Do Airpods Go on Black Friday Sale

Yes, AirPods go on Black Friday sale every year, often with discounts ranging from $30 to $100 off. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target typically offer steep price cuts on AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and standard AirPods during the Black Friday shopping event. Deals often begin appearing a week before Black Friday, and early shoppers usually grab the best prices before stock runs out.

Picture this: You’re scrolling through your phone, sipping your morning coffee, and suddenly you see a notification that AirPods Pro are $80 off. Your heart skips a beat. This isn’t a dream — it’s Black Friday, the one time of year when Apple products actually go on sale at significant discounts.

If you’ve been eyeing a new pair of AirPods but couldn’t justify the price tag, Black Friday is your golden opportunity. Every year, retailers slash prices on AirPods to compete for shoppers, creating some of the best deals you’ll find all year. Whether you’re after the noise-canceling AirPods Pro 2, the brand-new AirPods 4, or the premium AirPods Max, there’s a Black Friday deal waiting for you.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about AirPods Black Friday sales. You’ll learn which models get discounted, which retailers offer the best prices, how much you can realistically save, and tips for landing the deals before they sell out. By the end, you’ll be a Black Friday AirPods shopping pro, ready to grab the best deal of the year.

Key Takeaways

• Annual Tradition: AirPods have been on Black Friday sale every year since 2017, making it one of the most reliable deals of the season.
• Savings Range: Discounts typically range from $50 to $100 off, depending on the model and retailer.
• Best Models Discounted: AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, AirPods Max, and older generations all see price drops.
• Retailers to Watch: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco, and Apple’s own store all participate in Black Friday AirPods deals.
• Timing Matters: Early November deals often match Black Friday prices, so watching for early sales can help you snag deals before items sell out.
• Bundle Deals: Many retailers bundle AirPods with Apple Music, Apple TV+, or gift cards for added value.
• Stock Concerns: Popular models sell out fast, so having a purchase plan ready is essential for landing the best deals.

Yes, AirPods Go on Black Friday Sale Every Year

Let’s answer the big question right away: Do AirPods go on Black Friday sale? The answer is a resounding yes. AirPods have been featured in Black Friday deals consistently since 2017, when the original AirPods first hit the shelves. Since then, every Black Friday shopping season has brought significant discounts on various AirPods models.

The History of AirPods Black Friday Deals

To understand how good AirPods Black Friday deals can be, it helps to look at past years. In 2019, AirPods Pro launched at $249 and dropped to around $199 on Black Friday — a solid $50 discount on a brand-new product. By 2020, AirPods Pro hit record lows of $169 at multiple retailers. In 2022, AirPods Pro 2 saw discounts of up to $80 off their $249 retail price.

The trend has continued and even intensified. In 2023, shoppers saw AirPods Pro 2 drop to $169 (a $80 discount), AirPods 3 hit $119 (saving $30), and AirPods Max fell to $449 (saving $100 off MSRP). These weren’t fluke sales — they were widespread deals available across most major retailers.

Did You Know? AirPods generated over $14 billion in revenue for Apple in 2022, making them one of Apple’s most profitable accessories. Retailers know that offering AirPods deals drives massive traffic to their stores, which is why they compete so aggressively on price during Black Friday.

Why Retailers Love Discounting AirPods

You might wonder why retailers would discount such a popular product. Here’s the thing: AirPods are gateway products. Think of them like the sample at Costco — they get you in the door. Once you’re shopping for AirPods, you might also buy a phone case, a charger, maybe even a new laptop. Retailers know that AirPods deals bring customers in, and those customers often spend much more than the discounted price.

Additionally, Apple provides wholesale pricing to retailers, giving them room to offer discounts while still making a profit. Apple itself even participates in Black Friday, offering gift cards with purchases rather than direct price cuts — a smart strategy that maintains brand prestige while still rewarding shoppers.

Which AirPods Models Get Black Friday Discounts?

Not all AirPods models are created equal when it comes to Black Friday deals. Here’s the breakdown of what you can expect to find on sale.

AirPods Pro 2: The Crown Jewel of Black Friday Deals

The AirPods Pro 2 (with USB-C and Lightning versions) are consistently the most discounted AirPods during Black Friday. With a retail price of $249, these premium earbuds typically drop to $169 to $199 during the sales event. That’s a savings of $50 to $80, making them an incredible value for noise-canceling earbuds.

The AirPods Pro 2 feature active noise cancellation, adaptive transparency mode, spatial audio, and the H2 chip. For anyone who’s been on the fence about trying premium wireless earbuds, Black Friday is the perfect time to jump in.

Practical Tip: Last year, the USB-C version of AirPods Pro 2 sold out within hours at major retailers. If you want this specific model, plan to shop early in the day on Black Friday or take advantage of early deals that go live the week before.

AirPods 4: The Newest Contender

Launched in September 2024, the AirPods 4 are the newest AirPods on the market. While Apple hasn’t had a full Black Friday cycle to establish a discount pattern, early indicators suggest modest discounts of $20 to $30 off. The AirPods 4 start at $129 (without ANC) and $179 (with Active Noise Cancellation).

If you’re not in a rush, you might find better deals on AirPods 4 in future sales. But if you’ve been waiting to upgrade, Black Friday 2024 is likely your first chance to save on this model.

AirPods Max: The Luxury Option

The AirPods Max are Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, retailing at $549. While $549 might seem steep, Black Friday brings these down to around $399 to $449, saving you $100 to $150. These deals are less common than AirPods Pro discounts, but they do appear, especially at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Costco.

The AirPods Max feature high-fidelity audio, active noise cancellation, and Apple’s signature design. If you’ve been dreaming of premium Apple headphones, Black Friday is when that dream becomes affordable.

Older Generations: AirPods 2 and AirPods 3

As newer models launch, older AirPods get deeper discounts. The AirPods 2, which originally retailed at $159, now often sell for $69 to $89 on Black Friday. The AirPods 3, which launched at $179, can drop to $119 to $129 during the sales event.

These older models are excellent for budget-conscious shoppers, kids, or anyone who wants AirPods without the premium price tag. They still offer the seamless Apple experience, just without the latest features like active noise cancellation or spatial audio.

Where to Find the Best AirPods Black Friday Deals

Knowing where to shop is just as important as knowing when to shop. Here are the top retailers for AirPods Black Friday deals.

Amazon: The Online Giant

Amazon consistently offers some of the best AirPods Black Friday deals. The retail giant typically matches or beats competitors’ prices, and Prime members get early access to many deals. Amazon also offers Lightning Deals that flash for a limited time, so you’ll want to keep refreshing the deals section.

One major advantage of shopping Amazon is their generous return policy. If your AirPods arrive and you’re not happy, you have 30 days to return them. Plus, Amazon often has deals on both new and certified refurbished AirPods, giving you even more options.

Did You Know? Amazon sold over 2 million pairs of AirPods during Black Friday 2022, making it the largest AirPods retailer during the sales event.

Best Buy: The Tech Specialist

Best Buy is a go-to destination for Black Friday tech deals, and AirPods are no exception. Best Buy often bundles AirPods with gift cards, Apple TV+ subscriptions, or other accessories. Their price-match guarantee also means if you find a better deal elsewhere, they’ll match it.

Best Buy typically releases their Black Friday ad a week or two before the event, giving you time to plan your purchases. Their early access deals for My Best Buy Plus members can also help you snag deals before the general public.

Walmart: The Price Warrior

Walmart is known for aggressive pricing, and their Black Friday AirPods deals reflect this. The retailer often features doorbuster deals with limited quantities, so you’ll need to be quick. Walmart also offers rollback pricing that can extend beyond Black Friday, giving you flexibility if you miss the exact date.

Target: The Style-Savvy Retailer

Target combines competitive pricing with their signature shopping experience. Target Circle members often get exclusive deals and early access to Black Friday promotions. Target also tends to bundle AirPods with Apple gift cards, effectively giving you an additional discount.

Costco: The Membership Warehouse

If you’re a Costco member, you have access to some of the deepest AirPods discounts. Costco often prices AirPods $10 to $20 lower than other retailers, and they occasionally bundle them with Costco Shop Cards (their version of gift cards). The catch? You need a membership to shop there.

Apple: The Manufacturer’s Store

Apple itself participates in Black Friday, but their approach is unique. Rather than discounting AirPods directly, Apple offers Apple Gift Cards with purchases. For example, you might buy AirPods Pro 2 at full price and receive a $50 Apple Gift Card.

While this isn’t as immediately satisfying as a direct discount, the gift cards can be used for future Apple purchases, effectively giving you a discount. Plus, buying directly from Apple ensures you’re getting a brand-new, authentic product with full warranty coverage.

How Much Can You Save on AirPods During Black Friday?

The savings on AirPods during Black Friday are real and substantial. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect.

Average Discount Percentages by Model

AirPods Pro 2: $50 to $80 off (20% to 32% savings)

AirPods 4 (with ANC): $20 to $30 off (11% to 17% savings)

AirPods 4 (without ANC): $10 to $20 off (8% to 15% savings)

AirPods 3: $30 to $50 off (17% to 28% savings)

AirPods 2: $30 to $50 off (19% to 31% savings)

AirPods Max: $100 to $150 off (18% to 27% savings)

On average, shoppers save around 20% to 25% on AirPods during Black Friday. For premium models, this can mean pocketing an extra $80 or more.

Understanding Retail vs. Sale Price

Apple products rarely see permanent price drops, which makes Black Friday deals even more valuable. Throughout the rest of the year, AirPods prices stay relatively stable. Black Friday is one of the few times you can get genuine savings on these products.

Here’s an analogy: Imagine if your favorite coffee shop charged $5 for a latte every day of the year but offered them for $2.50 every Black Friday. You’d stock up, right? That’s essentially what happens with AirPods — the everyday price stays high, but Black Friday brings dramatic savings.

Comparing Black Friday to Other Sales Events

How does Black Friday stack up against other sales? Prime Day (July) offers some AirPods discounts, typically $20 to $40 off. Back-to-school sales bring similar modest discounts. Cyber Monday mirrors Black Friday deals but focuses on online retailers.

Black Friday remains the king of AirPods deals, with the deepest discounts and widest availability. If you can only shop one sale event for AirPods, make it Black Friday.

When Do AirPods Black Friday Deals Start?

Timing is everything when shopping Black Friday deals. Here’s what you need to know about when deals drop.

The Early Bird Strategy: Early November Deals

Many retailers start their Black Friday deals in early November, sometimes up to three weeks before the actual date. These “early Black Friday” deals often match the prices you’ll see on Black Friday proper, giving savvy shoppers a chance to avoid the chaos.

Amazon, Walmart, and Target typically begin their early deals in the first or second week of November. Best Buy often joins in around mid-November. If you see an AirPods deal in early November at a price you’re happy with, grab it — there’s no guarantee the price will be the same on Black Friday itself.

The Main Event: Black Friday Week

The week of Black Friday (roughly November 20-27) sees the highest concentration of deals. Retailers release their doorbuster deals, limited-time Lightning Deals, and exclusive bundles. This is when you’ll find the absolute lowest prices, but also the highest competition.

Popular AirPods models can sell out within hours of deals going live. The AirPods Pro 2, in particular, tends to be one of the first items to sell out during Black Friday.

Cyber Monday: The Online Encore

If you miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) brings a second wave of deals. Cyber Monday focuses on online retailers, and many of the same AirPods discounts return. Stock levels might be lower, but you can still find solid deals.

Some retailers even extend deals through “Cyber Week,” giving you five to seven days to shop. The downside? Stock on popular models is often depleted by this point.

Pro Tip: Create a Shopping Calendar

To maximize your chances of landing the best AirPods deal, create a shopping calendar:

• Early November: Start tracking prices. Use tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) or browser extensions that track price history.
• Mid-November: Sign up for retailer newsletters and follow them on social media. Many release deals to email subscribers first.
• Week Before Black Friday: Finalize your shopping list and have payment information ready in your shopping accounts.
• Black Friday Day: Shop early, ideally before 8 AM local time. Have backup options in case your first choice sells out.
• Cyber Monday: Check for any remaining deals or restocks.

Tips for Landing the Best AirPods Black Friday Deals

Knowing about deals is one thing — actually getting them is another. Here are proven strategies for AirPods Black Friday shopping success.

Do Your Research Before November

Don’t wait until Black Friday to start thinking about which AirPods you want. Decide on your preferred model, desired features, and budget well in advance. This preparation prevents impulse purchases and ensures you grab the right deal when it appears.

Also, familiarize yourself with the retail prices. Some “deals” are actually products priced at their usual sale price, with retailers inflating the “original” price to make the discount look bigger. Knowing the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) helps you spot genuine deals.

Use Price Tracking Tools

Tools like CamelCamelCamel, Honey, and Google Shopping can help you track AirPods prices across retailers and see price history. This data shows you whether a “discount” is actually a good deal or just marketing.

For example, if AirPods Pro 2 typically sell for $199 throughout the year and a retailer lists them at $249 crossed out with a $179 price tag, you know the $179 is a genuine deal. But if the same retailer usually sells them for $179, that “deal” isn’t special.

Stack Your Savings

Smart shoppers stack multiple savings strategies:

• Cashback Credit Cards: Use credit cards that offer 2% to 5% cashback on purchases.
• Store Rewards Programs: Join retailer loyalty programs for exclusive member discounts.
• Coupon Codes: Search for coupon codes before checkout — sites like RetailMeNot often have valid codes.
• Student Discounts: If you’re a student, check Apple’s education store for additional savings.
• Trade-Ins: Apple offers trade-in credit for old devices, which can stack with Black Friday deals.

When you combine a 20% Black Friday discount with 5% cashback and a $25 trade-in, your savings can easily reach 30% or more.

Have Backup Options Ready

If your first-choice AirPods model sells out, have backups in mind. Maybe you wanted AirPods Pro 2, but if those sell out, would you consider AirPods 4 with ANC? Or AirPods 3 at a deep discount?

Having a hierarchy of preferences helps you act quickly when stock runs low. The worst feeling is watching your dream AirPods sell out while you debate alternatives.

Shop Multiple Retailers Simultaneously

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Have multiple retailers open in browser tabs and be ready to purchase from whichever has stock. Amazon might sell out while Best Buy still has inventory, or vice versa.

Apps like ShopSavvy can help you compare prices across retailers in real-time, ensuring you never miss a deal because you were shopping the wrong store.

Be Cautious of Scams

Unfortunately, Black Friday attracts scammers. Be wary of:

• Deals that seem too good to be true (90% off AirPods is a red flag)
• Third-party sellers with no ratings or reviews
• Websites with misspelled URLs mimicking legitimate retailers
• Social media ads for “exclusive” deals that lead to phishing sites

Always shop from reputable retailers and verify URLs before entering payment information. If a deal looks suspiciously cheap, it’s probably a scam.

The Future of AirPods Black Friday Sales

Looking ahead, AirPods Black Friday deals are likely to continue and even evolve. As Apple releases new AirPods models, older ones get deeper discounts. The AirPods lineup is expected to grow, with rumors of new health-focused features and updated designs in coming years.

What to Expect in Coming Years

Industry analysts predict that AirPods will continue to be one of the most popular Black Friday items. As competition in the wireless earbuds market heats up, retailers will likely offer even steeper discounts to attract shoppers.

We might also see more bundle deals, with AirPods paired with Apple Music subscriptions, Apple TV+ access, or other services. These bundles provide perceived value while allowing retailers to offer “discounts” on hardware.

The Bottom Line on AirPods Black Friday

AirPods Black Friday sales are the real deal — pun intended. With consistent year-after-year discounts, multiple retailers competing for your business, and a wide range of models on sale, it’s the best time to buy AirPods if you’re looking to save money.

Whether you’re a first-time AirPods buyer, upgrading from an older pair, or shopping for a gift, Black Friday offers something for every shopper. The key is preparation: know what you want, track prices, have backups ready, and act quickly when deals go live.

So yes, AirPods absolutely go on Black Friday sale, and the discounts are substantial. Mark your calendar, set your alerts, and get ready to save big on your next pair of AirPods. Your wallet (and your ears) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirPods actually go on sale during Black Friday?

Yes, AirPods go on Black Friday sale every year with discounts ranging from $30 to $100 off depending on the model. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all participate in these annual sales events.

How much do AirPods typically cost on Black Friday?

AirPods Pro 2 usually drop to $169-$199 (saving $50-$80), AirPods 3 fall to $119-$129 (saving $30-$50), and AirPods Max can hit $399-$449 (saving $100-$150). Older models like AirPods 2 often see discounts of $30-$50 off.

When should I start looking for AirPods Black Friday deals?

Start tracking AirPods prices in early November, as many retailers release early Black Friday deals 2-3 weeks before the actual date. The biggest deals typically drop during Black Friday week, but popular models sell out quickly.

Which retailer has the best AirPods Black Friday deals?

Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart typically offer the most competitive AirPods Black Friday prices. Costco members often get the deepest discounts, while Apple offers gift cards with purchases rather than direct price cuts.

Are Black Friday AirPods deals legitimate or just marketing?

Black Friday AirPods deals are generally legitimate, with genuine discounts of 20-30% off retail prices. Use price tracking tools to verify deals and ensure you’re getting real savings rather than inflated “original” prices.

Should I wait for Black Friday or buy AirPods now?

If you need AirPods immediately, buy now. But if you can wait, Black Friday offers the deepest discounts of the year. Keep in mind that popular models sell out fast, so having a backup plan is important if stock runs low.