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Store inventories are seemingly perpetually overflooded with AirPods, so it's not rare to see a quick price drop on them at any point throughout the year. Keep checking back for the latest updates to our list of the best AirPods deals.
The cheapest AirPods right now are the basic 2nd generation pair. They lack some of the newest features like IPX4 water resistance, but you still get reliable connectivity and good sound, and increasingly, you can add affordability to that list. We've seen prices as low as $69.99 in the past, but the regular $99 deal still offers great value. You'll also find the excellent and latest USB-C AirPods Pro 2 down to an all-time low of $189. Read on for even more of the best AirPods deals.
Best AirPods deals
Shop around for even better AirPods deals
AirPods prices fluctuate frequently throughout the year, so you can always wait a few weeks to see if the pair you want gets back down to a more reasonable price for your wallet. The discounts aren't often sharp, but with the holiday shopping season, we could see new all-time lows. If you need a pair today and the offers above don't agree with your wallet, you can always shop around at the retailers listed ahead for open-box and refurbished models.
AirPods vs AirPods Pro: what's the difference?
Comparing AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (2nd generation), you'll find some key differences that cater to different needs and preferences. Sound quality is one of the significant distinctions.
The latest AirPods Pro offer active noise cancellation and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which allows for a more immersive listening experience. If you're using the AirPods Pro with Dolby Atmos content, they'll simulate positional sound more accurately than standard stereo headphones and earbuds. In contrast, baseline AirPods offer standard sound quality without these advanced features.
When it comes to fit and comfort, AirPods Pro have an edge with customizable silicone ear tips, providing a secure and comfortable fit, whereas AirPods follow a one-size-fits-all design. Battery life between them is similar, offering up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and 30 hours total when factoring in the charging case.
If you enjoy workouts, you'll be glad to hear that the latest AirPods and AirPods Pro are rated IPX4 for water and sweat resistance. The previous AirPods (2nd generation) don't offer such repellent qualities.
Should you buy the USB-C AirPods Pro?
Apple released a new version of the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) in September 2023 with a charging case with a USB-C port instead of a Lightning connector. An EU ruling that mandates universal charging standards has necessitated this change. Even the iPhone is moving over to USB-C as of the iPhone 15 series.
Otherwise, there aren't any meaningful changes compared to the original 2nd generation AirPods Pro. They both use the same drivers, chipset, and software, so unless you loathe Lightning or like the idea of having USB-C on all your devices, there's no real reason to upgrade.