Does Airpod Go on Sale on Black Friday

Yes, AirPods almost always go on sale on Black Friday. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have offered AirPods discounts every year since 2017. While Apple’s own store rarely discounts AirPods, authorized retailers compete aggressively, often slashing prices by $30-$80 depending on the model. The best deals typically appear in the days leading up to Black Friday and last through Cyber Monday.

Picture this: it’s the morning after Thanksgiving, you’re scrolling through your phone with a cup of coffee, and you see it—an AirPods deal that’s too good to pass up. But before you smash that “buy now” button, a question pops into your head. Does AirPod go on sale on Black Friday, or is this just a marketing trick? You’re not alone in wondering. Every November, millions of shoppers ask the exact same question, hoping to score premium wireless earbuds at a fraction of the cost.

Here’s the short answer: yes, absolutely. AirPods go on sale on Black Friday almost every single year. In fact, Black Friday has become one of the best times of the year to buy AirPods, especially if you don’t need the absolute latest model. Major retailers have been offering these discounts for nearly a decade, and the deals keep getting better.

But not all Black Friday AirPods deals are created equal. Some offer massive savings, while others are barely worth mentioning. Some retailers bundle AirPods with gift cards, while others slash prices directly. Understanding the patterns behind these sales will help you spot the real bargains and avoid the fake ones. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from historical price trends to tips for grabbing the best deal in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• AirPods go on sale every Black Friday: Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have offered discounts on AirPods annually since at least 2017.
• Apple’s store rarely discounts AirPods: Apple itself almost never offers Black Friday deals on AirPods, but authorized retailers do.
• Typical savings range from $30 to $80: Discounts vary by model, with older generations seeing deeper price cuts than the newest releases.
• Black Friday is one of the cheapest times to buy: AirPod prices during Black Friday often beat other sale events, though Prime Day and back-to-school sales come close.
• The newest models see smaller discounts: AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 typically get $20-$40 off, while AirPods 2 and 3 can drop $50-$80.
• Stock can sell out fast: Popular models at deep discounts often sell out within hours, so early shopping is key.
• Price tracking tools help: Tools like CamelCamelCamel and Honey can verify whether a “Black Friday deal” is actually a good price.

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

Let’s clear this up right away. AirPods go on sale on Black Friday—and they have for many years running. According to deal-tracking data from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, AirPods have been discounted every Black Friday since at least 2017. That’s a nearly perfect track record.

What Kind of Discounts Can You Expect?

The discount amount depends on three things: the AirPods model, the retailer, and whether it’s a new release. Here’s a quick breakdown of what shoppers have seen in recent years:

• AirPods (2nd Generation): Often discounted by $40-$60, sometimes dropping as low as $79 (from $129)
• AirPods (3rd Generation): Typically $30-$50 off, with prices around $119-$139 (from $169)
• AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): Usually $20-$40 off, landing around $189-$199 (from $229)
• AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3: Smaller discounts of $10-$25, since they’re newer models
• AirPods Max: Rarely discounted on Black Friday; better deals appear in other seasons

Why Retailers Discount AirPods So Aggressively

AirPods are like the golden ticket of Black Friday. Retailers love them because they’re popular, recognizable, and fly off shelves fast. Apple rarely discounts AirPods in its own stores, which means third-party retailers can offer real savings without undercutting Apple’s pricing too dramatically. Think of it like this: Apple is the fancy restaurant that never runs coupons, but the food delivery apps offer discounts to bring in more orders.

Did You Know? According to a 2023 Consumer Reports survey, AirPods ranked as the #1 most-wanted tech gift during the holiday season, beating out smartwatches, tablets, and gaming consoles. That’s why retailers use them as “doorbuster” deals to draw shoppers in.

A Brief History of AirPods Black Friday Sales

To understand whether AirPods go on sale on Black Friday, it helps to look at the past. AirPods were first released in December 2016, so the first Black Friday they could go on sale was November 2017. Since then, they’ve been a holiday shopping staple.

2017-2019: The Early Years

During the first few Black Fridays, AirPods discounts were modest. In 2017, you might find AirPods for about $10-$20 off. By 2019, as AirPods became more popular, discounts grew to $30-$50. Retailers realized that offering AirPods deals brought people into stores and online shopping carts, and the trend accelerated.

2020-2022: The Pandemic Boom

The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything about Black Friday. With people stuck at home, online shopping exploded, and so did AirPods deals. In 2020, Amazon dropped AirPods Pro to $169 (a massive $60 off). In 2021 and 2022, discounts remained strong, with most models getting $30-$70 off depending on the retailer.

2023-2024: The Mature Market

By 2023 and 2024, AirPods Black Friday deals became more predictable. The biggest discounts appeared on older-generation AirPods, while the newest models saw smaller markdowns. Retailers also started bundling AirPods with Apple gift cards—a clever way to offer “savings” without officially cutting the MSRP.

Did You Know? In 2022, Best Buy offered a $75 Apple gift card with the purchase of AirPods Pro 2, which many shoppers considered a better deal than a direct price cut because the gift card could be used on future Apple purchases.

Where to Find the Best AirPods Black Friday Deals

Not all retailers offer the same discounts. Some consistently beat others, and knowing where to look can save you real money. Here’s a rundown of the top places to shop for AirPods on Black Friday.

Amazon: The Price-Cutting King

Amazon has historically offered some of the deepest AirPods discounts on Black Friday. The retailer aggressively competes on price and often matches or beats Best Buy. In 2023, Amazon dropped AirPods Pro 2 to $189 and AirPods 3 to $119. The catch? Lightning deals sell out fast, so you need to act quickly.

Pro tip: Set up price alerts using tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey before Black Friday. These tools track price history and notify you when an item drops below your target price.

Best Buy: The Reliable Choice

Best Buy is famous for offering price-matched guarantees and bundle deals. While their AirPods discounts aren’t always the absolute lowest, they often throw in extra perks like gift cards, free shipping, or extended warranties. If you want a smooth, worry-free buying experience, Best Buy is a solid bet.

Walmart and Target: The Underdogs

Walmart and Target sometimes surprise shoppers with deep AirPods discounts. In 2021, Walmart dropped AirPods Pro to $169, beating both Amazon and Best Buy. Target has also offered exclusive color options and bundle deals, particularly for Target Circle members.

Apple’s Own Store: The Disappointment

Here’s the reality: Apple almost never discounts AirPods during Black Friday. In rare years, Apple has offered modest Apple gift cards with AirPods purchases, but these aren’t real discounts—they’re just store credit. If you’re shopping on Apple’s website, don’t expect much.

Think of Apple’s Black Friday approach like a fancy hotel that never offers discount codes. You’ll pay full price, but you might get a free drink at the bar.

Carrier Stores and Other Retailers

Don’t forget about Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Costco. These retailers sometimes offer AirPods as part of bundle deals, especially when you sign up for a new phone plan or upgrade. Costco members have reported getting exclusive AirPods discounts of $20-$50 below other retailers.

Which AirPods Model Goes on Sale the Biggest?

If you’re flexible about which AirPods model you want, you can save significantly more. Not all models are discounted equally on Black Friday.

AirPods 2: The Steal of the Season

The 2nd-generation AirPods (the basic model without wireless charging) consistently see the deepest discounts. Retailers often drop them to $79 or even $69 during Black Friday, which is nearly 50% off the original MSRP. If you just need solid wireless earbuds and don’t care about the latest features, this is the model to buy on Black Friday.

AirPods 3: The Sweet Spot

AirPods 3 typically drop by $30-$50, landing around $119-$139. This is often considered the best value on Black Friday, because you get modern features like spatial audio, sweat resistance, and a MagSafe charging case, all at a noticeable discount.

AirPods Pro 2: Smaller Savings, Premium Features

AirPods Pro 2 see smaller percentage savings because they start at a higher price. A $30 discount off $229 doesn’t sound as dramatic as $50 off $129, but it’s still real money. Plus, AirPods Pro 2 offer active noise cancellation, which makes them worth the higher price for many shoppers.

AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3: The Newest Releases

Newest models see the smallest Black Friday discounts—typically $10-$25. If you absolutely want the latest AirPods, Black Friday might save you a coffee or two, but if you want a real bargain, consider waiting a year or buying an older generation.

AirPods Max: The Outlier

AirPods Max rarely see Black Friday discounts at major retailers. The over-ear headphones are a niche product, and Apple keeps pricing tight. Your best bet for AirPods Max savings is actually refurbished deals from Apple’s Certified Refurbished store, which can offer 15-20% off year-round.

When Do AirPods Black Friday Deals Start?

Here’s a secret that experienced shoppers know: Black Friday deals often start early. If you wait until the actual Black Friday, you might miss the best deals.

Early November: The Warm-Up

Some retailers begin offering “early Black Friday” AirPods deals in early November. These are often legitimate, but they’re also a way for retailers to gauge demand. In recent years, Amazon has launched Black Friday deals as early as November 1st.

Week Before Thanksgiving: The Real Deals Begin

Most major Black Friday AirPods deals drop in the week before Thanksgiving. By this point, retailers are competing hard for your attention, and the discounts are usually just as good as the official Black Friday prices.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: The Peak

The official Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend is when most deals go live. However, popular items at deep discounts can sell out within hours. If you see a deal you like, don’t wait for a “better” one—chances are, it won’t come.

The Aftermath: Cyber Week

From Cyber Monday through the following Sunday, retailers offer extended deals. Stock may be limited, but you can still find solid discounts. This is a good time to shop if you missed the initial rush.

How to Spot a Real AirPods Black Friday Deal (And Avoid Scams)

Not every “Black Friday deal” is actually a deal. Some retailers inflate prices before Black Friday, then “discount” them back to the regular price. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Step 1: Check the Original Price

Before buying, verify the MSRP on Apple’s website. If a retailer claims AirPods Pro 2 are “$80 off,” but the original price was $249 (not $229), you’re being scammed. Apple’s website is the ultimate source of truth for pricing.

Step 2: Use Price Tracking Tools

Tools like CamelCamelCamel, Honey, and Keepa show you the price history of any Amazon product. If a “Black Friday deal” shows the item has been at the same price for months, it’s not really a deal.

Step 3: Compare Across Retailers

Don’t buy from the first retailer you see. Check Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Apple’s store. Prices can vary by $20-$30 between retailers, and sometimes one retailer offers a gift card that makes it the best deal overall.

Step 4: Watch for Bundles

Sometimes a “bundle deal” is better than a direct discount. For example, a retailer might sell AirPods Pro 2 at full price but include a $50 Apple gift card. That’s essentially a $50 discount if you were planning to buy something from Apple anyway.

Step 5: Be Cautious of Third-Party Sellers

On Amazon and eBay, third-party sellers sometimes offer “amazing” AirPods deals that are too good to be true. These are often counterfeit or used AirPods sold as new. Stick to retailers you trust, or buy directly from Apple.

Did You Know? The Better Business Bureau reported that fake electronics were among the top three most-reported scam categories during Black Friday 2023. Always buy from authorized retailers to avoid counterfeits.

Tips for Getting the Best AirPods Black Friday Deal in 2025

Ready to shop? Here are some actionable tips to help you score the best AirPods deal this Black Friday.

Start Researching Early

Begin watching AirPods prices in October. Note the regular prices at different retailers so you can recognize a real deal when you see one. Make a list of which model you want and your target price.

Set Up Price Alerts

Use Amazon’s “Watch this deal” feature, CamelCamelCamel email alerts, or browser extensions like Honey. These will notify you the second AirPods hit your target price.

Decide Which Model You Want

Don’t get distracted by flashy deals on models you don’t need. If you want AirPods Pro 2, focus only on AirPods Pro 2 deals. If you’re flexible, decide in advance whether you’d accept an older model for a bigger discount.

Have Your Payment Ready

Best deals can sell out in minutes. Make sure your Amazon Prime, Best Buy, or Walmart account is logged in, your shipping address is saved, and your payment method is on file. Don’t fumble with checkout while everyone else is buying the same deal.

Consider Refurbished Options

Apple’s Certified Refurbished store offers AirPods at 15-20% off year-round, with full warranties. If you miss the Black Friday deals, this is a great backup option.

Check Return Policies

Before buying, verify the retailer’s return policy. Most major retailers offer 30-day returns during the holiday season, but policies can vary. If you receive defective AirPods or change your mind, you want to know you can return them.

Frequently Asked Questions About AirPods Black Friday Sales

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions shoppers have about AirPods Black Friday deals.

Do AirPods go on sale on Black Friday?

Yes, AirPods go on sale on Black Friday almost every year. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have offered AirPods discounts every Black Friday since 2017. Discounts typically range from $20 to $80, depending on the model.

Does Apple discount AirPods on Black Friday?

Apple itself rarely offers direct discounts on AirPods during Black Friday. Occasionally, Apple offers small Apple gift cards with AirPods purchases, but these aren’t true discounts. To get real AirPods savings, shop at third-party retailers.

Which AirPods model has the biggest Black Friday discount?

The 2nd-generation AirPods (the basic model) typically see the deepest Black Friday discounts, often dropping to $79 or lower. Newer models like AirPods Pro 2 see smaller percentage discounts because they start at a higher price.

When do AirPods Black Friday deals start?

AirPods Black Friday deals often start in early November, with the best deals appearing in the week before Thanksgiving and running through Cyber Monday. Some retailers begin their Black Friday promotions as early as November 1st.

Are Black Friday AirPods deals legit?

Most AirPods Black Friday deals from major retailers are legitimate. However, some retailers inflate prices before Black Friday to make discounts look bigger. Use price tracking tools to verify that a deal is genuinely below the regular price.

Is Black Friday the cheapest time to buy AirPods?

Black Friday is typically one of the cheapest times to buy AirPods, but it’s not always the absolute cheapest. Amazon Prime Day in July and back-to-school sales in August sometimes offer comparable discounts. For the newest models, waiting until the following year’s Prime Day often yields better prices.

Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for Black Friday to Buy AirPods?

So, does AirPod go on sale on Black Friday? Yes, every year. If you’re in the market for AirPods and can wait until the end of November, Black Friday is one of the smartest times to make your move.

Here’s the bottom line. Shoppers who plan ahead, track prices, and act quickly will save the most. The biggest discounts appear on older AirPods models, while newer models see smaller savings. If you want AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4, you’ll save real money but not as much as shoppers buying AirPods 2 or AirPods 3.

Most importantly, don’t get tricked by fake deals. Use price tracking tools, compare across retailers, and stick to authorized sellers. With a little preparation, you can walk away from Black Friday 2025 with AirPods at a price that makes you smile.

Whether you’re buying AirPods for yourself or as a gift, Black Friday is the perfect time to save. Set your alerts, mark your calendar, and get ready to score one of the best tech deals of the year. Your ears (and your wallet) will thank you.