Do Apple Airpods Go on Sale for Black Friday

Yes, Apple AirPods go on sale for Black Friday, with discounts ranging from $20 to $80 depending on the model and retailer. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target typically offer substantial price drops on AirPods during the annual shopping event. Historical data shows that AirPods Pro often see the deepest discounts, sometimes reaching all-time low prices during Black Friday week. Planning ahead, setting price alerts, and knowing which models offer the best savings can help you score incredible deals.

Picture this: It’s Black Friday morning, coffee in hand, and you’re scrolling through deal after deal. Suddenly, you spot it—AirPods at a price that makes your jaw drop. But here’s the thing: those amazing deals don’t just happen by accident. They follow patterns, and once you understand how AirPods Black Friday sales work, you’ll never overpay again.

Every year, millions of shoppers ask the same question: do Apple AirPods go on sale for Black Friday? The short answer is a resounding yes. Apple may be famous for rarely discounting its products, but AirPods are one of the rare exceptions during the holiday shopping season. Retailers know that AirPods are among the most giftable tech items on the planet, and they slash prices accordingly to attract shoppers like you.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover historical discount patterns, which models offer the best savings, where to find the deepest deals, and exactly how to prepare before the sales begin. By the end, you’ll be a Black Friday AirPods pro ready to grab the deal of the year.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, AirPods Are Discounted: Apple AirPods consistently go on sale during Black Friday, with discounts typically ranging from 15% to 40% off retail price.
• Best Models for Savings: AirPods Pro and AirPods Max generally see the largest percentage discounts, while standard AirPods offer moderate savings.
• Top Retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and Apple’s own store are the most reliable sources for Black Friday AirPods deals.
• Timing Matters: Early Black Friday deals often start in early November, but the deepest discounts typically arrive during the actual Black Friday week.
• New Releases Skip Sales: Brand-new AirPods models released in September or October usually don’t receive Black Friday discounts in their launch year.
• Price Tracking Helps: Using tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey can help you verify you’re getting a genuine deal versus a fake “sale” price.
• Bundles Add Value: Retailers often bundle AirPods with AppleCare+, gift cards, or accessories for additional savings.

The Short Answer: Yes, AirPods Almost Always Go on Sale for Black Friday

Let’s get right to the point. Do Apple AirPods go on sale for Black Friday? Absolutely, yes. In fact, AirPods are one of the most discounted Apple products during the Black Friday shopping event. While Apple itself rarely drops prices on its newest items, third-party retailers compete fiercely to offer the best AirPods deals of the year.

Think of it like this: Apple is a fancy restaurant that never offers coupons. But on Black Friday, other restaurants nearby put up huge banners saying “Steak for Half Price!” The steak is the same, just sold by someone else. That’s exactly how AirPods Black Friday sales work. Apple holds its retail price steady, but Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, and Target absorb the discount to draw you into their stores.

How Much Can You Typically Save?

Discounts vary by model, but here’s what historical Black Friday data tells us:

• Standard AirPods (3rd generation): Usually $20-$30 off, representing about 15-20% savings
• AirPods Pro (2nd generation): Often $40-$80 off, sometimes up to 30-35% savings
• AirPods Max: Rare but occasionally $100+ off, representing the biggest dollar-amount savings
• AirPods (2nd generation): When still available, typically the steepest percentage discount at 40%+ off

Did you know that in 2023, AirPods Pro 2 hit an all-time low of $169 during Black Friday week—a whopping $80 off the regular $249 price? That’s the kind of deal that makes shoppers camp out (or refresh their browsers obsessively) every November.

Historical AirPods Black Friday Discount Patterns

To predict future deals, we look at past performance. AirPods Black Friday sales have become more aggressive every year as competition in the wireless earbuds market heats up. Brands like Samsung, Sony, and Bose are constantly pushing alternatives, which forces retailers to discount AirPods to keep them attractive.

2020-2021: The Pandemic Effect

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online shopping exploded. Retailers pushed AirPods deals earlier and earlier, with many Black Friday-level discounts appearing in early November. AirPods Pro saw discounts of around $50-$60, while standard AirPods dropped to their lowest prices yet at around $99-$129.

2022: Deep Discounts Return

In-person Black Friday shopping came roaring back, and so did aggressive AirPods deals. AirPods Pro 2 launched in September 2022 and quickly became the star of Black Friday 2022, dropping to $199—just $10 above their all-time low. Standard AirPods 3 also saw solid $20-$30 discounts.

2023: Record-Breaking Savings

Black Friday 2023 set new records for AirPods discounts. AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C hit $169, AirPods 3 dropped to $139, and even the premium AirPods Max saw occasional $50 discounts. Retailers like Amazon and Walmart engaged in price wars that benefited consumers enormously.

The pattern is clear: discounts get better every year. As AirPods mature in the market and competition increases, Black Friday becomes the best time to buy. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, that moment is almost here.

Which AirPods Model Offers the Best Black Friday Deal?

Not all AirPods are created equal when it comes to Black Friday savings. Some models see massive price drops, while others barely budge. Knowing which is which can save you from buyer’s remorse.

AirPods Pro: The Crown Jewel of Discounts

AirPods Pro consistently offers the best Black Friday value. Why? Two reasons. First, they’re expensive at full price ($249), so retailers have more room to drop prices without going below cost. Second, they’re the most popular model, which means high demand meets high inventory during the holidays.

If you want noise cancellation, transparency mode, and the latest H2 chip, AirPods Pro during Black Friday is a no-brainer. Last year’s deals brought them down to around $169-$179, which is genuinely rare for Apple products.

AirPods (Standard): Solid but Smaller Discounts

The standard AirPods (currently the 3rd generation) see smaller percentage discounts—usually 15-20%. However, they’re already more affordable at $179, so the dollar savings feel less dramatic. Still, finding them for $139-$149 during Black Friday is a solid deal worth grabbing.

AirPods Max: Rare but Mighty Discounts

AirPods Max at $549 are expensive. They rarely go on sale, but when they do, Black Friday is the time. We’ve seen $100-$150 discounts, bringing them down to around $399-$449. That’s significant savings on premium over-ear headphones.

Older Generation Models: The Biggest Percentage Savings

Here’s a pro tip: if you want the absolute deepest discount, look for older AirPods models. Retailers often discount AirPods 2 (when still available) by 30-40% to clear inventory. You sacrifice some features, but the savings can be substantial.

Where to Find the Best AirPods Black Friday Deals

Knowing that AirPods go on sale is only half the battle. Knowing where to find the best deals is the other half. Different retailers have different strategies, and understanding them gives you a real edge.

Amazon: The Price War Champion

Amazon consistently offers the most aggressive AirPods Black Friday deals. Their lightning deals often sell out within minutes, so speed matters. Amazon also has a price-matching policy that’s hard to beat, and third-party sellers on the platform sometimes offer even deeper discounts.

Pro tip: Add AirPods to your Amazon wishlist now. Amazon will notify you when they go on sale, and you’ll get early access to some lightning deals.

Walmart: The Underdog with Big Savings

Walmart has dramatically improved its Black Friday AirPods offerings in recent years. They often match or beat Amazon’s prices, and their rollback pricing means discounts appear directly on the product page without complex deal activations.

Best Buy: The Bundle Master

Best Buy frequently bundles AirPods with AppleCare+, gift cards, or other accessories. While the headline discount might look smaller, the total value of the bundle often exceeds what other retailers offer. If you’re already considering AppleCare+, Best Buy is your best friend.

Target: The Circle of Savings

Target offers solid AirPods discounts plus the added benefit of Target Circle deals and 5% off with RedCard. Stack these savings on top of Black Friday prices, and you can save even more.

Apple Store: Rare but Reliable

Apple occasionally offers Black Friday deals, including gift cards with AirPods purchases. While the discount isn’t direct, a $50-$75 Apple gift card effectively functions like a discount, especially if you were already planning to buy other Apple products.

When Do AirPods Black Friday Sales Start?

Timing is everything in the AirPods Black Friday game. Sales don’t all happen on a single day—they unfold over several weeks, with different waves of deals at different times.

Early November: The Warm-Up

Many retailers launch “early Black Friday” deals in early November. These usually offer modest discounts and serve as a teaser for bigger savings to come. If you see a deal that’s 10-15% off in the first week of November, it’s okay to grab it—but better deals are likely coming.

Mid-November: Pre-Black Friday Sales

Around November 15-20, retailers start rolling out serious Black Friday AirPods deals. This is when you’ll typically see 20-30% off standard AirPods and the first major discounts on AirPods Pro.

Black Friday Week: The Main Event

The week of Thanksgiving (Monday through Sunday after) is when the deepest discounts appear. Cyber Monday often rivals Black Friday itself, with many retailers extending deals through the entire weekend.

Insider tip: Cyber Monday deals for AirPods are sometimes better than Black Friday deals because retailers try to capture the online-only crowd. Don’t assume Black Friday is the absolute best day—Cyber Monday deserves equal attention.

December Clearance: Last Chance

After Cyber Monday, you might spot even deeper discounts in early December as retailers clear remaining inventory. However, selection becomes limited, and popular models may sell out.

How to Prepare for AirPods Black Friday Sales

Walking into Black Friday unprepared is like bringing a spoon to a knife fight. You need a strategy. Here’s how to maximize your AirPods savings.

Set Price Alerts Now

Tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon), Honey, and Google Shopping can track AirPods prices and notify you when they drop. Set your target price 15-20% below retail, and wait for the alert.

Know Your Model

Decide before Black Friday which AirPods you want. AirPods Pro 2? Standard AirPods 3? Knowing your target prevents impulse purchases and helps you evaluate deals quickly when they appear.

Check Apple’s Current Pricing

Apple rarely changes its retail prices, so $249 for AirPods Pro 2 and $179 for AirPods 3 are your baselines. Any deal significantly under these prices is worth considering.

Verify the Discount

Not all “deals” are real. Some retailers inflate the “original” price to make discounts look bigger. Use price-tracking tools to verify the historical low and confirm you’re getting genuine savings.

Create Accounts and Save Payment Info

When a hot deal drops, every second counts. Save your shipping address, and payment info, and create accounts on Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy before Black Friday. This small step can be the difference between getting the deal and missing out.

Consider Refurbished Options

Apple’s Certified Refurbished store offers like-new AirPods at 15-20% off year-round. During Black Friday, even better deals occasionally appear. Refurbished AirPods come with new batteries, new cases, and the same one-year warranty as new ones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During AirPods Black Friday Sales

Even experienced shoppers make mistakes. Here are the biggest pitfalls when hunting for AirPods Black Friday deals.

Buying the Wrong Generation

Retailers sometimes discount older AirPods models heavily. Make sure you’re buying the current generation unless you specifically want the older version. AirPods 2 deals might look amazing, but you’re sacrificing features like spatial audio and water resistance.

Ignoring Bundle Math

A $20 AirPods discount might look small next to a “free $50 gift card” deal elsewhere. Do the math: which offers more total value? Sometimes the bundle wins; sometimes the straight discount wins.

Waiting Too Long

The best deals sell out fast—sometimes within hours. If you see a price at or below your target, don’t wait for a “better” deal that may never come.

Forgetting About Return Policies

Some Black Friday deals are final sale. Check return policies before purchasing. If you’re giving AirPods as a gift, you’ll want the flexibility to exchange sizes or models.

Falling for Fake Discounts

Some retailers artificially inflate prices before Black Friday, then “discount” them back to normal. Always verify historical pricing using tools like CamelCamelCamel before celebrating a deal.

The Future of AirPods Black Friday Sales

Looking ahead, AirPods Black Friday sales will likely continue and even intensify. The wireless earbuds market is more competitive than ever, with new entrants like Google’s Pixel Buds and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds pushing prices down across the board.

As Apple continues releasing new AirPods models (AirPods 4 launched in late 2024, and AirPods Pro 3 may arrive in 2025), older generations will see deeper Black Friday discounts to clear inventory. This is great news for budget shoppers.

Additionally, Apple is rumored to be working on health-focused AirPods with features like heart rate monitoring and body temperature sensors. When these launch, expect older models to see massive Black Friday markdowns.

Final Tips for Scoring the Best AirPods Black Friday Deal

Let’s wrap up with a few final tips that can make or break your AirPods Black Friday experience.

Start researching now. The best Black Friday shoppers begin preparing in October or even earlier. Know the models, know the prices, and know your target deal.

Compare across retailers daily during deal week. Prices change hourly during Black Friday week. A deal that’s $179 today might be $169 tomorrow—or it might be gone.

Check Apple’s trade-in values. If you have old AirPods or other Apple devices, trading them in can stack with Black Friday discounts for massive savings.

Consider student discounts. If you’re a college student, Apple’s education store sometimes offers better baseline prices that, combined with Black Friday retailer discounts, result in exceptional savings.

Don’t forget Cyber Monday. Many shoppers assume Black Friday is the end, but Cyber Monday often brings fresh deals and restocked inventory. If you miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday is your second chance.

So, do Apple AirPods go on sale for Black Friday? They absolutely do—and now you know exactly how to find those deals, avoid the pitfalls, and walk away with the best possible price. Happy deal hunting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do AirPods usually go on sale for Black Friday?

AirPods Black Friday discounts typically range from $20 to $80 off, depending on the model. AirPods Pro 2 often sees the biggest discounts at $40-$80 off, while standard AirPods usually drop by $20-$30. AirPods Max discounts are rarer but can reach $100+ when available.

Which retailer has the best AirPods Black Friday deal?

Amazon and Walmart typically offer the most aggressive AirPods Black Friday prices, but Best Buy often has the best bundle deals that include AppleCare+ or gift cards. Comparing prices across all major retailers during Black Friday week is the best way to find your optimal deal.

Do new AirPods models get discounted on Black Friday?

Generally, no. AirPods released in September or October of the same year rarely receive Black Friday discounts during their launch year. However, the previous generation models typically see significant price drops to clear inventory, making them excellent Black Friday values.

When should I start watching for AirPods Black Friday deals?

Early Black Friday AirPods deals often appear in early November, but the deepest discounts usually arrive during Black Friday week itself (the week of Thanksgiving). Cyber Monday also offers competitive deals, so monitoring prices from November 1 through December 1 is recommended.

Are Black Friday AirPods deals too good to be true?

Most Black Friday AirPods deals are legitimate, but some retailers inflate “original” prices to make discounts appear larger. Always verify historical pricing using tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey before purchasing to ensure you’re getting genuine savings.

Can I return AirPods bought on Black Friday?

Return policies vary by retailer. Most major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target honor their standard return policies during Black Friday, but some doorbuster deals may be final sale. Always check the return policy before purchasing, especially if buying as a present.