Apple’s AirPods aren’t cheap, but mine have lasted for years without a hitch. The only issue is the pricing. The latest AirPods Pro 2 have an RRP of £229, and AirPods Max will set you back a huge £499. If only there were ways you could get them for free…
Apple’s “Back To School” Offer
If you’re planning on making a big Apple purchase in the coming months, such as a new MacBook or iPad, keep your eyes out for the big offers available for students and future students.
Apple’s annual higher education offer gives university students freebies with purchases made between certain times of year. The specific time of year depends on where you are in the world, but keep an eye out ahead of the academic year’s start where you are.
We’ve already seen 2025’s version of the annual offer in a few countries, including New Zealand, as the academic year in the Southern and Northern hemispheres go by different timetables. The offer in New Zealand is likely to be repeated throughout the world:
| Purchased Product | Freebie Options (pick one) |
|---|---|
| Mac (MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac) | AirPods 4 with Noise Cancellation, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max |
| iPad (iPad Pro, iPad Air) | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C |
So to get a free set of AirPods, buy a Mac product and take advantage of the education offers when the academic year is approaching. In some countries, the free AirPods are replaced with Apple gift cards which can then be used to purchase AirPods.
Free Replacement AirPods
If you’re already an AirPods owner, you might just be entitled to a free replacement. Check to see if your product is covered by AppleCare+ and get an estimate of the cost to replace or repair from Apple’s on-site tool. Make sure you enter the correct model of AirPods to get an accurate quote!
Apple will replace or repair AirPods for free for AppleCare+ customers if the devices have a battery issue, but you’ll have to pay a fee for other damages or lost products. It still costs less, but you won’t get that freebie. For accidental damage, the excess fee is £25, though. Still a lot cheaper than buying a replacement yourself!
Trade-In Programs
Looking to upgrade your Apple products? Or got an older device you’re trying to get rid of? Trade it in and see how much credit you can earn towards your brand new AirPods.
Apple offers official trade-in rates, and you can get an estimate of the value of your device on their site. You can even trade in a non-Apple product. Hilariously, if you tell the tool that your phone is a Blackberry, it immediately tells you to recycle it. Brutal.
For example, my iPhone 13 Pro would be worth £280 to trade in if Apple believed the condition of it was high enough. That’s more than enough for a new pair of AirPods Pro and then some! Of course, you can try to find alternative routes - stores like CEX, MusicMagpie, and Carphone Warehouse are always looking for iPhones to refurbish and sell for a profit, or you can jump onto eBay and see if you can get more value than any of these companies were trying to offer you.
Get Free Cash Online
You can get free cash on the internet without spending a penny. By playing games and completing surveys on sites like Freecash.com, you can start earning money towards your AirPods purchase with ease.
It takes five minutes to sign up, and you can choose from a huge variety of games to make sure you’re entertained! You can cash your earnings out for free with Apple vouchers too, which can go directly towards your AirPods purchase.
