If you know where to look, there are often great discounts available on Apple’s popular – but often expensive – AirPods. Since Apple launched the third-generation AirPods last year, we’ve seen the starting price of the second-generation entry-level model drop from $159 to $129. And now that you can buy the second-generation AirPods Pro, we’re seeing even better discounts on the last-generation Pro and other models. For your convenience, we’ve put together the best deals currently available on each model, including the entry-level AirPods, the AirPods Pro, the third-generation AirPods, and the AirPods Max.
The best deals on entry-level AirPods (2nd generation).
Last year, Apple lowered the list price of the second-generation AirPods — now the entry-level model — from $159 to $129. However, it now only sells the model with a wired charging case, which charges via a standard Lightning cable. Despite their age, we found that the easy-to-use second-generation AirPods still offer great wireless performance and reliable battery life, making them a great choice if you can live without a wireless charging case.
Right now, you can pick up Apple’s most affordable earbuds for $89.99 ($40 off) at Targetand walmart, which is just $10 shy of their all-time low. You can also buy the model with the wireless charging case $139.99 ($20 off) at Adorama.
The AirPods are Apple’s second generation of true wireless earbuds and the cheapest model in the AirPods range.
The best AirPods deals (third generation).
With support for the company’s MagSafe technology and an asking price of $179, Apple’s third-generation AirPods are often considered the middle child in Apple’s current AirPods lineup. The shorter stems also make for a more subtle design, while improved sound and features like sweat and water resistance, support for spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and improved battery life make them a nice improvement over the last-generation model.
Back in September, Apple quietly introduced a new option for the third-generation AirPods that comes with a Lightning-only charging case, one that costs $10 less than the option with a MagSafe charging case. However, since you currently have the First generation AirPods Pro with noise canceling for $159.99, we recommend buying that one instead. We don’t recommend buying the AirPods with a Lightning-only charging case, as the MagSafe-compatible model regularly goes on sale for less than MSRP. For example, right now you can buy them for about $169 ($10 off) at Staples and Sam’s club (if you are a member).
Similar to their slimmer sibling, the AirPods Pro, the latest entry-level AirPods have a new charging case and shorter stems. They are also water resistant, unlike the 2019 model, and have a longer battery life.
The best AirPods Pro deals
In case you missed it, Apple announced the second-generation AirPods Pro at its “Far Out” event in September, a pair of earbuds with a similar construction to the first-generation model, but with better noise cancellation. They also have swipe controls, come with Apple’s new H2 chip, and have an extra small pair of interchangeable silicone tips for smaller ears. Despite only being released a few months ago, they are already on sale at Amazon, Best Buyand Target for $199.99 instead of $249, which is their all-time low and Black Friday price. Read our review.
Apple’s latest AirPods Pro are based on the last-generation model, but include swipe controls and a new H2 chip that enables improved noise cancellation. They also come with a water-resistant charging case that supports Apple’s robust Find My network.
If the second-generation AirPods Pro are too expensive for you, rest assured: we often see discounts on the first-generation AirPods Pro. They have better sound quality than the non-premium models mentioned above, as well as active noise cancellation. They also come with interchangeable silicone tips – albeit three, not four – and support Apple’s Spatial Audio feature, which adds an immersive surround sound effect to selected content.
Last year, Apple launched a new configuration of the AirPods Pro with a wireless charging case that supports Apple’s MagSafe technology, just like the third-generation AirPods. The noise-cancelling, MagSafe-ready earbuds typically cost $249, but they’re currently available at Verizon for $159.99, which is their all-time low price. If you prefer another retailer, you can also pick them up $20 more from Walmart.
The last generation of AirPods Pro improve upon the regular AirPods with better sound quality, excellent active noise cancellation, and immersive spatial audio.
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The best AirPods Max deals
The AirPods Max are not the iconic in-ears that have become synonymous with the AirPods name. They are large and luxurious, made of aluminum, steel and mesh fabric that remain comfortable during extended listening sessions. They also offer excellent noise cancellation, Apple’s spatial audio feature, and wide, balanced sound, even if they lag behind some of their peers when it comes to bass response. They’re not the best noise-canceling headphones for most people — blame the $550 sticker price — but it’s hard to find a pair of Bluetooth headphones that sound better and have more intuitive controls.
Apple’s AirPods Max have exemplary build quality, sound phenomenal, and keep pace with the best in noise cancellation.
While Woot and other retailers have reduced the AirPods Max to just $409 in the past, prices have since gone up across the board. Right now, for example, the Max retails for around $449 at Amazon (in gray) and $444.99 at the Microcenter, although you have to live nearby to pick them up from your local store. If you prefer more color options and online delivery, you can also purchase them from Best Buy for $479.
