Keen to grab a pair of Apple AirPods without paying full price? You're not alone. You won't see massive savings on Apple earbuds throughout the year, with most of the biggest price drops generally reserved for big events such as Black Friday or Prime Day.
We've spotted the lowest deals on the flagship AirPods Pro 2 and the premium AirPods Max (Lightning version), as well as slashed prices on older pairs of standard AirPods, but which deal gives you the lowest price, and which model is best for you?
Below you'll find the best deal prices on every current AirPods model, including the premium AirPods Max over-ear headphones. We'll also help you choose the right pair for you with our expert advice on each model.
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Best AirPods deals
AirPods 4 deals
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
The Apple AirPods 4 with ANC 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 actually come in two variants, both now sporting the H2 chip, with one coming with active noise-cancelling (which we reviewed) and one lacking it. 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 feature 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 flagship 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 2 flagship model. 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 Pro 2 deals
Apple AirPods Pro 2
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 two-fold, 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 recent 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 connecter charging case with a new USB-C charging case and kept it the same price in the US. There's no change to the earbuds or the sound quality, but take note when buying online to make sure you pick the correct case option.
Read our full AirPods Pro (2nd generation) review
AirPods 3 deals
Apple AirPods 3
Apple's third-gen AirPods advanced closer to the Pro model, with a smart redesign with shorter stems and support for spatial audio thanks to added head-tracking capabilities. Battery life is stronger at 30 hours, while the sound is balanced, clear and detailed.
The AirPods 3 might lack active noise-cancelling (you'll need to spend more for the AirPods Pro 2 or the new AirPods 4 with ANC) but they're a decent all-round package with plenty to offer for Apple device owners. Again, note that there are two case options: one with a wireless charging case and the other with a Lightning connector wired case.
The launch of the new AirPods 4 means that the AirPods 3 are on their way out – which means you are likely to find decent deals as retailers start to shift remaining stock. The AirPods 4 do bring considerable updates – across features and sound – to the standard AirPods, so it's worth considering an upgrade, or looking out for cheaper deals on the old AirPods 3.
Read our full AirPods 3 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
MORE:
AirPods 4: everything you need to know about price, design and new features
Best AirPods: Apple's wireless headphones ranked and rated
AirPods Pro 2 (2022) vs AirPods Pro: what are the differences?
AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: what's the difference? Should you upgrade?
AirPods Max 2: release date rumours, potential price, features and spec leaks
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