Apple AirPods are some of the most popular earbuds available right now. With sleek designs, easy syncing with other Apple devices and noise-canceling abilities, it’s no wonder everyone wants a pair. But is now the right time to take the plunge and treat yourself to new Apple AirPods?

The experts at CBS Essentials analyzed historical pricing data on the top Apple AirPod models using CamelCamelCamel to uncover key patterns and help you find the best time to buy. Spoiler alert: Right now you can get best-of-the-year pricing on the most popular Apple AirPods models of 2024 at Amazon thanks to a special Apple AirPods deal.

When to buy Apple AirPods Pro 2

The latest Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds offer 30 hours of listening time with the included charging case. They have an upgraded wireless chip for improved audio functionality, a new low-distortion driver for clearer audio and improved active noise cancelation. Apple AirPods Pro 2 provide truly custom sound: You can use your iPhone’s camera to analyze your unique ear anatomy and find the perfect audio settings for you. 

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are available with your choice of Lightning and USB-C charging cases.

The Apple AirPods 2 usually cost $249, but they do go on sale at pretty often. Right now, the AirPods Pro 2 are just 99 cents away from their lowest price ever at Amazon ahead of Memorial Day — just $180. You’re unlikely to see a price this good until Prime Day or Black Friday much later this year, so now is a great time to grab a new pair of Apple AirPods 2.

Why we like the Apple AirPods 2:

• They have an upgraded wireless chip with improved active noise cancelation for enhanced audio quality. 
• They offer 30 hours of listening time with the included charging case. 
•  Their unique custom sound feature allows the iPhone’s camera to analyze ear anatomy for personalized audio settings.

When to buy third-generation Apple AirPods

The latest generation of Apple AirPods are a nice upgrade over the second-generation model. They support 3D spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. You get more listening time, too — up to 30 hours with the included MagSafe charging case.

These Apple AirPods are listed at $179 on Apple’s website but are currently available for $140 at Amazon and Walmart. This is the lowest price we’ve seen all year and matches last year’s best Black Friday deal price.

In short: It’s a great time to buy these Apple AirPods.

Why we like the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation):

• Their clear and high-quality sound makes for immersive listening. 
• They feature one-tap setup and intuitive controls for better convenience. 
• They have an impressive battery life of over 24 hours with the charging case, and quick charging for on-the-go

When to buy second-generation Apple AirPods

The second-generation Apple AirPods may not be the latest model, but they’re still one of the most sought-after earbuds on the market. These are some of the most versatile earbuds you can buy if you’re a regular iOS user. But beyond that, these are great earbuds that are perfect for tossing in your bag and heading out into the world. They just connect when you need them. There’s no frustrating need to pair them.

These 4.7-star-rated earbuds boast more than 24 hours of total listening time with the wireless charging case, fool-proof one-tap setup for Apple device owners and a low-latency wireless connection for full immersion when consuming movies and music.  If you need an everyday set of earbuds that look and feel premium, these are a great and affordable option. 

While we have seen these AirPods sell for $79, briefly, these headphones are rarely priced below $90. As such, the current Amazon sale price of $80 is an excellent deal and you can confidently buy them without holding out.

Why we like the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation):

• Their clear and high-quality sound makes for immersive listening. 
• They feature one-tap setup and intuitive controls for better convenience. 
• They have an impressive battery life of over 24 hours with the charging case, and quick charging for on-the-go.

When to buy Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max headphones use active noise-cancelation technology to block out unwanted noise and feature a transparency mode so you can hear what you need to. These headphones feature 20 hours of listening. They come in a variety of colors including blue, green, red and silver. They’re also compatible with Siri. 

The AirPods Max are usually the priciest option of the bunch, with a list price of $549. They are currently discounted to $519 on Amazon. They go on sale consistently throughout the year, but the best deals have historically been during Amazon Prime Day events. We’ve seen them as low as $429 back in 2022 and for $450 last year.

If you’re looking to buy a new pair of Apple AirPods Max headphones, we recommend waiting until Amazon Prime Day comes around in July 2024 if you can.

Why we like the Apple AirPods Max:

• The AirPods Max are ideal for Apple users because they offer features that only work with other Apple equipment.
• The onboard Crown button makes it easy to control the headphones.
• The headphones offer Adaptive EQ, but no manually adjustable EQ.
• Their unique design makes the AirPods Max comfortable to wear.
• The active noise cancelation works very well, especially on an airplane or in a loud, indoor or outdoor environment.