How to order AirPods 2 in the US

Best answer: The fastest way to get your hands on new AirPods is to order them directly from Apple.Apple: AirPods (From $159)Amazon: AirPods (From $159)

Available to order right now

I'd recommend hopping on Apple's website and ordering now if you want to be among the first to own the updated AirPods. Ordering from Apple is always going to be the most likely way to get your hands on the newest Apple products the fastest.

The Apple Store app is another option

For many people, the iPhone is their primary computer. If that's the case for you, or you just don't want to wait to get to computer, order AirPods within the Apple Store app. You can pay with Apple Pay right within the app as well.

Free on the App Store

Walk into your local brick-and-mortal store

Of course, it's always nice to be able to try before you buy. If you stop by your local Apple Store, once they have the new AirPods in stock, you'll be able to test them out for yourself before you make a decision. Of course, they are not yet on the shelves in stores, but they might be as early as next week. Note: I worked in the Apple Store for a good year after the release of the first AirPods, and it was many months after release before we regularly had them in stock.

Save the sales tax

Depending on what state you live in, you may be able to avoid paying the sales tax on your new AirPods up front if you order from popular photo and tech site B&H. Shipping is free, and for certain states, B&H doesn't collect sales tax up front. You'll still be responsible for the sales tax when you file your taxes, but perhaps at that time you'll be getting a nice refund to offset it.

Amazon has you covered

Whether you have some Amazon gift cards or you just prefer to shop at Amazon for its ease and convenience, Amazon has the newest Apple products as well. You can pre-order the newest AirPods now, or just the wireless charging case. Amazon will be releasing them on March 26, so you might even have them in hand as fast as you would ordering direct from Apple.

What are my options?

$199 New AirPods with Wireless Charging Case
$159 New AirPods with traditional Charging Case
$79 Wireless Charging Case for AirPods (compatible with both the new and the original AirPods)

Want to learn more about the second generation AirPods? We've got the scoop.

Our pick

AirPods 2 with Charging Case

Go right to the source

Ordering directly from Apple is the quickest, most reliable way to get your hands on the latest tech.

AirPods 2 with Wireless Charging Case ($199 at Apple)

Get your new AirPods with the new Wireless Charging Case for $40 more.

Wireless Charging Case for AirPods ($79 at Apple)

The new Wireless Charging Case works with both the first and second generation AirPods.

Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer and co-host of the iMore Show. She’s been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. She's also a contributor at TechRadar and Tom's Guide. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for Macworld, CNET, AppAdvice, and WatchAware. She’s an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. Karen is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. She loves to spend time with her family, travel the world, and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere.