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The Best AirPods Deals From Amazon's Prime Day Early Access Sale

2nd Generation AirPods are only $89 today!

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AirPods are one of the most ubiquitous tech gadgets of our day. A sign of the times, if you will. They've also become one of the most popular gifts to give and receive every holiday season. But AirPods don't come cheap, and thanks to their popularity and Apple's general lack of discounts, it's rare to find them on sale. That's where Amazon comes in.

Amazon's first-ever Amazon Prime Early Access Sale is taking place now, running yesterday, October 11 through today, October 12, 2022. Much like Prime Day, it is a two-day event, with the best deals occurring during this 48-hour window (and there's less than 24 hours left!). Jamil Ghani, vice president of Amazon Prime, said in a press release that the event is a chance to start holiday gift shopping ahead of Black Friday sales. Well we are ready to shop, because Amazon has discounted almost all AirPods models to prices consistent with (or better than!) Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday last year.

Everything You Need To Know About the New Amazon Prime Day

To make matters even sweeter, the timing of this sale is perfect. Apple just announced the second generation AirPods Pro, so a few of the pre-existing models, including the first generation AirPods Pro, were already on sale. They were discounted even higher for Prime Day, but have already sold out. Regular AirPods (not Pro) are a record-low $89, and AirPods Max over-ear headphones, Apple EarPods with lightning connector and even spare AirPods charging cases are on sale, too. If you're planning to buy AirPods as a gift during the holidays, now's your chance to save!

Ahead, check out the best AirPods deals that you can shop now on Amazon. And below, we answer the internet's burning questions about the new Amazon Prime Early Access Sale, including: dates and logistical details, the best deals to look out for and how to get a free Amazon Prime membership.

Apple Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

The second generation AirPods are the most popular AirPods by a long shot, with more than 500,000 Amazon reviews and counting. They are also the most affordable — and right now they're a record-low price of only $89. While this model doesn't have the latest bells and whistles like noise cancellation or spatial audio, they do boast excellent sound quality, automatic pairing with your iPhone, in-ear detection and the sheer convenience that turned so many of us onto AirPods in the first place. This model comes with a wired charging case (lightning cable compatible).

AirPods Max is Apple's take on over-ear headphones. They provide the most premium audio experience and most comfortable fit of the AirPods product lineup, perfect for those who spend multiple hours per day wearing headphones. In addition to spatial audio and active noise cancellation, AirPods Max also features a custom-built driver that delivers virtually undistorted sound directly into your ears. They also fit most head shapes comfortably thanks to the knit-mesh headband, memory foam ear cushions, and adjustable arms.

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Apple Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector

Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector

Though technically not AirPods, Apple EarPods are becoming popular all over again among social media users and content creators thanks to the external microphone located on the cord. It's conveniently situated about halfway down the cord, allowing users to capture audio and video with clear recordings of their voice. While EarPods sound quality isn't up to par with AirPods, it is still acceptable for casual listening.

Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods

On Sale
Wireless Charging Case for AirPods

If you need a replacement AirPods case, Amazon sells those too! This wireless charging AirPods case works with Apple MagSafe, qi wireless charging mats (the standard wireless charging technology in most consumer-grade wireless chargers), or a lightning cable for wired charging. This charging case model is compatible with first and second generation AirPods (not third generation or AirPods Pro).

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AirPods Pro marry the convenience of wireless earbuds with the sound quality of over-ear headphones. They also have multiple settings that allow for different listening experiences: noise cancellation mode blocks out virtually all environmental sound (an impressive feat for a pair of earbuds without full coverage ear cushions), transparency mode heightens environmental noise, so you can hear what's happening around you, or you can turn noise control off altogether for a natural audio balance. The sound quality of AirPods Pro is enhanced when paired with Apple Music's Dolby Atmos spatial audio, Apple's 360-degree sound format. AirPods Pro come with three sizes of silicone tips for a customizable in-ear fit. They are also sweat and water-resistant, making them a great option for exercise. Apple still recommends wiping them down after intense workouts.

Note: First Generation AirPods Pro are currently sold out on Amazon.

What are the best Prime Early Access Sale deals?

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We are seeing Black Friday-worthy savings across all product categories, including electronics, fashion, home, kitchen, pets, toys and Amazon devices, as well as the lowest prices of the year on some products from national brands, like the KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer. Jessica Teich, deputy editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute says that she's looking for discounts on Apple products, including 40% off AirPods and $100 off Apple Watches; kitchen appliances, including Instant Pots and over 30% off air fryers; and cleaning appliances, including 20% off select Bissell products and 40% off select robot vacuums.

Shop more of the best deals below:

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What is the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale?

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Amazon Prime Early Access Sale is a new Amazon Prime member-exclusive sale that is modeled after the company's flagship sale event, Amazon Prime Day. The sale promises to offer deep discounts on items and brands that are best-sellers during the holiday shopping season.

When is the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale?

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Amazon's Prime Early Access Sale is happening right now. The sale started yesterday, October 11, and runs through today, October 12, 2022, so this is your last chance to shop the deals. We are currently six weeks ahead of Black Friday, which is when Amazon and other retailers typically start to offer discounts for the holiday season. This is a great chance to get a head start on holiday gift shopping. (The last Amazon Prime Day happened this summer on July 12 and July 13.)

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What does Amazon Prime cost in 2022?

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Only Amazon Prime subscribers will be able to shop the Prime Early Access Sale. An Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year (there are some discounts for students, seniors and other qualifying individuals). If you have never had an Amazon Prime membership, the company offers a 30-day free trial for first-time subscribers. If you sign up now for a free trial, that would make you eligible to shop the Prime Early Access Sale come October 11.

apple airpod amazon prime day sale
Headshot of Heath Owens
Heath Owens
Deputy Editor, Commerce

Heath Owens (he/they) is the Deputy Editor for Hearst Magazines' central commerce editorial team, where he leads content strategy and production. He specializes in product testing and sales and deals coverage, with the ultimate goal of helping readers shop smarter. When he’s not at his desk or running around New York City to preview the latest product launches, he’s probably catching up on the Real Housewives of Everywhere™ and tending to his plant children, or, as of late, training for a marathon. 

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Joe Gibson
Commerce Manager Enthusiast Group

Joe Gibson is the Commerce Manager for the Enthusiast Group - Best Products, Runners World, Popular Mechanics and Bicycling. He likes to go to the beach and try new restaurants as frequently as possible.  

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