While it sure does feel like the holiday season is here (it’s snowing outside my window as I’m writing this), Christmas is still almost two months away. Who wants to wait that long listening to holiday tunes with mediocre-sounding headphones, especially when you can save $59 on Apple AirPods Pro right now?
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Active noise cancellation shuts out the world so you can immerse yourself in music, podcasts or whatever makes you happy. Adaptive Transparency mode lets you listen to your tunes but also hear any important noises from your surroundings.
Why is this a good deal? 💰
AirPods Pro are some of the most sought-after earbuds on the market, and this sale makes them a lot more attainable. While these beloved ‘buds sometimes dip below $180, it’s rare. (And if Pros are still too rich for your blood, check out our comprehensive review of AirPods Pro alternatives under $100 — there’s something for everyone.)
Why do I need these? 🤔
For one thing, they’re customizable. Big ears? Small ears? No problem. While previous AirPods subscribed to a one-size-fits-all approach, Apple redesigned these with silicone tips for a comfy fit. Now they’ll feel better in your ears and are less likely to slip out. These state-of-the-art Pros also provide a special ear-tip fit test so you can find which size is best for you and your ear shape. (If you want to know more about how these compare with the previous generation, read our full review.)
Unlike previous versions of the iconic buds, the Pros feature active noise cancellation to block out nearly all ambient sound and background chatter. AirPods Pro are also a revelation in the battery life department — you’ll get six hours, compared with about half that for the previous model. You can drop them in their included wireless charging case to juice them up for an additional 24 hours.
These earbuds sync wirelessly with just about any Apple device, including iPhone, iPad, MacBook and iMac. But their utility extends beyond the Appleverse: They’ll also pair perfectly well with Android smartphones or tablets, as well as Windows laptops and desktops.
What reviewers say 💬
These AirPods Pro have more than 8,000 five-star fans, and with over 10,000 pairs bought in the past month, it’s safe to say Apple has a hit on its hands.
Pros 👍
If there’s one reason to pick up a pair of AirPods Pro, it’s the sound, shoppers say. “They’ve exceeded my expectations in every way,” one fan raved. “The sound quality is exceptional, with a rich, balanced audio profile that makes listening to music and podcasts a joy. The noise cancellation feature is also significantly improved, effectively blocking out background noise even in busy environments.”
“Wow, these things are next level!” said a second shopper. “The Bluetooth connection is seamless as always, and the active noise cancellation is ridiculously good — like, the world just melts away when you put them in. Perfect for noisy commutes or when you just want some peace and quiet. One feature that surprised me is the new hearing aid feature. If you need a little boost for conversations or specific sounds, it really helps. And when you don’t want to be fully isolated, the transparency mode is super clear — lets you hear what’s happening around you without having to take the earbuds out.”
Another customer said, “I bought these mainly for the noise cancellation feature. It works great and much better compared to Beats. It’s on par with Bose noise cancellation.”
As for how they feel, one shopper had this to say: “They fit securely and comfortably in my ears, and I can wear them for hours without discomfort.”
Cons 👎
The biggest complaint about the Pros? Battery life. Even though it’s longer than previous generations, fans want more: “Battery life is sufficient, though it wouldn’t hurt if it could last an extra hour or so for longer flights.”
Some people do find it difficult for the buds to stay in their ears. “I just wish they didn’t always feel like they were going to fall out. Apple, I don’t even care if you add a piece that goes around the outside of my ear. Just make them stay in.”
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Get up to six hours of battery life per bud, with a total of just over 30 hours in the case.
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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