AirPods are unquestionably among the most popular headphones in the world. It’s great that there’s so much variety in the Apple AirPods lineup, but the best model will always be the one that fits your budget and style.
This starts with the original AirPods (less expensive, launched in 2016) and AirPods Pro (more features, active noise cancelling), then extends to the AirPods Max (high-end audiophile). The most popular AirPods deal this month has been on entry-level AirPods 2, which are on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy starting at just $89. But I fully expect that to change now that Apple’s AirPods Pro model is on sale with a huge discount. Plus, brand-new AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC are both on sale with discounts that match their best prices so far.
There are currently four excellent deals available on Apple’s various AirPods models. The best offer is on AirPods Pro 2, which are now available with a $60 discount. Also on sale are entry-level AirPods 2 and AirPods Max, which are down to just $478. Anything around $500 or lower is a good deal for AirPods Max, so now is a great time to pick up a pair.
Finally, Apple’s new AirPods 4 are now available to purchase, and they come in two different versions. In fact, this might’ve been the only surprise from Apple’s big September launch event, since the iPhone 16 update was so boring. Apple’s regular AirPods 4 replace AirPods 2, and they carry the same $129 price tag. Then, there are new AirPods 4 with noise cancellation, which retail for $179.
In an interesting twist, Apple’s new AirPods 4 models recently received their first discount despite the fact that they were just released. It’s not a huge price cut, but every penny counts when you’re buying pricey Apple products. Regular AirPods 4 are down to $119 right now instead of $129, and AirPods 4 with ANC are on sale for $164.99, down from $179.
Last — and quite possibly least — Apple’s AirPods 3 are on sale with a discount now that the next-gen model is here. Honestly, though, you might want to pass on these earbuds since the discounted AirPods 3 model is still more expensive than AirPods 4. Seriously… why pay more for AirPods 3 when AirPods 4 are down to $119?
Bonus: Don’t forget our guide that covers the easiest tips and tricks on how to connect AirPods to your iPhone, Mac, or other device.
Apple AirPods: Check the latest prices
If you want the Cliff’s Notes version, here’s a quick list of every AirPods model with links to the best prices:
- AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C MagSafe Case (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy)
- AirPods 4 (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart)
- AirPods 4 with ANC (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart)
- AirPods 3 (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy)
- AirPods 2 (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart)
- AirPods Max (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart)
Of course, there’s so much to consider when you’re trying to decide which AirPods model is the right one for you. In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about each of the different headphone models that Apple currently sells.
Apple AirPods 4 come in two different models
As expected, Apple unveiled its new AirPods 4 earbuds during the big “It’s Glowtime” event in September 2024. What no one expected at the time, however, was that there are not one but two different versions of Apple’s AirPods 4.
First, we have the normal AirPods 4 that replace Apple’s AirPods 2. They have a $129 retail price, just like 2nd-generation AirPods, so it’ll be nice to finally be rid of that old design that dates back to Apple’s first-ever earbuds.
Apart from the new design, AirPods 4 offer dramatically improved sound quality compared to the 2nd-Gen model. They also pack Apple’s newer H2 chip as well as Spatial Audio support. How crazy is it that you can get the H2 chip in a pair of $129 AirPods 4, but not in $549 AirPods Max?!
AirPods 4 also offer up to 30 hours of battery life when you include the USB-C charging case. That’s a big improvement. You can order them from all the top retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, and there are even already a few discounts to be found despite how new they are.
In addition to the normal AirPods 4 that Apple launched in September, there’s also a second version. The “AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation” name is a bit of a mouthful, so we call them AirPods 4 with ANC for short.
This new model marks the first time Apple has ever included noise cancelling tech on a pair of earbuds that aren’t “Pro.” The biggest differences between these and the Pro model are the drivers and the fact that AirPods 4 don’t have rubber ear tips. Needless to say, that means the ANC on AirPods 4 will never work as well as it does on AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro with ANC retail for $179, just like Apple’s old AirPods 3, and they’re available at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and more top retailers. Just like the entry-level model, Apple’s new AirPods 4 with ANC are also already available at a slight discount at some retailers.
Our favorite AirPods Pro 2 deals
Apple announced AirPods Pro 2 during a big iPhone event in September. AirPods Pro 2 were released on September 23, 2022. Then, almost exactly one year later on September 22, 2023, Apple released an updated version of AirPods Pro with USB-C. The new USB-C port on the MagSafe case matches the updated port on the iPhone 15 series. There are also a few other changes, and this is the only model that works with Apple’s new hearing aid feature.
When comparing AirPods Pro 2 vs. regular AirPods, here are the key upgrades:
- Apple H2 chip
- 2x better active noise cancelling technology
- New low-distortion drivers and custom amplifier
- Volume control on stems
- New MagSafe charging case with Find My integration and a speaker (USB-C and Lightning versions)
- Apple Watch charger support
When you combine all those features, AirPods Pro 2 are a pretty big upgrade!
The best way to learn more is to read our in-depth AirPods Pro 2 review. There are tons of features like great noise-cancellation, Spatial Audio, seamless transfer from one device to another, and cutting-edge specs.
If you’re ready to purchase a pair of AirPods Pro 2, there are plenty of options. You can buy them directly from Apple or from one of its many retail partners, including Best Buy, Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 retail price is $249, which is the same as the previous model.
When you order your AirPods Pro with USB-C from other retailers instead of Apple, you might be able to save some money. As we mentioned earlier, Apple’s flagship noise cancelling earphones are currently on sale with a great discount.
Keep in mind that you should spend $199 at the most for this model. Anytime you can get Apple’s ANC earbuds for even less than that, it’s a steal.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C Charging Case Check the Latest Price
These are the latest and greatest noise cancelling earphones that Apple offers, so take advantage of this deal while you still can.
Best cheap AirPods Max deals and sales
Apple released the AirPods Max in December 2021. It might seem like Apple has gone a long time without updating them, but this isn’t the type of product that needs an annual upgrade. Try these headphones once, and you’ll instantly see that they’re on par with the very best wireless noise cancelling headphones from the likes of Bose and Sony.
AirPods Max are the first over-ear headphones from Apple. AirPods Max are also the most expensive headphones from Apple with a starting price of $549.
If you read our AirPods Max review, however, you’ll see why they might be worth that hefty price tag for many people.
The AirPods Max headphones feature a unique design with a breathable knit mesh headband and a stainless steel frame with memory foam ear cushions for maximum comfort. Other features include active noise cancellation and up to 20 hours of battery life.
Active noise cancellation allows you to block outside noise for a more immersive listening experience. You can also activate transparency mode like other AirPods to tune into conversations around you without having to remove your headphones.
The Apple AirPods Max also offers spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and the headphones come in various colors, including space gray, silver, sky blue, green, and pink.
Best of all, there are some fantastic AirPods Max deals going right now that will save you a lot of money. Even with the discount, though, they’re still more expensive than many rival noise cancelling headphones from top brands like Bose and Sony.
Overall, the AirPods Max offer some of the highest fidelity sound and premium features for headphones. But at that price point, there are compelling alternatives if you’re not completely into the Apple ecosystem.
Another thing to note is that there are almost always discounts these days on Apple’s AirPods Max. You should never even consider purchasing them at full price.
Sale prices generally range from $450 to $500, so keep that in mind when you check the current deals. If you see them on sale for any more than that, definitely don’t buy them until the price drops again.
Great AirPods 3 deals (3rd Generation)
Apple released the third-generation AirPods in October 2021. This model comes with all the features of its predecessor, plus even more functionality.
The AirPods 3 offer better sound quality than older AirPods models. This improved sound quality is a result of the Adaptive EQ feature. This automatically tunes music based on the shape of your ears. They are also IPX4 sweat and water-resistant.
These wireless earphones have better battery life than AirPods Pro, offering extended listening sessions. They also feature Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking that places sound around you. Spatial Audio is Apple’s version of surround sound, similar to Dolby Atmos. The third-gen AirPods also come with a wireless charging case that can be charged using a wireless charging pad.
Of course, there’s one major problem with AirPods 3: Apple has released its next-generation AirPods 4 models, which starts at $119. Unless you can find Apple’s now-discontinued AirPods 3 on sale for much less than that, these old earbuds aren’t worth it anymore.
Entry-level AirPods deals (2nd Generation)
As newer models of AirPods are being released, retailers are trying to clear out second-generation AirPods from their inventory. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy periodically drop prices.
If you want to spend as little as possible, this is the model you should look for. AirPods 2 are not compatible with wireless charging and instead come with a regular charging case. That and the older design help keep the price down. Plus, this model has been discontinued since AirPods 4 start at just $129.
AirPods 2 are only worth it if you can find them on sale for $89 or less. If not, you should spend a few extra bucks and get AirPods 4 instead since they’re such a big upgrade compared to this old model.
Anyone looking for AirPods 2 in stock should be sure to check Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. That way, you can pick up a pair from whichever retailer you like most. Just keep in mind that this model has been discontinued, so it might be tough to find at some retailers.
Discounted Apple wireless charging case
Using the AirPods wireless charging case, charging is as simple as placing your AirPods in the case and laying it on a Qi-compatible charging pad.
The case has an LED indicator on the front that lets you know that your AirPods are charging, and you can charge the case using the lightning port when a charging mat is unavailable. All you need to do is to plug in a lightning cable.
You can use the charging case to recharge your earbuds multiple times when their batteries get drained while you’re not at a charger. Extend your listening time even without a charging mat or power cable. The Wireless Charging Case works with AirPods (1st and 2nd generation).
Apple charges $79 for this case, but it’s currently discounted at Amazon and a few other retailers.
Best AirPods Pro alternatives
If you want noise cancelling earbuds similar to AirPods Pro, but with much better sound quality, I’ve got you covered. There are plenty of alternatives out there, but two models are head and shoulders above the competition.
First, we have Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds. Commonly known as Sony XM5, these are Sony’s latest and greatest flagship earphones with active noise cancelling tech. They offer the best sound quality on the planet, period. They also feature ANC quality that outclasses everything else on the market.
Sony WF-1000XM5 ANC earbuds retail for $298, but they sometimes go on sale with discounts of up to $50 off.
Another fantastic option is the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 earbuds that I love so much.
You simply won’t find better bass response in a pair of ANC earphones. Period. It’s crazy how deep the bass is on these Bowers & Wilkins earbuds. If that’s a priority for you, look no further.
The quality of the noise cancelling tech on the Pi7 S2 earbuds is also impressive, but it’s not quite up to the standard set by Sony’s XM5 earbuds. Of course, who can hear any ambient noise with all that bass?
At $399, Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 have the highest retail price of any popular AirPods Pro 2 rivals. Right now, however, they’re on sale with a discount.
There are other premium wireless noise cancelling earbuds to choose from, of course. One good example is the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra earphones that are discounted right now. To my ear, however, Sony’s XM5 earbuds have better sound quality and better ANC performance. That’s why I always recommend the Sony model over Bose’s earbuds.
Apple’s cheapest AirPods model is the 2nd-generation AirPods, often referred to as AirPods 2 or just AirPods. This is the updated version of Apple’s original AirPods earbuds, and it retails for $129.
AirPods and upgraded AirPods Pro each have pros and cons. If you’re trying to decide between them, there are a few simple things to keep in mind. If you prioritize affordability, you should get AirPods. If you want active noise cancelling and better sound quality, it’s worth paying more for AirPods Pro.
Apple is often thought of as a premium device maker, but the company does try to offer products across a wide range of price points. That’s why there are cheap AirPods in addition to more expensive models, like AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
Apple offers a back to school promotion each year, and sometimes it includes free AirPods when students purchase another qualifying Apple product. That’s currently the only way to get free AirPods from Apple.
Apple says that AirPods are not eligible for a student discount. There is one way to get discounted AirPods from Apple, though. The Apple store will match other retailers’ discounts up to 10%. So, if you find AirPods on sale elsewhere but would prefer to buy them directly from Apple, you can save up to 10% by showing them a discount at a store like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.
