Why You Can Trust CNET Best AirPods Deals: Save on Apple and Beats
Now's your chance to save some money on Apple's best headphones and earbuds, including those with the Beats logo on the side.
Saving money on Apple gear isn't always easy, but thankfully things like AirPods and the Beats lineup can be a different story. Right now there are some discounts to be had on the best headphones and earbuds in Apple's lineups, and we've found them all so you don't have to.
Below, we've rounded up the best AirPods deals available right now, along with the best prices to date, for comparison. And if you scroll to the end, you'll also see the current best prices on a few pairs of Apple-owned Beats earbuds. We'll keep this page updated as deals come and go, so be sure to check back often for the best AirPods prices at any given time.
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Apple AirPods pricing 2023
| Model | Apple Store price | Best price right now | Best all-time price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 2 | $129 | $99 | $79 |
| AirPods 3 | $169 | $150 | $140 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | $249 | $189 | $199 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | $480 | $389 |
Best AirPods deals
The AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C Charging Case are almost identical to the AirPods Pro 2 that come with a Lightning Case, except for one key feature. Those who buy a Vision Pro headset will benefit from lossless audio when connecting these earbuds, though that's probably an edge case. It's still worth knowing, however, especially if Apple adds the same feature to future iPhones and other hardware as well.
The second-gen AirPods Pro are Apple's most advanced pair of earbuds to date, equipped with the company's brand-new H2 processor and boasting seriously improved noise-canceling capabilities. The 2022 AirPods Pro maintain the $249 retail price of the now previous-gen AirPods Pro from 2019. You can save $50 on them right now, which brings them back down to the all-time lowest price we've seen.
Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, 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.
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. Right now you can get them for around $69 off but only in selected colors.
While the AirPods 2 are the least advanced model on the market these days, 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 have the same fast connectivity, and they support hands-free Siri access. They're available for $99 currently, which is $30 less than Apple sells them for these days.
Alas, for those of you who bought the original Beats Studio Buds, which remain on the market for now, I'm sorry to report that these new Plus buds are significantly improved, with better sound, noise canceling and battery life. Additionally, they now deliver top-notch voice-calling performance.
The transparent version is getting a lot of attention (who doesn't like transparent electronics?), but the big changes are on the inside. Beats says 95% of the components are new and improved, and the buds' "acoustic architecture" has been revised. The speaker drivers remain the same, but the Studio Buds Plus are powered by a new, more powerful custom chipset and have three new microphones in each bud, which are three times larger and more sensitive than the ones found in the Beats Studio Buds.
The Beats Fit Pro are 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.
Which AirPods are right for you?
Apple's wireless audio lineup now includes five models of AirPods, and choosing the right set will depend on the features you care about and the price you are willing to pay. The second-gen AirPods from 2019 are the least expensive option, while the current, third-gen AirPods boast better sound quality with spatial audio. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2, which have active noise cancellation and transparency modes, are Apple's most advanced earbuds to date and the first to feature Apple's new H2 chip. The plush AirPods Max, by far the priciest of the bunch, are Apple's over-ear headphones and come packed with high-end features though no H2 chip.
Along with Apple-branded AirPods, there are some 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. Similarly, the updated Beats Studio Buds Plus don't have a H1 chip but do have one-tap pairing with Apple (and Android) devices plus Find My support.
Except for the baseline AirPods 2, all the AirPods listed above (plus the 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.
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