Best AirPods deals: Up to $120 off popular Apple and Beats headphones
Like any other item, headphones and wireless earbuds will eventually need to be replaced, and a high-quality pair comes at a cost. With so many options out there, you might overlook the name-brand options due to sticker shock, but that’s not always necessary. Apple makes some of the best earbuds and headphones around, and they occasionally go on sale or may be available for less if you don’t mind going for an older model. Apple also owns Beats, and audio equipment from these brands can be had for less if you know where to look. We at CNET have rounded up deals on these headphones and earbuds so you can upgrade for less.
With more than twenty years of experience in the technical landscape, David Carnoy is CNET’s resident audio expert. He and our dedicated deals team keep a close eye on all retailers offering deals and discounts on these sleek Apple headphones and have rounded up the best prices available right now.
Hey, did you know? CNET Deals copy is free, easy, and saves you money.
We’ll update this page as deals come and go, so check back often for the current best deals. Don’t see something you like? Our collection of the best headphone deals has something for everyone from other popular brands.
What’s the best AirPods deal right now?
Although they’re no longer the newest model on the market, the AirPods Pro 2 are still our favorite pair of noise-canceling Apple earbuds. And now you can get your hands on a pair for just a few bucks $190 at Amazon. That’s a respectable $59 discount compared to Apple’s price, and that’s just the beginning. View our complete overview of the best prices for the entire range here.
Best AirPods deals
Somewhat surprisingly, Amazon has already knocked a few dollars off the price of the brand new AirPods 4. You can save $10 on the basic version without noise cancellation, or $10 on the version with ANC – lowering the price to $119 and $169 respectively.
The second generation AirPods Pro are among the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market and are a top choice for Apple users.
This model includes the USB-C and MagSafe charging case, although they are almost identical to the excellent AirPods Pro 2, which comes with a Lightning case, except for one key feature. People who buy a Vision Pro headset will benefit from lossless audio when connecting these earbuds. That’s probably an edge case, but it’s still worth knowing, especially if Apple adds the same feature to future iPhones and other hardware.
Battery life Rated up to 8pmNoise reduction Yes (ANC)Multipoint NoHeadphone type Wireless over-ear headphonesWater resistant No IP rating
The AirPods Max are Apple’s first full-size headphones and are packed with premium features like noise cancellation, spatial audio, and easy integration with Apple devices. Yes, paying almost as much as you would for a PS5 may sound like overkill, but the point is, they’re actually worth it, as long as you don’t feel burned by their lack of support for completely lossless audio. Please note that this price is only available for the Lightning version of Apple’s AirPods Max and select colors.
Battery life Rated up to 5 hoursNoise reduction NoMultipoint NoHeadphone type Wireless earbudsWater resistant Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
Now five years old, the AirPods 2 are the least advanced AirPods on the market, but they still pack some impressive specs and are a great choice for those on a budget. They’re equipped with the same H1 chip as the AirPods 3, giving them the same high-speed connectivity and hands-free Siri access.
If you are an active person, the Powerbeats Pro may be the best headphones for you. With a design that wraps around your ear and earbuds that fit inside, you get a great fit and great sound. The charging case is larger than some others, but chances are you’ll be throwing it in a bag anyway, so it shouldn’t be a big problem.
Battery life Rated up to 12 hoursNoise reduction NoMultipoint NoHeadphone type Wireless earbudsWater resistant No IP rating
These Beats Flex earbuds are a good option for people who want a wireless listening experience without bulky headphones. They’re perfect for workouts, phone calls or listening to your favorite podcast on the go. They’re also currently just $49 for most variants on Amazon, making them a high-quality pair of earbuds without a high price.
Battery life Rated up to 40 hoursNoise reduction Yes (ANC)Multipoint NoHeadphone type Wireless over-ear headphonesWater resistant No IP rating
While these aren’t AirPods per se, we’re including them because Beats is owned by Apple. Beats Studio Pro is a great alternative to Apple AirPods Max without sacrificing quality. They offer up to 40 hours of battery life and noise cancellation, and they pair easily with various operating systems, including Android.
Apple AirPods Prices 2024
| Model | Apple store price | Best price at the moment | Best price of all time |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 2 | $129 | $89 | $69 |
| AirPods 4 | $129 | $118 | $118 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | $249 | $190 | $169 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | $429 | $389 |
How we pick AirPods deals at CNET
Apple makes some of the most popular earbuds on the market, which means we’re always looking for discounts or price drops. We monitor all major retailers and maintain a catalog of the lowest price currently available, along with the all-time lowest price, so you know if you’re really getting your money’s worth. We’ll also mention any discounts on some of the latest Beats headphones and earbuds, as these have already featured Apple hardware since the company’s acquisition in 2014.
Check this out: AirPods Pro 2 Review: Tough to beat for Apple users
