Splurge vs Steal: Apple AirPods or AirPods Alternatives?

AirPods have dominated popular culture as the leading earbud over the past several years.

For those who admire the aesthetic or who are on the hunt for a reliable pair of earbuds that are affordable, deliver quality sound, and can offer some sort of special feature—e.g., noise cancellation—you might be wondering whether you should consider AirPods alternatives. 

Are AirPods worth it? Can you do just as well for less? We put together this guide to help readers navigate these questions and the earbuds-buying process. 

How Much Do AirPods Cost and Are They Worth It? 

At the time of writing this article, Apple has three sets of AirPods for sale on its website. 

• You can get a pair of AirPods Pro 2nd Generation for $249. 
• You can get a pair of AirPods 3rd Generation for $169. 
• You can get a pair of AirPods 2nd Generation for $129. 

Are AirPods worth it? That depends on your standards, the price point of the pair you buy, and more.

Consistent throughout all of the mentioned models, you can take advantage of AirPod's famously strong pairing technology, so you spend less time trying to connect and more time listening to the music and podcasts you love. 

The 2nd-generation pair is powered by an Apple H1 headphone chip, which features low latency for gaming and fast, stable connections to music, calls, and any other form of media. 

The 3rd-generation and the 2nd-generation Pro models feature personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which can make listening to an album or watching a movie incredibly immersive and interesting. The Pros also offer users conversation awareness features and active noise-cancellation and transparency modes, which can be great for those who take a lot of business calls. 

AirPods Deals Worth Checking Out 

From the Apple Store itself to major retailers and websites like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, you can find tons of deals on refurbished and open-box AirPods. Here are a few examples: 

• Via Walmart, this pair of Apple AirPods 2nd-Generation is on sale for only $69
• Via Best Buy, this pair of refurbished AirPods 2nd-Generation is only $72
• Via Apple, this pair of refurbished AirPods Pro 2nd-Generation is only $209

AirPods Alternatives: Reliable Earbuds and Headphones

For those who are on the hunt for AirPods alternatives that make high-grade listening affordable, check out these limited-time earbuds deals. 

1MORE ComfoBuds Mini True Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

These mini earbuds are lightweight and ergonomic to provide a more comfortable fit. Similar to AirPods, they're designed to be easy to wear throughout a long day. On the other hand, they offer comfort in the form of silicone ear tips. Both offer noise cancellation and great sound. 

Get these 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini True Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones for $60 (reg. $99).

1MORE PistonBuds Pro True Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Headphones

AirPods' touch controls can be finicky and tough to master. These PistonBuds make interacting with your earbuds easier with easy-to-use touch control features. They also feature a longer playtime than AirPods with over 30 hours offered on a full charge. 

Get these 1MORE PistonBuds Pro True Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Headphones for $36 (reg. $69).

Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Looking for AirPods-quality features at a slightly lower rate? The adaptive sound control and AI-based noise reduction features that come with these Sony LinkBuds might be just what you're looking for. The waterproof earbuds also might be better for adventures outdoors. Its environmentally friendly design (made from recycled materials) stands in opposition to Apple's controversial sustainability practices.

Grab these Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds on sale for $95 (reg. $199).

Transparent Bluetooth 5.3 Earbuds

The AirPods case is clean and simple and all too familiar in today's cultural climate. If you're looking for earbuds like AirPods in quality but different in style, then this pair of transparent Bluetooth earbuds might be perfect for you.

Arriving in a sleek, transparent case, they pop and stand out aesthetically while AirPods often blend in. They also offer great playback features with active noise-reduction, wide Bluetooth compatibility, and a 10-meter transmission range. 

Get these Transparent Bluetooth 5.3 Earbuds for $22 (reg. $49). 

Listen Up for More Deals Like These 

Experimenting with earbuds and headphones can take some time, and over that time new deals and opportunities can always pop up.

While going through the AirPods alternatives that stand out most to you, or the AirPods deals that stand out to you most, make sure to revisit marketplaces like StackSocial, and some of the above-mentioned examples for new savings opportunities, new competitors, and new models. 

To discover more deals like these discounts on AirPods alternatives, make sure to keep an eye on StackSocial's Electronics and Gadgets deals, which are constantly being updated. 

StackSocial works with a variety of merchants and brands to bring you deals worth talking about. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links. Prices subject to change.