Black Friday is a couple of days away, but if you're shopping for Apple headphones, you can score incredible discounts right now. The best early Black Friday AirPods deals feature record-low prices on Apple's latest models, including the AirPods Pro 3, which just debuted in September.
Currently, Amazon has the new AirPods Pro 3 for $30 off — the biggest discount I've seen yet. You can read more about this offer in our AirPods Pro 3 deal spotlight. If you're shopping on a budget, the entry-level AirPods 4 are now available for just $69, their lowest price to date. They don't support noise cancellation, but still pack many of the features that make AirPods so popular.
AirPods tend to be particularly popular during the Black Friday shopping season, so I recommend taking advantage of these deals while they last. If you're shopping for other items, be sure to visit our full Black Friday deals coverage with more savings across tech, home, kitchen, style, and more.
The best Black Friday AirPods deals
Black Friday AirPods FAQs
Is Black Friday a good time to buy AirPods?
Yes, Black Friday is one of the best times to buy AirPods. Year after year, Apple's headphones drop to record-low prices during the event. You'll also find deep discounts on other Apple gear, including iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watches. For more ways to save, check out our complete guide to the best Apple Black Friday deals.
Which AirPods should you buy?
Apple's current AirPods lineup includes the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max. Each serves a slightly different listener.
The AirPods 4 are a great pick for casual users who prefer an open, comfortable fit that doesn't seal the ear canal. The standard model lacks noise cancellation, but for about $50 more, the AirPods 4 with ANC add active noise canceling and a wireless charging case — a worthwhile upgrade for most shoppers. Read our AirPods 4 review for more details.
For premium sound and top-tier noise cancellation, step up to the AirPods Pro 3. Their in-ear design provides a snug seal for richer audio and improved isolation, and they include Apple-exclusive hearing health features, such as a hearing aid mode. They also have a built-in heart rate sensor for fitness tracking. You can learn more in our full AirPods Pro 3 review.
You may also still see the older AirPods Pro 2 on sale. They're a solid buy if discounted heavily — nearly as capable as the Pro 3, though with slightly weaker ANC, shorter battery life, and less water resistance. They also don't have the new model's heart rate tracker. You can learn more in our AirPods Pro 2 review.
Finally, the AirPods Max are Apple's over-ear headphones, delivering the best sound and noise cancellation in the lineup thanks to large drivers and cushioned earcups. Visit our AirPods Max review for detailed impressions.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of each AirPods model, visit our complete guide to the best AirPods.
What is noise cancellation?
Noise cancellation — often referred to as active noise cancellation (ANC) — is a technology employed in many modern headphones, including several AirPods. Built-in microphones detect surrounding sounds, and onboard processors create inverse sound waves to cancel them out before they reach your ears.
While ANC can dramatically reduce background noise, such as airplane engines or chatter, even the best noise-canceling headphones can't eliminate all ambient sound. High-pitched or sudden noises, in particular, are more difficult to block completely.
Shopping for more discounts today? Check out all of our best Black Friday deals coverage.
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