Apple offers a lot of great options when it comes to earbuds and headphones. The company makes some of our favorite wireless earbuds and headphones right now, and you don’t need to be part of the Apple ecosystem to enjoy them. AirPods are far from the cheapest option on the market, with some audio products costing well over $500. Luckily, AirPod deals do pop up from time to time, so you can score a new pair of AirPods at a less-than-eye-watering price.
Scroll down to see the best deals we could find at major retailers. We’ll also update this page as deals come and end, so check back often for the best current prices on AirPods. Don’t see something you like? Our collection of the best headphone deals has something for everyone.
Apple AirPods 2024 pricing
Model | Apple store prices | Best price now | best price in history |
---|---|---|---|
AirPods 2 | $129 | $80 | $79 |
AirPods 3 | $169 | $140 | $140 |
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | $249 | $190 | $180 |
AirPods Max | $549 | $449 | $389 |
AirPods Best Deals
The latest AirPods Pro are among the best noise-canceling headphones on the market and a top choice for Apple users.
This model comes with USB-C and a MagSafe charging case, although they’re nearly identical to the excellent AirPods Pro 2 with a Lightning charging case, except for one key feature. Those who purchase the Vision Pro headphones will benefit from lossless audio when connecting these earbuds. This may be an edge case, but it’s still worth knowing, especially if Apple adds the same functionality to future iPhones and other hardware.
Battery Life Rated for up to 6 hoursNoise reduction NoMore NoHeadphone type Wireless Headphoneswater proof Yes (IPX4 – Waterproof)
Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, these third-generation AirPods have an open-air design, so they don’t have active noise cancellation. They still offer some significant improvements over the AirPods 2. They also have an IPX4 waterproof rating.
Read our AirPods 3 review.
Battery Life Rated for up to 20 hoursNoise reduction Yes (ANC)More NoHeadphone type Over-ear wireless headphoneswater proof No IP rating
Apple’s first full-size headphones are packed with high-end features like noise cancellation, spatial audio, and easy integration with Apple devices. Yes, spending about the same amount of money as a PS5 might sound a bit steep, but here’s the thing: they’re actually worth it, as long as you’re not bothered by their lack of support for fully lossless audio. Please note that prices will vary depending on the color you choose now.
Read our AirPods Max review.
Battery Life Rated for up to 5 hoursNoise reduction NoMore NoHeadphone type Wireless Headphoneswater proof Yes (IPX4 – Waterproof)
While the AirPods 2 are the least advanced AirPods on the market, they still have some impressive specs and are a good choice for those on a tight budget. They feature the same H1 chip as AirPods 3, so they have the same fast connections and support hands-free Siri access.
Read our AirPods 2 review.
Studio Buds Plus are the latest generation of Beats Studio Buds and have great improvements. Our reviewers noted a better fit and upgraded sound, including better microphone placement, noise cancellation, and voice call performance.
Battery Life Rated for up to 9 hoursNoise reduction NoMore NoHeadphone type Wireless Headphoneswater proof Yes (IPX4 – Waterproof)
If you are an active person, the Powerbeats Pro might be the best headphones for you. With an around-the-ear design and ear tips that fit inside, you get a perfect fit and great audio. The charging case is larger than some others, but you’ll probably throw it in your bag anyway, so it’s not a big deal.
Read our Beats Powerbeats Pro review.
Which AirPods are right for you?
Apple’s wireless audio product lineup now includes five models AirPods models, choosing the right kit will depend on the features you care about and the price you’re willing to pay. 2019’s second-generation AirPods are the cheapest option, while the current third-generation AirPods have better sound quality and spatial audio. At the same time, AirPods Pro 2 features active noise reduction and transparency mode. It is Apple’s most advanced headset to date and the first headset equipped with Apple’s new H2 chip. The luxurious AirPods Max, currently the most expensive, are Apple’s over-ear headphones that lack H2 chips but are packed with high-end features.
In addition to Apple-branded AirPods, there are some Beats-branded earbuds worth considering that also feature Apple-made technology and offer a similarly smooth experience. These include Beats Fit Pro, which uses Apple’s H1 chip for fast, reliable connectivity and has a sporty design for use while running or other activities. The Beats Studio Buds lack the H1 chip and stem of the AirPods, but they are lightweight, comfortable, and affordable. Likewise, the updated Beats Studio Buds Plus don’t have the H1 chip, but feature one-click pairing with Apple (and Android) devices and Find My support.
All AirPods (and Beats models) listed above are compatible except the baseline AirPods 2 Apple’s spatial audio capabilities. None of them offer the highest quality Apple’s lossless audio formatwhich is too rich for the current Bluetooth wireless standard to handle.
look at this: AirPods Pro 2 review: Unbeatable for Apple users