Do Airpods Go on Sale Black Friday

AirPods go on sale every Black Friday, with discounts typically ranging from $20 to $100 off depending on the model. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target offer significant price drops on AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and standard AirPods during this annual shopping event. In 2023, shoppers saved an average of 25% on AirPods, and 2024 deals are expected to be even better. Planning ahead and knowing where to look can mean the difference between paying full price and scoring your favorite earbuds at a steal.

Picture this: It’s Black Friday morning, you’re scrolling through deals with one hand while sipping coffee with the other. You spot AirPods at a price that makes you do a double-take. Is it real? Can AirPods actually go on sale that much? The answer is a resounding yes, and you’re about to learn everything you need to snag the best deal possible.

Black Friday has become the unofficial Super Bowl of tech shopping, and AirPods consistently rank among the most sought-after items. Think of it like the holiday rush for the hottest toy, except this one plays music in your ears. Every year, millions of shoppers specifically hunt for AirPods deals, and for good reason. Apple’s premium pricing means even modest discounts feel like winning the lottery.

This guide will walk you through the who, what, where, when, and why of AirPods Black Friday sales. You’ll learn about historical price patterns, the best retailers to watch, timing strategies that save you money, and pitfalls to avoid. By the end, you’ll be armed with insider knowledge that turns you from a casual browser into a deal-hunting pro.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, AirPods go on sale every Black Friday: Apple and major retailers have offered Black Friday AirPods deals consistently for over five years.
• Average savings range from $20 to $100: Discounts vary by model, with AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max typically seeing the deepest cuts.
• Best retailers to watch: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Apple’s own store historically offer the strongest AirPods Black Friday deals.
• Deals often start early: Many retailers launch AirPods sales a full week before Black Friday, giving savvy shoppers a head start.
• Newer models may not see huge discounts: The latest AirPods releases typically get $20-$30 off, while older models can be slashed by 30% or more.
• Stock can sell out fast: Popular AirPods deals, especially on AirPods Pro, often sell out within hours of going live.
• Price tracking tools help: Using tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey ensures you get genuine discounts, not inflated “sale” prices.

Yes, AirPods Go on Sale Every Black Friday: Here’s the Proof

Let’s start with the most important question: do AirPods actually go on sale on Black Friday? The short answer is absolutely, without question, yes. In fact, AirPods have been one of the most discounted Apple products during Black Friday for years running.

Historical Black Friday AirPods Discount Patterns

Looking at the past five years of Black Friday sales reveals a clear pattern of substantial AirPods discounts. In 2019, AirPods Pro dropped to $199 from their $249 retail price. By 2020, deals reached $159. In 2021 and 2022, AirPods Pro 2 hit all-time lows of $174 and $159, respectively. Last year, in 2023, AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C hit $189, down from $249.

Did You Know? According to Adobe Analytics, electronics accounted for $24 billion in Black Friday online spending in 2023, with audio devices like AirPods being among the top sellers.

The standard AirPods (without noise cancellation) have seen similar markdowns. The AirPods 3 hit $129 in 2022, down from $169. AirPods 2 dropped to as low as $89 during some Black Friday events. Even the premium AirPods Max, Apple’s over-ear headphones, have seen $100 price drops, though they’re rarer.

Why Apple Allows Black Friday Price Drops

You might wonder why Apple, a company famous for rarely discounting its products, allows Black Friday sales. The answer is simple: market share and competition. Think of it like this. Apple knows that Black Friday shoppers are in “purchase mode.” If they don’t offer deals, shoppers might buy competitor products like Samsung Galaxy Buds or Sony WF-1000XM5 instead.

Apple’s strategy during Black Friday typically involves offering gift cards with purchases rather than direct discounts. However, third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart slash prices directly. These retailers can do this because they buy AirPods wholesale and use them as loss leaders, meaning they sell them at lower prices to get you in the door (or on the website) hoping you’ll buy other items too.

Which AirPods Models See the Biggest Black Friday Discounts?

Not all AirPods are created equal when it comes to Black Friday discounts. Understanding which models see the deepest cuts helps you decide what to add to your wishlist.

AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2: The Crown Jewels of Discounts

AirPods Pro consistently receive the best Black Friday deals because they’re the most popular premium model. With active noise cancellation and the latest H2 chip, they’re flying off shelves. Retailers know shoppers want them, so they use aggressive pricing to capture sales.

Did You Know? AirPods Pro 2 were the second best-selling headphones globally in 2023, according to Counterpoint Research. This popularity drives retailers to offer competitive Black Friday pricing.

You can typically expect $50 to $70 off AirPods Pro 2 during Black Friday. That’s a significant saving on a product that retails around $249. Sometimes bundles with AppleCare+ or charging cases are thrown in, adding even more value.

Standard AirPods: Great for Budget Shoppers

The standard AirPods (like AirPods 3 and AirPods 4) see discounts in the $20 to $40 range. While that’s smaller in dollar amount, it’s a higher percentage off compared to AirPods Pro. If you’re shopping on a budget, standard AirPods during Black Friday offer incredible value.

For example, if AirPods 3 normally retail at $169 and drop to $129, you’re getting 24% off. That’s better than most Black Friday deals on electronics, which average around 15-20% off according to retail analytics firms.

AirPods Max: Rare but Valuable Discounts

AirPods Max, the over-ear headphones, see the smallest percentage discounts but the biggest absolute dollar amounts. Expect $50 to $100 off, which sounds great until you realize the starting price is $549. Still, for luxury audio enthusiasts, that’s real money saved.

One thing to note: AirPods Max deals are less common than AirPods Pro deals. You might need to check multiple retailers or wait for specific promotional events. Patience pays off here.

Where to Find the Best AirPods Black Friday Deals

Knowing where to shop is just as important as knowing when to shop. Different retailers offer different advantages during Black Friday.

Amazon: The Convenience King

Amazon consistently offers some of the best AirPods Black Friday deals. Their massive inventory, fast shipping for Prime members, and price-matching policies make them a top destination. Amazon also tends to extend deals for several days or even weeks around Black Friday, giving you more flexibility.

Pro tip: Use Amazon’s “Lightning Deals” feature during Black Friday. These are flash sales that last only a few hours. Setting up alerts for AirPods can help you catch deals before they disappear.

Best Buy: The Tech Specialist

Best Buy is another heavyweight in Black Friday AirPods sales. They often match Amazon’s prices and sometimes beat them, especially with bundle deals. Best Buy also offers the advantage of in-store pickup, meaning you can grab your deal the same day without waiting for shipping.

Did You Know? Best Buy typically launches its Black Friday deals a full week before Thanksgiving, giving early birds first access to discounts.

Walmart and Target: The Budget Champions

Walmart and Target are excellent for finding rock-bottom prices on older AirPods models. If you’re hunting for AirPods 2 or discounted AirPods 3, these retailers often have the best prices. They occasionally price-match competitors too, so showing them a lower price at Amazon can work.

Both stores also offer the advantage of rollback prices that might extend through Cyber Monday, giving you multiple chances to buy.

Apple Store: The Premium Option

Apple’s own Black Friday promotions typically come in the form of gift cards rather than direct discounts. While not as exciting as a price cut, gift cards can be used on future Apple purchases. If you’re planning to buy a Mac, iPad, or other Apple products, this can effectively give you 5-10% back on your AirPods purchase.

Costco and Sam’s Club: The Membership Perk

If you’re a warehouse club member, check Costco and Sam’s Club during Black Friday. They sometimes offer AirPods at lower prices than other retailers, though availability can be limited and you need a membership to buy.

When to Shop: Timing Your AirPods Black Friday Purchase

Timing is everything when it comes to scoring the best AirPods deals. Knowing when deals drop and how long they last can make or break your savings.

The Early Bird Window: One Week Before

Most major retailers launch their Black Friday deals the Monday before Thanksgiving. This gives savvy shoppers a full week to browse and buy. Shopping early has several advantages: you avoid the website crashes that happen on Black Friday itself, you have more inventory available, and you get first pick of bundle deals.

Many retailers call this “Early Black Friday” or “Black Friday Week.” Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy all participate in this extended shopping period.

Black Friday Itself: The Main Event

Black Friday itself (the day after Thanksgiving) brings fresh deals and doorbusters. While some deals carry over from the early bird period, new discounts often drop on the actual day. This is when you’ll find the deepest cuts on premium models like AirPods Pro 2.

The catch? Popular deals sell out fast. AirPods Pro deals, in particular, can disappear within hours. Having a game plan and knowing exactly which model you want helps you move quickly.

Cyber Monday: The Second Chance

Cyber Monday (the Monday after Black Friday) is your backup plan. Many retailers extend their Black Friday deals through Cyber Monday, and some even launch new online-only deals. If you missed out on Friday, Cyber Monday gives you another shot.

Interestingly, online AirPods sales on Cyber Monday have grown significantly. According to Statista, Cyber Monday 2023 online sales reached $12.4 billion in the US, making it the biggest online shopping day of the year.

Post-Black Friday: The Hidden Gems

Don’t overlook the days immediately after Black Friday. Sometimes retailers discount remaining inventory even further to clear stock. You might find “leftover” AirPods deals the week after Cyber Monday that are better than Black Friday itself.

How to Spot Genuine AirPods Black Friday Deals vs. Fake Discounts

Not all Black Friday deals are created equal. Some retailers inflate “original” prices to make discounts look bigger than they are. Here’s how to spot the real deals.

Use Price Tracking Tools

Websites and browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel, Honey, and Keepa track Amazon price history. They show you whether a “Black Friday deal” is actually the lowest price ever, or just a typical sale price dressed up for the occasion.

For example, if AirPods Pro 2 were selling for $199 for months before Black Friday, then suddenly “drop” to $199 on Black Friday, that’s not a real discount. A true deal would show a clear price drop from the recent average.

Know the MSRP

Understanding the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is crucial. Apple’s MSRP for AirPods Pro 2 is $249. If a retailer claims a “huge discount” but the price is still $199 with a crossed-out $249, that’s only a $50 savings, not the $100 they might suggest.

Did You Know? The Federal Trade Commission requires retailers to show the “true” original price when advertising discounts. If you spot fake pricing, you can report it to the FTC.

Compare Across Multiple Retailers

Before pulling the trigger, quickly check prices at three to four major retailers. If one store is significantly cheaper than others, that’s likely a real deal. If all stores have similar prices, you’re probably just seeing standard Black Friday markdowns, not exceptional deals.

Watch for Bundle Deals

Sometimes the best “deals” aren’t just price drops but bundles. For example, you might get AirPods Pro 2 with an extra year of AppleCare+ for the same price as AirPods Pro 2 alone. These bundles offer better value than a straight discount.

Pro Tips to Maximize Your AirPods Black Friday Savings

Ready to become an AirPods Black Friday deal-hunting expert? These insider tips will help you save the most money and avoid common pitfalls.

Set Up Price Alerts Before Black Friday

Don’t wait until Black Friday to start watching prices. Set up alerts on CamelCamelCamel or Honey for the AirPods model you want. These tools notify you when prices drop, so you can act fast when a deal goes live.

This is especially helpful for popular models like AirPods Pro 2, which can sell out quickly once discounted.

Create Accounts and Save Payment Info in Advance

When a deal drops, every second counts. Having accounts at major retailers with saved payment information and shipping addresses means you can checkout in under a minute. This is the difference between getting the deal and watching it sell out while you type in your credit card number.

Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Options

If you’re really looking to save, consider Apple’s Certified Refurbished store or open-box deals at Best Buy. These AirPods work like new but come at a significant discount. Apple’s refurbished AirPods even come with a new battery and outer shell, plus a full one-year warranty.

Did You Know? Apple’s refurbished products are often 15-20% cheaper than brand new items and are virtually indistinguishable from new ones.

Check Student or Military Discounts

If you’re a student, teacher, or military member, you may be eligible for year-round AirPods discounts through Apple’s Education Pricing or military discount programs. Sometimes stacking these discounts with Black Friday sales isn’t possible, but it’s worth checking.

Use Cash-Back Credit Cards or Apps

Maximize your savings by using cash-back credit cards or shopping apps like Rakuten (formerly Ebates). You can often get 1-5% additional cash back on top of Black Friday prices, essentially stacking discounts.

For example, if AirPods Pro 2 are $199 on Black Friday and you get 3% cash back through Rakuten, your effective price is $193. That’s free money for doing nothing extra.

Don’t Forget About Trade-Ins

Apple and some retailers offer trade-in programs where you can get credit for old devices. If you have old AirPods, an iPhone, or other electronics, trading them in can stack with Black Friday deals for even bigger savings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During AirPods Black Friday Sales

Even experienced shoppers make mistakes during Black Friday. Here’s what to watch out for so you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse.

Buying More Than You Need

Black Friday excitement can lead to impulse purchases. Before buying, ask yourself: do I really need the AirPods Max, or would AirPods Pro 2 be enough? Buying the cheapest AirPods isn’t always the best value if they don’t meet your needs.

Similarly, don’t buy AirPods just because they’re on sale. If you don’t use them, even $50 off isn’t savings.

Ignoring Warranty and Return Policies

Before purchasing, check the retailer’s return policy. Some retailers have 15-day return windows, while others offer 30 or 60 days. Also verify the warranty: Apple’s standard one-year warranty should apply regardless of where you buy, but it’s worth confirming.

Overlooking Shipping Costs

A deal that looks great might include expensive shipping costs. Always check the final price including shipping before purchasing. Some retailers offer free shipping with a minimum purchase, while others charge extra.

Falling for Scam Websites

During Black Friday, scam websites pop up offering too-good-to-be-true deals. Stick to well-known retailers you trust. If a website you’ve never heard of is selling AirPods at 70% off, it’s probably a scam.

Check for secure connections (https), read reviews, and verify the website’s contact information before purchasing.

Forgetting About Cyber Monday

Some shoppers assume Black Friday deals are the only deals. If you miss out, Cyber Monday often brings equal or better deals, especially online. Don’t panic if you don’t get what you want on Friday.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect for AirPods Black Friday 2024 and Beyond

Based on historical patterns, AirPods Black Friday deals will continue to be a major shopping event. Here’s what you can expect going forward.

Continued Strong Discounts on AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro 2 will likely see $50-$70 discounts, similar to previous years. As long as AirPods Pro remains Apple’s premium earbuds offering, retailers will continue using them as loss leaders to drive Black Friday traffic.

New Model Releases Could Disrupt Patterns

When Apple releases new AirPods models, older models typically see steeper discounts as retailers clear inventory. If Apple releases AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 5 before Black Friday, expect the current models to drop significantly in price.

Increased Competition Could Mean Better Deals

The wireless earbuds market is more competitive than ever, with Sony, Bose, Samsung, and Google all offering premium alternatives. To compete, Apple and retailers will likely continue aggressive Black Friday pricing on AirPods.

More Bundle Deals Likely

Expect to see more bundle deals, including AirPods with Apple Music subscriptions, AppleCare+, or other accessories. These bundles provide perceived value even when straight discounts are smaller.

In conclusion, AirPods absolutely go on sale every Black Friday, with substantial discounts across all models. The key to scoring the best deal is knowing where to shop, when to shop, and how to spot genuine discounts. By setting up price alerts, having accounts ready at major retailers, and staying flexible with timing, you can save $20 to $100 or more on your next pair of AirPods.

Don’t let the excitement of Black Friday cloud your judgment. Stick to your budget, buy what you actually need, and verify deals before purchasing. With the tips in this article, you’re equipped to find genuine savings and avoid common pitfalls. Happy deal hunting, and may your AirPods Black Friday be filled with amazing discounts!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirPods really go on sale on Black Friday?

Yes, AirPods go on sale every Black Friday with discounts ranging from $20 to $100 off depending on the model. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have offered Black Friday AirPods deals consistently for over five years.

Which AirPods model has the biggest Black Friday discount?

AirPods Pro 2 typically sees the largest dollar-amount discounts, usually $50 to $70 off. However, older standard AirPods models like AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 often have the highest percentage discounts, sometimes 30% or more off the retail price.

When should I start shopping for AirPods Black Friday deals?

Start watching for deals about one week before Black Friday, as most major retailers launch their sales the Monday before Thanksgiving. Deals typically extend through Cyber Monday, giving you multiple chances to find discounts.

Are Black Friday AirPods deals at Amazon legitimate?

Yes, Amazon AirPods Black Friday deals are legitimate, but it’s wise to use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel to verify you’re getting a genuine discount. Amazon sometimes extends deals for several days around Black Friday, giving you flexibility.

Can I get AirPods Pro deals on Black Friday if they’re brand new?

Brand new AirPods Pro releases may see smaller discounts (around $20-$30) during their first Black Friday. For bigger savings on AirPods Pro, wait until the second or third Black Friday after release when retailers offer deeper discounts to clear inventory.

Is it better to buy AirPods on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

Both days offer similar deals, but Cyber Monday often focuses more on online-exclusive discounts and may have slightly better stock availability. If you miss Black Friday deals, Cyber Monday is your second chance, with retailers often extending the same promotions.