Best Used Apple AirPods (1st gen) Deals Today
AI-curated top picks from hundreds of eBay listings. Updated daily with verified sellers and transparent pricing.
Top Picks Today
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen Genuine Replacement Right or Left or Charging Case
Very Good - Refurbished
Why we picked it #1
This listing gives you a very affordable path into AirPods—you're getting a genuine 2nd gen replacement unit at one of the lowest prices here. At $18.49, it's hard to beat for value, and the product is refurbished to a very good cosmetic condition, so it'll look almost new. It's also flexible: you can choose between a left or right AirPod, or the charging case, based on what you need most. That's great if you're just trying to replace a lost component and not buy a whole set. There are a few things to keep in mind. These aren't the original 1st gen AirPods (which is probably what you were initially looking for), but they're functionally similar with minor improvements, still offering fast pairing—but the 2nd gen parts won't work with a 1st gen set. Also, as a refurbished unit, you're likely to see better quality than typical used listings. Compared to every other option, this is the most budget-friendly and practical if you just need a replacement or want to try AirPods without a big investment. If you're after the whole experience (both earbuds and the case), some other listings might make more sense, but for price-per-piece, this is your best value.
Genuine Replacement Apple Airpods Pro A2968 USB-C 2nd Gen Charging Case (A)
Used
Why we picked it #2
If you want a replacement AirPods Pro USB-C charging case, this listing gives you the most affordable access to a higher-end accessory. At just under $30 and in very good condition, you're saving a lot compared to buying a whole new set, and you get genuine Apple parts. It's particularly good if you need just the case to complete your set—and at less than the price of full used AirPods, it's a practical pick for your wallet. One thing to note: this is for the case only, not the earbuds, so it won't help you if you want the full experience. There's also a warning that these might fit best with authentic AirPods—if you have knock-off or non-Apple buds, you might run into compatibility issues. Compared to similar-priced listings, this is the best route for genuine replacement parts for AirPods Pro, though if you want the earbuds too or are working with an older generation, you might be better off with the entry-level AirPods 2nd gen option above. Still, for Pro owners needing a case, this is your value sweet spot.
Apple AirPods 2nd Generation with Charging Case A1602 A2032 A2031 –Genuine Apple
Used
Why we picked it #3
You'll get a genuine pair of 2nd generation Apple AirPods with a charging case at a very fair price. This listing is great if you want the full set and a plug-and-play experience. The key here is affordability—you're saving money compared to new or later-generation models, but still getting the essentials: easy iOS pairing, solid sound, and a charging case included. The tradeoff? The condition is just 'good,' not excellent, so expect some minor cosmetic signs of use. There's also no original packaging or extra accessories, but all the key parts come included. For context, if you want something that looks and feels newer, you might want to look at higher-priced open-box or refurbished options like listings #5 or #6, but you'll be paying significantly more. If you just want AirPods that work, want both buds and the case, and don't mind visible wear, this is a strong choice for stretching your dollar.
Apple 1st Gen AirPods Pro Genuine Replacement Right or Left or Charging Case
Very Good - Refurbished
Why we picked it #4
This listing is perfect if you're looking for a high-quality replacement component (left, right, or case) for your 1st gen AirPods Pro. The condition is 'very good - refurbished,' which means everything should look and work almost like new—plus, there’s reassurance from a seller with outstanding feedback and a reputation for fast shipping and thorough sanitizing. If you want a part that’s been professionally refurbished, this is a safe bet. Price-wise, it's higher than the entry-level replacement options for standard AirPods, but you’re paying up for a Pro-grade accessory. Compared to cheaper listings (#1 and #2), this fetches more, but it’s a step up in product type—only worth it for Pro users. The main tradeoff is you don’t get a full set, so this won’t benefit you if you need both buds and a case. If best value means top-tier condition and trust for a single Pro piece, this is the smart, reassuring pick.
Open-Box Excellent: Apple - AirPods 4 - White
Open box
Why we picked it #5
This listing gives you AirPods 4—the latest generation—opened but in excellent, like-new shape. You also get a charging case that’s confirmed to have excellent battery health, which is crucial since older AirPods often struggle with degraded batteries. Compared to every other option, you can expect these to last longer on each charge and look almost untouched, giving you that new-device feeling without the retail price. The tradeoff is price: this is one of the priciest options among the value picks, and you'll pay noticeably more than for earlier models or refurbished units (like options #1 or #3). However, you skip the risks of battery die-off and heavy wear and get the latest Apple features like improved audio and mic performance. If you care more about dependable battery life and condition than spending the absolute least, this is a strong value for your money.
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Apple AirPods (1st gen)
Apple AirPods (1st gen): Why Buy Used?
The original Apple AirPods (released December 2016) are the earbuds that established the true-wireless category. Apple's W1 chip provides fast iOS pairing and auto-switching, the open earbud design is light and instantly recognizable, and the Lightning charging case is the original AirPods case design. At ~9 years old, used prices are very low — making them the cheapest entry into the AirPods ecosystem.
What They Are (and Aren't)
The original AirPods are open earbuds — no in-ear seal, no ANC, no Spatial Audio, no wireless charging. The 5-hour-per-charge spec from 2016 has degraded severely in nearly every used unit. They're best for:
- First-time AirPods buyers on a strict budget who want iOS integration.
- Casual use where short runtimes are acceptable (frequent case dips).
- Calls — beam-forming microphones still perform well for voice.
They are NOT a good fit for: workouts (no ear tip seal), noise cancellation (open design), long-runtime listening (severe battery degradation), or future-proofing (W1 chip, Bluetooth 4.2).
Critical Used-Buyer Checks
At 9 years old, battery is the dominant concern:
- Earbud battery — Many used 1st-gen AirPods now last under 90 minutes per charge. Ask the seller for runtime if possible.
- Case battery — The case battery also degrades. Confirm the case still charges and provides reliable refills.
- Lightning port — Wear at the Lightning port can prevent the case from charging.
- Yellowing — White plastic on earbuds and case yellows with age. Cosmetic only, but heavy yellowing is unsightly.
- Pairing — Confirm the earbuds still pair reliably with iOS devices.
AirPods 1st gen vs AirPods 2 vs AirPods 3
| Feature | AirPods 1 | AirPods 2 | AirPods 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | W1 | H1 | H1 |
| Wireless charging | No | Optional case | Yes |
| Battery (per charge, when new) | 5h | 5h | 6h |
| Hey Siri | No | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | No | No | Yes |
| Year | 2016 | 2019 | 2021 |
If budget allows even slight headroom, AirPods 2 (with H1 + Hey Siri) or AirPods 3 (with Spatial Audio + 6h battery) are noticeably better used picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 1st-gen AirPods worth buying in 2026?
For very specific buyers, yes. If you need an entry-level AirPod for under $50 and you accept the short battery runtime, they remain functional. For most buyers, AirPods 2 or AirPods 3 used are dramatically better value at modestly higher prices.
How long does the battery last on used 1st-gen AirPods?
Original spec was 5 hours per earbud charge. At 9 years old, most used units deliver 30-90 minutes per charge. Heavy degradation is universal — sellers rarely confirm exact runtime, so assume the worst case unless explicitly stated.
Do 1st-gen AirPods work with Android?
Yes, as standard Bluetooth. You lose Apple-specific features (no Hey Siri, no automatic switching, no Find My) but audio playback works fine. The W1 chip is iOS-only for fast pairing.
What should I look for when buying used 1st-gen AirPods?
Battery is the dominant concern. Ask the seller about earbud and case battery runtime. Confirm the Lightning port still charges the case reliably. Yellowing of white plastic is cosmetic only. Verify both earbuds power on and pair successfully.
Do 1st-gen AirPods have noise cancellation?
No. They are open earbuds with no in-ear seal — they provide essentially zero passive isolation, and there is no active noise cancellation. For ANC, choose AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd gen) or AirPods Pro 2.