Apple makes some of the best everyday audio gear on the market, so it’s no surprise that several pairs of AirPods have ended up on our list of the best headphones for 2025. They’ve been hailed by our reviewers and buyers alike for their sleek design, impressive sound and excellent noise-cancelling capabilities. While they’re not particularly affordable, the Labor Day deals offered some big discounts. But while Labor Day has come and gone, there are still some great prices around if you’re quick. We’ve rounded up all the best offers available right now below, and we’ll also continue to update this page with any new info on the rumored AirPods Pro 3.
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Best AirPods deals
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C): $199
The second-gen AirPods Pro are among the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market and are a top pick for Apple users. This updated version includes the USB-C and MagSafe charging case. They are almost identical to the original AirPods Pro 2, except for one key feature. Folks who buy a Vision Pro headset will benefit from lossless audio when connecting these earbuds. That’s probably a small detail but it’s still worth considering, especially if Apple adds the same feature to future iPhones and other hardware.
Our in-depth review by resident audio expert David Carnoy noted that the AirPods Pro 2 feel like a “fully evolved, refined product that packs not only an impressive set of features but top-notch performance in a very small design.” These are even better value for the money when at a discount.
Amazon is currently offering $19 off the latest AirPods 4, which drops them down to just $119. Our AirPods 4 review noted that the new design is a better fit for a wider range of ears, which is an advantage over the last generation.
Our reviewer also noted that the AirPods 4 “may not be quite as cheap or as small as the AirPods 2 but they sound a lot better and have a lot more features.” Given the much lower price with early Labor Day deals, these make for an absolutely no-brainer purchase.
Apple’s latest AirPods 4 with ANC are now $40 off, which makes this a great time to purchase if you want to avoid paying full price. With active noise cancellation, they’re perfect for focusing at work, during travel or other important tasks. The powerful H2 chip makes it easy to toggle ANC with transparency mode whenever you need to remain alert. With a battery life of up to 4 hours on a single charge and an extra 20 hours when you take your case, these earbuds are perfect for long travel plans and can tackle work meetings.
Our audio reviewer and expert, David Carnoy, gave these earbuds a glowing review, saying that the “noise canceling really is a game-changer,” noting that they have most of what you expect from the AirPods Pro 2 in an open earbud design. He also said that “they’re the first open buds I’ve tried to have active noise canceling that actually works.” If that is a combination you need, look no further.
For those who prefer over-the-ear listening gear, these Apple headphones are a seriously premium option. They have a USB-C port and the H2 chip. Although these have been out for nearly five years now, with the USB-C refresh launched less than a year ago, the AirPods Max still land near the top of the best headphones we’ve tested. In our AirPods Max review, we noted that “if you’re looking for a high-end experience, the AirPods Max deliver one.”
Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector: $16
If you still like a good pair of old-fashioned wired earphones, these are for you. Keep in mind this is the lighting cable model, not the USB-C model.
Best Beats deals
If you find over-ear headphones to be a little bulky, the Beats Solo 4s are an excellent alternative. They’re one of our favorite pairs of on-ear headphones this year, with our reviewer commending them for their sound quality, battery life and voice-calling performance. They lack active noise cancellation but support spatial audio if you’re an Apple user. Plus, they deliver an impressive 50 hours of listening time per charge. They’re also lightweight at just 217 grams and the plush ear cushions help reduce outside noise.
The Beats Studio Buds are an excellent option for those on a tighter budget. They have a slim, stemless design, active noise cancellation and an impressive 36-hour battery life. They also support some convenient Android features, making them an excellent AirPods alternative if you’re not an iPhone user.
Our Studio Buds review called these a “surprise hit.” Our audio expert, David Carnoy, said that he liked them overall but noted that there was “probably some room for discounts on these Beats.” Considering these are currently 33% off, now is a great time to snag a pair.
These Beats Flex earbuds are a good option for people who want a wireless listening experience without a giant pair of headphones. They’re perfect for workouts, calls or listening to your favorite podcast on a commute. They’re also only $40 right now, making them a high-quality pair of earbuds without a high price.
Our review called the Beats Flex “balanced sounding,” noting that they’re a “solid neckband-style pair of earbuds” that our audio guru David Carnoy enjoyed using. He also noted that the price tag made them more appealing, and at the current discount, that is even more true for this pair.
Beats Studio Buds Plus: $100
These earbuds can run for up to 36 hours between charges using the charging case and active noise cancellation means you won’t be disturbed by your surroundings. Other features include Apple’s H2 chip, which offers support for instant device pairing and switching, as well as audio sharing, Find My and hands-free Siri.
What is the best AirPods deal right now?
The AirPods 4 are the latest pair in Apple’s flagship lineup and a great option if you’re looking to upgrade from an older generation but don’t want to drop $200 or more on the pricey AirPods Pro 2. You can grab the basic pair for $119 right now or grab the pair with active noise cancellation for $139. Both deals save you $39 compared to the usual price.
Apple AirPods pricing 2025
| Model | Apple store price | Best price right now | Best all-time price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | $129 | $90 | $89 |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | $179 | $140 | $119 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd gen) | $249 | $199 | $149 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | $480 | $399 |
How we choose AirPods deals at CNET
Apple makes some of the most popular earbuds on the market, which means we’re always on the lookout for any discounts or price drops. We monitor all major retailers and keep a running catalog of the lowest price currently available, along with the all-time lowest price, so you know if you’re truly getting a good value. We also include any discounts on some of the latest Beats headphones and earbuds, as they’ve incorporated Apple hardware since the company was purchased in 2014.
Deals on Apple headphones pop up sporadically throughout the year, sometimes only lasting for a day or even a few hours. However, the best deals are consistently found during major shopping events like Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day.
Apple’s wireless audio lineup 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. If you prefer an open-ear design, second-gen AirPods from 2019 are the most affordable on this list, or you can upgrade to the new AirPods 4 that start at $119. The third-gen AirPods are also still available, but considering that they’re pricier than the latest generation, they’re not really worth considering unless you can find them at a major discount.
If you prefer noise-canceling capabilities, your options are the in-ear AirPods Pro 2, the over-ear AirPods Max or the upgraded version of the AirPods 4, which list for $179. The AirPods Pro 2 and both versions of the AirPods 4 have Apple’s latest H2 chip, which supports lossless audio, something that the pricey AirPods Max are surprisingly lacking. And with the exception of the baseline AirPods 2, all the AirPods listed above are compatible with Apple’s spatial audio features.
The short answer is, not really when you’re talking about spatial audio with head tracking for movie and TV watching. While the AirPods Max offers the best sound overall, using the spatial audio virtual sound feature is largely the same experience on all the AirPods that support it.
While some models are certainly better than others, the second-gen AirPods Pro have claimed a top spot on our list of the best workout headphones, thanks to their lightweight design, top-notch noise-cancelation and IP54 weather-resistance rating.
Don’t see something you like? Not married to the Apple brand? Our collection of the best headphone deals has something for everyone from other popular companies.
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