Air Pods Max 2 just dropped to a lowest-ever $399 at Amazon, proving the best deals don't always wait for Prime Day — run! | Tech Radar
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Air Pods Max 2 just dropped to a lowest-ever $399 at Amazon, proving the best deals don't always wait for Prime Day — run!
Do not walk, (do not pass Go; do not collect $200) run for this deal
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Do not adjust your screens; it's not actually Amazon Prime Day proper yet — that'll happen at the stroke of midnight tonight. But that doesn't mean Amazon hasn't gone full-on in early doors, does it?
The deal I need you to know about somehow (I don't make the rules, OK?) concerns the Apple Air Pods Max 2. Yes, the newest, just-released-in-March-2026 set. The set with the new colorways and, most importantly, the H2 chip, which means access to Apple Intelligence, better ANC, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation and the Camera Remote (but that's just for starters).
Right now, they've dropped to an all-new low of
What a deal! These are the new March 2026 edition, with the H2 chip and all of the upticks in performance that it brings. And though many might have predicted an Apple-style
Let me tell you one thing about these headphones: I test headphones as part of my day-to-day, five days a week, and have done so since 2019. These particular headphones are now the ones I reach for over all others, including those from Bose and Sony.
And I wasn't always an Apple fangirl. In fact, when the Cupertino giant unveiled Apple Music Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless for free back in 2021, as part of your Apple Music subscription, I may have largely dismissed Apple's musical headgear — and for some time after. Why? Because it took four more years for the Cupertino giant to work out how to get its Lossless music standard into its own flagship headphones.
But that has all changed now, because you can listen wirelessly or hook them up via USB-C for Lossless playback. OK, the Max 2's looks may not be so different to the 2020 originals, but that extra computational wizardry and H2 chipset power has made the noise-cancellation a lot better than before — and the noise-nixing in the originals was no slouch.
I find the Live Translation feature much more useful than I'd thought it would be (I tried it on a recent trip to Spain), and the new Camera Remote function, where you use the digital crown to snap an i Phone picture, is excellent. I also love Conversation Awareness, which locks in quicker than I've experienced in other cans that offer a similar feature.
In conclusion, the best Prime Day deal for me already landed, and I won't be changing my mind(!) but if you'd like to look at a few other early deals already live now, I'll link a couple below. Stick with me, I won't let you down this Prime Day!
Other early Prime Day headphones and earbuds deals live now
The ANC quality from the Quiet Comfort Ultra (Gen 2) is better than any other wireless over-ear headphone on the market. Let that sink in. And yes, you can pay a lot more for premium headphones. This is a return to their lowest-ever price too! You’re also getting a lightweight and comfortable pair that is perfect for long-haul flights, and it doesn’t hurt that they look really sleek with the addition of a metallic trim.
This might just be the best early Prime Day tech deal, especially if you want Apple's iconic buds (and you'd be in good company; they're the most popular earbuds in the world for a reason). Apple's Air Pods Pro 3 for a record-low price of $169? Come on! Apple's newest premium buds feature improved Active Noise Cancellation, outstanding audio, a comfortable in-ear design, and new features such as live translation and heart-rate tracking. These do-it-all buds really are 100% flagship audio, and the noise-canceling quality is outstanding.
This is the cheapest these have ever been! They've been
In terms of wireless hi-res and audiophile watchwords, you name it; it's within these over-ear headphones: LDAC, Snapdragon Sound, Planar Magnetic, apt X Adaptive, and apt X Lossless… and this is as cheap as I've ever seen them. No ANC, but if you want great sound (or someone you know does), this is the deal for you, I'm telling you. Don't believe me? See our full Edifier Stax Spirit S5 review.
The excellent EAH-AZ80 that came before this model basically tore up the rule book on sound quality and features in wireless earbuds – and the AZ100 are even better. Released in January 2025, these little beauties are still the only earbuds to offer multipoint to three devices simultaneously, plus excellent sidetone tech for hearing your own voice in calls, as well as some of the most neutral and detailed audio in an even smaller, even more premium-feel design. Oh, and the deal? It's a return to their lowest-ever price. Highly recommended.
Bose is one of the biggest names in the world of headphones, and that reputation for quality is shown in these earbuds. The Ultra Open boast incredible sound, supreme power, and excellent battery life, making them a seriously premium pair of all-around buds. Now at a record-low price (as long as certain finishes work for you), so there's no better time to buy.
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Becky became Audio Editor at Tech Radar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, Four Four Two and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.
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