Mashable has rounded up the three best AirPods deals currently live ahead of October Prime Day, plus three deals that buyers might want to wait on. The sale, officially called Prime Big Deal Days, starts Oct. 6 and marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season.
The headline promises six deals, and the paper delivers five — four live ones and one warning that a deal on the AirPods 4 with ANC is not actually a deal. Here is what is on offer right now.
Live Deals Right Now
The standout deal is the humble AirPods 4, which are down to $99. That is the lowest price point among the current lineup, though it lacks active noise cancellation (ANC).
The AirPods 4 have already sold out at Amazon, so shoppers who want them should move quickly. They are also the last AirPods available without ANC, since the newly announced AirPods 5 bring that feature back into the mix.
The other live deals cover two higher-end models:
- Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $234 ($249 save $15)
- Apple AirPods Max 2 — $479 ($549 save $70)
The AirPods 5 Have Only One Small Deal So Far
The newest model, the AirPods 5, has received just one small price drop since their release on Sept. 18. That dip was a $4 reduction, which is notable given how new the product is to the market.
The paper’s shopping reporter, Bethany Allard, notes that the AirPods 5 are still very new. That means there is room for bigger moves as the holiday season progresses, though nothing has been announced yet.
Waiting On These Three Deals
Three AirPods models are not currently discounted, and the paper advises shoppers to hold off on them until Oct. 6. The reasoning for each is slightly different.
- AirPods 5 — This model has only had that $4 price drop, and the paper hopes for a more substantial deal as the season continues. Since the product is still brand new, the chances of a discount are not zero, but they are not guaranteed either.
- AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case — This version has not dropped in price at all yet. The paper is not holding its breath for a cut, partly because the product is still fresh on shelves.
- AirPods 4 with ANC — This model looks like a good deal at $149 (down from $179), but there is a catch. Its newer counterpart, the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, shares the same $149 list price and comes with an improved feature set, including better ANC and sound quality, with the same battery life. In other words, the older model would have to go below $149 for the deal to be worth it.
Why The AirPods 4 Are Likely Disappearing
Allard, who tests and writes about headphones year-round, says the AirPods 4 are likely the last holiday shopping season you can grab these buds on sale. She points out that they are still far from their record low price of $69, but their availability may be limited as the season goes on.
The record low of $69 is worth noting because it sets a floor for what a sale could look like. The AirPods 4 are currently at $99, so they have a ways to fall before matching that number.
What Shoppers Should Consider
The AirPods 4 without ANC are a solid option for listeners who do not need noise cancellation. The $99 price point is attractive, and the model has already sold out at Amazon, which suggests demand is strong.
For buyers who want ANC, the situation is trickier. The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case is the newest option, but it has not dropped in price yet. The AirPods 4 with ANC is technically cheaper at $149, but it is not a better deal once you factor in the improved features on the newer model.
The paper’s advice is clear: if you want the AirPods 4 with ANC, wait. If you do not need ANC, the AirPods 4 without it at $99 is the best bet right now.
The Holiday Shopping Season Has Begun
October Prime Day starts Oct. 6, and the paper’s team will be tracking all the best AirPods deals in the lead-up to the main event. The sale marks the start of the holiday shopping season, which is often a great time to grab tech like AirPods on sale.
Shoppers should pay attention to availability. The AirPods 4 have already sold out at Amazon, and the paper warns that their availability may be limited as the season progresses.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Model | Current Price | Original Price | Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | $99 | N/A | Live |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | $149 | $179 | Live |
| AirPods 5 | N/A | N/A | One $4 drop |
| AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | N/A | $149 | Not live |
| AirPods Pro 3 | $234 | $249 | Live |
| AirPods Max 2 | $479 | $549 | Live |
The Bottom Line
The AirPods 4 without ANC at $99 is the best deal right now. It is a solid choice for anyone who does not need noise cancellation and wants a budget-friendly option.
The AirPods 5 and its variants are worth waiting on. The paper expects more substantial deals to emerge as the holiday season progresses, and Oct. 6 is the date to watch.
Shoppers who want the latest features should hold off on the AirPods 4 with ANC. The newer AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case offers better ANC and sound quality for the same price, so the older model would have to drop below $149 to justify a purchase.
The sale starts Oct. 6, and the deals will be live then.
Source material: “I found 3 AirPods deals live ahead of October Prime Day (and 3 not live yet),” Mashable.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.