Apple’s headphones rarely sell at full price, and two of the company’s latest models are currently discounted. The AirPods Max 2 are $100 off at Amazon for $449, while the AirPods Pro 3 are listed at $200—$49 below their usual price. Both deals could improve during Black Friday, but shoppers who need new headphones before late November may want to consider them now.
WIRED spends considerable time testing Apple products and tracking their prices to determine when it is best to buy and when it makes sense to wait. For more Apple recommendations, see its guides to the best Apple Watches, iPhones, and iPads.
Apple AirPods Max 2 for $449 ($100 off)
The AirPods Max 2 are described as the best-sounding headphones for Apple users. After about three months of testing, they have become a favorite for travel. Although they cannot prevent airplane ear, their plush over-ear cushions can be more comfortable than wearing earbuds in the ear canals for hours at a time.
The headphones offer up to 1.5 times more automatic noise-cancellation performance than previous versions, support lossless audio, and connect over USB-C for ultra-low-latency audio.
The discount applies to all five colors: Midnight, Blue, Orange, Purple, and Starlight. AirPods Max 2 have sold for less in the past, but $449 remains a substantial discount. Owners of the original AirPods Max are advised not to upgrade, while shoppers buying a new pair should still consider whether they need them immediately or can wait for a potentially lower Black Friday price.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $200 ($49 off)
This is not the lowest price seen for Apple’s flagship AirPods Pro 3. If you can wait until Black Friday, waiting may be preferable. However, shoppers who need new earbuds now and use an iPhone may find the $49 discount worthwhile compared with the regular price.
The AirPods Pro 3 are suited to commuting, workouts, and situations where users want to remove the earbuds easily to hear their surroundings, although Transparency mode can often make that unnecessary. Their silicone ear tips stay in place during exercise, including when the wearer is sweating, making them a strong option for running.
Compared with the AirPods 5, the AirPods Pro 3 offer three times more active noise cancellation and include a built-in heart-rate sensor for training. They also support Apple’s adaptive EQ and hearing-aid features. Battery life is approximately eight hours with ANC enabled and up to 24 hours with the charging case. Five sizes of ear tips are included to help users adjust the fit.
Source: www.wired.com