Do Airpods Have Black Friday Sales

Yes, AirPods have Black Friday sales every year, with discounts ranging from $20 to $150 off depending on the model. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target typically offer some of the steepest price drops during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 models usually see the most significant markdowns, often matching or beating their all-time low prices. Shopping early and comparing prices across multiple stores can help you score the best deal.

Picture this: you’re scrolling through your phone on a lazy November morning, sipping coffee, and you see it—a pair of AirPods Pro 2 marked down to $159 from $249. Your heart does a little happy dance. This isn’t a fantasy. This is what Black Friday looks like for millions of savvy shoppers who know exactly when and where to look for AirPods deals.

Every year, AirPods become one of the most sought-after Black Friday doorbusters. Why? Because they’re expensive, they’re popular, and retailers know that offering deep discounts on AirPods drives foot traffic and online sales like nothing else. Apple has even started participating in these sales through their retail partners, which wasn’t always the case.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about AirPods Black Friday sales. We’ll cover historical discount patterns, which models get marked down the most, where to find the best deals, and share insider tips to make sure you never overpay for AirPods. Whether you’re eyeing the budget-friendly AirPods 4 or the premium AirPods Max, this guide will help you shop smarter.

Key Takeaways

• Annual Tradition: AirPods consistently rank among the most discounted Apple products during Black Friday, with deals appearing nearly every year since 2017.
• Average Savings: Typical discounts range from $30 to $80 on standard AirPods and up to $150 on premium models like AirPods Max.
• Top Retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Apple’s own store consistently offer the best AirPods Black Friday deals.
• Best Time to Buy: The best deals typically drop during the week of Thanksgiving and extend through Cyber Monday, with some early bird sales starting in early November.
• Newer Models Discount Less: Just-released AirPods models rarely see huge discounts, but older generations get slashed significantly.
• Bundled Deals: Many retailers offer gift card bonuses or bundle AirPods with other Apple products for extra value.
• Price Tracking Helps: Using tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey can help verify whether a Black Friday deal is truly the lowest price.

The Short Answer: Yes, AirPods Always Have Black Friday Sales

Let’s cut right to the chase. Yes, AirPods absolutely have Black Friday sales every single year. This isn’t a “maybe” or “sometimes” situation. It’s a guaranteed annual event that shoppers can plan around with confidence.

Why Retailers Love Discounting AirPods

Think of AirPods like the gateway drug to the Apple ecosystem. Once someone buys AirPods, they’re more likely to buy an iPhone, an Apple Watch, or an iPad. Retailers understand this psychology. By offering attractive AirPods discounts, they’re essentially making an investment in future sales. It’s similar to how grocery stores put milk at the back of the store—they know you’ll grab other items along the way.

Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target compete fiercely for your attention during Black Friday. Offering $50 or $100 off AirPods is one of the most effective ways to get you to click their link or walk through their doors. This competition drives prices down and benefits consumers enormously.

The History of AirPods Black Friday Discounts

AirPods first launched in December 2016, and by Black Friday 2017, they were already seeing modest discounts of around $15 to $20. Fast forward to today, and the discounts have grown substantially. In recent years, we’ve witnessed:

• 2020: AirPods Pro dropped to $169 (a $80 discount)
• 2021: AirPods 3 hit $149.99 (a $30 discount)
• 2022: AirPods Pro 2 launched in September, then dropped to $199 in November
• 2023: AirPods Pro 2 reached $159 at multiple retailers (record low)
• 2024: AirPods 4 with ANC hit $119, while AirPods Max dropped to $399

Did you know that AirPods are now the best-selling headphones worldwide? According to Statista, Apple shipped over 80 million AirPods in 2023 alone. This massive market share is exactly why retailers fight so hard to offer competitive Black Friday deals.

Which AirPods Models Get the Biggest Black Friday Discounts?

Not all AirPods models are created equal when it comes to Black Friday savings. Some models see massive price cuts, while newer releases barely budge. Understanding this hierarchy can help you decide which model to target.

AirPods Pro 2: The Crown Jewel of Black Friday Deals

If there’s one AirPods model that consistently steals the Black Friday spotlight, it’s the AirPods Pro 2. These premium earbuds feature active noise cancellation, adaptive transparency mode, and the powerful H2 chip. Normally retailing for $249, they’ve dropped as low as $159 during recent Black Friday events.

Here’s a fun analogy: if AirPods were cars, the AirPods Pro 2 would be the luxury sedan. They’re the model everyone wants, and retailers know that discounting them creates the biggest buzz. Last year’s $90 discount on AirPods Pro 2 sold out faster than any other AirPods deal in many stores.

For 2025, keep a close eye on AirPods Pro 2 pricing. With the AirPods Pro 3 rumored to launch in fall 2025, the current AirPods Pro 2 could see even steeper discounts as retailers clear inventory.

AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC

The standard AirPods 4 (without active noise cancellation) typically retail for $129, while the ANC version sells for $179. During Black Friday 2024, the ANC version dropped to $119—a remarkable $60 discount that matched its all-time low price.

These models are the sweet spot for shoppers who want quality without paying premium prices. They’re like the Toyota Camry of the AirPods lineup—reliable, well-reviewed, and priced just right when on sale.

AirPods Max: The Premium Over-Ear Option

AirPods Max are the most expensive AirPods, normally retailing for $549. While they don’t see the same percentage discounts as smaller models, the dollar amount saved is substantial. Black Friday deals typically bring them down to $399 to $449, saving you $100 to $150.

Did You Know? AirPods Max use 40mm Apple-designed drivers and feature computational audio that processes sound 9 billion operations per second. That’s like having a tiny supercomputer on your head!

Older Generation AirPods: The Hidden Bargains

While Apple has discontinued some older models, you can still find AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 at third-party retailers. These often see the steepest discounts—sometimes 40% off or more. However, availability is limited, and they’re increasingly hard to find new.

Think of older AirPods models like last year’s smartphone. They still work great, but retailers are practically giving them away to clear shelf space for newer inventory.

Where to Find the Best AirPods Black Friday Deals

Knowing when AirPods go on sale is only half the battle. You also need to know where to shop. Different retailers offer different advantages, and the best deal often depends on which model you want.

Amazon: The Online Price War Champion

Amazon consistently offers some of the most competitive AirPods Black Friday prices. Their massive inventory, lightning deals, and price-matching algorithms make them a go-to destination. Amazon typically launches Black Friday deals the moment Black Friday officially begins and extends them through Cyber Monday.

One key advantage of shopping Amazon is their generous return policy. If you find a better deal elsewhere within the return window, you can return your AirPods and buy from the cheaper source. It’s like having a safety net while shopping on the high wire.

Best Buy: The Brick-and-Mortar Champion

Best Buy is the traditional go-to for Apple products, and their Black Friday deals are often identical to Amazon’s. The advantage of Best Buy is their price match guarantee—if Amazon has a lower price, Best Buy will usually match it. Plus, you can pick up your AirPods the same day if a nearby store has them in stock.

Best Buy also offers exclusive bundles that include gift cards or accessories. For example, they might throw in a $25 gift card when you purchase AirPods Pro 2, effectively giving you an even bigger discount.

Walmart and Target: The Under-the-Radar Contenders

Walmart and Target often match Amazon and Best Buy’s prices but sometimes offer slightly better deals on specific models. Both retailers frequently run early Black Friday sales starting in early November, which is great for planners who don’t want to wait until Thanksgiving weekend.

Target Circle members and Walmart+ subscribers sometimes get exclusive early access to deals, making membership worthwhile if you’re planning major electronics purchases.

Apple’s Own Store: The Surprisingly Good Option

Apple rarely discounts AirPods directly, but during Black Friday, they offer gift cards with purchase. For example, buying AirPods Pro 2 directly from Apple might come with a $75 Apple gift card. While that’s not the same as a direct discount, it provides real value that you can use for future purchases.

Buying from Apple also guarantees you’re getting genuine products with full warranty support. No knockoffs, no gray market imports—just pure Apple quality.

Costco and Sam’s Club: The Membership Discounters

If you’re a Costco or Sam’s Club member, check their Black Friday ads carefully. They sometimes offer exclusive AirPods bundles at prices lower than anywhere else. The catch? You need a membership, and deals sell out extremely fast.

When to Shop for AirPods Black Friday Deals

Timing is everything when it comes to scoring the best AirPods deals. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect.

Early November: The Teaser Sales

Many retailers begin teasing Black Friday deals in early November, with some “early access” sales starting as early as November 1st. These aren’t typically the deepest discounts, but they’re a good way to avoid the Black Friday rush.

Week of Thanksgiving: The Pre-Black Friday Frenzy

The Monday through Wednesday before Thanksgiving is when many retailers drop their best pre-Black Friday deals. This is a strategic move to capture shoppers who don’t want to wait or who plan to do their Black Friday shopping from work.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: The Main Event

The biggest discounts typically land on Black Friday proper (the day after Thanksgiving) and extend through Cyber Monday. Some retailers start their sales at midnight, while others drop them throughout the day. Popular models can sell out within hours, so being prepared matters.

December and Beyond: The Leftover Deals

If you miss Black Friday, don’t despair. Many retailers extend deals through mid-December, especially for less popular models. However, the absolute lowest prices of the year typically occur during the Black Friday-Cyber Monday window.

Here’s a helpful tip: many stores now offer extended return windows during the holiday season. If you buy AirPods on November 28th and find a better deal on December 15th, you can often return the original purchase and rebuy at the lower price. It’s like being able to time-travel through your shopping decisions.

Insider Tips for Scoring the Best AirPods Black Friday Deals

Now that you know the when, where, and which, let’s talk about how to be a smart AirPods Black Friday shopper. These strategies will help you maximize savings and avoid common pitfalls.

Set Price Alerts Before Black Friday

Use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel, Honey, or Keepa to monitor AirPods prices in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. These tools show you historical pricing data, so you can verify whether a “Black Friday deal” is actually a good deal or just a marketing gimmick.

For example, if AirPods Pro 2 normally sell for $239 and drop to $199 for Black Friday, that’s only a $40 discount. But if you know they’ve previously hit $159, you know to wait for an even better deal.

Know Your Target Price

Before Black Friday arrives, research what price you’re willing to pay for each AirPods model. Having a clear target helps you resist impulse purchases and recognize genuine deals when they appear.

As a general rule of thumb for 2025:

• AirPods 4: Target $99 or less (regular $129)
• AirPods 4 with ANC: Target $129 or less (regular $179)
• AirPods Pro 2: Target $179 or less (regular $249)
• AirPods Max: Target $399 or less (regular $549)

Stack Discounts When Possible

Did you know you can sometimes combine discounts? Many retailers allow you to stack credit card rewards, store loyalty programs, and Black Friday deals. For example, using an Amazon Prime card during an Amazon Black Friday sale could give you an additional 5% cash back on top of the discounted price.

Avoid Impulse Buying Bundles You Don’t Need

Retailers often try to bundle AirPods with other products at “discounted” prices. While bundles can offer real value, they’re only good deals if you actually want the bundled items. A $300 AirPods Pro 2 bundle with accessories worth $50 isn’t a great deal if you only need the AirPods.

Check Refurbished Options

Apple’s Certified Refurbished store often has AirPods at 15-20% discounts year-round. During Black Friday, these refurbished prices can drop even further. These products come with the same warranty as new AirPods and are essentially indistinguishable from brand-new units.

Be Cautious of Third-Party Sellers

During Black Friday, the market floods with third-party sellers offering “amazing deals” on AirPods. While some are legitimate, others sell counterfeit or used AirPods disguised as new. Always buy from authorized retailers or check seller ratings carefully on platforms like Amazon and eBay.

What About AirPods Pro 3 in 2025?

The biggest question on many shoppers’ minds is whether to wait for AirPods Pro 3, rumored to launch in late 2025. Here’s our analysis.

The AirPods Pro 3 Dilemma

If AirPods Pro 3 launches in September or October 2025, they’ll likely be available for Black Friday 2025—but probably without significant discounts. Conversely, the existing AirPods Pro 2 will see massive discounts to clear inventory.

Here’s an analogy: it’s like buying last year’s phone model right after the new one launches. You’re getting 90% of the technology at 60% of the price. For most people, that’s a fantastic deal.

However, if AirPods Pro 3 features revolutionary new technology that you absolutely must have, waiting might be worth it. Consider what’s been rumored: potential health monitoring features, improved noise cancellation, and a new H3 chip. Whether these are must-haves depends on your personal preferences.

Should You Buy AirPods Now or Wait?

If you need AirPods now, buy them now. If you can wait until Black Friday 2025, you’ll likely save significantly on current models. The decision comes down to whether you value savings or having the latest technology more.

A good rule of thumb: if your current earbuds are broken or missing, don’t wait. Buy what you need now. If you’re just casually wanting an upgrade, wait for Black Friday.

Common Black Friday AirPods Scams to Avoid

Unfortunately, Black Friday also brings out scammers looking to take advantage of eager shoppers. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Fake Websites and Phishing Emails

Scammers create fake websites that look exactly like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart. They send phishing emails promising AirPods deals that are “too good to be true”—because they usually are. Always verify URLs carefully and never click links in unsolicited emails.

Counterfeit AirPods

The market is flooded with fake AirPods that look nearly identical to genuine ones but offer poor sound quality and no warranty. These typically sell for $30 to $60, significantly cheaper than even Black Friday discounts on real AirPods. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Gift Card Scams

Some scammers offer “discounted” gift cards that can be used to buy AirPods. These gift cards are often stolen, used, or fake. Only buy gift cards directly from authorized retailers or the official Apple website.

Social Media Marketplace Scams

Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist are full of “brand new AirPods” at deep discounts. These are almost always scams or stolen goods. Stick to authorized retailers for Black Friday AirPods purchases.

The Future of AirPods Black Friday Sales

Looking ahead, AirPods Black Friday deals will likely continue evolving. Here are some trends to watch.

Sustainability and Refurbished Models

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, expect to see more refurbished AirPods deals during Black Friday. Apple’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030 means they’re pushing refurbished products harder than ever.

Subscription Models and Trade-Ins

Some retailers are beginning to offer AirPods through subscription models or trade-in programs. These could become more prominent during Black Friday, offering alternative ways to access AirPods at lower upfront costs.

More Newer Models Discounted

Historically, Apple waited until products were at least one year old before allowing significant discounts. This pattern may continue, but expect newer models to see slightly larger discounts than in previous years as competition in the wireless earbud market intensifies.

Did you know that the global wireless earbuds market is expected to reach $200 billion by 2027? That’s massive growth, and retailers know AirPods dominate this space. They’ll continue offering attractive deals to capture market share.

Making the Final Decision: Your AirPods Black Friday Action Plan

You now have all the information you need to make an informed AirPods Black Friday purchase. Let’s create a simple action plan.

Step 1: Decide Which Model You Want

Consider your budget, desired features, and whether you need noise cancellation. AirPods 4 are perfect for casual listeners, AirPods Pro 2 for commuters and frequent travelers, and AirPods Max for audiophiles and home use.

Step 2: Set Your Target Price

Use the pricing guidelines mentioned earlier to establish your target. Stick to this number and don’t get tempted by “good enough” deals when better ones are coming.

Step 3: Choose Your Retailer

Decide between Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, or Apple’s store based on past experiences, return policies, and convenience.

Step 4: Set Up Price Alerts

Install price tracking apps and set alerts for your target model. This way, you’ll be notified the moment a deal hits your target price.

Step 5: Be Ready to Act Fast

The best deals sell out within hours. Have your payment information saved, know exactly which page to visit, and be prepared to checkout quickly when your deal appears.

Final Thoughts: Black Friday AirPods Deals Are Real and Worth the Wait

AirPods Black Friday sales are a reliable annual event that offers genuine savings. Whether you’re looking for entry-level AirPods 4 or premium AirPods Max, you can expect to save between $30 and $150 depending on the model.

The key to success is preparation. Know what you want, know what price you’re willing to pay, and know where to shop. Use price tracking tools, set alerts, and don’t get fooled by fake deals or scams.

Here’s the bottom line: if you’re patient and strategic, you can save significant money on AirPods during Black Friday. The deals are real, the discounts are substantial, and the savings can be used for other holiday gifts or kept in your pocket for a rainy day.

So mark your calendar, set your alerts, and get ready to score the best AirPods deal of the year. Your wallet—and your ears—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirPods really go on sale for Black Friday?

Yes, AirPods consistently go on sale during Black Friday every year. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target offer genuine discounts ranging from $20 to $150 off, depending on the model. These sales have occurred annually since 2017.

What was the lowest price ever for AirPods Pro 2 on Black Friday?

The lowest recorded Black Friday price for AirPods Pro 2 was $159 in 2023, which represented a $90 discount from the regular $249 retail price. This deal appeared at multiple major retailers and sold out extremely quickly.

Should I wait for Black Friday to buy AirPods or buy them now?

If you need AirPods immediately, buy them now. If you can wait 2-3 months, waiting for Black Friday typically saves you $30 to $90 on most AirPods models. Black Friday deals are often the lowest prices of the entire year.

Which retailer has the best AirPods Black Friday deals?

Amazon and Best Buy typically offer the most competitive AirPods Black Friday deals, often matching each other’s discounts. However, Walmart and Target sometimes offer slightly better prices on specific models. Checking multiple retailers is the best strategy.

Will AirPods Pro 3 be on sale for Black Friday 2025?

If AirPods Pro 3 launches before Black Friday 2025, they’ll likely be available but without significant discounts. However, the current AirPods Pro 2 will probably see massive price drops to clear inventory, potentially reaching $169 or lower.

Are Black Friday AirPods deals legitimate or scams?

Legitimate AirPods Black Friday deals come from authorized retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Apple’s official store. Be cautious of deals from third-party sellers offering prices that seem too good to be true, as these often involve counterfeit products or scams.