Apple deal alert: The new AirPods 4 are only a buck above their Prime Day price
AirPods are some of the most sought-after earbuds on the market, and this sale makes them a lot more attainable. While they sometimes dip below $120, this is the lowest they've ever dropped outside of Prime Day, during which they were only a dollar cheaper. (If these Pods are still too rich for your blood, check out our comprehensive review of AirPods Pro alternatives under $100 — there's something for everyone.)
If you don't like that feeling of having something wedged in your ear and don't need active noise cancellation (ANC), these buds are the way to go. They've gotten a bit of a makeover from previous generations. The shorter stem gives them a cleaner look, and the new quick-press controls mean no more fumbling to pause your tunes 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.
I use an iPhone, iPad, iMac and MacBook Pro daily, so my AirPods rarely leave my ears. While their utility extends beyond the Appleverse — they 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 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 — they're rated IP54 for dust, sweat and water resistance.
These AirPods have over 8,400 five-star fans, and over 10,000 pairs have been snapped up in the past month.
"I had some off-brand [headphones] that sounded AMAZING, but they never automatically connected and were less of an easy experience," recalled a would-be bargain hunter. "The AirPods just WORK the way you expect them to, which I missed, and am so glad I have again."
"I never understood the hype around expensive earbuds and always stuck with cheaper ones," began one convert, "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."
Said this five-star fan: "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. ... If you're an Apple user looking for a seamless audio experience, these earbuds are definitely worth considering."
I concur with this "con"-trary customer's quibble: "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."
I'll give the last word to Yahoo Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida, who cautioned: "It ... 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." (Check out Rick's full review of the ANC Apple AirPods 4 here.)
If you want a bit more battery life and a more customized fit, AirPods Pro might be your answer.
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.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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