Why You Can Trust CNET Best AirPods Deals: Save on New Apple and Beats Earbuds, Headphones
These are the best prices we've found on Apple and Beats wireless audio gear.
Apple currently makes some of the best earbuds and over-ear headphones in their price ranges, but that doesn't make them cheap. Thankfully, there are often deals to be had if you know where to look.
Scroll down to check out all of the best prices we could find across all of the major retailers. We'll also update this page as deals come and go, so check back often for the best AirPods prices at any given time. Don't see something you like? Our collection of the best headphone deals should have something for everyone.
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Apple AirPods pricing 2023
| Model | Apple Store price | Best price right now | Best all-time price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 2 | $129 | $90 | $79 |
| AirPods 3 | $169 | $140 | $140 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | $249 | $190 | $190 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | $450 | $389 |
Best AirPods deals
The AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging case are almost identical to the AirPods Pro 2 that come with a Lightning case, except for one key feature. Those who buy a Vision Pro headset will benefit from lossless audio when connecting these earbuds. That's probably an edge case, but it's still worth knowing, especially if Apple adds the same feature to future iPhones and other hardware as well.
Other than some minor upgrades and a different charging port, the original AirPods Pro 2 with the Lightning charging port are identical to the new USB-C version. They're equipped with Apple's advanced H2 processor and boast seriously impressive noise-canceling capabilities.
Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, these third-generation AirPods have an open-air design, so they don't have active noise cancellation. They still offer some serious improvements over the AirPods 2, though. The adaptive EQ attunes music to your ear shape, and the battery life has been bumped up to a total of 30 hours. They also have an IPX4 water-resistance rating.
Apple's first full-size headphones are chock-full of high-end features such as noise cancellation, spatial audio and easy integration with Apple devices. Yes, paying about the same as you would for a PS5 may sound excessive, but here's the thing: They're actually kinda worth it, so long as you don't feel burned by their lack of support for full lossless audio.
While the AirPods 2 are the least advanced AirPods on the market, they still boast some impressive specs and are a great choice for those on a tighter budget. They're equipped with the same H1 chip as the AirPods 3, so they have the same fast connectivity, and they support hands-free Siri access. They're available for $90, $40 less than Apple sells them for these days.
Alas, for those of you who bought the original Beats Studio Buds, I'm sorry to report that these new Plus buds are significantly improved, with better sound, noise canceling and battery life. Additionally, they now deliver top-notch voice-calling performance.
The transparent version is getting a lot of attention. (Who doesn't like transparent electronics?) But the big changes are on the inside. Beats says 95% of the components are new and improved, and the buds' "acoustic architecture" has been revised. The speaker drivers remain the same, but the Studio Buds Plus are powered by a new, more powerful custom chipset and have three new microphones in each bud, which are three times larger and more sensitive than the ones found in the Beats Studio Buds. This deal comes with two free years of AppleCare Plus rather than a discount on the earbuds themselves.
The Beats Fit Pro are built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro. Unlike Beats' earlier and less expensive Studio Buds, these include Apple's H1 chip and have most of the features of the original AirPods Pro, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I'd venture to call them the sports AirPods you've always wanted. For some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro.
Order now and you'll get a $25 Amazon Gift Card included for free.
Which AirPods are right for you?
Apple's wireless audio lineup now 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. The second-gen AirPods from 2019 are the least expensive option, while the current, third-gen AirPods boast better sound quality with spatial audio. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2, which have active noise cancellation and transparency modes, are Apple's most advanced earbuds to date and the first to feature Apple's new H2 chip. The plush AirPods Max, by far the priciest of the bunch, are Apple's over-ear headphones and come packed with high-end features, though no H2 chip.
Along with Apple-branded AirPods, there are some Beats-branded earbuds worth considering that also incorporate Apple-made tech for a similarly smooth experience. These include the Beats Fit Pro, which uses Apple's H1 chip for fast, reliable connections and a sporty design for jamming out while running or otherwise being active. The Beats Studio Buds lack the H1 chip and the AirPods' stem, but they are lightweight, comfortable and affordable. Similarly, the updated Beats Studio Buds Plus doesn't have an H1 chip but does have one-tap pairing with Apple (and Android) devices plus Find My support.
Except for the baseline AirPods 2, all the AirPods listed above (plus the Beats models) are compatible with Apple's spatial audio features. None of them will deliver the maximum quality of Apple's lossless audio format, which is too rich for the current Bluetooth wireless standard to handle.
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