Apple’s latest AirPods lineup is now on sale and makes for a fantastic Mother’s Day gift idea. With Mother’s Day set for May 11, there's no better time to surprise mom with top-tier audio quality and modern features. Whether she's into podcasts, music, or just wants crystal-clear calls, Apple’s newest wireless earbuds have something special to offer.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
The flagship of the lineup, the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro, is currently available for $169 shipped (regularly $249). These premium wireless noise-canceling earbuds deliver the best sound quality in Apple’s ecosystem, thanks to their in-ear design, advanced active noise cancelation, low-distortion driver, and the powerful H2 chip. They also feature Adaptive Transparency Mode—ideal for staying aware of your surroundings—and Conversation Mode, which enhances voices during chats without removing the earbuds. Upgrades include a universal USB-C charging port and a MagSafe-compatible charging case, making this model both versatile and future-ready.
Save Over $40 Off the New Apple AirPods 4
Next up are the newly released Apple AirPods 4, available since September 2024 in two variants: one with ANC and one without. The standard AirPods 4 (no ANC) is discounted to just $99.99 (from $129), while the noise-canceling version drops to $148.99 (from $179). These models bring several key upgrades over the previous generation, including the Apple H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3 support, an improved IP54 dust and water resistance rating, and a switch from Lightning to USB-C charging. Additionally, they now use an optical in-ear detection sensor for more reliable pause/play functionality.
AirPods Pro vs. AirPods 4 with ANC: Which One Should You Choose?
While both models include active noise cancelation, the AirPods Pro clearly outperforms the AirPods 4 ANC due to its in-ear design and adjustable silicone tips. This creates a tight seal that significantly improves passive noise isolation and overall audio immersion. In contrast, the AirPods 4 ANC uses an open-ear fit that sits outside the ear canal, leading to noticeable sound leakage and less effective noise control.
If you're looking for superior sound and noise-canceling performance, the AirPods Pro is worth the extra $70. However, if you prefer a more open, pressure-free fit and don’t mind sacrificing some audio fidelity, the AirPods 4 ANC remains a solid choice at a lower price point.
A New Apple iPad Would Also Make an Awesome Gift for Mom
For those looking beyond audio, Amazon has dropped the price of the brand-new 2025 Apple iPad (11th Gen A16) to just $299 (from $349). Available in four stylish colors—Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Silver—this 128GB Wi-Fi-only tablet offers excellent value, especially given it's the latest generation. This deal represents a rare opportunity to grab a fresh iPad at a significant discount, so act fast before stock runs out.
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