Best Early Apple AirPod Black Friday Deals: Discounts To Expect in 2025

For Apple fans, the arrival of fall brings more than just cooler weather; it signals the start of the annual treasure hunt for the best Black Friday deals on the world's most popular earbuds: Apple AirPods. While the main event officially kicks off on Black Friday, November 28, 2025, and runs through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025, the real "Season of Savings" for AirPods starts much earlier. We expect the first significant Apple AirPods discounts to appear in the first two weeks of November, with many of the best, record-low prices often happening before Thanksgiving week as early-bird specials.

The key to winning Black Friday is understanding that finding the best Apple savings involves a two-front battle. First, there's Apple's own official "Shopping Event," which historically rewards shoppers with gift cards on full-price purchases rather than direct Apple AirPods coupons. The second, and often more exciting front, is fought at third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. This is where you'll find actual, significant cash discounts that bring all AirPods models down to their lowest prices of the year.

Our Best Apple AirPods Early Black Friday Deals

Apple AirPods 4

$85

That's the tied-best deal we've ever seen on AirPods 4.

Get Discount

Apple AirPods Pro 2 w/ USB-C Charging (2024)

$139

It's the best-ever deal we've seen for this model new.

Get Discount

Apple AirPods 4 w/ Active Noise Cancellation

$148.99

That's the best deal we could find right now, although they've been as low as $119.

Get Discount

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025)

$249

The newest Apple AirPods 3 were released in September 2025 and are available in most places for $249. While there are no current discounts on the latest Apple AirPods Pro, be on the lookout at DealNews for upcoming offers.

Get Discount

Apple AirPods Max w/ USB-C

$479.99

That's the best price available today for the Apple AirPods Max. We have seen them for as low as $429, so keep an eye out on DealNews for price drops.

Get Discount

Apple EarPods Wired Headphones w/ USB-C

$15.99

That's tied as the lowest price we've seen for the wired USB-C connector version of the Apple EarPods.

Get Discount

When is the Best Time to Save With Apple AirPods Black Friday Deals?

The best time to save on AirPods is, without a doubt, during the Black Friday season—but that doesn't mean you should wait until the day after Thanksgiving. In fact, AirPods are one of the first product categories to see major discounts, with deals often appearing in early November. These incredible offers come from the top stores for the best Black Friday deals online, including giants like Amazon and Walmart, who know how popular AirPods are for holiday gifting and compete to release record-low prices weeks in advance.

These early offers are typically very aggressive and often match the final Black Friday price. So, if you're worried about inventory selling out or just want to get your shopping done early, you can buy with confidence knowing the prices you see in mid-November are likely the best they'll be all year. The November Black Friday period is the one time you can reliably expect to see record-low prices across the entire lineup, with savings anywhere from $30 to $80, depending on the model. If you have your eye on a new pair, the Black Friday season is absolutely the right time to buy.

How Do I Get the Most Out of Apple AirPods Black Friday Deals?

Getting the best value requires a smart approach. It's not just about finding a discount; it's about layering strategies to maximize your savings. The most effective way to save is to know where to look and what tools to use.

Here are the most effective ways to save:

• Target Third-Party Retailers for Cash Discounts: The biggest savings will come from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. These stores will offer direct dollar-off discounts, often hitting record-low prices. Apple itself will not offer these kinds of deals.
• Leverage Apple's Gift Card Event: If the model you want isn't discounted elsewhere, buying from Apple during their Shopping Event can net you a valuable gift card for future purchases. Plus, Apple offers free personalized engraving for a unique touch.
• Don't Sleep on Refurbished Products: Apple's Certified Refurbished store is a fantastic source for deals. You can get AirPods that are as good as new, complete with a new battery and a full one-year warranty, for a significant discount.
• Set Deal Alerts Now: The best deals are often flash sales that last only a few hours. The only way to guarantee you won't miss out is to set up a deal alert. You'll get an instant notification when the price drops on the model you're watching.

With a little planning, you can walk away with the perfect pair of AirPods at a price that feels like a steal.

How Do Apple AirPods Stack Up With Competitors?

During Black Friday, the headphone world becomes a battlefield, and Apple's strategy is notably different. While competitors like Sony, Bose, and Samsung go for the knockout with huge, direct discounts, Apple lets its retail partners handle the heavy price-cutting. This creates a fascinating dynamic for shoppers who are not exclusively tied to the Apple ecosystem and are weighing their options based on features, price, and performance.

Where Apple wins is in the seamless integration of its products—the magical, instant pairing with an iPhone is a major draw. However, competitors often offer more for your money on Black Friday, especially if top-tier noise cancellation or specific sound profiles are a priority. Sony's WH-1000XM series, a direct and formidable competitor to the AirPods Max, is almost guaranteed to be available for a much lower price, making its industry-leading noise cancellation even more tempting.

Bose has built its reputation on unmatched comfort and balanced, high-quality audio, and its popular QuietComfort line sees aggressive sales during this period. For Android users, Samsung often provides the best value with deep discounts and bundles on its Galaxy Buds, which are designed to integrate perfectly with their ecosystem.

And for those seeking stylish and more affordable alternatives, both JBL and the Apple-owned Beats brand will feature heavily in Black Friday sales. JBL is known for its durable, colorful, and budget-friendly options that make great gifts, while Beats products frequently see discounts of up to 50% off, offering a bass-heavy sound and iconic look for less. The bottom line: if you're not locked into Apple's ecosystem, Black Friday is a fantastic time to see how much more competitors are willing to offer for your money.

What Apple AirPods Models and Accessories Will Go On Sale This Year?

You can expect to find discounts on nearly every AirPods model the tech giant makes, from the brand-new releases to slightly older generations that offer incredible value. Retailers know these are hot-ticket items for the holidays and will compete fiercely for your business, which is great news for deal seekers.

Here are the key products to watch:

• Apple AirPods (4th Generation): A perennial best-seller, the newest standard AirPods feature an improved fit and USB-C charging. The model with Active Noise Cancellation for $179 will be a particularly hot item to watch for discounts.
• Apple AirPods Pro (3rd Generation): The top-tier earbuds for iPhone users. The 2025 model boasts twice the Active Noise Cancellation of the first generation, a new Live Translation feature, and an IP57 dust- and water-resistance rating. These will be a top seller and a prime target for deals.
• Apple AirPods Max: The ultimate audio experience for Apple enthusiasts. These premium, over-ear headphones feature high-fidelity audio and Spatial Audio. Black Friday is the best time to find a significant price drop on their $549 price tag.
• AirPods Accessories: Don't forget the extras. Look for deals on the standalone MagSafe USB-C Charging Case for 2nd-Gen AirPods Pro, a perfect replacement for those who have lost their case.

Keep an eye out for deep clearance discounts on any remaining stock of the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and AirPods (3rd Gen) as retailers make way for new inventory. These could be some of the deepest discounts of the season if you don't need the absolute latest model.

Can I Use Apple AirPods Discount Codes During Checkout on Black Friday?

Unfortunately, Apple does not use traditional discount codes for its own sales. The primary offer during its Black Friday Shopping Event is the automatic addition of a gift card with the purchase of an eligible product. You won't need to enter a code; the gift card is simply included with your order.

Savings at third-party retailers like Amazon or Walmart will also be applied automatically. The sale price will be reflected directly on the product page, so there's no need to hunt for coupons. This makes the shopping process straightforward, but it also means the price you see is the price you get.

Does Apple Price Match During Black Friday?

No, Apple does not price match its competitors. If you find AirPods for $50 off at Best Buy, an Apple Store will not match that price. Apple's retail strategy is to maintain its premium pricing, offering gift cards as an incentive rather than direct discounts. As a side note, you can rely on their price adjustment policy if the company drops its prices within two weeks of your purchase —but Black Friday sales are not included.

However, some third-party retailers that sell Apple products, like Best Buy, do have their own price match policies. It's crucial to check their specific terms and conditions for the Black Friday period, as "doorbuster" deals and other special promotions are often excluded from price matching guarantees.

What's Apple's Return Policy During Black Friday?

One of the best perks of holiday shopping is the extended return window, and Apple is no exception. Typically, for products purchased from early November through late December, both Apple and major third-party retailers offer extended return periods that last until mid-January of the following year.

This gives you peace of mind when buying gifts. You can purchase with confidence, knowing there is plenty of time for the recipient to make a return or exchange if needed. Always be sure to double-check the specific return policy of the retailer you're buying from, but you can generally expect a more flexible window during the holiday season.

How do Apple's Black Friday Deals Compare to Their Cyber Monday Deals?

For the most part, the deals are very similar, and it's best to think of the entire period from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday as one long shopping event. While some retailers may introduce a few new "Cyber Monday specials," the core deals on popular items like AirPods often remain the same. To learn more, you can read about the ways Cyber Monday is different from Black Friday.

The biggest difference between the two days is inventory. The most popular models, like the latest AirPods Pro, can and do sell out over the weekend. If you see a great deal on Black Friday for a product you really want, it's safer to buy it then rather than risk it selling out by Monday. Don't assume a better deal is just around the corner; the best price is often available early.

What Have Apple AirPods Black Friday Deals Looked Like In Previous Years?

Looking back at past sales gives us an excellent idea of the kinds of deals to expect for Apple AirPods Black Friday savings. The pattern of discounts is remarkably consistent, with retailers offering substantial, market-leading markdowns year after year. This historical data helps us predict which models will see the biggest drops and proves that waiting for the Black Friday season can lead to significant savings on some of the most sought-after tech.

Here's a look at some of recent years' most memorable deals and their impact:

These past deals show that Black Friday isn't about minor markdowns; it's about significant, market-leading discounts. We fully expect to see this trend continue in 2025 with even more aggressive pricing on both new and previous-generation models.

Standout offers from the past have included some truly impressive price drops that set the bar for the holiday season. Here are some of the most memorable deals we've seen:

• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen): A wildly popular deal dropped this model to a record-low price of just $154, a massive $95 discount that flew off the virtual shelves.
• Apple AirPods Max (Lightning Connector): The premium over-ear headphones saw a massive $149 price cut, bringing them down to a much more accessible $399.99.
• Apple AirPods (2nd Gen): These classic earbuds became a go-to doorbuster, dropping to a clearance price of just $89 and even hitting $69 in some flash sales.
• Apple AirPods (4th Gen): In its debut season, the newest base model hit an incredible record-low price of $85.
• Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC): The brand-new model with noise cancellation saw an early-season discount, dropping to $149.
• Apple AirPods Max (USB-C Connector): The refreshed model saw a solid $50 discount, bringing the price down to $499.
• Beats Solo 4 Headphones: These popular on-ear headphones were slashed by 50%, dropping from $200 to just $100.
• Beats Studio Buds: An excellent AirPods alternative, these were heavily discounted to just $80 for Black Friday.
• Apple AirPods Pro (1st Gen): The original Pro model with the MagSafe case was a hot item at $169.99, a full $80 off its original price during the 2021 event.
• Apple AirPods (3rd Gen): This model dipped to as low as $143 in some sales, offering a great mid-range option with modern features for a solid discount.
• Beats Powerbeats Pro: Perfect for athletes, these hook-style earbuds were available for as low as $130 at Best Buy.
• Beats Studio Pro Headphones: The stylish Kim Kardashian collaboration saw a huge markdown, dropping to just $160.
• Apple AirTag 4-Pack: While not headphones, this popular accessory was frequently part of the savings event, dropping by $20 to just $79.

These deals prove that with a little patience and the right timing, you can score premium Apple audio products for a fraction of their usual cost. We track Apple deals year-round, and the Black Friday season consistently delivers the lowest and most aggressive prices we see.

What Other Apple AirPods Promo Codes and Discounts are Currently Available?

While Black Friday is the main event, there are ways to find great Apple deals throughout the year if you can't wait. It's always a good idea to keep an eye out for discounts, especially on slightly older models that still offer fantastic performance.

Here are some of the other ways you can save right now:

• Apple AirPods (2nd Gen): A great entry-level option, these are available for just $80, a full $49 off their list price.
• Refurbished Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen): Get the premium Pro experience with Active Noise Cancellation for only $170, a significant savings for a product that is certified to be as good as new.
• Refurbished Apple AirPods (3rd Gen): A like-new pair of the 3rd-generation AirPods with the MagSafe Charging Case can be had for just $120.
• Refurbished Apple AirPods Max Headphones: You can score a pair of these premium, high-fidelity headphones for as low as $370, which is a massive discount from their original price.
• Refurbished 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop: A powerful and current-generation M3 laptop can be yours for around $890, a solid discount for a nearly-new machine.
• Apple Pencil (2nd Generation): A must-have for iPad artists and note-takers, this accessory is often available for $99, saving $30.
• Refurbished Apple Watch Series 10: You can find a recent-generation Apple Watch for as low as $280, getting premium features for a much lower price.
• Apple TV 4K 128GB Streaming Media Player: Upgrade your home theater with the latest Apple TV 4K, currently available at $138.
• Refurbished 2022 Apple iPad Air 10.9-inch: Snag a recent model of the powerful iPad Air for just $440, a great price for a versatile tablet.
• Open-Box Deals: Retailers like Best Buy often have open-box AirPods available at a discount. These are typically customer returns that have been verified to be in perfect working condition.
• Free Engraving: When purchasing from the Apple Store, you can add a mix of emoji, letters, and numbers to your AirPods case for free, adding a personal touch at no extra cost.

By exploring these options, you can often find the perfect deal even when it's not the holiday season. Certified Refurbished products, in particular, are one of the best-kept secrets for Apple savings, as they come with a full 1-year warranty and a brand-new battery. While these year-round offers provide excellent value, for the absolute lowest prices on the latest brand-new models, the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping season remains the undisputed champion.

How are Black Friday Deals Sourced and Published?

Finding the best Black Friday deals is both an art and a science. Here at DealNews, our process begins months in advance as we analyze historical pricing data from our Apple Black Friday deals page to predict what's coming. Our team of expert deal hunters scours the internet, monitoring ad leaks, retailer announcements, and real-time price drops. Every potential deal is then rigorously vetted; we compare it against its price history and availability. Only the offers that represent a genuine and significant value to you are published. It's a year-round effort to ensure you get the best savings.

Why Trust DealNews for Apple AirPods Deals?

For over two decades, DealNews has had one mission: to serve the reader. We are obsessively focused on finding the best deals and providing you with the most accurate, reliable shopping advice possible. Our reputation is built on trust. Our experts know the difference between a genuinely great price and marketing hype. We never publish a deal just for the sake of it; if it's not a great value, you won't see it on our site. To get the best deals sent right to your inbox, you can sign up for the DealNews Select newsletter.

During a hectic event like Black Friday, having a trusted resource to cut through the noise is essential. Let us do the work so you can simply enjoy the savings. And if you have a specific pair of AirPods in mind, be sure to create a deal alert. You'll get an instant notification the moment the price drops, ensuring you never miss out on the perfect deal.