For years, I resisted buying AirPods because I thought they were just too expensive. But I finally caved and bought a used pair of AirPod Pro 2s earlier this year for about $170 — which I thought was a steal at the time. Lo and behold, they’re now discounted to just $154 for Black Friday. That’s almost 40 percent off, and it’s the lowest price we’ve ever seen. If you’re a cheapskate like me who’s been holding out on buying a pair for yourself, or if someone on your holiday-gift list wants a pair, I’d recommend buying now. As a converted AirPods user, I can confirm the Pro 2s are genuinely worth it for the noise cancellation, the ease of setting up and switching between devices, and the comfort. They are more customizable than the original AirPods, thanks to the silicone ear tips that are included in multiple sizes so you can get the best fit. Plus, the Pros have handy features for seamless listening, like Adaptive Transparency, which will automatically switch over to transparency mode if you start talking to someone. But don’t just take it from me — Strategist tech writer Jordan McMahon named them the best wireless earbuds for iOS users. Another nifty feature is that they also happen to be certified hearing aids; with a simple test on your phone, they can gauge your hearing loss and actually function as clinical-grade hearing aids, if needed.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.