Apple's AirPods may be some of the best earbuds on the market, but they definitely don't come cheap. Plus, Apple almost never discounts its own tech directly, which can make it tough to snag a pair at a good price. Fortunately, CNET's shopping experts have years of experience tracking down bargains, and we've found plenty of ways to save right now.
You can find direct discounts on most of the latest AirPods, though its worth noting that most are far from their record-low price at the moment. Plus, the brand-new AirPods Max 2 just hit shelves, and Best Buy is already offering some savings with a trade-in.
If you're after something more workout-friendly, there are some strong Beats deals in the mix, too. Prices on all of these can shift without much notice, so acting sooner rather than later is generally the safer bet.
If you want to cast a wider net, our full roundup of the best headphone deals has savings on Sony, Bose and other top brands worth checking out alongside these AirPods offers.
Best AirPods deals
The new and improved AirPods Pro 3 are now $224 at Amazon, which is a 10% discount. Our audio expert David Carnoy found that the Pro 3 "delivers upgrades across the board, from fit and noise cancellation to sound quality and battery life," earning the buds a CNET Editors' Choice award
The new second-gen AirPods Max offer some serious improvements, including better noise canceling, improved sound and new features like Live translation. They just hit shelves, so it will be quite a while before we see any direct discounts, but you can still score some savings with a trade-in at Best Buy.
The exact discount will depend on which headphones you're trading in, but you'll get $130 off if you're upgrading from the original AirPods Max. Plus, they come with three free months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness Plus, as well as one free month of Apple TV, as long as you're a new or returning subscriber.
This Amazon deal knocks the basic AirPods 4 down to $119, which is a ways off from the record-low of just $69. Our AirPods 4 review noted that the new design is a better fit for a wider range of ear sizes, an advantage over the previous generation.
The AirPods 4 may not be quite as cheap or as small as the AirPods 3, but they sound a lot better and have more features. Note that this is the version without active noise cancellation.
Apple's AirPods 4 with ANC are now $24 off, which drops the price to only $155. With active noise cancellation, they're perfect for focusing at work, during travel or other important tasks. The 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.
These got a glowing review from our audio expert David Carnoy, who called the noise canceling a "game-changer." These offer most of what you expect from the AirPods Pro 2, with an open-earbud design. Additionally, Carnoy noted that these were the "first open buds I've tried to have active noise canceling that actually works." If that combination is what you need, look no further.
The AirPods Max 2 just hit shelves, so the soon-to-be-discontinued AirPods Max with USB-C are seeing steep discounts of $119 off across a variety of color options. 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, Amazon is knocking a few bucks off the Lightning-equipped EarPods. The USB-C and 3.5mm aux versions are not currently discounted.
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. These were praised for their sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities, as well as their sleek design and cozy feel. They also deliver an impressive 40-hour battery life and USB-C charging and support spatial audio when paired with an iPhone.
Right now several colors are down to just $180.
If you find over-ear headphones to be a little bulky, the Beats Solo 4 are an excellent alternative. They're one of our favorite pairs of on-ear headphones this year, with CNET's headphone expert David Carnoy 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 deliver an impressive 50 hours of listening time per charge. They're also lightweight at just 217 grams, and the plush ear cushions help reduce outside noise.
The Beats Studio Buds are an excellent option for those on a tighter budget. 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 reviewer liked the buds overall but noted that there was "probably some room for discounts on these Beats." Considering these are currently up to $60 off, 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, phone 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.
In his Beats Flex review, David Carnoy talked about the balanced sound, noting that they're a solid neckband-style pair of earbuds that he mostly enjoyed using. The price tag made them more appealing, and at the current discount, that is even more true for this pair.
Beats Fit Pro are perfect for workout enthusiasts and travelers who want a lightweight pair of earbuds with a case that easily fits in pants pockets. They offer up to 7 hours of battery life and are IPX4 water-resistant. Previously, select colors dropped to $126 during the Big Spring Sale, but a $50 savings is still solid.
Apple AirPods pricing 2026
| Model | Apple store price | Best price right now | Best all-time price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 3 | $249 | $224 | $184 |
| AirPods 4 | $129 | $119 | $69 |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | $179 | $155 | $99 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | $430 | $429 |
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
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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.
