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Apple AirPods 2 flash sale: $129, today only (Update: Sold out)

That's a solid discount on the popular true-wireless earphones, meaning they may sell out quickly.

13-airpods-2nd-generation
They're still too expensive, but at least you can save a few bucks on Apple's AirPods.
Sarah Tew/CNET

Don't get me started on Apple AirPods pricing, okay? Let's just agree they're annoyingly expensive and leave it at that. But when there's a deal to be had, even a modest one, I'm going to share it -- because saving a few bucks is better than saving no bucks.

Today only, and while supplies last, Macy's has the 2nd-generation Apple AirPods for $129 shipped. Price pretty much everywhere else: $159. Amazon has been selling the AirPods 2 for $109.99, but often price-matches other stores. I'll update the post if and when I see that happen.

It's worth noting, however, Amazon continues to offer the Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case for $199.99.

If I'm being totally honest, the AirPods are just about my all-time favorite earphones (for running). They fit my ears perfectly, they're a pleasure to use and they don't totally block ambient sound (meaning I can still hear when cars or cyclists approach). Being even more honest, I wish I'd sprung for the wireless charging case -- though I have to charge them so infrequently, it's hardly an issue.

That said, there are so many great inexpensive alternatives to AirPods. But maybe steer clear of outright imitations, because the $35 AirPod knockoffs I tested were pretty poor overall.

Originally published on July 1.
Update, July 8: Lower price from different seller.

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