The January sales have arrived, bringing significant price cuts on Apple's popular AirPods range across major UK retailers. For those looking to upgrade their earbuds or headphones, now presents a prime opportunity to secure a bargain without paying the full retail price.
Where to Find the Discounts
While Apple itself rarely discounts its products, third-party retailers have stepped in with substantial reductions. Stores including John Lewis, Argos, and Amazon have all lowered prices on in-demand Apple audio gear as of Thursday 01 January 2026. According to senior tech critic Alex Lee, who tracks prices year-round, these are some of the best deals available since Black Friday.
Top AirPods Deals on Offer
Apple AirPods Pro 2 have seen a price drop from £199 to £169 on Amazon.co.uk. Tech critic David Phelan praised their improved noise cancellation over the first-generation model, noting its effectiveness against continuous sounds like train engine noise. The earbuds offer touch controls and up to six hours of battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled.
The entry-level Apple AirPods 4 are available for £99, down from £119, matching their Black Friday price. Lacking ANC, they share the H2 chip with higher-end models, enabling features like personalised spatial audio and voice isolation. Phelan described them as a direct and superior successor to the second-generation AirPods.
For those seeking noise cancellation in this design, the AirPods 4 with ANC are now £149, reduced from £169. Their open-fit design may suit some users better than the in-ear Pro model, and Phelan found the ANC cut out everyday noise surprisingly well.
Latest Models and Over-Ear Options
The newest Apple AirPods Pro 3 have received a £20 discount, now costing £199 instead of £219 at Amazon, John Lewis, and AO. The third-generation Pro buds boast enhanced active noise cancellation and a longer battery life of up to eight hours with ANC on, an improvement of two hours over the Pro 2.
While there are no new discounts on the over-ear Apple AirPods Max, a refurbished pair can be found for £369, a saving of £150 on the original £499 price at Back Market. In a previous review, Alex Lee highlighted the mind-blowing experience of Apple's spatial audio with these headphones, which makes music feel as though it's coming from all directions.
These January sales present a limited-time chance for UK consumers to invest in high-quality Apple audio at reduced prices. With deals spanning from the latest Pro models to budget-friendly entry-level options and certified refurbished headphones, there is a compelling offer for every type of listener.
