Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are here, but at $249 they definitely aren’t cheap. Discounts on Apple’s latest earbuds are going to be hard to come by, but there are still deals to be had. Some early Black Friday deals are already flowing across Apple’s other AirPods models, including savings on AirPods 4, previous-gen AirPods Pro 2 and even the premium over-ear AirPods Max.
To help you make the most of these savings, we’ve rounded up all the best AirPods deals available below, as well as deals on more affordable Beats headphones that incorporate Apple tech and work with Android and Apple devices. We’ll continue to update this list as offers come and go, so be sure to check back often for the best prices.
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Best AirPods deals
While there aren’t any direct offers for the new AirPods Pro 3 yet, you can get 3% cash back if you make the purchase using your Apple Card*. You can also get free engraving if you order directly from Apple.
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3% cash back with Apple Card
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C): $189
The second-gen AirPods Pro are among the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market and are a top pick for Apple users. This updated version includes the USB-C and MagSafe charging case. They are almost identical to the original AirPods Pro 2, except for one key feature. Folks who buy a Vision Pro headset will benefit from lossless audio when connecting these earbuds. That’s probably a small detail but it’s still worth considering, especially if Apple adds the same feature to future iPhones and other hardware.
Our in-depth review by resident audio expert David Carnoy noted that the AirPods Pro 2 feel like a “fully evolved, refined product that packs not only an impressive set of features but top-notch performance in a very small design.” These are even better value for the money when on sale.
Amazon is currently offering $12 off the AirPods 4, which drops them to $117. Our AirPods 4 review noted that the new design is a better fit for a wider range of ears, which is an advantage over the last generation.
Our reviewer also noted that the AirPods 4 “may not be quite as cheap or as small as the AirPods 2, but they sound a lot better and have a lot more features.”
Apple’s AirPods 4 with ANC are now $30 off, which makes this a great time to purchase if you want to avoid paying full price. With active noise cancellation, they’re perfect for focusing at work, during travel or other important tasks. The powerful H2 chip makes it easy to toggle ANC with transparency mode whenever you need to remain alert. With a battery life of up to 4 hours on a single charge and an extra 20 hours when you take your case, these earbuds are perfect for long travel plans and can tackle work meetings.
Our audio reviewer and expert, David Carnoy, gave these earbuds a glowing review, saying that the “noise canceling really is a game-changer,” noting that they have most of what you expect from the AirPods Pro 2 in an open earbud design. He also said that “they’re the first open buds I’ve tried to have active noise canceling that actually works.” If that is a combination you need, look no further.
For those who prefer over-the-ear listening gear, these Apple headphones are a seriously premium option. They have a USB-C port and the H2 chip. Although these have been out for nearly five years now, with the USB-C refresh launched less than a year ago, the AirPods Max still land near the top of the best headphones we’ve tested. In our AirPods Max review, we noted that, “if you’re looking for a high-end experience, the AirPods Max deliver one.”
Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector: $16
If you still like a good pair of old-fashioned wired earphones, these are for you. Keep in mind this is the lightning cable model, not the USB-C model.
Best Beats deals
If you find over-ear headphones to be a little bulky, the Beats Solo 4s are an excellent alternative. They’re one of our favorite pairs of on-ear headphones this year, with our reviewer commending them for their sound quality, battery life and voice-calling performance. They lack active noise cancellation but support spatial audio if you’re an Apple user. Plus, they deliver an impressive 50 hours of listening time per charge. They’re also lightweight at just 217 grams and the plush ear cushions help reduce outside noise.
The Beats Studio Buds are an excellent option for those on a tighter budget. They have a slim, stemless design, active noise cancellation and an impressive 36-hour battery life. They also support some convenient Android features, making them an excellent AirPods alternative if you’re not an iPhone user.
Our Studio Buds review called these a “surprise hit.” Our audio expert, David Carnoy, said that he liked them overall but noted that there was “probably some room for discounts on these Beats.” Considering these are currently $50 off, now is a great time to snag a pair.
These Beats Flex earbuds are a good option for people who want a wireless listening experience without a giant pair of headphones. They’re perfect for workouts, calls or listening to your favorite podcast on a commute. They’re also only $30 right now, making them a high-quality pair of earbuds without a high price.
Our review called the Beats Flex “balanced sounding,” noting that they’re a “solid neckband-style pair of earbuds” that our audio guru David Carnoy enjoyed using. He also noted that the price tag made them more appealing, and at the current discount, that is even more true for this pair.
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What is the best AirPods deal right now?
Until the announcement of the AirPods 3 Pro, the AirPods 4 were the latest pair in Apple’s flagship lineup and a great upgrade from an older generation without dropping $200 or more on the pricey AirPods Pro 2. You can get the basic pair for $119 or the pair with active noise cancellation for $150.
Apple AirPods pricing 2025
ModelApple store priceBest price right nowBest all-time price AirPods Pro 3 $249$249$249AirPods 4 $129$119$89AirPods 4 with ANC $179$150$119AirPods Pro 2 $249$150$149AirPods Max $549$500$399
How we choose AirPods deals at CNET
Apple makes some of the most popular earbuds on the market, which means we’re always on the lookout for any discounts or price drops. We monitor all major retailers and keep a running catalog of the lowest price currently available, along with the all-time lowest price, so you know if you’re truly getting a good value. We also include any discounts on some of the latest Beats headphones and earbuds, as they’ve incorporated Apple hardware since the company was purchased in 2014.
Deals on Apple headphones pop up sporadically throughout the year, sometimes only lasting for a day or even a few hours. However, the best deals are consistently found during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day.
Apple’s wireless audio lineup includes five AirPod models, and choosing the right set will depend on the features you care about and the price you are willing to pay. If you prefer an open-ear design, you can grab a pair of AirPods 4. The third-gen AirPods are also still available, but considering that they’re pricier than the latest generation, they’re not really worth considering unless you can find them at a major discount.
If you prefer noise-canceling capabilities, options available are the in-ear AirPods Pro 3, the over-ear AirPods Max or the upgraded version of the AirPods 4. The AirPods Pro 3 and both versions of the AirPods 4 have Apple’s latest H2 chip, which supports lossless audio, something that the pricey AirPods Max are surprisingly lacking. Plus, all the AirPods listed above are compatible with Apple’s spatial audio features.
The short answer is, not really when you’re talking about spatial audio with head tracking for movie and TV watching. While the AirPods Max offers the best sound overall, using the spatial audio virtual sound feature is largely the same experience on all the AirPods that support it.
While some models are certainly better than others, the second-gen AirPods Pro have claimed a top spot on our list of the best workout headphones, thanks to their lightweight design, top-notch noise-cancelation and IP54 weather-resistance rating.
Don’t see something you like? Not married to the Apple brand? Our collection of the best headphone deals has something for everyone from other popular companies.
*All information about the Apple Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuers.
Watch this: Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: The Complete Package
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