The top discounts on AirPods available this month
Macworld
The AirPods from Apple are wireless headphones that have a distinctive appearance, great convenience, and impressive sound. Despite their higher cost, it’s wise to search for the best price or enlist the help of tech experts. That’s where we can assist.
This article compiles the top deals and packages for AirPods in order to help you save money. We have the lowest prices for the 3rd generation AirPods released in October 2021, the 2nd generation AirPods Pro released in September 2022, as well as the updated 2nd generation AirPods Pro with USB-C released in September 2023, and the high-end AirPods Max over-ear headphones from 2020. Additionally, we have discounted offers for older models, such as the second-generation AirPods from early 2019, while supplies last.
Below are convenient links to the top bargains; for more comprehensive guidance and cost comparisons on each specific model, please see below.
Revised on September 21, 2023 with the inclusion of new USB-C AirPods Pro and updated pricing for all AirPods in the United Kingdom.
U.S.
- Amazon, AirPods (2nd gen): $99 ($30 off)
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The second generation of Amazon’s AirPods Pro with a Lightning connection are currently on sale for $199, which is $50 off the original price.
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Amazon is offering a discount of $99 on AirPods Max, bringing the total price down to $477 at checkout.
U.K.
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Currently, there are no significant sales happening in the U.K. as resellers modify their discounts to reflect Apple’s reduced prices.
Best AirPods deals
Apple offers two versions of their basic AirPods: the 3rd-generation model released in 2021 and the 2nd-generation model released in 2019. In the United States, it may be beneficial to check out Best Buy for potential discounts, and customers in the United Kingdom can find some savings on all models.
You have the option to purchase directly from Apple, although you may find better prices through the automated tables listed below. For personalized recommendations, please refer to our guide on where to buy the AirPods 3.
Deals for the 2021 MagSafe AirPods (3rd generation).
In October 2021, Apple released an updated version of the highly sought-after AirPods, marking a wait of over two and a half years. The new design resembles that of the Pro model and includes a charging case compatible with MagSafe. Additionally, the battery life and water resistance have been improved, and the AirPods now support Spatial Audio. For a comprehensive review of the AirPods 3, refer to our detailed coverage. The retail price is $179/£179 (previously £189 in the U.K. until September 2023).

Deals on AirPods (3rd generation, 2021 model) with Lightning connector.
There is an alternative option for the AirPods 3rd generation that is more affordable and includes a case that requires charging with a Lightning connection, rather than wirelessly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $169/£169 (previously £179 in the U.K. until September 2023).













Deals on AirPods (2nd generation, released in 2019).
Apple continues to offer the previous model of AirPods for sale. It should be noted that this version of AirPods includes a Lightning charging case that requires a plug, rather than the wireless MagSafe charging case. (However, a wireless charging case can be purchased separately.)
Please refer to the automated table below for any newly available discounts since our last update of this article. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $129 or £129 (previously £139 in the U.K. before September 2023).


The second generation (2019) of Apple AirPods comes with a charging case that uses a lightning connector.
Top deals on AirPods Pro
Great discounts on AirPods Pro
Top bargains for AirPods Pro
Excellent savings on AirPods Pro
Amazing deals for AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro were initially released in 2019, but a second generation was launched in September 2022. Instead of introducing a third generation in 2023, Apple made adjustments to the 2nd gen AirPods Pro to allow for USB-C charging in 2023 (including charging via the iPhone 15). Both the Lightning and USB-C versions of the AirPods Pro will be available for purchase for a period of time, so be sure to double check which model you want. The comparison charts below display the lowest prices for the 1st and 2nd gen Lightning AirPods Pro, as well as the 2nd gen USB-C version, to help you find the best deals.
Deals for second generation AirPods Pro (2023) with USB-C.
This is the latest edition (2023) that features USB-C charging. Additionally, you can utilize an iPhone 15 to charge the case as well. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $249/£229.







Deals for second generation AirPods Pro (2022) with Lightning connector.
This is the previous edition that uses a Lightning port to charge the case. They may still be available for purchase. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price was $249/£249.










Deals for first-generation AirPods Pro released in 2019.
The original AirPods Pro are still available for purchase at a reduced price, but be sure to consider if they have been refurbished before determining if the discount is worthwhile. However, supplies are becoming limited. If a price comparison table is not visible, there are currently no deals available in your area.
MSRP was $249/£239
The first generation Apple AirPods Pro (2021) now come with a MagSafe charging case.
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Top discounts on AirPods Max:
Currently, the AirPods Max can be purchased directly from Apple for $549/£499 (previously priced at £549 in the UK before September 2023).
Find the latest prices in our automated table embedded below. For some time now, we’ve been seeing third-party retailers undercut Apple by a significant margin.









To get a better understanding of the choices available, please refer to the article “Where to Purchase AirPods Max.”
Tips for securing a great price on AirPods
Finding good deals on AirPods is uncommon and they often have a short lifespan. If you come across one (and you are confident in the credibility of the seller: check on TrustPilot if you have not previously purchased from them), take advantage of it.
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The suggested retail price for the AirPods Max is $549 / £549.
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The price for AirPods Pro is $249 in the US and £239 in the UK.
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The price for the 2021 AirPods with Lightning is $169 for US customers and £179 for UK customers. With MagSafe, the price increases to $179 for US customers and £189 for UK customers.
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The cost for the AirPods released in early 2019 is $129 USD or £119 GBP.
It is important to not pay more than the listed prices. Some dishonest retailers may falsely state that the MSRP/RRP is higher in order to appear to offer discounts.
The 2016 AirPods were removed from sale as soon as the early-2019 models came out, so never officially got a price cut from their launch price of $159/£159. But if you do plump for these much older models, you shouldn’t be paying even $100. If you can’t find a seriously good deal, go for newer ones instead.
Please keep in mind the cost of delivery and postage when assessing deals. Our price list already includes these fees, but many sellers will only add them during the checkout process. Also, be cautious of deals that appear to be extremely favorable, but end up having no available stock. This is a common occurrence.
Bundle deals
One potential method for obtaining a favorable price for AirPods could be to purchase them as part of a bundle with a phone. However, this is primarily available in the United Kingdom.
Three offers different packages that come with AirPods. Check out the company’s accessories page to see the top choices for your needs.
You have the option to include AirPods in your EE plan for a monthly fee of £16, which will be divided over 11 months, and an initial fee of £10. This applies to the Lightning version of AirPods. The AirPods Pro, which come with a MagSafe case, can be added to your plan for £22 per month and a £5 upfront fee. To choose your AirPods model, simply click on the Apple option.
Currently, Vodafone and O2 do not offer bundled AirPods with their iPhone plans. However, O2 does sell the 2021 AirPods, the early-2019 AirPods, and the 2022 AirPods Pro separately.
No matter which bundle you choose, make sure to verify whether you will receive the AirPods Pro, the early-2019 AirPods (also known as second generation or AirPods 2), or the recently released 2021 AirPods (third generation or AirPods 3). If you opt for the AirPods Pro, check if they come with the new MagSafe charging case.
AirPods buying advice
Are you considering getting a pair of AirPods? Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
There have been five versions of AirPods that are designed to fit inside the ear, and some of these are currently available for purchase. Additionally, there is also the AirPods Max, which are designed to be worn over the ear.
- in 2019
The first generation of AirPods, released in 2016 and no longer in production as of 2019.
- The 2nd-gen AirPods (2019), $129/£139
- in 2021
The first generation of AirPods Pro released in 2019 and discontinued in 2021.
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The third generation of AirPods (2021) are priced at $169 for the Lightning version and $179 for the MagSafe version in the US, and £179 and £189 respectively in the UK.
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The second-generation AirPods Pro (2022) will be priced at $249/£249.
- AirPods Max (2020), $549/£549
All four non-Max models are wireless, sitting in your ears and in theory staying there through snugness of fit alone. The advantages of this are clear–they allow you to go running or work out without worrying about snagging the cables–but they may fall out once you pick up the pace. Our experience, however, is that the AirPods are among the best earbuds around in this regard.
The AirPods Pro provide a more secure fit compared to other options thanks to the inclusion of flexible ear tips. Additionally, they have the capability to indicate if the selected tip is the correct fit.
The sound quality of the original and early-2019 models is good but not outstanding. The 2021 AirPods offer improved sound quality, while the AirPods Pro are even better due to their superior fit and use of active noise cancellation technology. One advantage of AirPods over non-Apple headphones is their ability to seamlessly connect with other Apple devices, thanks to the W1 chip (in the 2016 model) and H1 chip (in 2019 and 2021 models). This makes pairing with an iPhone effortless.
In terms of battery life, the majority of non-Max AirPods have a duration of approximately five hours. However, there is more to the story as they come with a compact charging case that has its own larger battery. This allows for a quick recharge by simply placing the AirPods back in the case. The case can provide an additional 24 hours (approximately) before needing to be recharged. The 2021 AirPods, on the other hand, have improved battery life with advertised numbers of six hours outside of the case and a total of 30 hours. We have some tips for maximizing your AirPods’ battery life.
The 2019 edition of Apple’s AirPods can recognize and follow Hey Siri instructions, have the option for wireless charging with the Wireless Charging Case, and have longer talk time than the previous version. These capabilities remain in the 2021 versions, along with the addition of Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ.
The AirPods Max are a type of over-ear headphones that differ greatly from the other AirPods models. They come at a higher cost and offer a unique experience compared to the other options. While the sound quality is widely praised, it’s up for debate whether it justifies the steep price. Additionally, some reviewers have noted that the design of the case is peculiar, as it fails to protect the most fragile part of the headphones: the mesh headband.
The AirPods Max may seem enticing, but may not be financially feasible for many.
To obtain more comprehensive tips and opinions on the top substitutes for Apple’s three more affordable AirPods versions, refer to our guides on the finest wireless earbuds and wired headphones.