Apple warranty for headphones & earbuds
The short version
Apple covers headphones & earbuds in full for 1 year, with no partial coverage after that. That full coverage is the same as most of the 19 brands we compared, which typically cover 1 year in full. You don't need to register to get this coverage.
From Apple's published warranty, checked October 2026.
What's covered
Full coverage: everything, parts and laborPartial coverage: some parts only, you usually pay labor
Purchase5 yrs10 yrs+Full: 1 yearNo partial coverage
- Full coverageWhole product1 year
The fine print, decoded
What it leaves out
- Accidental breaks and misuse
- Batteries
Good to know before you buy
- Batteries that wear out normally are not covered unless it's a defect.
- Drops, water damage and unauthorized repairs are not covered; AppleCare+ is the paid option for those.
How other brands compare for headphones & earbuds
- 1. Bowers & Wilkins32/100 · Full: 2 years
- 2. Denon32/100 · Full: 2 years
- 3. JLab32/100 · Full: 2 years
- 4. Razer32/100 · Full: 2 years
- 5. Sennheiser32/100 · Full: 2 years
Where you buy it matters
How long stores give you to return it
Longest return window first, for headphones & earbuds.
- CostcoMost itemsNo fixed deadline
- BJ's Wholesale ClubMost items365 days
- Kohl'sMost items90 days
- Sam's ClubElectronics such as TVs, computers and speakers90 days
- ScheelsMidwest and Mountain West storesMost items90 days
- CrutchfieldMost items60 days
Show all 22 stores
- Guitar CenterMost items45 days
- B&H PhotoMost items30 days from delivery
- NeweggMost items30 days from delivery
- TargetElectronics and entertainment (not Apple or Beats)30 days
- VerizonMost items30 days
- WalmartConsumer electronics and PC components30 days
- Electronic ExpressTennessee storesMost items30 days
- Nebraska Furniture MartMidwest and Texas storesMost items30 days
- P.C. Richard & SonNortheast storesMost items30 days
- RC WilleyMountain West storesElectronics30 days from delivery
- Best BuyMost items15 days from delivery
- GameStopMost items15 days
- CuracaoSouthwest storesMost items15 days
- StaplesOpened headphones, headsets and earbudsNo returns
- SweetwaterSoftware, authorization keys, earphones and in-ear products, tubes, replacement speakers and parts, turntable cartridges and styliNo returns
- BrandsMart USASoutheast storesGaming consoles, gaming PCs, drones; opened headphones, Apple, Bose and Sonos productsNo returns
From each store's published return policy, using its rule for headphones & earbuds where it has one. Member and holiday extensions aren't counted. Check yours before you buy.
Other things Apple makes
- Laptops & Computers21/100Full: 1 year. No partial coverage.
- Phones21/100Full: 1 year. No partial coverage.
- Smartwatches & Wearables21/100Full: 1 year. No partial coverage.
- Watches21/100Full: 1 year. No partial coverage.
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