If you regularly use an iPhone, iPad, MacBook or other Apple devices, it’s tough to beat the seamless integration of a pair of Apple earbuds. And while Apple rarely offers discounts on its own devices, that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price if you’re hoping to get your hands on a pair.
There are five different models of AirPods in Apple’s wireless audio lineup: The second-gen AirPods from 2019 are the least expensive option, while the current, third-gen AirPods boast better sound quality with spatial audio. The AirPods Pro add versatility with active noise cancellation and transparency mode — with the second-gen AirPods Pro, Apple’s most advanced earbuds to date, having just hit shelves on Sept. 23, too. The plush AirPods Max over-ear headphones, by far the priciest of the bunch, are packed with high-end features.
As well as the Apple-branded AirPods, there are a couple of Beats-branded earbuds worth considering that also incorporate Apple-made tech for a similarly smooth experience. These include the Beats Fit Pro, which use Apple’s H1 chip for fast, reliable connections and a sporty design for jamming out to tunes at the gym, or while running or otherwise exercising and being active. The Beats Studio Buds lack the H1 chip and the AirPod stem, but they are lightweight, comfortable and affordable.
Here are the best AirPods deals available right now along with the best prices to date for comparison. With a confirmed October Prime Day-like event just around the corner followed by Black Friday, we could be in for a solid AirPods deals season.
Apple AirPods pricing 2022
| Model | Apple Store price | Best price right now | Best all-time price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 2 | $129 | $79 | $79 |
| AirPods Pro (1st Gen) | $249 | $180 | $159 |
| AirPods 3 | $179 | $169 | $140 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | $479 | $400 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | $249 | $239 | $239 |
The list above is the full lineup of Apple wireless earbuds and headphones as of early 2022. Except for the baseline AirPods 2, all those listed above (plus the two aforementioned Beats models) are compatible with Apple’s spatial audio features. However, none of them will deliver the maximum quality of Apple’s lossless audio format, which is too rich for the current Bluetooth wireless standard to handle.
We update this story frequently to reflect current pricing.
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While the AirPods 2 aren’t the most advanced model on the market right now, they still boast some impressive specs and are a great choice for those on a tighter budget. They’re equipped with the same H1 chip as the AirPods 3, so they feature the same fast connectivity, and they support hands-free Siri access. Amazon quotes an $80 discount, but Apple has dropped the price of the 2nd-gen AirPods from $159 to $129, you’re still saving $60 and snagging them for an all-time low price.
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The second-gen AirPods Pro are slated to be Apple’s most advanced pair of earbuds to date, equipped with its brand-new H2 processor and boasting seriously improved noise-canceling capabilities. Set to be released on Sept. 23, they’ll be priced at $249, the same price as the current AirPods Pro — which means we expect to see a price drop on the first-gen model. Because they’re not on shelves quite yet, there aren’t any deals or discounts right now, but they are available for preorder from Apple and many other retailers. Amazon has the best AirPods Pro 2 preorder deal right now with a $10 discount. We’ll continue to update this page as more deals start to pop up, so be sure to check back often in the coming weeks.
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Unlike the AirPods Pro, these third-generation AirPods have an open-air design, so they don’t have active noise cancellation, but they still offer some serious improvements over the AirPods 2. The adaptive EQ attunes music to your ear shape, and the battery life has been bumped up to 30 hours total. They also have an IPX4 water resistance rating. They sell for $179 with the MagSafe Charging Case at Apple, but you can find them at a slight discount at other retailers.
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The AirPods Pro are Apple’s most advanced earbuds to date — at least until the second-gen AirPods Pro hit shelves later this month. They offer active noise cancellation and silicone tips so you can immerse yourself in the music, or you can use the transparency mode when you need to be more aware of your surroundings. With the charging case (included in this price) the battery can last over 24 hours on a charge, and they’re on the list of our top wireless earbuds of the year. You can save close to $70 right now on them at Amazon and elsewhere.
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Apple’s first full-size headphones are chock-full of high-end features like noise cancellation, spatial audio and easy integration with Apple devices. Yes, paying about the same as you would for a PS5 may sound excessive, but here’s the thing: They’re actually kinda worth it, so long as you don’t feel burned by their lack of support for full lossless audio. You can save $70 on the AirPods Max in all color variants right now at Amazon wiht other retailers matching.
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No, they’re not AirPods, but the Beats Studio Buds offer active noise canceling and make a great affordable alternative to the pricier AirPods Pro. They look a lot like the rumored stemless AirPods that people were talking about but that never materialized — as AirPods, anyway. Geared toward both iOS and Android users, they’re missing a few key features on the Apple side of things (there’s no H1 or W1 chip), but they’re small, lightweight earbuds that are comfortable to wear and offer good sound. They fit most ears securely, including mine — I run with them without a problem — but others may find a better fit with the Beats Fit Pro and their integrated wing tips. Right now, you can save $20 on select colors at Walmart, though we’ve occasionally seen them on sale for as much as $50 off.
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Technically, the new Beats Fit Pro aren’t AirPods, but they’re built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro. Unlike Beats’ earlier and less expensive Studio Buds, the Beats Fit Pro include Apple’s H1 chip and have most of the features of the AirPods Pro, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I’d venture to call them the sports AirPods you’ve always wanted. And for some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro. They aren’t currently discounted but have fallen to $180 before.
You’re receiving price alerts for Beats Fit Pro Earbuds (White, 2021)
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