We may earn a commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page.
As incredibly successful as Apple’s AirPods have undoubtedly proven since the first generation was released back in 2016, the intensifying competition provided nowadays by brands as diverse as Samsung, Xiaomi, JBL, LG, Oppo, and… well, too many others to list here is essentially making it impossible for the world’s most popular true wireless earbuds to sell at their “normal” prices.
That’s why the high-end AirPods Pro and the second-gen “regular” AirPods are more often than not available at substantial discounts from major US retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The latest killer deals on “grade A” refurbished units come from a popular Amazon-owned e-tailer rather than the e-commerce giant itself, with a 90-day seller warranty included and free standard shipping offered to Prime members.
If you’re having trouble choosing between the two models, it’s actually not that hard to make a decision. If you can afford to spend $154.99 and don’t mind going the refurb route, the AirPods Pro are without a doubt the best wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation you can buy… to pair with your iPhone.
As far as the second-gen entry-level AirPods are concerned, it’s certainly not easy to snub them at $94.99 a pair when they’re still arguably among the best true wireless earbuds available today… in that price bracket. The lack of state-of-the-art ANC technology is compensated with solid audio performance, decent battery life, and unrivaled comfort.
Of course, you have plenty of affordable alternatives to take into consideration if you’re not dead set on buying Apple, including Amazon’s hot new second-gen Echo Buds, which come with active noise cancellation on deck at $119.99 and up.
