple and the retailer
- The 'newness' itself as a selling point
With refurbished products, these additional costs are largely eliminated. The product itself—the technology, the quality, the functionality—remains exactly the same. You simply don't pay for the theatrical unboxing experience or the feeling of being the first owner.
The refurbished alternative explained
Refurbished AirPods undergo a professional repair process. This means:
Thorough inspection
Each unit is technically inspected for all its functions. From Bluetooth connectivity to battery life, from touch controls to microphone quality. Defective parts are replaced with genuine Apple components.
Hygienic cleaning
Professional cleaning and disinfection are essential, especially for earbuds. The silicone tips are replaced with new ones. The charging case is cleaned inside and out.
Battery check
The battery capacity is measured and must be at least eighty percent of its original capacity. In practice, this is often higher, as many returned AirPods have been used very little.
Practical comparison: new versus refurbished
Let's say you're considering the AirPods Pro 2. New, they cost around €279 at Apple. A refurbished version starts at €189—a saving of €90. What do you get with both options?
New AirPods Pro 2:- Unused product in sealed packaging
- Two-year manufacturer's warranty
- Latest firmware installed immediately
- Payment of 279 euros
- Professionally repaired and tested product
- Two-year warranty from the refurbisher
- Firmware update on first use
- Payment of 189 euros
The difference in user experience? Absolutely nothing. Both versions offer the same sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life. The connection to your iPhone works identically, as do all the smart features like spatial audio and automatic switching between devices.
What should you pay attention to when looking at offers?
Not every "deal" is what it seems. Here are some warning signs:
Too good to be true
New AirPods Pro for a hundred euros? Forget it. If the price is more than forty percent below market value, something's wrong. Criminals are using stolen credit cards or selling counterfeit products.
Unclear origin
Reliable sellers will disclose the exact origins of their products. For refurbished products, it should be clear who handles the repair process and what warranty you receive. Any vagueness about the origin is a red flag.
No right of return
Every reputable online store offers at least a fourteen-day return policy. Sellers who refuse this usually have something to hide. You should also avoid private sellers who advertise "no returns" for electronic products.
The sustainability bonus
Besides the financial savings, refurbished AirPods also help the environment. Producing new AirPods requires raw materials, energy, and transportation. Here are some figures to illustrate:
- For one kilogram of electronic waste, approximately 50 kilograms of raw materials are extracted
- Extending the lifespan of AirPods by two years saves 75% of the environmental impact
- Recycling recovers a maximum of 30% of the materials, reuse retains 100%
These figures make refurbished more than just a smart financial choice. It's also the most responsible option for conscious consumers.
Different models and price differences
The AirPods family now consists of several models, each with its own features and price points:
AirPods 2nd generation: The entry-level model, perfect for calling and listening to music. New price around €149, refurbished starting at €89. AirPods 3rd generation: Improved sound quality and longer battery life. New price €199, refurbished starting at €139. AirPods Pro 1st generation: With active noise cancellation, no longer available new. Refurbished starting at €149. AirPods Pro 2nd generation: The latest version with improved noise cancellation. New price: €279, refurbished from €189. AirPods Max: Apple's over-ear headphones. New price: €579, refurbished from €399.The price difference between new and refurbished increases as the model becomes more expensive. With the AirPods Max, you'll quickly save €180 – enough for an extra pair of regular earbuds.
Compare warranty and service
A common misconception is that refurbished products offer less warranty. This is incorrect. Professional refurbishers offer a standard two-year warranty, just like new products. The difference lies in the design:
With Apple itself, you often have to go to an Apple Store or authorized service provider. This can mean traveling or waiting weeks for repairs. Refurbishers often work faster because they have the expertise in-house. A defect is addressed immediately and usually resolved within a few days.
Moreover, refurbishers are more flexible in their service. While Apple strictly adheres to its own procedures, smaller companies are often more proactive. A small scratch on the box? Apple offers no warranty, but a refurbisher often offers a practical solution.
Conclusion: choose wisely
The hunt for the cheapest new AirPods is a losing battle. Apple tightly controls prices, and genuine discounts are rare. Anyone who wants to save big needs to think differently. Refurbished offers the same quality, functionality, and warranty at a fair price. You'll not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable world. So the question isn't where to find the cheapest new AirPods, but why you should buy new ones at all.
Refurbished: The smart choice for AirPods
The search for dirt-cheap new AirPods usually leads to disappointment or worse. Suspicious offers often turn out to be fake, stolen, or simply scams. Refurbished AirPods break this dilemma: the same quality and warranty, but for a fair price.
You save up to €180 without compromising on functionality. Plus, you extend the lifespan of existing products instead of wasting new raw materials. Smart purchasing means no longer searching for the cheapest new deal; instead, you opt for professionally refurbished models.
