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When it comes to wireless earbuds designed for Apple’s ecosystem, there truly is no competition for the seamless experience offered by the company’s own AirPods. For those specifically using iOS, no other earbuds provide the same level of integration, convenience, and performance. Among Apple’s lineup, the AirPods Pro 2 stand out as an especially compelling option—offering access to many of the brand’s premium audio features without requiring users to pay the full retail price demanded by the newest generation. Though they remain an exceptional product, there are a few limited areas where these second-generation Pro earbuds fall slightly behind their successor, the AirPods Pro 3. Specifically, these areas include a less advanced level of active noise cancelation, the absence of integrated in-ear heart rate monitoring, and a more modest water-resistance rating.

Also: Shop the best AirPods deals available for Black Friday 2025.

Despite these few trade-offs, the AirPods Pro 2 continue to excel on numerous fronts. At present, they’re being offered at their lowest recorded price of just $139 at Walmart—an unusually steep discount given that official Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events are still several weeks away. Opportunities of this magnitude rarely arise ahead of major shopping holidays, making them particularly attractive for early deal hunters seeking value without compromise.

For iPhone or iPad users who do not necessarily need every single one of the advanced features offered by the newest generation, yet still desire a luxurious listening experience beyond what the standard AirPods 4 can deliver, the AirPods Pro 2 remain my top recommendation. They serve as a perfect balance point—blending affordability, technological sophistication, and premium construction into one refined package.

Under the hood, the AirPods Pro 2 are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, an advanced custom processor that also drives the latest AirPods Pro 3. This chip enables a range of intelligent audio capabilities, including Adaptive Audio—which dynamically adjusts sound settings based on environmental conditions—Conversation Awareness, and even Live Translation. Furthermore, the earbuds come equipped with an auto-pause feature that intuitively halts audio when it detects you’ve fallen asleep, providing both convenience and energy efficiency.

Also: The AirPods Pro 2 have dropped to a new record-low price—here’s why they remain relevant and fully capable in 2025.

While it’s true that these earbuds lack the in-ear heart rate sensor introduced in the latest model, the AirPods Pro 2 compensate with a charging case that provides superior longevity. Offering up to 30 hours of total playback time—compared to the AirPods Pro 3’s 24-hour capacity—this ensures users can enjoy uninterrupted audio for extended periods. Additional highlights include Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, a Hearing Aid mode for enhanced accessibility, and an IP54 rating that offers dependable protection against dust ingress and minor water splashes.

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The AirPods Pro 2 received a noteworthy refresh in 2023, and although they are now a generation older, this should not suggest that they’re outdated or underpowered. Having personally used them extensively for years, I can affirm their continued excellence in terms of noise cancellation, Siri voice-command integration, and feature-rich sound customization.

That said, for those who prioritize owning the most current and technically advanced model, the AirPods Pro 3 undeniably deliver additional upgrades. These include improved active noise cancellation for an even quieter listening environment, more precise device-tracking functionality, enhanced water resistance allowing limited submersion, an extra two hours of continuous playback, and the addition of in-ear heart rate monitoring for users focused on fitness metrics.

If, however, the premium-level specifications of Apple’s Pro series seem unnecessary for your everyday listening habits, there’s still tremendous value to be found in the AirPods 4. The non-ANC version is ideal for users who primarily rely on their earbuds for casual music enjoyment or hands-free calling. Currently, these fourth-generation AirPods can also be purchased at an impressive discount—selling for just $85 at Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and Target.

### How I Rated This Deal

Apple devices are renowned for holding their value, meaning genuine discounts on new models are a rare occurrence. It’s uncommon to find their products listed at significantly reduced prices without conditions or trade-ins. Yet, the AirPods Pro 2 consistently surface during seasonal sales, making them one of Apple’s most frequently discounted high-end products. While previous sales saw them dip to $169, this latest markdown is particularly notable. Given the product’s 2023 release, the strong performance quality, and the magnitude of the current deal, I confidently rated this offer a perfect 5 out of 5.

Naturally, all deals are subject to change or sell out at any time. Nevertheless, ZDNET maintains an ongoing commitment to discovering, verifying, and updating the most worthwhile offers so that readers can save intelligently. Our team of product specialists closely monitors these promotions to confirm that they remain active and accessible. If you happened to miss out on this particular offer, don’t worry—new opportunities continually emerge, and we make it our mission to highlight them promptly on ZDNET.com.

### Our Commitment to Smart Shopping

At ZDNET, our core objective is to equip readers with accurate, actionable advice, ensuring that technology purchases are informed and worthwhile. Backed by more than three decades of experience, a team of 30 in-depth product reviewers, and over 10,000 square feet of lab facilities, we have built a reputation for rigorous testing and unbiased recommendations that help consumers make smarter buying decisions.

In 2025, we refined our methodology for identifying the best deals, implementing a systematic, data-driven framework to evaluate discounts on premium technology. Our editorial deal-rating badges, now visible on most deal-related content, provide a transparent visual guide to the level of value each offer represents. This framework combines a percentage-based assessment of savings with a qualitative scale influenced by product quality, brand trustworthiness, deal frequency, and reviewer expertise—all synthesized into a single, easily interpreted rating.

The outcome of this carefully developed system is a curated collection of deals that are authentically advantageous and meticulously verified by our experts. Each promotion featured on ZDNET is selected with readers in mind, ensuring that your time, attention, and money are always invested in technology purchases that truly deliver value.

Also: Learn more about how we rate deals at ZDNET in 2025.

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Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/im-struggling-to-justify-the-airpods-pro-3-when-this-model-just-set-a-record-low-price/