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In just a few hours, Cyber Monday will dip below the horizon, with its next visit expected at the same time next year. The event has produced record-low prices, with some of the best Cyber Monday AirPods deals we've seen over the years.
The AirPods Pro 2, our top pick for the best AirPods, have been intermittently in and out of stock from Amazon and other retailers but remain available from Walmart at an all-time low price of $154. If you ever thought the AirPods Max were too expensive, now is the time to grab them with a 27% discount on Amazon.
These AirPods Cyber Monday deals are expected to last until midnight PT, but supplies are limited, as evident in the rapidly changing availability of the AirPods Pro 2. For more tech discounts, check out our guide to the best Apple Cyber Monday deals. We're also rounding up the remaining sales across all product categories in our guide to the best Cyber Monday deals.
The best Cyber Monday AirPods deals
The AirPods Pro 2 are a big upgrade from their predecessors, with improved noise cancellation and battery life. They also support new aural health features to assess your hearing and function as hearing aids. This model comes with a USB-C charging case and added dust resistance.
- Best sounding Apple earbuds
- Loaded with Apple-friendly features
- Excellent noise canceling
- Adaptive audio adjusts to environment
- Still limited for Android devices
- Nearly identical physical design as original AirPods Pro
- Lack of custom EQ controls
Apple's base AirPods are now available with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) without the use of in-ear tips. The new model uses the brand's H2 chip to power features like Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness.
- Semi-open fit works well for people who dislike in-ear tips
- Good sound quality for this class
- Solid noise-canceling with excellent transparency mode
- Lack of a seal limits audio performance compared to in-ear models
- Noise-cancellation can't match AirPods Pro 2 or top ANC models
- No volume slider control
Apple's latest generation of AirPods features a new design to optimize comfort for wearers of every kind. It's powered by the H2 chip and uses a smaller case than ever.
- Same core audio performance as pricier AirPods 4 with ANC
- Open fit may be more comfortable than in-ear style buds for some people
- Lacks noise cancellation
- Charging case isn't wireless
- Sound quality is limited by open design since it doesn't create a seal
Apple’s original AirPods Max are still available at some retailers and often cost less than the refreshed model with USB-C. This version uses a Lightning connection for charging and supports wired audio with a 3.5mm adapter.
- Stylish and luxurious build quality
- Convenient Apple features and device integration
- Clear, full, and spacious sound quality
- Good noise canceling and natural transparency mode
- Limited features for Android and PC
- Heavy metal design
- Battery life is bested by most competitors
- Wrap-around smart case offers little protection
Apple's refreshed AirPods Max headphones support USB-C charging and come in five new colors. Otherwise, the hardware delivers the same impressive audio quality. However, this edition does not currently support a wired audio connection.
- Features a more modern USB-C connection for charging
- Premium build quality
- Excellent audio performance
- Strong active noise canceling and natural-sounding transparency mode
- Currently lacks support for wired audio playback
- Features are limited for Android and PC
- Metal design adds heft
- Included case doesn't provide much protection
Cyber Monday AirPods FAQs
Which AirPods should you buy?
Apple's current AirPods lineup includes the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2, and the AirPods Max. Though they all perform well, different models are suited for different needs.
The entry-level AirPods 4 are good for casual listeners who like an open fit. These earbuds rest just outside your ear canal rather than creating a full seal inside. However, the base model does not have noise-cancelling support. For an additional $50, you can opt for the AirPods 4 with ANC, which adds noise cancellation and a wireless charging case. We think the ANC model offers the best value between the two. Read our AirPods 4 review for more details.
Buyers who want Apple earbuds with high-end sound quality and top-notch noise cancellation should opt for the premium AirPods Pro 2. These earbuds have an in-ear design that creates a seal in your ear canal. This design enables better performance since less sound can leak. However, some people don't like the plugged-in feel they create. The AirPods Pro 2 also support exclusive aural health features you won't find on other AirPods, including a hearing aid function. You can learn more in our full AirPods Pro 2 review.
Apple's most expensive headphones are the AirPods Max. Unlike the brand's other models, the Max are over-ear headphones with padded earcups and a headband. Though less portable than other AirPods, this design offers the best audio quality and noise cancellation since they can incorporate larger drivers and create a full seal over your ears. Apple sells two versions of the AirPods Max: one with USB-C charging and one with Lightning charging. Visit our AirPods Max review for detailed impressions.
Is Cyber Monday a good time to buy AirPods?
Yes, Cyber Monday is an excellent time to buy AirPods. Historically, Apple's headphones reach all-time low prices during Cyber Monday, as seen in the above deals.
What is noise canceling?
Noise-canceling, also called active noise-canceling (ANC), is a feature on many headphones, including several of Apple's AirPods. Noise-canceling headphones feature integrated microphones and processing designed to analyze ambient sounds and then flip the polarity of their frequencies. The resulting effect essentially blocks our ears from hearing those noises.
However, even the best noise-canceling headphones cannot completely block out ambient sounds, and high-frequency noises are particularly tricky to handle.
Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Cyber Monday deals.
