Best Black Friday AirPods deals 2023: everything to expect this year

By Tabitha Baker
Contributions from
Fay Watson, Molly Edwards
 last updated

We're rounding up everything we can expect to see from Black Friday AirPods deals in 2023

Black Friday AirPods deals
(Image credit: Future)
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Black Friday AirPods deals traditionally offer some of the best prices of the year on Apple's luxury earbuds. Not only that, but with plenty of models on the shelves (all at different ages), we're in a pretty good spot for savings right now. Whether you're holding out for November's sales or getting prepped for the months of discounts we have ahead of us, there are some excellent prices on the horizon. 

Between now super cheap AirPods second generations and the latest Pro models, there's plenty to satisfy a range of price points. However, these are still pricey earbuds so any discounts are always appreciated. 

Last year, we saw Black Friday AirPods deals offering new record lows across the range. While the Max cups were left out in the dark, we saw the earbud range shine with heavy discounts and some of the year's best subscription bundles to boot. Of course, we've got a few more months ahead of us before Black Friday 2023 kicks off, but we've been covering these discounts for years and are here to see you through everything you need to prepare ahead of time. 

If you're on the hunt for more than a set of gaming earbuds, though, be sure to check out our full guide to this year's Black Friday gaming deals. 

When will Black Friday AirPods deals start?

Black Friday AirPods deals are due to kick off on November 24 this year, with retailers launching sales from the start of Thanksgiving week to get in there early. 

Where will the best Black Friday AirPods deals be?

We'll be bringing you all the best Black Friday AirPods deals as soon as the sale kicks off right here. However, if you're going it alone it's worth keeping these retailers in your back pocket. These stores have been offering the best prices on Apple's luxury buds for the last few years now, and should definitely be a starting point. 

US: 

Amazon: Regularly has the lowest prices around (opens in new tab)
B&H Photo: Often price matches during sales events (opens in new tab)
Newegg: Flash sales can offer record breaking discounts (opens in new tab)
Verizon: Fewer discounts but excellent prices during sales (opens in new tab)
Walmart: Matches Amazon's record low prices (opens in new tab)

UK:
Amazon: Usually has the best prices on Apple devices (opens in new tab)
Argos: Same day delivery available (opens in new tab)
Currys: Great prices and extra subscription trials included free (opens in new tab)
Laptops Direct: Often has the best prices around but £5 shipping (opens in new tab)
Very: Regularly price matches record lows (opens in new tab)

How to find the best Black Friday AirPods deals

We've been tracking Black Friday AirPods deals for a few years now, which means we've picked up some handy tricks to getting the very best offers along the way. Of course, we'll be rounding up all the biggest discounts right here, but if you're looking for some solo deal hunting tips, you'll find our top three just below.

1. Know what you want to buy
Knowing which model of AirPods you'll be shopping for this November means you can head straight into the sales and find the lowest price without wasting too much time comparing specs. Of course, it's always important to stay flexible - if a more expensive model has taken a huge price cut, it may well be the better value option. 

You're deciding between the second or third generation AirPods, the AirPods Pro or AirPods Pro 2 (2022) and the AirPods Max.

2. Get there early
Black Friday AirPods deals are some of the biggest on the shelves this November, so the biggest discounts often sell out quickly. If you're looking for the best price possible we'd recommend you get in as early as you can. While there may be other offers later on in the weekend, they likely won't beat the record price low we might see at the start of the event.

3. Price check
Once you've found the perfect deal it's important to make sure it really is the perfect one. While many retailers simply price match each other over Black Friday, some stores can get away with a slightly lower sales price (though watch out for hidden shipping fees). It's more likely, however, that you'll find a retailer offering additional incentives to shop through them. You might find the same price available, but with free subscriptions, gift cards, or accessories also up for grabs.

Black Friday AirPods deals: what to expect

AirPods 2019

(Image credit: Apple)

The second generation earbuds usually see some heavy discounts in Black Friday AirPods deals, but that tradition has been muddied by the newer third generation. These older buds are still on the shelves, though, and so represent the cheapest AirPods currently on the market. 

Last year's Black Friday AirPods deals set a new record for the lowest price on this second generation pair – $79. That bodes well for a return to such a position, and potentially a shift down to $69 if the third generation falls even further than it did previously last year. 

If you've set your sights on something a little newer, it's worth noting that we haven't seen too many discounts on the third generation, barring last year's $149.99 sales price. 

Black Friday AirPods Pro deals: what to expect

Apple AirPods Pro

(Image credit: Apple)

There are technically two sets of AirPods Pros on our minds this year; last year's MagSafe version, and the new AirPods Pro 2. The first model has been hovering at between $179.99 and $199.99 since release, a small jump from its $159.99 position in previous sales. With the arrival of the AirPods Pro 2 at a $249.99 MSRP, that cost isn't in too much trouble. We would expect to see the AirPods Pro 2 at around $189 if sales are particularly strong this year, but realistically we could only see $50 off here. 

Black Friday AirPods Max deals: what to expect

Apple AirPods Max

(Image credit: Apple)

The biggest discounts might be reserved for the AirPods Max, but only because it's got the highest starting price. These luxury cups initially launched in December 2020 at $549, but quickly dropped to $499 throughout 2021. We've been seeing $479.99 price tags far more regularly over the last few weeks. 

Since last year's Black Friday AirPods deals, though, we've been seeing a $429.99 record low sales price popping up time and time again - though only for very brief periods. This was the best price we saw over last year's November sales, and one we expect the AirPods Max to return to this year. 

Last year's best Black Friday AirPods deals in the US

Apple Earpods | $29 $16.99 at Amazon Save $12 - They're not Apple's premium true wireless Pods, but the Apple Earpods are perfect if you're looking to keep costs down and put that lightning connection to work. We were seeing these buds 41% off last year, kicking the $29 headphones down to $16.99. (opens in new tab)

Apple Earpods | $29 $16.99 at Amazon
Save $12 - They're not Apple's premium true wireless Pods, but the Apple Earpods are perfect if you're looking to keep costs down and put that lightning connection to work. We were seeing these buds 41% off last year, kicking the $29 headphones down to $16.99.

Apple AirPods second generation | $99 $79 at Walmart Save $20 - The AirPods second generation finally dropped back down to their previous record low price. Although we were counting this as a $20 discount, the AirPods were down a huge $80 from their original price of $159. Not a bad saving at all. (opens in new tab)

Apple AirPods second generation | $99 $79 at Walmart
Save $20 - The AirPods second generation finally dropped back down to their previous record low price. Although we were counting this as a $20 discount, the AirPods were down a huge $80 from their original price of $159. Not a bad saving at all.

Apple AirPods Pro with MagSafe charging case (1st Gen) | $249 $159 at Walmart Save $90 - The previous generation AirPods Pro briefly relaunched with a MagSafe charging case in 2021, and then took a particularly strong price cut at Walmart. This was following the newer model hitting the shelves, but still represented excellent value - netting you some of Apple's best earbuds for just $159. (opens in new tab)

Apple AirPods Pro with MagSafe charging case (1st Gen) | $249 $159 at Walmart
Save $90 - The previous generation AirPods Pro briefly relaunched with a MagSafe charging case in 2021, and then took a particularly strong price cut at Walmart. This was following the newer model hitting the shelves, but still represented excellent value - netting you some of Apple's best earbuds for just $159.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | $249 $199.99 at Amazon Save $50 - We'd never seen this $199.99 price on the new AirPods Pro before, making this $50 discount on the latest release a new record. That was an excellent saving on the $250 buds - especially considering they were new for 2022. (opens in new tab)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | $249 $199.99 at Amazon
Save $50 - We'd never seen this $199.99 price on the new AirPods Pro before, making this $50 discount on the latest release a new record. That was an excellent saving on the $250 buds - especially considering they were new for 2022.

Apple AirPods Max | $549 $449.99 at Amazon Save $100 - The AirPods Max were down to $449.99 for $100 off at Amazon. While we have seen those numbers dip down to $429 in the past, such a price hadn't popped back onto the shelves since Black Friday the year before. That meant this was the best discount of the year. (opens in new tab)

Apple AirPods Max | $549 $449.99 at Amazon
Save $100 - The AirPods Max were down to $449.99 for $100 off at Amazon. While we have seen those numbers dip down to $429 in the past, such a price hadn't popped back onto the shelves since Black Friday the year before. That meant this was the best discount of the year.

Last year's best Black Friday AirPods deals in the UK

AirPods 3 | £179 £169 at Amazon Save £10 - This was the first significant discount we'd seen on the 2021 AirPods 3 at Amazon - bringing that £179 RRP down to £169. Yes, it was only a £10 discount but we'd never seen any cash off these buds before.  (opens in new tab)

AirPods 3 | £179 £169 at Amazon
Save £10 - This was the first significant discount we'd seen on the 2021 AirPods 3 at Amazon - bringing that £179 RRP down to £169. Yes, it was only a £10 discount but we'd never seen any cash off these buds before. 

View Deal (opens in new tab)
AirPods Pro (1st Gen) with MagSafe charging case | £199 £184 at John Lewis Save £15 - John Lewis had the previous generation AirPods on sale for £184, £15 off their previous £199 listing price. That was an excellent offer if you were after a MagSafe set of buds. (opens in new tab)

AirPods Pro (1st Gen) with MagSafe charging case | £199 £184 at John Lewis
Save £15 - John Lewis had the previous generation AirPods on sale for £184, £15 off their previous £199 listing price. That was an excellent offer if you were after a MagSafe set of buds.

AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | £249 £229 at John Lewis Save £20 - The latest generation AirPods Pro took their first discount at John Lewis. A £20 price drop brought these luxury £249 buds down to £229 - a brand new record low.  (opens in new tab)

AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | £249 £229 at John Lewis
Save £20 - The latest generation AirPods Pro took their first discount at John Lewis. A £20 price drop brought these luxury £249 buds down to £229 - a brand new record low. 

AirPods don't make great gaming headphones, but we're rounding up our expectations for this year's Black Friday gaming headset deals and Black Friday PS5 headset deals elsewhere. If you're expanding your search, check out the Black Friday earbuds deals we expect to see. 

Or, to complete your ecosystem, check out our predictions for the best Black Friday iPad deals.

Tabitha Baker
Tabitha Baker
Managing Editor - Hardware

Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I've written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i'm focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards and mice that come with them), and tracking everything that suggests VR is about to take over our lives.

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