Much of our best headphones list consists of AirPods and Beats products, and for good reason. Apple produces some of the best audio gear on the market. Our reviewers and readers love both of Apple’s audio brands for their high-quality sound and top-notch noise cancellation features. However, we can all agree that the cost is usually the biggest barrier. Not to worry; we’ve found many sale options to help get you what you want without paying full price.
With more than two decades of experience covering technology, David Carnoy is CNET’s resident audio expert. He and our dedicated deals team keep an eye on retailers offering deals and discounts on these Apple products. We’ve rounded up the best deals below and will continue to update this page with the latest and greatest offers, so be sure to check back often.
«While there are certainly a lot of great earbuds out there, Apple’s AirPods — and the AirPods Pro 2 in particular — are hard to beat,» says Carnoy. «They’re very well-designed earbuds that are comfortable to wear, fit a wide range of ears and offer strong performance across the board, plus a robust feature set that keeps expanding. They remain a safe bet for Apple users, though buyers should be aware that rumor has it the AirPods Pro 3 may arrive this fall alongside the next iPhone.»
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Best AirPods deals
The second-gen AirPods Pro are among the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market and are a top pick for Apple users. This updated version includes the USB-C and MagSafe charging case. They are almost identical to the original AirPods Pro 2, except for one key feature. Folks who buy a Vision Pro headset will benefit from lossless audio when connecting these earbuds. That’s probably a small detail but it’s still worth considering, especially if Apple adds the same feature to future iPhones and other hardware.
Our in-depth review by resident audio expert David Carnoy noted that the AirPods Pro 2 feel like a «fully evolved, refined product that packs not only an impressive set of features but top-notch performance in a very small design.» These are even better value for money when at a discount.
Amazon is currently offering a modest discount on the latest AirPods 4. You’ll save $30. Our AirPods 4 review noted that the new design is a better fit for a wider range of ears, which is an advantage over the last generation.
Our review also noted that the AirPods 4 «may not be quite as cheap or as small as the AirPods 2 but they sound a lot better and have a lot more features.» Given the much lower price during the sales, these make for an absolutely no-brainer purchase.
Apple’s latest AirPods 4 with ANC are now a modest $30 off, which makes this a great time to purchase if you want to avoid paying full price. With active noise cancellation, they’re perfect for focusing at work, during travel or other important tasks. Its powerful H2 chip makes it easy to toggle ANC with transparency mode whenever you need to remain alert. With a battery life of up to 4 hours on a single charge and an extra 20 hours when you take your case, these earbuds are perfect for long travel plans and can tackle work meetings.
Our audio reviewer and expert, David Carnoy, gave these earbuds a glowing review, saying that the «noise canceling really is a game-changer,» noting that they have most of what you expect from the AirPods Pro 2 in an open earbud design. He also said that «they’re the first open buds I’ve tried to have active noise canceling that actually works.» So if that is a combination you need, look no further.
For those who prefer over-the-ear listening gear, these Apple headphones are a seriously premium option. They have a USB-C port and the H2 chip. Although these have been out for nearly five years now, with the USB-C refresh launched less than a year ago, the AirPods Max still land near the top of the best headphones we’ve tested. In our AirPods Max review, we noted that «if you’re looking for a high-end experience, the AirPods Max deliver one.»
If you still like a good pair of old-fashioned wired earphones, these are for you. Keep in mind this is the lighting cable model, not the USB-C model.
Best Beats deals
Earning spots on our lists of the best noise-canceling headphones and the best headphones overall, these Beats Studio Pros are an excellent and more affordable alternative to the AirPods Max. Our reviewer praised their sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities, as well as their sleek design and cozy feel. They also boast an impressive 40-hour battery life and USB-C charging, and they support spatial audio when paired with an iPhone.
If you find over-ear headphones to be a little bulky, the Beats Solo 4s are an excellent alternative. They’re one of our favorite pairs of on-ear headphones this year, with our reviewer commending them for their sound quality, battery life and voice-calling performance. They lack active noise cancellation but support spatial audio if you’re an Apple user. Plus, they boast an impressive 50 hours of listening time per charge. They’re also very lightweight at just 217 grams, and the plush ear cushions help reduce outside noise.
The Studio Buds are among Beats’ latest wireless earbuds and one of our favorites. They have a slim, stemless design, active noise cancellation and an impressive 36-hour battery life. They also support some convenient Android features, making them an excellent AirPods alternative if you’re not an iPhone user.
Our Studio Buds review called these a «surprise hit.» Our audio expert, David Carnoy, said that he liked them overall but noted that there was «probably some room for discounts on these Beats.» Considering these are currently listed at about half their launch price, now is a great time to snag a pair.
These Beats Flex earbuds are a good option for people who want a wireless listening experience without a giant pair of headphones. They’re perfect for workouts, calls or listening to your favorite podcast on a commute. They’re also only $40 right now, making them a high-quality pair of earbuds without a high price.
Our review called the Beats Flex «balanced sounding,» noting that they’re a «solid neckband-style pair of earbuds» that our audio guru David Carnoy enjoyed using. He also noted that the price tag made them more appealing, and at the current discount, that is even more true for this pair.
These earbuds can run for up to 36 hours between charges using the charging case and active noise cancellation means you won’t be disturbed by your surroundings. Other features include Apple’s H2 chip, which offers support for instant device pairing and switching, as well as audio sharing, Find My and hands-free Siri.
What is the best AirPods deal right now?
Although they’re no longer the latest model on the market, the AirPods Pro 2 are still our overall favorite pair of noise-canceling Apple earbuds, and you can snag a pair for just $169 at Walmart right now. Carnoy called them the «best lightweight earbuds you can buy,» and that’s still true today. The current discount is a respectable $70 off compared to Apple’s price and it’s just the start. Check out our full rundown of the best prices across the entire lineup below.
Apple AirPods pricing 2025
| Model | Apple store price | Best price right now | Best all-time price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | $129 | $99 | $89 |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | $179 | $149 | $119 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd gen) | $249 | $169 | $149 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | $530 | $399 |
How we choose AirPods deals at CNET
Apple makes some of the most popular earbuds on the market, which means we’re always on the lookout for any discounts or price drops. We monitor all major retailers and keep a running catalog of the lowest price currently available, along with the all-time lowest price, so you know if you’re truly getting a good value. We also include any discounts on some of the latest Beats headphones and earbuds, as they’ve incorporated Apple hardware since the company was purchased in 2014.
AirPods deals FAQs
When is the best time to find AirPods deals?
Deals on Apple headphones pop up sporadically throughout the year, sometimes only lasting for a day or even a few hours. However, the best deals are consistently found during major shopping events like Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day.
Which AirPods are right for you?
Apple’s wireless audio lineup includes five models of AirPods, and choosing the right set will depend on the features you care about and the price you are willing to pay. If you prefer an open-ear design, second-gen AirPods from 2019 are the most affordable on this list, or you can upgrade to the new AirPods 4 that start at $119. The third-gen AirPods are also still available, but considering they’re pricier than the latest generation, they’re not really worth considering unless you can find them at a major discount.
If you prefer noise-canceling capabilities, your options are the in-ear AirPods Pro 2, the over-ear AirPods Max or the upgraded version of the AirPods 4, which list for $179. The AirPods Pro 2 and both versions of the AirPods 4 have Apple’s latest H2 chip, which supports lossless audio, something that the pricey AirPods Max are surprisingly lacking. And with the exception of the baseline AirPods 2, all the AirPods listed above are compatible with Apple’s spatial audio features.
Does spatial audio sound different on different AirPods?
The short answer is, not really when you’re talking about spatial audio with head tracking for movie and TV watching. While the AirPods Max offers the best sound overall, using the spatial audio virtual sound feature is largely the same experience on all the AirPods that support it.
Are AirPods good for working out?
While some models are certainly better than others, the second-gen AirPods Pro have claimed a top spot on our list of the best workout headphones, thanks to their lightweight design, top-notch noise-cancelation and IP54 weather-resistance rating.
Don’t see something you like? Not married to the Apple brand? Our collection of the best headphone deals has something for everyone from other popular companies.
