The AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 Earbuds Are Both on Sale Today at the Lowest Prices of the Year
Score a pair of new AirPods for under $100.
Apple's newest AirPods are all on sale today, which means you can score great savings regardless of the budget you're aiming for. Starting with the highest end model, the second generation Apple AirPods Pro wireless noise-canceling earbuds is $169.99 shipped (normally $240). The next step down, the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC (active noise cancelation) is down to $148.99 (normally $179). Finally, the value-packed AirPods 4 without ANC drops to $99.99 (normally $129). iPhone users, these are without a doubt the best earbuds to pair with your smartphone.
Apple AirPods Pro for $169.99
The AirPods Pro is the best-sounding "truly wireless" earbuds for iPhone users thanks to its passively isolating in-ear design combined with excellent active noise cancelation, low-distortion driver and amp, and the Apple H2 chip. It also has useful features like Adaptive Transparency Mode, which lets you better hear your surroundings without removing your earbuds, and Conversation Mode, which automatically enhances the voices of people you're talking to. The second generation AirPods Pro replaces the Lightning port with a more universal USB Type-C port so you don't have to mix and match cables, and also includes a MagSafe charging case as standard.
Save Over $40 Off the New Apple AirPods 4
The Apple AirPods 4 was released on September, 2024 in two variants: both models are mostly identical with the exception of the noise canceling functionality on the more expensive one. The AirPods 4 features several updates over the AirPods 3 which brings it in-line with modern day standards. These improvements include the newer Apple H2 chip (vs H1), Bluetooth 5.3 support (vs Bluetooth 5.0), better IP54 resistance rating which now protects against dust intrustion (vs IPX4), USB Type-C (vs Lightning), and replacement of the skin detect sensor with a more reliable optical in-ear sensor.
Should you get the AirPods Pro over AirPods 4 with ANC?
The AirPods Pro is a superior earbud, which is why it retails for $70 more than the AirPods 4 ANC. Both feature active noise cancelation, but the AirPods Pro produces better sound quality and more effective noise canceling because of its design. The AirPods 4 ANC is an open-ear style earbud with non-adjustable tips. They're designed to sit right outside of the ear which – while comfortable – means you get plenty of sound leakage and ambient noise intrusion.
On the other hand, the AirPods Pro is an in-ear style of earbud that sits right inside your ear canal, sealing the passage and passively isolating it from the ambient air. Adjustable tips are included to accomodate different sized ears and ensure you get that proper sealing fit, which is very important to squeeze out the best performance. At this price, the only compelling reason to still go for the AirPods 4 ANC is if you don't like the intrusive nature of in-ear style earbuds in general.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
