AirPods have become something of a cultural phenomenon since they were first introduced back in 2016, easily becoming Apple’s most popular accessory.
And it’s not hard to see why. If you have an iPhone, AirPods are one of the best wireless earbuds on the market, working intuitively with your iOS device for snappy user-friendliness and exclusive features such as adaptive audio, conversation awareness and personalised spatial audio.
So we’ve rounded up the best deals on all the current models, including the tech giant’s latest flagship: the AirPods Pro 3.
We’ve also got the latest deals on the AirPods 4 (with and without ANC) as well as the premium over-ear AirPods Max, as well as expert advice on each model.
Best AirPods deal UK
Best AirPods deal US
AirPods Pro 3 deals
Apple AirPods Pro (3rd Generation)
Apple’s flagship AirPods Pro 3 are a step forward from their predecessors in nearly every way that counts, resulting in another five stars from us.
Noise cancellation is one area that’s seen a significant improvement, with new ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and foam-infused eartips that claim to offer twice the noise-cancelling capability as the Pro 2. During short-haul flights and daily commutes, we found mid and low frequencies were quietened down further.
A fifth XXS ear tip is included for an even better fit, while internally, a new "multiport acoustic architecture" claims to precisely control the airflow into your ear to deliver greater bass and a wider soundstage.
New features include a heart rate sensor to track health and workout stats, and an IP57 water- and sweat-resistance rating. The battery life of the earbuds has increased to eight hours, though the overall battery life with the charging case is down to 24 hours.
Though perhaps most importantly, the sound has also gotten a boost. The Pro 3 have the same balanced sonic character we have come to expect from Apple AirPods, but they now sound clearer, more detailed, more spacious-sounding and more dynamic to boot.
Voices in particular are clean with greater richness, while the Pro 3 manage the balance of frequencies not sticking out nor overly smoothed out, allowing songs to sound enjoyably punchy yet still deliver ample subtlety.
If your budget can stretch to them, then the Pro 3 are the best in-ear AirPods you can get and one of the most user-friendly wireless earbuds if you’re an iOS user.
Read our full AirPods Pro (3rd generation) review
AirPods 4 deals
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
The Apple AirPods 4 are the newest 'standard' AirPods. The fourth-gen AirPods opt for an 'open' design, sporting no eartips and a refined design that we found fit easily to the contours of our ears. At just 4.3g each, they're also feather-light, although be warned there are still many who don't quite get along with the fit.
The AirPods 4 come in two variants: one with active noise-cancelling and one without, both now sporting the H2 chip. The standard, non-ANC model will set you back $129 / £129, while the AirPods 4 with ANC retail at $179 / £179.
The ANC AirPods 4, aside from noise cancelling, come equipped with a slightly different charging case that supports wireless charging and has a small built-in speaker which can play a noise to help you find it. Both models features USB-C charging.
We didn't think an open design would work that well with active noise cancelling, but the result is seriously impressive. The AirPods 4 with ANC target low-level noises specifically, so the rumble of traffic, engine hums and such are cancelled out effectively.
While some noise still comes through, it does a great job of keeping droning noises away so you can hear your music clearly – while still being aware of your surroundings. Pro 2 features such as adaptive audio, conversation mode and personalised volume are included in the ANC model.
Both versions of the AirPods 4 are equipped with personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, as well as clear voice call capabilities and hands-free gesture controls for responding to Siri.
Battery life hasn't changed much since the last iteration, sitting at 30 hours in total with the charging case, a figure which lags a little behind the competition; the Cambridge Audio M100, for instance, offer a whopping 52 hours in total with ANC switched on.
Sonically, the AirPods 4 with ANC have a similar balance to the Pro 2, serving up the clarity, detail and balance that made those exceptional buds such a pleasure to listen to.
Voices are particularly impressive, with the updated drivers offering a nimble and clean sound that is nice to hear, although it doesn't quite have the heft or dynamic subtlety of the flagship Pro models.
The AirPods 4 with ANC (and the standard models without) are decent earbuds for iOS fans, however, and their mix of price and features will certainly appeal.
Read our Apple AirPods 4 with ANC review
AirPods Max deals
Apple AirPods Max
In 2020, Apple finally delivered its first over-ear, noise-cancelling, wireless headphones: the AirPods Max, and while we found them to be large, rather heavy and very expensive, we also thought they were some of the finest headphones of any type produced by Apple.
With a five-star review and a 2021 What Hi-Fi? Award to their name, the Max offer exceptional build quality, superb noise-cancelling and, most importantly, some of Apple's best-ever sound.
Their authenticity, detail, crispness and spaciousness elevate their audio quality enough to be considered alongside genuine hi-fi products at this price point. They work best with iOS devices, naturally, with cinematic spatial audio and Siri voice control amongst the many Apple-only features.
If you're an Android user, you might want to consider worthy rivals such as the Focal Bathys, the Sony WH-10000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
While the discounts on Apple's over-ears were never usually major, that has really started to change as the Max have aged and, more importantly, a new 2024 update – a sort of Max 1.5 – arrived with USB-C charging and some new finishes.
Do note that whichever you choose – with USB-C or Lightning charging – you'll get the same audio quality, though, so there's no fear that you're missing out on better sound if you opt for the original pair.
Read our full AirPods Max review
AirPods Pro 2 deals
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Apple's flagship AirPods Pro 2 earbuds earned the brand its first five-star review for the in-ear models. Thanks to the powerful new H2 chip, the noise-cancelling is improved twofold, sound quality is now on par with the class leaders, and there are plenty of additional user-friendly features.
Battery life has increased to six hours in the earbuds, with 24 extra hours with the charging case, which now has a built-in speaker to emit tones. A fourth XS ear tip is included for an even better fit, and a new "Adaptive" Transparency Mode damps down loud and sudden harsh noises to great effect.
Thanks to the iOS 17 software update, you also get nifty new features like Adaptive Audio (which dynamically adjusts the ANC according to our surroundings) and Conversation Mode (which pauses music when it recognises that you're speaking).
But it's the excellent sound quality that's king here. Weighty, detailed, open and with plenty of dynamic subtlety, these really are accomplished performers.
Voices in particular sound natural, there's more power than before, and overall it's an airy sound that is easy to listen to for hours. For iOS users, they might be the only wireless earbuds you'll ever need.
Do note that in 2023, Apple swapped out the old Lightning connector charging case with a USB-C charging case and a new £229 price in the UK. There's no change to the earbuds or the sound quality, but be careful when buying online to make sure you pick the correct case option.
AirPods Pro 2 stock is starting to dry up following the release of the Pro 3, but there are some good discounts to be had if you're able to find a pair still on sale.
Read our full AirPods Pro (2nd generation) review
MORE:
Best AirPods: Apple's wireless headphones ranked and rated
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: which wireless earbuds are better?
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): which noise-cancelling earbuds are better?
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