A $150 discount on a pair of AirPods sounds brilliant until you remember you're still spending $399. And if those headphones give you a headache after an hour, that's $399 badly spent.
That's why I'm more interested in finding the right pair than chasing the biggest discount. AirPods Pro 3 have excellent noise cancellation, but silicone tips aren't for everyone. And while AirPods Max 2 have plenty going for them, they're not exactly lightweight.
The good news is we've already seen some decent price drops this year. AirPods Pro 3 hit $169 in June, while AirPods Max 2 fell to $399. So when the Black Friday AirPods deals start appearing, I'm not getting excited about $10 off a pair that's been much cheaper before.
In this blog, I'm looking at the five AirPods deals I'd spend my money on, the prices that would get my attention, and which models I'd leave on the shelf.
What makes a good Black Friday AirPods deal?
A good deal gets you the AirPods you already wanted at a price below what they've recently sold for. Apple's 2026 lineup is a bit of a mess, with two AirPods 5 models, the Pro 3, the second-generation Max, and older versions still on shelves.
I'd start with comfort, then look at noise cancellation, battery life, and charging options. I've tried plenty of wireless earbuds outside Apple's lineup, and I'd take a comfortable pair over one with a longer feature list any day.
My AirPods Black Friday price targets
Here are my buying targets, based on Apple's current prices and the discounts we've already seen in 2026.
These are my suggested targets, not confirmed Black Friday promotions. The $169 Pro 3, $399 Max 2, and $99 AirPods 4 ANC prices all appeared in 2026. The AirPods 5 targets are my own recommendations, not verified lows.
If the price is still above my target, I'd keep looking. Black Friday is a pretty terrible excuse to pay more than you need to.
5 Black Friday AirPods deals on my radar
Each one suits a different listener, so fit and daily use count as much as the discount.
1. AirPods 5 at $119 or less
Buy at $119 or less
The standard AirPods 5 are Apple's cheapest current earbuds at $129, and they use an open-ear design with no silicone tips sealing your ear canal. That's the whole appeal if you've never liked in-ear fit.
Both AirPods 5 versions now include Active Noise Cancellation, plus the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, and Conversation Awareness. Apple says the new ANC removes up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 ANC. Battery is rated at four hours with ANC on, or 20 hours with the case.
The trade-off is isolation. Without a seal, you'll still hear more of what's happening around you, especially on planes and busy trains. But if you've never got along with silicone tips, I'd happily sacrifice some noise isolation for a pair I can wear comfortably.
2. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case at $129
Buy at $129 or less
This is the open-ear pair I'd buy. At $149, they're only $20 more than the standard AirPods 5, but I'd pay that for the volume controls alone. Throw in wireless charging, a case you can track down using Find My, and an extra hour of listening with ANC, and the upgrade starts making a lot more sense.
Drop it to $129, and you're getting all of that for the price of the cheaper model. Only a standard pair that falls well below $119 is worth choosing instead. A $10 or $20 gap isn't worth giving up the volume controls and the extra hour.
Apple's official AirPods 5 announcement has the full comparison.
3. AirPods Pro Black Friday deals on the Pro 3
Buy at $179 or less, and jump at $169
The AirPods Pro 3 would be one of my top picks, especially for anyone who wants better noise cancellation. At $249, they're considerably more expensive than AirPods 5, but the silicone tips provide a proper seal, and Apple includes five sizes to help you find the right fit.
Apple claims up to twice the noise cancellation of AirPods Pro 2, and from my own testing, the improvements in sound, comfort, and noise cancellation are noticeable.
You also get heart-rate sensing for workouts, hearing-health features, and up to eight hours of listening with ANC on. Some features depend on your device, software, and region, so check eligibility first.
Having used the AirPods Pro 3, I think the extra money makes much more sense for commuting, flying, or working somewhere noisy than listening to podcasts on the couch.
AirPods Pro 3 price history
They fell to $169 in June 2026, about $80 below Apple's price, then to $179 in October. That makes $179 a good price and $169 the number to beat. A $199 offer is fine if you need earbuds right now, but I'd wait for the $169 to $179 range to return.
4. AirPods Max 2 need a big markdown
Buy at $429 or less, and jump at $399
At $549, the AirPods Max 2 are a serious investment, so I'd expect quite a bit for my money. Apple has upgraded the noise cancellation with a new H2 chip in each ear cup, alongside features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness that adjust the listening experience as you go.
Battery life is rated at up to 20 hours with noise cancellation enabled, and you can get lossless audio through a wired USB-C connection, which is a nice bonus for anyone who cares about sound quality.
Two things hold me back. First, they weigh about 386 grams, and heavy headphones aren't comfortable for everyone just because they sound great. Second, I still don't like Apple's Smart Case, and a pair this expensive deserves a proper protective case.
They hit $399 during June's Prime Day, then $429 in October. I'd want to see them back at $399 before getting excited, especially when the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are competing for the same money.
I'd compare comfort and noise cancellation before making a decision because even with $150 off, these are still expensive headphones.
5. AirPods 4 with ANC for $99
Buy at $99, with the warranty checked
This is the clearance deal I'd dig for. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation launched at $179 before AirPods 5 arrived in September 2026. They still have the H2 chip, ANC, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, and an open-ear fit, and they include a wireless charging case, which Apple now saves for the pricier AirPods 5.
On October 28, 2026, Woot listed new-condition pairs at $99. That listing came with a 90-day Woot limited warranty instead of Apple's standard retail terms, and non-Prime customers could pay extra for shipping. It may sell out before November, but $99 is the price I'd aim for.
At $99 from a seller you trust, with warranty terms you're fine with, they're one of the best budget buys in the sales. AirPods 5 have better ANC and a redesigned acoustic system, so pay more only if you care about those upgrades.
Should you buy AirPods Pro 2 or original AirPods Max?
Both could show up on Black Friday, and neither is an automatic no. They only need to beat the newer models on price.
AirPods Pro 2 are still capable earbuds, but if Pro 3 are $169 or $179, the Pro 2 need to be far cheaper to make sense. The gains in noise cancellation, fit, sound, and battery are worth a small premium.
Shopping for the original AirPods Max? Be careful which version you're buying. Apple sold them with both Lightning and USB-C ports, and only the USB-C version received wired lossless audio through a software update. Neither is the same as AirPods Max 2, so I'd want to know exactly which model was turning up at my door.
Black Friday AirPods deals to ignore
Skip any older model that costs almost as much as its replacement. A big percentage off the original launch price means nothing if the newer pair sells for about the same.
Check the version, too. AirPods 4 came with and without ANC, and both AirPods 5 models have ANC, but the pricier one adds more than wireless charging. A great price on the wrong version is no deal at all.
And don't buy features you won't use. If silicone tips bother you, AirPods 5 will make you happier than Pro 3. If you listen to podcasts at home, you don't need $400 headphones.
Beware fake AirPods
AirPods are heavily counterfeited, so suspiciously cheap marketplace listings are risky. A convincing box or serial number doesn't prove a pair is real. Buy from Apple, an established retailer, or a seller with a clear return policy and stated warranty, especially for older or refurbished stock.
The Black Friday AirPods deals I'd pounce on first
For most people, I'd start with AirPods Pro 3, although I'd happily choose the open-ear AirPods 5 if silicone tips weren't my thing. As for AirPods Max 2, they'd need a pretty hefty discount to convince me to spend that much.
And remember, a sale doesn't make the AirPods you already own sound worse. If they're still doing the job, I'd keep my money rather than spend hundreds fixing a problem I didn't have yesterday.
For more tech reviews, buying advice, and experiments with the gear I use, you can join my Experiments in Progress newsletter.
Black Friday AirPods deals 2026 FAQs
When do Black Friday AirPods deals start in 2026?
Black Friday falls on November 27, 2026, and retailers often start promotions earlier in November. AirPods also saw big discounts in June and October this year, so recent selling prices are a better guide than the Black Friday label.
How cheap do AirPods usually get on Black Friday?
Prices vary by model and retailer. Earlier 2026 sales give us some prices to aim for: $169 for AirPods Pro 3, $399 for AirPods Max 2, and $99 for AirPods 4 with ANC. Those prices were recorded before Black Friday, so they're targets rather than guaranteed November discounts.
Will AirPods Pro 3 be discounted on Black Friday 2026?
Further discounts are possible, but no specific Black Friday price is guaranteed. Based on 2026 promotions, $179 is a good price and $169 is an excellent one. Buyers who need earbuds right away could still find a smaller discount reasonable.
Should I buy AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3?
AirPods 5 suit people who prefer an open-ear design and want to spend less. AirPods Pro 3 make more sense for people who like silicone ear tips, want stronger noise isolation, and would use the fitness and hearing-health features. Comfort should be part of the decision, not only the price difference.
Are older AirPods worth buying on Black Friday?
Yes, if the discount is big enough. AirPods 4 with ANC are a strong budget option around $99, and AirPods Pro 2 or original AirPods Max can make sense at low enough prices. Check the exact generation, charging case, condition, warranty, and seller before buying.
