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Apple’s wireless headphones and earbuds are perhaps the most iconic available today, and it helps that they sound pretty good too. Apple’s AirPods continue to impress our reviewers here at CNET. We’ve always found that Apple’s headphones and earphones hit the spot, but the company isn’t known for its low prices. Fortunately, retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and others often sell AirPods and Beats headphones, also owned by Apple, at much more affordable prices. It’s probably too late to receive your new AirPods in time for Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t at least save some money on your order.
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With more than two decades of experience covering the technology landscape, David Carnoy is CNET’s resident audio expert. He, along with our dedicated deals team, keeps a close eye on retailers offering deals and discounts on these stylish Apple headphones, and we’ve rounded up the best deals below. We’ll update this page as deals come and go, so check back often. Don’t you see something you like? Not married to the Apple brand? 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 are no longer the latest model on the market, the AirPods Pro 2 are still our favorite pair of Apple noise-cancelling headphones. And right now, you can get a pair for only $190 on Amazon. That’s a respectable $59 discount compared to Apple’s price, and that’s just the beginning. Check out our full rundown of the best prices across the entire line below.
The best AirPods deals
Surprisingly, Amazon has already dropped a couple of dollars on the price of the new AirPods 4. You can save $10 on the basic version without noise cancellation, or $10 on the version version with ANC — dropping the price to $119 and $169, respectively.
The second-generation AirPods Pro are among the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market and are the best option for Apple users.
This updated version includes the USB-C and MagSafe charging case, and is almost identical to the original AirPods Pro 2, except for one key feature. People who purchase Vision Pro headphones will benefit from lossless audio when connecting these headphones. It’s probably a fringe case, but still worth knowing about, especially if Apple adds the same feature to future iPhones and other hardware.
Battery life Rated up to 20 hoursnoise cancellation Yes (ANC)multipoint NoHeadphone type Over-ear wireless headphonesWater resistant No IP rating
The AirPods Max are Apple’s first pair of full-size headphones and are packed with high-end features like noise cancellation, spatial audio, and easy integration with Apple devices. Yes, paying almost as much as you would for a PS5 may seem excessive, but here’s the thing: they’re actually worth it, as long as you don’t feel burned by their lack of support for full lossless audio.
While these aren’t AirPods themselves, we’re including them because Beats is owned by Apple. Beats Studio Pro are a great alternative to Apple AirPods Max without sacrificing quality. They offer up to 40 hours of battery life, as well as noise cancellation, and pair easily with different operating systems, including Android. Kim Kardashian’s original colorways and collaboration variants are currently 51% off.
The Beats Fit Pro are based on the same technology platform as the AirPods Pro and share many of the same features. They are equipped with Apple’s H1 chip and support active noise cancellation, spatial audio and adaptive EQ. They are also splash proof with an IPX4 water resistance rating. Plus, their sleek, stemless design and flexible tips help keep them securely in place, making them the best choice for running and exercise.
These 2024 Beats are some of our favorite over-ear headphones available right now. They don’t have noise cancellation, but they support lossless audio, boast solid voice call performance, and impressed our reviewers with their substantial 50-hour battery life.
If you are an active person, the Powerbeats Pro may be the best headphones for you. With a wrap-around-the-ear design and tips that fit inside, you get a great fit and incredible audio. The charging case is larger than some of the others, but you’ll most likely be throwing it in a bag anyway, so it shouldn’t be a big deal.
Battery life Rated up to 12 hoursnoise cancellation Nomultipoint NoHeadphone type wireless headphonesWater resistant No IP rating
These Beats Flex headphones are a good option for people who want a wireless listening experience without a giant pair of headphones. They’re perfect for working out, making calls, or listening to your favorite podcast on the go. They’re also currently just $40 for most variants on Amazon, making them a high-quality pair of headphones without the hefty price tag.
Apple AirPods prices 2024
| Model | Apple store price | The best price right now | Best price ever |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airpods 2 | $129 | $89 | $69 |
| Airpods 4 | $129 | $119 | $118 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | $249 | $190 | $169 |
| AirPods maximum | $549 | $380 | $380 |
How we choose AirPods deals at CNET
Apple makes some of the most popular headphones on the market, which means we’re always on the lookout for discounts or price drops. We monitor all major retailers and maintain an up-to-date catalog of the lowest price currently available, along with the lowest price ever so you know if you’re really getting a good value. We’re also including discounts available on some of the latest Beats headphones and earphones, as they’ve been featuring Apple hardware since the company was purchased in 2014.
Look at this: AirPods Pro 2 review: Hard to beat for Apple users
