Many products these days are designed not to be repaired. It’s a shame, too, as landfills are bursting all over the globe, and recycling helps, but it’s just not enough. I always feel bad when electronic products die and can’t be repaired.
I ran into this issue recently with my first-generation AirPods. I really like these as they fit in my ear perfectly and sound pretty darn good. Unfortunately, their battery is starting to wear out, and they don’t last more than 15 minutes anymore. What to do? Chuck em and buy new ones? Maybe.
I was researching other options for earbuds, and a Twitter friend recommended Podswap. They replace the battery on both first and second-generation AirPods. Now you don’t get yours fixed. They send you a repaired pair, and you send yours back to them, and the cycle continues.
At first, I wasn’t sold on the idea since it cost $59 to get a pair with fresh batteries. My Airpods lasted for years, and only in the last few months did I notice the battery dying quickly and more in one than the other, but I do like them, and I figured why not! So I went for it.
The process is as simple as it gets. You order the same version of Airpods that you own. You can’t send them a Gen 1 and order a Gen 2 or upgrade. It has to be the same model. Gen 1 costs $59, and Gen 2 models are $69. Shipping was $4.99 to San Diego, and they came from Florida, so I’m assuming that is about as much as it will cost since it’s clear across the country.
They arrived quickly and in good condition. One of the Airpods had some scratches, but it doesn’t affect the feel in the ear. I had to remind myself that these are refurbished and not new.
They come in plastic containers with a foam insert, so they travel in comfort. I swapped them out and inserted the newish Airpods in my charging case, and let them charge up. Podswap states it will take several charges to get them to peak battery life performance.
All in all, I’m pleased with the service. I now have a pair of Airpods that are as good as new with a much longer battery life again, plus I feel good finally not throwing a piece of electronics to the landfill.
What You Get
- 2 Recycled* AirPods (R & L)
- Good as New Battery Life
- Fully Sanitized and Cleaned
- Free Return Shipping Included
- 90 Day Warranty
*The AirPods you receive are recycled, therefore fine scratches and other minor imperfections may be visible on your replacement units.
I bought a new pair of Airpod Pros anyway, but for different use as the noise canceling and audio quality are really good. For casual use and phone calls, the gen 1 is perfection.
Ineligible Physical Conditions
While the service is straightforward, there are some rules you have to abide by. You keep your charging case, and Podswap doesn’t repair the battery on the cases.
- Broken or have broken mesh
- Permanently stained
- Cracked or with deep dents
- Broken or have broken mesh
- Fake or discolored
- Water damaged or corroded
Ineligible Functional Conditions
- Cannot power on
- Microphone does not work
Another cool option is if you lost one Airpod you can purchase a replacement for $49.99. Not as good of a deal as getting the replacement battery but hey good to have the option.
If you want to give this service a try, you can use this code to save 10% off. I get nothing from this except the good feeling of one less thing that goes to the trash heap.
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