AirPods vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: Trade-In Value Comparison

Which Option Is Better for Most People?

Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 01 April 2026

When comparing AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds in terms of trade-in value, AirPods come out on top. AirPods vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: Trade-In Value Comparison Apple's official Trade-In program often offers higher values than what you'd get from other platforms like Decluttr or Best Buy. For example, as of January 2023, a mint condition pair of second-generation AirPods can fetch up to $150 in trade-in credit at Apple.

Current Trade-In Values

Answer: As of January 2023, Apple's official Trade-In program offers higher values for AirPods than Samsung Galaxy Buds do on their platform.

For AirPods, Apple's Trade In program often provides the best deals. A second-generation pair in mint condition can trade-in for up to $150 as of January 2023. On Decluttr, a similar model might only fetch around $80-$90. Samsung Galaxy Buds have lower trade-in values across platforms; Best Buy offers about $60-$70 for the first-generation Galaxy Buds in mint condition.

How Values Change by Condition

Answer: The value of both AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds drops significantly as their condition worsens, with AirPods retaining slightly more value than Galaxy Buds in fair or broken states.

For AirPods, a mint condition pair can trade for around $150 at Apple. In good condition, that figure drops to about $120-$130. For fair condition AirPods, the trade-in value might be just $60-$70. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy Buds start at $60-$70 in mint condition and drop to around $40-$50 for those in fair shape.

According to the World Economic Forum, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally.

Depreciation Rate Over 12 Months

Answer: AirPods depreciate by about 30% over the first year, while Samsung Galaxy Buds lose up to 50% of their value during the same period.

AirPods typically hold their value better than Samsung Galaxy Buds. A mint condition pair of second-generation AirPods can start at $150 and depreciate by about 30% over a year, ending up around $90-$100 in good condition. In contrast, the first generation of Samsung Galaxy Buds start at roughly $60-$70 and lose almost half their value within the same period.

Which Holds Value Better and Why

Answer: AirPods hold better trade-in value due to Apple's premium brand reputation and strong recycling programs.

AirPods generally retain higher values because Apple's brand loyalty and official Trade-In program contribute significantly. AirPods vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: Trade-In Value Comparison provides a clear, consistent value for used products across its platform. Samsung Galaxy Buds, while still valuable, don't have the same level of support or recognition in trade-in markets.

Best Time to Sell or Trade In

Answer: Selling AirPods within 6-12 months after purchase yields higher trade-in values compared to waiting longer.

For both models, selling soon after purchasing tends to yield better trade-in deals. For AirPods, the optimal window is between 6 and 12 months post-purchase when they're still in mint condition or close to it. After this period, their value drops significantly. Samsung Galaxy Buds also benefit from early sales but may depreciate faster over time.

According to the Apple Environmental Report 2024, apple recovered over 1 tonne of gold from recycled devices in 2023.

Where to Get the Highest Price for Each

Answer: Apple's Trade-In program provides the highest trade-in prices for AirPods, whereas Decluttr and Best Buy offer better deals for Samsung Galaxy Buds.

To get the best price for AirPods, head straight to Apple's official Trade-In portal. For Samsung Galaxy Buds, consider platforms like Decluttr or Best Buy, where you might secure a slightly higher value than on Samsung's own site.

Recycling Options if the Device Has No Trade-In Value

Answer: Both AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds can be recycled through specialized e-waste programs that recover valuable materials.

When trade-in options no longer exist for either earbud, both devices are recyclable. Apple offers its Renew program for recycling old products safely. Similarly, Samsung has its own recycling initiative where users can drop off their used devices at designated centers or use mail-back services.

Materials Recovered When Recycled

Answer: Recycling AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds recovers valuable materials like lithium-ion batteries, rare earth metals, and plastics.

Recycling these earbuds yields significant environmental benefits by recovering materials such as lithium-ion batteries, copper wiring, and rare earth metals. These components can be reused in manufacturing new electronics, reducing the need for raw material extraction.

According to the BankMyCell 2024, iPhones retain trade-in value better than Android phones, losing ~40% in year 1 vs ~55%.

Detailed Section on AirPods

Answer: Apple's Trade-In program offers higher values for AirPods than Samsung Galaxy Buds do on their platform.

Apple's official Trade-In program stands out for its competitive pricing and ease of use. A second-generation pair of AirPods in mint condition can trade-in for up to $150 at Apple, compared to around $80-$90 through platforms like Decluttr or Best Buy. This higher value is due largely to Apple's strong brand loyalty and strong recycling programs.

Apple also provides a straightforward process for determining the trade-in value of AirPods. At AirPods vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: Trade-In Value Comparison, users can input their device details online. Receive an instant quote, and then send them in for evaluation if they choose. If approved, users get credit toward new products or store credit that can be used at any Apple location. Additionally, Apple ensures proper recycling through its Renew program, which disassembles the returned devices to recover valuable materials.

Detailed Section on Samsung Galaxy Buds

Answer: The first generation of Samsung Galaxy Buds offers trade-in values around $60-$70 in mint condition.

Samsung's own Trade-In program is less prominent than Apple's but still viable. For example, a first-generation pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds might fetch about $60-$70 in mint condition at Best Buy or Decluttr. This value is lower compared to AirPods due to the brand's slightly lesser trade-in recognition.

Samsung also offers its own recycling initiative where users can drop off their used devices at designated centers or use mail-back services through Samsung's website. AirPods vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: Trade-In Value Comparison ensures proper disposal and material recovery in partnership with e-waste management companies. This process involves disassembling returned Galaxy Buds to recover materials like lithium-ion batteries, copper wiring, and rare earth metals.

Head-to-Head Verdict

Answer: AirPods hold better trade-in value due to Apple's strong brand loyalty and official Trade-In program support. However, Samsung Galaxy Buds offer competitive recycling programs for end-of-life disposal.

In summary, when it comes to trade-in values, AirPods consistently provide higher returns thanks to Apple's strong brand recognition and trade-in initiatives. AirPods vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: Trade-In Value Comparison's Renew program also ensures proper recycling of materials. Yet, Samsung Galaxy Buds still have respectable recycling options through Samsung's e-waste management partnerships. For those leaning towards long-term value retention or immediate resell opportunities, AirPods are the clear winner.

For more detailed information on AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds, visit our dedicated brand pages: /brands/airpods and /brands/samsung-galaxy-buds.

Sources

• World Economic Forum
• Apple Environmental Report 2024
• BankMyCell 2024