The best AirPods deals in December 2024

You’ll be able to usually rating reductions on Apple’s ever-expanding line of AirPods if you realize the place to look. For instance, the brand new AirPods 4 and AirPods Max are simply beginning to be discounted, whereas second- and third-generation AirPods are sometimes obtainable at vital reductions. The identical goes for the unique Max, which was just about similar to the earlier mannequin other than a change to a USB-C connector.

Right here, we have rounded up the perfect offers presently obtainable on each mannequin, together with the second- and third-generation AirPods, the 2 iterations of the AirPods 4, the most recent AirPods Professional with USB-C, and the previous-generation AirPods Max.

The second-generation AirPods had been Apple’s entry-level earbuds earlier than they had been launched alongside the AirPods 4. Regardless of being launched in 2019, they nonetheless supply glorious wi-fi efficiency, nice ease of use, and strong battery life, should you can stay with out a wi-fi charging case or a number of the extra superior software program options provided by Apple’s new H2 scenario life, then they’re a sensible choice for you.

The second-generation AirPods initially offered for $159; nonetheless, Apple finally lowered their checklist worth to $129, and we now commonly see them on sale for a lot much less. For instance, you will get them at Walmart proper now for $89 ($49 off), which is $20 greater than the all-time low.

Learn our AirPods (2nd technology) evaluate.

Apple’s third-generation AirPods had been as soon as thought-about the middle-of-the-road product within the AirPods lineup, due to assist for the corporate’s MagSafe charger and a $179 asking worth. The shorter stem additionally leads to a extra refined design, whereas improved sound and options like sweat and water resistance, assist for head-tracking spatial audio, and prolonged battery life make them a pleasant improve over their predecessors.

Nevertheless, AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with lively noise cancellation have since changed the third-generation AirPods in Apple’s lineup. The brand new headphones are priced at $129 and $179 respectively, and the upgraded variations supply some additional options as soon as reserved for the Professional model, together with ANC, a helpful transparency mode, and a headphone case with built-in audio system. You may as well squeeze the stem to regulate media playback—a characteristic additionally obtainable on the entry-level AirPods 4.

Lately, we noticed the worth of the third-generation AirPods with Lightning charging case diminished to $94 at Walmart. Nevertheless, the perfect worth proper now could be solely obtainable at Costco, the place members should buy the MagSafe charging case for $129.99 ($40 off). That stated, it is price noting you could purchase the AirPods 4 on Amazon for $119, which is a good higher deal.

Learn our AirPods (third technology) evaluate.

At Apple’s “It is Glowtime” occasion in September, the corporate launched AirPods 4, a pair of wi-fi headphones that are available two kinds: a normal mannequin for $129 and a noise-canceling model for $179. Each fashions characteristic vital upgrades over the second-generation AirPods, with extra snug designs and improved audio efficiency. They’re additionally higher for taking calls due to Apple’s Voice Isolation characteristic, which higher isolates your voice so that you may be heard extra clearly in noisy environments.

For an additional $50, it’s also possible to get the AirPods 4 with lively noise cancellation, which presents ANC, a helpful transparency mode, and some different Professional-like options. Granted, the most recent AirPods Professional do a greater job at canceling noise, however Apple’s newest wi-fi earphones nonetheless do a reasonably good job at canceling noise. Additionally they supply different perks beforehand reserved for Apple’s highest-end headphones, together with wi-fi charging and a field with built-in audio system so you possibly can simply discover them by way of Apple’s Discover My app.

Though they’ve simply launched, we’re already beginning to see small reductions on each variations of AirPods 4. AirPods 4 $164.99 ($15 off).

Learn our AirPods 4 evaluate.

In 2022, Apple launched the second-generation AirPods Professional, which had been constructed equally to the first-generation mannequin however provided higher noise cancellation, slide-based controls, and a pair of ultra-small replaceable silicone ear ideas that match smaller ears. Apple adopted this development final 12 months with a minor replace, a USB-C charging case, and an upgraded IP54 water and mud resistance score. The most recent mannequin additionally helps lossless audio when used with Apple’s new Imaginative and prescient Professional headphones, and now doubles as an FDA-approved listening to assist.

Apple’s up to date AirPods Professional are presently on sale at Walmart for $169.99, simply $1 off their all-time low. You may as well purchase them on Amazon for a similar worth, though they’re quickly out of inventory and Amazon hasn’t offered transport estimates but.

Learn our impressions of AirPods Professional with USB-C.

AirPods Max should not the enduring in-ear headphones which have turn out to be synonymous with the AirPods title. They’re spacious and splendid, created from aluminum, metal, and mesh material to remain snug throughout lengthy listening periods. Additionally they have glorious noise cancellation, Apple’s Spatial Audio capabilities, and a spacious, balanced sound, though they lag behind some friends in bass response and options. They don’t seem to be the perfect noise-canceling headphones for most individuals—blame the worth tag—however should you’re an iPhone consumer, you would be hard-pressed to seek out higher Bluetooth headphones.

In early September, Apple changed the first-generation Max with a brand new mannequin that helps USB-C charging and presents some new colour choices. They’re presently on sale for $529.99 on Amazon (a $20 low cost), which matches their second-highest worth but, whereas the first-generation mannequin is on sale for $429 at B&H Photograph (a $120 low cost). That is about $34 lower than the bottom worth we have seen for the unique mannequin, which dropped to $394.99 a number of instances this 12 months.

Learn our unique AirPods Max evaluate.