Best Cheap AirPods Deals and Sales in May 2024

If you know where to look, you can often score discounts on Apple’s ever-popular AirPods. Since Apple launched the third-generation AirPods in late 2021, we’ve seen the starting price of the base second-generation model consistently drop below $100. And now that the second-generation AirPods Pro have been on the market for over a year , we are also seeing its price drop more frequently. We’re even seeing great deals on the updated AirPods Pro with USB-C.

Here, we’ve selected the best deals currently available on each model, including the entry-level AirPods, AirPods Pro, third-generation AirPods, and AirPods Max.

In 2021, Apple reduced the list price of its second-generation AirPods – now the base model – from $159 to $129. Now, however, it only sells the model with a wired charging case, which charges for via a standard Lightning cable. Despite their age, we’ve found that the easy-to-use second-generation AirPods still offer excellent wireless performance and reliable battery life, making them a great choice if you can live without a wireless charging case.

On Black Friday, Apple’s most affordable pair of headphones dropped to an all-time low of $69 ($60 off) at several retailers. Right now, though, the second-generation earbuds are only on sale with a Lightning charging case for around $89 ($49 off) at Amazon, Wal-MartIt is Best buy. The model with a wireless charging case, in turn, is for sale at Adorama for $119.99 ($30 off).

Read our AirPods (2nd generation) review.

With support for the company’s MagSafe technology and a starting price of $179, Apple’s third-generation AirPods are often considered the middle child in Apple’s current AirPod lineup. The shorter temples also make for a more subtle design, while improved sound and features like sweat and water resistance, support for spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and longer battery life make them a nice improvement over the last-gen model. .

In 2022, Apple quietly introduced a new, slightly cheaper third-generation AirPods option that comes with a Lightning-only charging case, which is on sale at Amazon, Wal-MartIt is Best buy now for an all-time low of $139.99 ($30 off). The MagSafe option, however, is available for Costco members for $149.99 or at B&H Photo for $169.99 ($10 off).

Read our AirPods (third generation) review.

In 2022, Apple announced the second-generation AirPods Pro, which feature a similar build to the first-generation model but offer better noise cancellation, swipe-based controls, and an extra small pair of swappable silicone tips for smaller ears. . Apple followed them up last year with a minor update, which features a USB-C charging case and an updated IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. The latest model also supports lossless audio when used with Apple’s new Vision Pro headset.

You can currently purchase the upgraded AirPods Pro for $189.99 ($60 off) at Amazon, Target, Best buyIt is Wal-Mart. While it’s $10 less than the all-time low we saw at the end of April, it’s still one of the best prices to date.

Read our hands-on impressions of the AirPods Pro with USB-C.

The AirPods Max are not the iconic over-ear headphones that have become synonymous with the AirPods name. They’re large and luxurious, made from aluminum, steel, and mesh fabric that remain comfortable during extended listening sessions. They also feature excellent noise cancellation, Apple’s Spatial Audio feature, and expansive, balanced sound, even if they lag behind some of their competitors when it comes to bass response. They’re not the best noise-canceling headphones for most people—blame the sticker price—but it’s hard to find a pair of Bluetooth headphones that sound better and have more intuitive controls.

Woot and other retailers have discounted AirPods Max up to $409 in the past. Right now, though, the best you can do is $499.99 ($50 off) at Amazon It is Best buy.

Read our AirPods Max review.