Snag the Brand-New Apple AirPods 4 Early With the Best Preorder Deals [CNET]

September 18, 2024 Adam Oram

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Both new Apple AirPods 4 models will launch at the end of the week

Adam Oram is a Senior Editor at CNET. He studied Media at Newcastle University and has been writing about technology since 2013. He previously worked as a Senior Writer at iMore, Deals Editor at Thrifter, and as an Apple Genius. His spare time is spent watching football (both kinds), playing Pokémon games, and eating vegan food.

Adrian is a deals writer on the Commerce team at CNET. With a love of books, entertainment, travel, tabletop games and, yes, even fandom, they can often be found at concerts, RenFest, Dragon Con or at home binge-watching everything from new hits to classics. After graduating from Kennesaw State with a B.A. in English and Professional Writing, Adrian had a short gig in casting, followed by a long stint teaching English lit, theater and film, before transitioning into commerce writing in 2021. Adrian enjoys sharing insights and favorite finds with their readers.

See at Apple

Apple AirPods 4 at Apple

Free engraving, three months of Apple Music, save with cash back

See at Best Buy

Apple AirPods 4 at Best Buy

Save with trade-in credit, free Apple bonuses

Along with the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10, two new models of Apple AirPods 4 earbuds will launch this week, and preorders have already begun.

The new AirPods 4 come in two versions. Both models feature a new, more open design, USB-C charging and Apple’s H2 chip with Bluetooth 5.3 — the same as in the AirPods Pro 2. The higher-priced model adds active noise cancellation.

In his full review of the AirPods 4, CNET’s David Carnoy says that with both AirPods 4 models, “the sound is a little cleaner (improved treble), and you get a bit more bass, so there’s a touch more depth and fullness.” He also said that the high-end AirPods 4 are the first open earbuds he’s tried that have “active noise canceling that actually works.”

If you’re already ready to buy the new AirPods 4, preorders are open now. Read on for everything you need to know about preordering them, as well as all the details and deals for new versions of the high-end AirPods Max earbuds.

Looking to preorder other new Apple devices? We’re rounding up the best iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 deals, too.

Watch this: AirPods 4 Review: Noise Canceling Changes the Game

10:41

When will the new AirPods 4 be released?

The new AirPods 4 will launch on Sept. 20. That’s the date you can expect to receive your AirPods 4 if you preorder a set early, and it’s also the date that Apple stores and other retailers will begin stocking the new earbuds.

When did preorders for AirPods 4 start?

You can preorder AirPods 4 right now via Apple’s online store. Preorders began on Monday, Sept. 9, following Apple’s Glowtime event. Other retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart have also already started accepting preorders.

The Apple AirPods 4 are displayed against a gradient green background. — The AirPods 4 sport a new look and a more powerful H2 chip.

Apple/CNET

How much do the two new AirPods 4 cost?

There are two versions of Apple’s fourth-generation AirPods, each with a different price. Here’s how US pricing looks for the new ‘buds:

AirPods 4: $129
AirPods 4 with ANC: $179

apple-airpods-4 — The AIrPods 4 come in two versions for $129 and $179 respectively.

David Carnoy/CNET

Best AirPods 4 preorder deals available

We’ll be updating the below list with all of the best AirPods 4 deals across all of the major retailers.

You can preorder both the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC from the Apple Store right now, with the expected arrival date to be Sept. 20. You can also elect to get free engraving when ordering your AirPods 4 from the Apple Store. And Apple is also giving you three months of Apple Music with your purchase.

Apple likely won’t be discounting the AirPods 4, but you can pay in installments if that suits your budget better and get 3% cash back if you pay using your Apple Card*.

Best Buy has a pretty stellar list of bonuses that it’s throwing in with your preorder of the Apple AirPods 4, including three months of Apple TV Plus for free for new or qualified returning subscribers, three months of Apple Fitness Plus for new subscribers, up to four months of Apple Arcade for free for new or returning subscribers and up to three months of Apple Music for free for new and returning subscribers. Note that you’ll need to cancel before the promotion ends to avoid a continuing subscription free.

Additionally, if you have a similar device you’re willing to part with, you can score trade-in savings. Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony and many other brands are included, so it’s worth checking out if you’re ready to upgrade. Apple AirPods Max, for instance, could get you up to $130 in credit, though some models of earbuds may only score you $15 or so. Use the estimate calculator to see what you can get for your specific model.

You can preorder your Apple AirPods 4 from Amazon right now, with the item release coming Sept. 20.

You can preorder your Apple AirPods 4 from Walmart right now, with the item release coming Sept. 20.

You can preorder the AirPods 4 from B&H, and while there are currently no direct discounts, B&H does offer a neat way to save on sales tax with its house-branded B&H Payboo Credit Card* — it gives you the tax back as cash back.

Preorders for the Apple AirPods 4 are available through Adorama. You can save 5% when you use the Adorama Edge Credit Card*, and the retailer has a rewards program that allows you to earn points to redeem as credit against future purchases.

*All information about the Apple Card, B&H Payboo Credit Card, and Adorama Edge Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

Watch this: Hands-On with AirPods 4 and New AirPods Max

04:12

In addition to the new AirPods 4, Apple has also announced that it has updated its high-end AirPods Max lineup. The new version includes USB-C charging, an H2 chip and comes in new colors, including midnight, blue, purple, orange and starlight. You can preorder the updated AirPods Max here. The new models will be available starting Sept. 20.

Not interested in the latest model? Our roundup of the best AirPods deals includes sales on the AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, third-gen AirPods and more.