AirPods Battery Replacement UK: Cost, Options & What to Expect 2026

Did You Know?

Quick answer: Apple charges £69 per AirPod for battery service. Third-party options start around £35-55. With new AirPods costing £129-229, battery replacement makes financial sense for newer models but may not for older ones. For all repair options, see our complete AirPods repair guide.

Every AirPods owner eventually faces the same frustration: batteries that once lasted 5+ hours now die after 2 or less. It's not your imagination— AirPods batteries do degrade, and relatively quickly compared to other Apple devices.

AirPods Battery Lifespan

How long do AirPods batteries last?

Lithium-ion batteries in AirPods are rated for about 300-500 charge cycles. With typical daily use, most people hit this within 18-24 months. After this point, you'll notice:

• Listening time dropping from 5+ hours to 3 hours, then 2, then less
• One AirPod dying significantly faster than the other
• More frequent top-ups needed throughout the day

Why do AirPods batteries degrade faster than iPhones?

AirPods batteries are tiny—about 0.025 Wh per AirPod compared to 15+ Wh in an iPhone. Smaller batteries have less margin for degradation before it becomes noticeable. Plus, AirPods go through complete charge cycles daily, while phones often don't.

Case battery lifespan

The charging case battery is larger and typically lasts longer—often 3-4 years before significant degradation. A healthy case should provide about 24 additional hours of charge (or roughly 4-5 full AirPod charges).

Signs You Need Battery Replacement

• Listening time under 2 hours: New AirPods last 4.5-6 hours depending on model
• Uneven drain: One AirPod consistently dying much faster than the other
• Quick percentage drops: Going from 80% to 20% in an hour
• Case not holding charge: Only getting 1-2 full AirPod charges — see our case charging guide
• Unexpected shutdowns: AirPods dying when they show significant battery remaining

Apple Battery Service

Apple's official pricing

Apple offers battery service for AirPods, but it's essentially replacement rather than repair—they swap your AirPod for a refurbished one:

AppleCare+ pricing

If you have AppleCare+ and battery capacity is below 80% of original, service is free. For accidental damage, you'll pay £25 per incident.

How to get Apple battery service

1. Book an appointment at an Apple Store or authorised service provider
2. Bring your AirPods (no need for the case unless it also needs service)
3. Service typically takes 3-5 business days if not done same-day

Third-Party Repair Options

How third-party battery replacement works

Unlike Apple's replacement service, independent repair shops actually replace the battery in your existing AirPods. This involves:

1. Carefully opening the AirPod (they're sealed with adhesive)
2. Removing the old battery
3. Soldering in a new battery
4. Resealing the unit

The trade-offs

Third-party battery replacement is cheaper but comes with caveats:

• Cosmetic marks: Opening AirPods leaves visible seam marks
• No Apple warranty: Future Apple service may be refused
• Variable quality: Depends on the repair shop's skill
• Risk: Small chance of damage during repair

Typical third-party pricing

UK Cost Comparison

Let's look at the maths for different scenarios:

Scenario 1: One AirPod needs battery

• Apple service: £69
• Third-party: £35-55
• Winner: Third-party, if you don't mind cosmetic marks

Scenario 2: Both AirPods need batteries

• Apple service: £138 (2 × £69)
• Third-party: £70-110
• New AirPods (2nd gen): £129
• Winner: Often new AirPods, especially for older models

Scenario 3: Both AirPods + case need service

• Apple service: £207 (3 × £69)
• Third-party: £110-170
• New AirPods (3rd gen): £179
• Winner: Definitely new AirPods

Repair vs Buy New Decision

When repair makes sense

• Only one AirPod has battery issues
• Your AirPods are less than 2 years old
• You have AirPods Pro (more expensive to replace)
• You don't care about minor cosmetic marks

When buying new makes sense

• Both AirPods have degraded batteries
• Your model is 3+ years old
• You want newer features (ANC, spatial audio, etc.)
• Case also needs service
• You value Apple warranty

Pro Tip

Trade-in value: Apple offers trade-in credit for old AirPods (typically £15-40 depending on condition and model). Check current values before deciding—sometimes trade-in + new purchase beats repair costs.

Extending Battery Life

Can't replace batteries yet? Here's how to maximise what you have:

Optimise charging habits

• Don't leave AirPods in case at 100% for extended periods
• Top up regularly rather than deep discharging
• Avoid extreme temperatures (hot cars, freezing weather)

Reduce battery drain

• Use lower volume—high volume drains faster
• Disable ANC when not needed (AirPods Pro) — proper ear tip fit also affects ANC efficiency
• Turn off "Hey Siri" if you don't use it
• Use one AirPod at a time for calls (swap to balance wear)

iOS Optimised Charging

iOS has an "Optimised Battery Charging" feature that learns your routine and delays charging past 80% until needed. This helps preserve battery health but is currently only available for AirPods Pro 2 and later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my AirPods battery health percentage?

Unfortunately, no. Unlike iPhones, AirPods don't have a battery health indicator. You can only gauge degradation by comparing current listening time to original specifications.

Do third-party batteries last as long as original?

Quality third-party batteries should provide similar lifespan to original. However, quality varies between suppliers. Ask your repair shop about their battery source and warranty.

Will battery replacement fix my AirPods' other issues?

Only if those issues are battery-related. If you have audio quality problems, connection issues, or physical damage, battery replacement won't help.

How long does battery replacement take?

Apple service typically takes 3-5 days. Third-party repair shops can often do it same-day or next-day, depending on parts availability.