Why You Can Trust CNET Best AirPods Deals: Score up to $70 off on Apple Earbuds and Headphones
New Apple AirPods can be expensive, but we've found some deals to help you save up to $70.
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When it comes to personal audio, Apple makes some of the best earbuds and headphones on the market. Unfortunately, they don't normally come cheap and that's why if you see a deal, you should grab it while you can. Luckily, there are a few to choose from right now and we've rounded up all the best ones.
Scroll down to check out the best prices we could find across all of the major retailers. We'll also update this page as deals come and go, so check back often for the current best prices on AirPods going forward. Don't see something you like? Our collection of the best headphone deals should have something for everyone.
Apple AirPods pricing 2024
| Model | Apple Store price | Best price right now | Best all-time price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 2 | $129 | $89 | $79 |
| AirPods 3 | $169 | $162 | $140 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | $249 | $189 | $180 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | $500 | $389 |
Best AirPods deals
The latest AirPods Pro are among the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market and are a top pick for Apple users.
This model includes the USB-C and MagSafe charging case, although they are almost identical to the excellent AirPods Pro 2, which come with a Lightning case, except for one key feature. Folks who buy a Vision Pro headset will benefit from lossless audio when connecting these earbuds. That's probably an edge case, but it's still worth knowing about, especially if Apple adds the same feature to future iPhones and other hardware as well.
Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, these third-generation AirPods have an open-air design, so they don't have active noise cancellation. 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 a total of 30 hours. They also have an IPX4 water-resistance rating.
Apple's first full-size headphones are chock-full of high-end features, such as noise cancellation, spatial audio and easy integration with Apple devices. Yes, paying about the same as you would for a PS5 might 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.
While the AirPods 2 are the least advanced AirPods on the market, 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, which is $30 less than Apple sells them for these days.
The first gen of Beats Studio Buds has been out for a couple of years and was favorably reviewed by our team at the time. Right now you can get them for $50 off at several retailers. Note they are available in red or black.
The Studio Buds Plus, the latest generation of Beats Studio Buds, have big improvements. Our reviewer noted better fit and upgraded sound, including better mic placement, noise-canceling performance and voice-calling performance.
Currently, there aren't any big discounts on these earbuds, but Target RedCard members can save 5% on purchases. If you buy them at Best Buy, you'll get three free months of Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music, plus 4 months of Apple Arcade and one free month of MLS Season Pass. Best Buy also has a trade-in offer on similar devices. The estimated likely discount if you're trading in older-gen Buds or AirPods is about $45.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro have been out for a few years and are listed for $250. Right now, you can get them on sale from Amazon for $180, the lowest price we've seen.
The Beats Fit Pro are built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro. Unlike Beats' earlier and less expensive Studio Buds, these include Apple's H1 chip and have most of the features of the original AirPods Pro, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I'd venture to call them the sports AirPods you've always wanted. For some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro.
Like the other Best Buy offers, you'll get three free months of Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music, plus four months of Apple Arcade and one free month of MLS Season Pass. Best Buy also has a trade-in offer on similar devices.
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 uses Apple's H1 chip for fast, reliable connections and a sporty design for jamming out while running or otherwise being active. The Beats Studio Buds lack the H1 chip and the AirPods' stem, but they are lightweight, comfortable and affordable. Similarly, the updated Beats Studio Buds Plus don't have an 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. 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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