Why You Can Trust CNET AirPods on sale: Get the standard charging case for $115 or wireless charging for $165
You can get refurbished AirPods on eBay at rock-bottom pricing, or pay a little more for new ones on Amazon. And BJ's has AirPods with wireless charging for just $165.
The Apple AirPods 2 are selling for $129 again.
Cheap AirPods are back. We've been frequent passengers on the AirPods roller coaster price ride for months now, watching the AirPods with the standard charging case routinely dip down into $130 territory. But right now, you can get second-generation AirPods with a charging case for just $115 -- that's $44 off the regular $159 price tag. Of course, when the price is that low, you might suspect "refurb," and your instincts would be as sharp as always -- these are refurbished units with a 90-day warranty.
The second-gen AirPods have an updated chip (the H1 versus the old W1) that allows faster and more reliable pairing. The AirPods 2 also have about an hour more talk time, and hands-free Siri . Of course, the AirPods Pro with their noise cancellation and silicone tips are another matter altogether, but I'd personally rather get the AirPods 2 for $129 than pay $249 for the AirPods Pro.
And we're not done. If you don't mind spending a few extra dollars to get new -- not refurbished -- AirPods, Amazon is still offering the second-generation AirPods for $129, which is the lowest price we've ever seen new earbuds hit (though they've been at this price before). That'll save you $30 over the usual list price of $159.
AirPods with Wireless Charging Case
One more deal for you: You can also nab the AirPods with a Wireless Charging Case for $165 at membership club BJ's. That's close to the lowest price we've seen on the wireless charging version, and a few dollars less than the current deal at Amazon. To take advantage of this, you'll need to get a BJ's membership, but you can get that very affordably: You can sign up for BJ's Online Access, which includes a complimentary one-day pass, and then costs $10 per year thereafter. Even if you miss this $165 deal, the site's usual price is $180, which is $20 less than Amazon's.
Of course, these are the same latest-generation AirPods, but they come in a case that you can charge with any Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. Or, if you like to flout authority, top them off with your Samsung Galaxy S10's PowerShare mode.
Originally published last month. Updated to reflect current deals and pricing.
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