Apple’s latest AirPods lineup is now on sale and makes for a perfect Mother’s Day gift idea. With Mother's Day falling on May 11, there’s no better time to surprise her with the latest audio tech at a discounted price. The top-tier option, the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro wireless noise-canceling earbuds, are available for $169 (down from $240). If you're looking for something slightly more affordable, the Apple AirPods 4 with active noise cancelation (ANC) is now $148 instead of $179. For those seeking value without compromising quality, the AirPods 4 without ANC drops to just $99.99, normally priced at $129.
Apple AirPods Pro for $169
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
The AirPods Pro remains the best-sounding truly wireless earbuds for iPhone users, thanks to its passively isolating in-ear design paired with exceptional active noise cancelation, a low-distortion driver and amplifier, and the powerful Apple H2 chip. Additional features include Adaptive Transparency Mode—which allows wearers to hear their surroundings clearly—and Conversation Mode, which enhances voices during face-to-face interactions. This second-generation model replaces the Lightning port with a universal USB-C connector, eliminating cable clutter, and includes a MagSafe charging case as standard equipment.
Save Over $40 Off the New Apple AirPods 4
Apple AirPods 4
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation
The Apple AirPods 4 launched in September 2024 and comes in two versions—both nearly identical aside from the inclusion of active noise cancelation in the pricier model. Compared to the AirPods 3, the AirPods 4 brings several notable upgrades in line with current industry standards. These include the Apple H2 chip (upgraded from H1), support for Bluetooth 5.3 (previously Bluetooth 5.0), an improved IP54 rating that adds dust resistance (versus IPX4), a switch from Lightning to USB-C charging, and the replacement of the skin-detection sensor with a more reliable optical in-ear detection system.
Should You Choose the AirPods Pro or the AirPods 4 with ANC?
The AirPods Pro delivers a premium experience, reflected in its $70 higher price point compared to the AirPods 4 with ANC. While both models offer active noise cancelation, the AirPods Pro outperforms in sound quality and noise suppression due to its design. The AirPods 4 with ANC uses an open-ear fit with non-adjustable tips, sitting outside the ear canal. This design leads to sound leakage and ambient noise interference despite offering greater comfort for some users.
Conversely, the AirPods Pro utilizes an in-ear design that sits inside the ear canal, creating a passive seal that significantly improves noise isolation. It also offers adjustable ear tip sizes to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, which is key to achieving optimal performance. Unless you prefer open-ear designs, the AirPods Pro is the superior choice at this price point.
A New Apple iPad Would Also Make an Awesome Gift for Mom
Amazon has slashed prices on the brand-new 2025 11th-gen Apple iPad (A16), making it another excellent gift idea for Mother’s Day. All four color options—Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Silver—are now available for $299, down from the original $349. Each model features 128GB storage and Wi-Fi-only connectivity. This marks the deepest discount we’ve seen on the latest iPad since its release earlier this year. Given how rare such a deal is for such a recent device, it won’t last long.
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