Retailers have begun to introduce significant markdowns on Apple’s entire roster of AirPods, and the best early Black Friday deals are already within striking distance of their lows last year. If you’ve been waiting for a deal on AirPods Pro, AirPods, or AirPods Max — also known as praying your loved ones read this wish list — then the window to pounce has once again come early, with stores competing for our collective traffic.
Consumer electronics are getting their cheapest holiday pricing near 30% during the season, according to Adobe Analytics (an industry standard for online analytics), and while Apple computers seldom reach those depths, early AirPods price drops haven’t gone below discounts of 15–30% from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart in recent years.
Apple itself usually prefers offering gift card promotions as opposed to direct price cuts, so third-party sellers are where the best cash savings lurk.
The Top AirPods Deals You Can Snag Right Now
- AirPods Pro 2 (USB‑C): These are the star of the show that most buyers are interested in. Early Black Friday pricing doesn’t waver much. It usually dips to $189–$199, with some short flash sales at $169 on the big day. At or below $189 are brave purchases; anything near $169 is a doorbuster you should not think too long about.
- AirPods 3: Look for early sales in the $129–$139 range, sometimes lower with bundled gift cards. They have better sound and battery life than AirPods 2, and they come with Personalized Spatial Audio. If you see $129, you’re in that sweet spot.
- AirPods 2: The budget pick regularly drops below $100 in early waves. If you’re looking for a budget pair that are simple, open-fit, and work with iPhone and Mac, sub-$99 is the figure to beat. They’re old as sin, but they get the job done for calls and podcasts.
- AirPods Max: Standard price for these premium over-ears is usually $449–$479 in early deals. Dips below $429 are uncommon and typically temporary. If you’ve been waiting for a deal on ANC headphones that integrate well with Apple products, anything below $479 is competitive for this model.
What makes for a good AirPods price this season
If you know MSRP, it helps you recognize when a deal is for real. AirPods Pro 2 are listed at $249, AirPods 3 at $169–$179 (depending on the charging case), AirPods 2 at $129, and AirPods Max priced at $549. Traditionally, early Black Friday markdowns shave off 15–25% a week or two prior to the Black Friday weekend, with possible deeper discounts during continuous sales like lightning offers or exclusive member events.
Apple has predictably led Counterpoint Research’s list of the world’s largest true wireless vendors by shipments; its ubiquity in the market means retailers treat AirPods as marquee traffic drivers. Translation: the right prices can pop up and expire quickly. When a listing reaches a known low, checkout beats comparison shopping.
How to pick the best AirPods model for your needs
- Choose AirPods Pro 2 for active noise cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, and the H2 chip. Apple promises drastically better ANC compared to previous generations, and you get up to 6 hours of listening with ANC on (about 30 hours total with the case), as well as USB‑C charging and Find My support for both your buds and your case.
- Choose AirPods 3 if you want better audio and battery than AirPods 2, but without the ear tips (open fit). They deliver Spatial Audio with head tracking and up to 6 hours per charge — about 30 hours with the case.
- Opt for AirPods 2 when you’re looking to save money and prefer the classic fit. The battery life is up to 5 hours on a charge, and around 24 hours with the case — enough for calls and casual listening.
- Choose AirPods Max for over-ear comfort and the best ANC, seamless Apple ecosystem connectivity, and a premium build. You should expect about 20 hours of listening time with ANC. They don’t tend to come cheap, so early Black Friday discounts are important.
Where The Lowest Prices Typically Show Up
Amazon features the earliest and steepest headline reductions, such as short-lived lightning deals. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart often match or toss in gift card bonuses that essentially reduce your cost. And warehouse clubs may sweeten the pot with included AppleCare or extended returns. Carriers and big-box stores may bundle AirPods with phone purchases, but check the fine print.
Apple’s own store hardly ever discounts sticker price, but gift card promos are valuable if you plan to buy other Apple gear. Apple Refurbished options with 1‑year warranties sometimes pop up on Apple’s refurbished channel and at trusted resellers, with savings around 10–15% when available.
Expert tips to get the best AirPods deals this year
- Confirm which version you have: AirPods Pro 2 have a USB‑C charging case, and the case picture on the box is different. That’s the latest model with improved dust resistance and a more convenient ecosystem. Shun Lightning-only products unless the discount is significant.
- Use price protection: Most major chains offer extended holiday price guarantees or make returns easy. If you buy early and the price falls later, you might be able to get a refund for the difference — policies vary, so check the retailer’s terms.
- Bundle math: Besting a naked deal elsewhere can be accomplished by stacking a $20–$30 gift card on top of a near-low price. And don’t overlook store credit card promos or cash-back portals, which can stack with early sale prices.
- Act quickly on limited colors and configs: AirPods Max and select configurations of AirPods Pro can sell out by midmorning when they hit a new price. The art of shopping is in the browsing.
Early shopper bottom line on the best AirPods deals
AirPods Pro 2 hit $189 or less? Buy with confidence; in previous seasons, only the most fleeting promos managed to beat that. AirPods 3 at around $129 and AirPods 2 below $99 are decent early wins. AirPods Max at nearly $479 is competitive, and anything closer to $449 is a grab-it-fast value.
As discounts are already popping up and volatility remains elevated, the best strategy is simple: set target prices, watch the big four retailers closely, and be ready to check out when your number hits. There’s no more teasing with early Black Friday; this is where the real AirPods deals are.