Apple’s AirPods Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are the rare exception in the modern electronics market. Even as the number and quality of wireless earbuds changes around them, they just keep getting better. Now that they’re on sale for Black Friday at the lowest price I’ve ever seen, there’s no reason for iPhone owners to buy anything else.
Still looking? We have guides to the Best Wireless Headphones and the Best AirPods. The best Early Black Friday Deals are already here too.
The Best AirPods Deal Ever
The first time I tried the latest AirPods Pro at Apple’s launch event, it was easy to get swept up in the hype. Apple reps know how to make their products feel special, to the point where you’re almost fighting not to love them. Still, it only took me a few days to fall for the Pro. It all started with a seemingly magical new feature: noise-suppressing transparency mode.
As a recovering audio professional and current audio reviewer, my ears are my livelihood. So when Apple promised the AirPods Pro’s utterly natural-sounding transparency mode could suppress loud noises, I was equal parts skeptical and fascinated. But the noise suppression really works. While Apple is quick to tell you these earbuds are not certified as earplugs, I’ve worn them at concerts and even the insanely loud return of Russell Wilson to play against his former Seahawks at Lumen Field, and the buds held up surprisingly well under the mayhem.
Of course, that’s just one reason of many to love the AirPods Pro. They’ve got great sound, noise canceling that’s good enough to outdo even some of the best noise-canceling headphones, a slick and airy design, and (in the latest iteration) comprehensive controls. The lack of volume control was the biggest flaw in the previous generation, and Apple made it utterly convenient in the current pair.
The Pro’s biggest downside is their battery life of just around six hours with noise canceling, which will decrease over time. It’s not bad, but it’s not amazing. Even with all they offer, that made their original $250 price tag worthy of at least some hesitation. That’s no longer the case—pun intended. (Speaking of the case, it now adds multiple recharges for 24 hours of playback in total.)
Other Great Apple Deals
As a company, Apple isn’t particularly known for discounting its products that often. This Black Friday, however, we’ve found a few particularly great sales. For more, check out our roundup of the Best Black Friday Apple Deals.
The Best MacBook for most people is on sale for over $200 off.
Apple also recently updated the newest tiny tablet, the iPad Mini, and it’s almost $100 off. This is the best time to pick up the tiniest tablet for kids or for traveling.
The Watch Series 10 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is also on sale for almost $70 off. The Apple Watch SE, which is our Best Apple Watch for most people, is also on sale for $100 off.