If you're an iPhone user looking for the best wireless earbuds or headphones, Apple's AirPods are the logical choice. Although discounts are rarely huge, there are usually deals to be had on most models if you're willing to do some research and have a little patience, especially now that we're officially into Black Friday season.
We've done most of the hard work, and below you'll find the very deal prices on every current AirPods model, including the five-star AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) earbuds and 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.
There have also been a host of new AirPods announced recently, including an updated version of the AirPods Max with USB-C port, health-related features coming to the AirPods Pro 2, and two sets of the new standard AirPods 4: one with ANC and one without.
The introduction of new blood to the AirPods line means that discounts will inevitably arrive as the older models are phased out. For the best deals, all you need to do is scroll down and save on the best early Black Friday AirPods deals.
Best AirPods deals
AirPods 4 deals
Apple AirPods 4
The Apple AirPods 4 are some of the most interesting wireless earbuds the tech giant has made in a good while. Little and a more refined than their predecessors, the fourth-gen AirPods opt for an 'open' design, sporting no eartips and instead a single, unified configuration that, during testing, we found fit easily to the contours of our ears. At just 4.3g each, they're also feather-light, so much so that it's easy to forget that you're actually wearing the pristine white buds at all.
The AirPods 4 come in two distinct types: one with active noise-cancelling and one without. 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 (don't worry, it's USB-C) that supports wireless charging and has a small built-in speaker which can play a noise to help you find it.
We didn't think an open configuration would work that well with active noise cancelling, but the result is seriously impressive. If you opt for the AirPods 4 with ANC, you'll be treated to a performance that isolates you from outside sounds across the sonic spectrum, and while some noise can get through, there's enough performance here to smooth out and soften exterior noises and keep you immersed in your music.
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 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. Vocal reproduction is particularly impressive, with the H2 chip offering a nimble and clean sound that doesn't quite have the heft or power of the flagship Pro 2 standard bearers. The AirPods 4 are still a great listen, though, even if you can get something better if you go for the second-gen Pro buds.
The AirPods 4 are still relatively new to the market, so don't expect frequent major discounts. That said, with the pre-festive sales period kicking into gear, this could be the time when Apple introduces its first-ever drops to tempt buyers into taking the plunge.
Read our Apple AirPods 4 with ANC 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 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. 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 a new £229 price in the UK. 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 than the older AirPods 2 (30 hours over 24 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 launch in September, and we're curious to see how they perform compared with the four-star AirPods 3. Should you upgrade? Wait till our full review to find out.
Read our full AirPods 3 review
AirPods 2 deals
Apple AirPods 2
Apple might have launched the AirPods 3 in 2021 before following them up with the newly unveiled AirPods 4, but the cheaper and much older, long-stemmed AirPods 2 from 2019 are a solid everyday pair of hassle-free wireless earbuds. They offer a solid combination of performance, reliability and convenience, and while they don't have extra fancy feature or even on-bud controls, they have generally been the cheapest AirPods that Apple makes.
We regularly see the price of this model drop down to under £100, so keep your eyes peeled for a deal and you'll be handsomely rewarded, especially now that the AirPods 4s' arrival could mean that these older second-gen AirPods could soon be facing a long, indefinite rest.
Read our full AirPods 2 (2019) 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 the Californian brand. 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.
Five stars
Read our full AirPods Max review
Read our full AirPods Max review
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