The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
Apple's new AirPods drop to their lowest ever price in the January sales
Turn up the volume and tune in to this serious New Year saving
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The January sales are here, and it’s an ideal time to save money on pricier purchases that will last you all year round and beyond. We’ve found the best reductions from major retailers like Amazon, plus tech and mattress savings too.
Top of our list are Apple AirPods. The brand’s deals don’t roll around that often, making savings well worth snapping up when they do land. AirPods have had several incarnations since the original pair paved the way for in-ear Bluetooth wireless earbud technology over five years ago.
Follow live: The best January sales deals to shop now
Second-generation AirPods followed hot on the heels of the OG version in 2019, with a wireless charging case among key features. AirPods pro came later the same year, providing noise-cancelling at a premium price. Meanwhile, AirPods max are an over-ear option that arrived in 2020, and 2021 saw the debut of third-generation AirPods.
The AirPods you fancy shopping depends on how you’ll use them, and your personal fit preference. As ever, we’re on hand with the best offers to help make your mind up, like this amazing deal on third generation AirPods, reduced from from £169 to £157 at Amazon. That’s the lowest third-gen price drop to date.
Read on for the lowdown on that unmissable offer and some other exciting AirPods savings this January.
Read more:
Apple AirPods, 3rd gen: Was £169, now £157, Amazon.co.uk
Get the latest AirPods at the lowest price ever, with this impressive saving of £31. The third-generation Apple AirPods were released in October 2021, and are the brand’s newest earbud offering. Fresh features include MagSafe charging pad compatibility, a wider case and a look similar to AirPods pro.
In our AirPods 3rd gen review, our tester noted their change from the originals, and how you can use them. They said the water-resistance “means you can be comfortable knowing they’ll be fine to work out in,” while the skin detection sensor “has also been improved.”
Although our reviewer reckons “they don’t beat the pricier AirPods pro, because of their lack both of noise-cancelling capabilities and noise isolation,” this pair does offer “the perfect balance of audio quality, features and great pricing.” Especially, at the reduced price which is well worth taking advantage of, as they’ve never been this cheap, even on Black Friday.
Apple AirPods pro with MagSafe charging case, 2021: Was £239, now £189, Johnlewis.com
If AirPods pro are the pair you want, this saving of £50 will be right up your street. These are a slightly different design to the original AirPods shape and key features include noise-cancelling. In our AirPods pro review our tester said “the tips are impressively non-intrusive, yet managed to fit snugly in any ear we threw at them.”
Our reviewer also concluded “They’re certainly worth the extra 50 quid or so compared to the AirPods, with solid active noise cancellation, a better battery, and much-improved sound quality” – which makes them an even more attractive sale buy, given the current price reduction.
Apple AirPods, 2nd gen: Was £159, now £139, Currys.co.uk
The 2nd gen AirPods have a similar look to the OG pair, with some upgraded features including better connectivity, plus improved battery life and audio performance. They can also cleverly detect the device being used. All versatile elements which are very appealing, when shopping them while reduced by £20.
We’ve reviewed the second generation AirPods and our tester said: “connectivity to iOS devices, in particular, is great, as is the battery life and hands-free Siri.” They also noted the comfort and secure fit, “even when running and in the gym.” Whether streaming music or watching a screen, these could very well be the AirPods for you this New Year.
Apple AirPods max: Was £549, now £449, Amazon.co.uk
In the market for some new over-ear headphones? Apple’s AirPods max are some of the best headphones around, especially for iPhone users. But they’re not cheap, and they’re rarely ever on sale... until now. Amazon is currently offering a £100 discount on the wireless cans –that’s more money off than Black Friday. Our writer praised the spatial audio feature when reviewing them in their round-up of the best wireless headphones: “The sound of your favourite tunes coming from all directions around your head is absolutely mind-blowing, and it will make you fall in love with your favourite songs all over again, giving you a new perspective on what you’re listening to.”
Read more on January sales 2022
The best January sales 2022 deals to expect – everything you need to know about the event, from the start date to early offers
Amazon January sale 2022 – the price cuts to expect on Nintendo Switch, Echo dot speakers, TVs and more
Best January sales 2022 mattress deals – rest easy with early discounts from the likes of Emma, Simba and Otty
Best tech deals January sales 2022 – whether it’s a new phone contract or noise-cancelling headphones, you’ll find the best deals here