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.
We've done most of the hard work anyway, 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 thanks to Apple's 'It's Glowtime' September 2024 event, during which we saw 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.
Best AirPods deals
AirPods 4 deals
Apple AirPods 4
The Apple AirPods 4 are official and replace both the older AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 models. The fourth-gen AirPods are powered by Apple's powerful H2 chip, feature updated features and design, and claim to have "massive improvements in audio quality" made possible thanks to their updated internal acoustic architecture.
The twist is that the AirPods 4 come in two different versions: one pair with active noise-cancelling and one without. The standard model will cost you $129 / £129, while the AirPods 4 with ANC are set to retail at $179 / £179 when they launch on 20th September 2024.
Apple claims to have refined the shape of the buds (still no eartips) to achieve the brand's "most comfortable AirPods ever". We're also pleased to see both sets use USB-C in the charging case, so it's goodbye to those old Lightning connectors.
Both models are equipped with personalised spatial audio with dynamic headtracking, plus clearer voice calls and hands-free controls, the latter of which lets you use a shake or nod of your head to command Siri. Battery life has stayed static from the older generations, though, with 30 hours in total for both new pairs.
What about the differences between the two? The key distinction is the addition of ANC for the costlier pair, which use "advanced computational audio" courtesy of Apple's H2 chip to power standard noise cancelling, a Transparency Mode and the same Adaptive Audio tech as found in the five-star AirPods Pro 2. You also get access to Conversational Awareness which recognises speech when you're talking and automatically reduces your music's volume accordingly.
The AirPods 4 with ANC offer a slightly different charging case that supports wireless charging and has a small built-in speaker which can play a noise to help you locate it.
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 huge, with the AirPods Max 2 rumoured to be looming sometime early next year, discounts are starting to creep up, so keep an eye out for flash deals.
Read our full AirPods Max review
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