As I write this, I have my AirPods Pro nestled comfortably in my ears. Featuring four sizes of silicone tips that form a nice seal, they're my preferred earbuds, but — admittedly — they take some getting used to. If silicone tips aren't your thing, but you're all about water-resistant earbuds with epic battery life and intuitive hands-free controls, the regular AirPods are your answer. They sound great, share a ton of features with the Pro model and right now they're only $100 — their lowest price ever.
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$100 at AmazonWhy is this a good deal? ????
AirPods are some of the most sought-after earbuds on the market, and this sale makes them a lot more attainable. While these beloved headphones sometimes dip below $120, this is the lowest they've ever dropped. (If AirPods are still too rich for your blood, check out our comprehensive review of AirPods alternatives under $100 — there's something for everyone.)
Why do I need these? ????
If you don't like that feeling of having something wedged in your ear and don't have the need for active noise cancellation (ANC), these buds are the way to go. How are they different from the previous generation? They've gotten a bit of a makeover. The shorter stem gives them a cleaner look and the new quick-press controls mean no more fumbling to pause your music or take a call. Plus, they fit better and stay put, so you won’t have to keep adjusting them while you’re at the gym or running to catch the train.
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As someone who uses an iPhone, iPad, iMac and MacBook Pro daily, my AirPods rarely leave my ears. While their utility extends beyond the Appleverse — they'll also pair perfectly fine with Android smartphones or tablets, as well as Windows laptops and desktops — you do lose out on a lot of the features that make these headphones special.
AirPods 4 share quite a bit of tech with the AirPods Pro, including an H2 chip, spatial audio, a wireless charging case with speaker (and USB-C charging port) and the new Head Gestures feature, which allows you to take or decline calls with a quick move of the head. And if you're caught in the rain or sweating through a tough workout, no worries — these AirPods are rated IP54 for dust, sweat and water resistance.
AirPods 4 fit nicely in your ear (without those pesky silicone tips) so you can concentrate on phone calls, music or your favorite podcast. (Getty)
What reviewers say ????
These AirPods have over 2,200 five-star fans, which is quite a bit of love for such a new product. With over 10,000 pairs bought in the past month, it's safe to say Apple has yet another hit on its hands.
Pros ????
"I had some off-brand [headphones] that sounded AMAZING but they never automatically connected and were less of an easy experience," mentioned one five-star reviewer. "The airpods just WORK the way you expect them to which I missed and am so glad I have again."
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The sound quality of the AirPods was a huge plus said one five-star reviewer. "I never understood the hype around expensive earbuds and always stuck with cheaper ones, but my husband got me these AirPods for Christmas, and now I get it! These are a total game-changer. They’re super comfortable and don’t hurt my ears, even after wearing them for long periods. The sound quality is amazing, and the personalized spatial audio makes everything sound so immersive."
Finally, even though they have a one-size-fits-all approach, these earbuds were a great fit for many shoppers, including this five-star reviewer. "Apple has refined the design of the AirPods 4, resulting in a comfortable and secure fit. The lightweight earbuds sit comfortably in your ears for extended listening sessions, and the intuitive controls make it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks and activate Siri."
Cons ????
One four-star reviewer (and this author) thought that these $100 buds should come with a charger. "I think that it's very cheap of Apple that they don’t include the proper charging cable or the USB plug. Apple products are so expensive, you should be able to use the products immediately. Instead, I have to go pay more to get a charging cable."
"It also bears mentioning that Android users are almost certainly better off with something other than AirPods, which would serve as little more than 'dumb' earbuds when paired with those phones," our Senior Tech Writer, Rick Broida cautioned. (Want more info on these buds? Check out Rick's full review of the ANC version here.)
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$100 at AmazonIf you want a bit more battery life and a more customized fit, the AirPods Pro might be your answer.
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If you don't mind (or prefer) tight-fitting silicone tips, AirPods Pro remain the gold standard when it comes to ANC. They also double as hearing aids now.
"I have minor hearing loss in my left ear and pretty much no hearing loss in my right. All good. I turned on the hearing aid mode and was ushered into a rich world of sound," said a fan. "These things are really amazing as hearing aids. ... I had no idea that a bare foot on carpet was so loud and distinctive that you can tell who is coming. It was like nothing I have experienced recently."
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
