The best AirPods deals for November 2024

If you know where to look, you can often find discounts on Apple’s popular AirPods. While we’re yet to see big deals on the new AirPods 4 and the updated AirPods Max, both the second- and third-generation AirPods can still be had at a steep discount. The same goes for the original Max, which is almost indistinguishable from the previous model except for the addition of USB-C.

Here, we’ve rounded up the best deals currently available for each model, including second- and third-generation AirPods, both iterations of AirPods 4, the latest AirPods Pro with USB-C, and the latest AirPods Max. .

Before they were shelved alongside the AirPods 4 announcement, the second-generation AirPods were Apple’s entry-level earbuds. Despite being released in 2019, they still offer impressive wireless performance, ease of use, and reliable battery life, making them a solid choice if you can live without a wireless charging case or some of the more advanced software features offered by Apple’s new H2. chip.

The second-generation AirPods were initially launched with an MSRP of $159; however, Apple eventually dropped their price to $129, and now we often see it being sold for much less. Right now, for example, you can buy them for $89 ($49 off) at Walmart, which is just $11 shy of the all-time low.

Read our AirPods (second generation) review.

With support for the company’s MagSafe charger and an asking price of $179, Apple’s third-generation AirPods were once considered the middle child in the AirPods lineup. The short stems are made for a subtle design, and, while improved sound and features such as sweat and water resistance, audio support for head tracking, and improved battery life give it a nice upgrade over its predecessor.

However, AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation have since replaced the third-generation AirPods in Apple’s lineup. The new earbuds run $129 and $179, respectively, with the step-up model offering several benefits reserved for the Pro models, including ANC, a useful display mode, and a case with a built-in speaker. You can also squeeze the stem to control media playback – a feature available on the entry-level AirPods 4.

Currently, Costco members can purchase third-generation AirPods with a MagSafe charging case for $139.99 ($40 off); you can also grab them on Amazon with a lightning charging case for $129.99 (about $39 off), which is $10 more than their best price yet. However, given that the AirPods 4 are a significant improvement and are sold from $ 119, we would recommend that you choose them over the third generation model without the latter going forward in price.

Read our AirPods (3rd generation) review.

During Apple’s “Time to Light” event last month, the company introduced AirPods 4, a wireless earbud available in two flavors: a standard model for $129 and a noise-cancelling version for $179. Both models represent significant improvements. on second-generation AirPods, with a more comfortable design and improved audio performance. They’re also better at taking calls thanks to Apple’s Voice Isolation feature, which better isolates your voice so you can be heard clearly in noisy environments.

For $50 more, you can also buy AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, which offer noise cancellation, a useful virtual mode, and a few other Pro-like features. Granted, the latest AirPods Pro do a better job of canceling out noise, but Apple’s new earbuds also do a good job of canceling out noise. They also offer other perks that have been reserved for Apple’s highest-end earbuds, including wireless charging and a case with a built-in speaker that lets you easily track them with Apple’s Find My app.

Although they’ve been out for less than a month, we’ve already started seeing small discounts on both versions of the AirPods 4. Right now, for example, Amazon is offering the regular AirPods 4 for $119 ($10 off) and the AirPods 4. with ANC for -$168.99 ($11 off).

Read our AirPods 4 review.

In 2022, Apple released the second version of AirPods Pro, which has the same design as the first generation model but offers better noise cancellation, swipe-based controls, and replaceable silicone ear tips for smaller ears. Apple followed them last year with a smaller refresh, with a USB-C charging case and an improved IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. The newest model also supports lossless audio when used with the new Apple Vision Pro headset and now doubles as an FDA-approved hearing aid.

Apple’s updated AirPods Pro just dropped to $168.99 new ($81 off). For now, however, you can only buy the USB-C model at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy for as low as $179 ($70 off).

Read our AirPods Pro with USB-C display.

AirPods Max are not the in-ear headphones that have become synonymous with the AirPods name. They’re large and luxurious, featuring aluminum, steel, and mesh fabric that stays comfortable during extended listening sessions. They also sport excellent noise cancellation, Apple’s surround sound feature, and a booming, balanced sound, though they lag behind some of their peers when it comes to bass response and features. They’re not the best noise-canceling headphones for most people — blame the sticker price — but it’s hard to find a better pair of Bluetooth headphones if you’re an iPhone user.

In early September, Apple replaced the original Max model with a new model featuring USB-C charging and several new color options. They’re already on sale on Amazon starting at $528 ($21 off), however, if you don’t mind the Lightning port, the better deal is on the original pair. Currently, the first-generation model is on sale at Amazon and B&H Photo starting at $459 ($90 off), which is about $64 off its all-time low price.

Read our first AirPods Max review.