Apple AirPods are on sale at popular Apple resellers. Find out where and when to get the best discounts Apple's line of headphones.
Top AirPods deals for December 2024
- New AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancellation: $119 ($10 off) at Amazon
- AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C: $249.99 (free shipping or pickup) at Best Buy
- Apple AirPods Max as low as $459 ($90 off) with Lightning charging — or snap up the new USB-C models at a $60 discount on Amazon
- Beats are on sale from $49.99 at Amazon
Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are carried at a variety of retailers, from Amazon and B&H to Adorama and Best Buy. Each reseller offers its own set of perks, such as 5% back with the Adorama Edge Card or a sales tax refund in eligible states at B&H with the Payboo Card.
When shopping for the best deal, having the lowest prices at your fingertips is a must. The AppleInsider Price Guide is home to top offers from a variety of Apple Authorized Resellers, so you can quickly scan the lowest prices on all Apple AirPods models for the month of November.
AirPods coupon
Traditional coupon codes aren't regularly available on AirPods, but Amazon does periodically offer on-page "clippable" coupons. In November 2024, the retailer is instead opting for cash discounts on the entire headphones range leading up to Black Friday.
AirPods or AirPods Pro: which should I buy?
Apple has several versions of AirPods in its lineup, and one that's no longer in production. In this guide, we're breaking down the differences between the models, as well as which factors are most useful when determining which pair is right for you.
If you're here, likely you already have a good idea what the AirPods are and how they work, but as a quick refresher they are truly wireless earbuds using Apple's proprietary technology. The H1 and H2 chip lets the earbuds pair quickly and seamlessly to all of your Apple products, and switch between them using cloud handoff.
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AirPods Pro 2
Apple introduced the H2 processor in the second-generation AirPods Pro. This allows for twice as much noise canceled in ANC mode and a feature update called Active Transparency. This new mode lets environmental audio in as before but blocks loud noises right as they happen, thanks to processing noise 48,000 times a second.
Battery life is improved to six hours on a single charge. When charged in the Charging Case, battery life is extended to 30 hours before the case needs recharging.
The updated Charging Case can charge AirPods Pro 2nd Generation via the Apple Watch charger, MagSafe, and charging port (new in 2023 was a USB-C port, although Lightning port models are still available at select Apple resellers). It also has a speaker for Find My and a hole for a lanyard.
AirPods 4
Apple balanced the books with AirPods 4 by replacing both the second-generation model and the third-generation model in one release. The two-tiers of AirPods 4 are priced identically, but bring the H2 chipset and several important features to both tiers.
The lower end model is $129 and brings the bulbous redesign to the reduced price point for the first time. With the H2 processor, users can expect the usual AirPods features like automatic switching, on-ear force sensor controls, and a 30-hour battery life with the charging case.
The higher end $179 model brings ANC, Transparency Mode, and Conversation Awareness to the earbud despite lacking ear tips. This new middle tier is the perfect stepping stone between the low priced model and AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods 3
At $179 retail, the third-generation AirPods land smack in the middle of the second-generation model still for sale and the AirPods Pro. The design of the earbuds and the case are near identical to the pro model, but there are no removable ear tips in the third-generation AirPods.
Apple continued the one-size-fits-all approach with this model, but the earbuds are slightly more bulbous and have shorter stems. The audio drivers are designed to direct audio directly into the ear, and Adaptive EQ "listens" to the audio to ensure accurate playback.
The new AirPods also support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This means tracks with Dolby Atmos will have sound coming from all around you, and allow you to turn your head within the audio environment.
The charging case can charge via Lightning and on a wireless Qi charger. It also has support for Apple's MagSafe charger for a secure, yet convenient charging method.
AirPods Max
AirPods Max are sold as high-end over-the-ear headphones that take advantage of a pair of H1 processors. Features include active noise cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and Adaptive EQ.
These premium headphones are made with aluminum cups, a stainless steel headband wrapped in silicone, and padded ear cups. There are five colors available including space gray, green, silver, sky blue, and pink. Customers can order replacement ear cups and replace them easily with their magnetic attachments.
Unlike other AirPods, the AirPods Max completely enclose the wearer's ears. This provides a superior form of isolation so ANC modes are even more impressive.
The AirPods Max charge via Lightning and can plug directly into Apple devices using a Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable. Customers must purchase a special bidirectional Lightning to 3.5mm Audio cable to use this function.
Apple AirPods with Charging Case
Apple moved the AirPods down to a $129 price point upon the release of the third-generation model. These earbuds are the second-generation model with improved connectivity and sound, but are otherwise functionally identical to the first-generation.
The H1 processor enables "Hey Siri" support and faster device switching. Even gaming audio latency has been reduced by 30% thanks to the upgraded processor.
The standard charging case has only the Lightning port for charging, so customers will have to buy the third-generation model for wireless charging. The new lower price will enable these standard AirPods to continue on as the most popular wireless earbud on the market and the best AirPods deals on the entry model often allow you to pick up a pair for well under $100.
Current AirPods prices
There are also a variety of markdowns offered on the wireless earphones with the cheapest AirPods on sale for $119. Here's a rundown of the discounts:
AirPods Prices
In conclusion, the best AirPods deals for December 2024 offer up to $90 in savings, with discounts on nearly every model.