Today's the day to snag some amazing deals on Apple's latest AirPods, no matter your budget. Let's start with the top-tier model: the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro wireless noise-canceling earbuds are now available for just $169.99, shipped, down from their usual $240. If you're looking for a slightly less expensive option, the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is currently priced at $148.99, a significant drop from its regular $179. And for those seeking great value, the AirPods 4 without ANC is on sale for $99.99, originally priced at $129. For iPhone users, these are undoubtedly the top earbuds to complement your smartphone.

Apple AirPods Pro for $169.99

Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C

$249.00 save 32% $169.99 at Amazon

The AirPods Pro is the best-sounding "truly wireless" earbuds for iPhone users, thanks to its passively isolating in-ear design combined with excellent active noise cancellation, a low-distortion driver and amp, and the powerful Apple H2 chip. It also boasts useful features like Adaptive Transparency Mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing your earbuds, and Conversation Mode, which automatically enhances the voices of people you're talking to. The second-generation AirPods Pro replaces the Lightning port with a more universal USB Type-C port, eliminating the need for multiple cables, and includes a MagSafe charging case as standard.

Save Over $40 Off the New Apple AirPods 4

Apple AirPods 4

$129.00 save 22% $99.99 at Amazon

Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

$179.00 save 17% $148.99 at Amazon

The Apple AirPods 4, released in September 2024, comes in two variants: one with and one without noise cancellation. Both models are largely similar, with the key difference being the noise-canceling functionality in the pricier version. The AirPods 4 includes several upgrades over the AirPods 3, aligning it with current standards. These enhancements include the newer Apple H2 chip (versus the H1), Bluetooth 5.3 support (versus Bluetooth 5.0), a better IP54 resistance rating that now protects against dust intrusion (versus IPX4), USB Type-C (versus Lightning), and the replacement of the skin detect sensor with a more reliable optical in-ear sensor.

Should you get the AirPods Pro over AirPods 4 with ANC?

The AirPods Pro stands out as a superior earbud, which justifies its $70 higher price tag compared to the AirPods 4 with ANC. Both feature active noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro delivers better sound quality and more effective noise cancellation due to its design. The AirPods 4 ANC uses an open-ear style with non-adjustable tips, designed to sit just outside the ear, which, while comfortable, results in sound leakage and ambient noise intrusion.

Conversely, the AirPods Pro uses an in-ear style that fits inside your ear canal, sealing it and passively isolating it from ambient noise. It comes with adjustable tips to accommodate different ear sizes and ensure a proper seal, which is crucial for optimal performance. At this price, the only compelling reason to opt for the AirPods 4 ANC is if you prefer not to use in-ear style earbuds.

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