We think Apple makes the best smartwatch, tablet and laptop — and before you go thinking Engadget is a bunch of Apple fan-folk, we'll point out that many of our editors and reviewers are PC and Android devotees. When it comes to user-friendliness, attractive design and longevity, Apple products just keep edging ahead in our testing. However, devices designed in Cupertino don't come cheap. Thankfully, you can usually find a few deals on Apple gear in any given week — though not directly from Apple. Third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target and B&H Photo are continually discounting the latest devices. And we've been keeping track. Below, we’ve rounded up the best Apple deals we could find on AirPods, MacBooks, iPads and more. You won't see deals on unlocked iPhones here, as cell-plan carriers are often the only ones offering discounts on those (you're probably better off buying iPhones direct from Apple anyway). But if you're ready to refresh an aging computer, want to check out the latest Apple Watch or have been thinking about upgrading your tablet, this is a good place to view the best discounts on Apple gear from across the web.
Best AirPod deals
Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $170 ($79 off): These are the best wireless earbuds for Apple users, period. The latest models have improved ANC and transparency mode, along with good battery life, spatial audio and hands-free Siri. They also have MagSafe charging support and work with Apple’s "clinically validated” hearing test. Also at Target.
AirPods 4 with ANC for $148 ($10 off): These buds have ANC, but they don’t have the interchangeable ear tips you’ll find on the AirPods Pro 2. Even so, they have an improved fit over the last version, plus good sound quality and a heap of advanced features. Also at B&H Photo.
Best Apple accessories deals
Apple Pencil Pro for $99 ($30 off): The most advanced Apple Pencil includes a gyroscope, plus support for the squeeze gesture and Find My. It’s essentially an upgraded version of the second-gen Pencil, complete with pressure support and magnets so it can snap to the side of your iPad for safe keeping. Also at Target and Walmart.
Apple Pencil USB-C for $69 ($10 off): This more affordable Apple Pencil doesn’t support pressure sensitivity, but makes for a good stylus overall. If you’re a casual note-taker and can handle connected charging, you’ll save a few dollars by picking this one up. Also at Walmart and Target.
Best iPad deals
Apple iPad (A16) for $329 ($20 off): The newest entry-level iPad only arrived three weeks ago, but it's already seeing a minor discount at a couple retailers. The changes from the previous generation were are relatively minor, but it now comes with a faster A16 chip, more RAM and 128GB of storage as standard. It earned a score of 84 in our review — if you only need an iPad for roaming the internet, watching shows and doing some lighter productivity tasks, it's a good starter iPad. Also at B&H and Best Buy.
Apple iPad Air (M3, 11-inch) for $549 ($50 off): The only major difference between the latest iPad Air and the previous generation is the addition of the faster M3 chip. We awarded the new slab an 89 in our review, appreciating the fact that the M3 chip was about 16 percent faster in benchmark tests than the M2. This is the iPad to get if you want a reasonable amount of productivity out of an iPad that's more affordable than the Pro models. Also at Best Buy.
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) for $1,099 ($200 off): The iPad Pro is overkill for any casual user, but if you want the best possible performance out of a tablet, this is the one to get. In our review, we marveled at how thin it is and called the OLED display one of the best we’ve seen. It houses Apple's latest M4 chip — the same slice of silicon as in the MacBook Air — which means it can handle even intense media editing. But the main drawback is price. This discount doesn't eliminate that hitch, but helps a bit.
Best Apple Watch deals
Apple Watch SE for $199 ($80 off): Those on tighter budgets can opt for the Apple Watch SE and know they’re getting the core Apple wearable experience with few compromises. We consider it to be the best smartwatch for newbies. Also at Target.
Best MacBook deals and Mac discounts
MacBook Air (M2, 13-inch) for $915 ($85 off): With the launch of the M4 MacBook Air, the M2 model feels a little old — even though it's objectively a solid laptop. We called it Apple's "near-perfect" Mac in our original review, praising it for its excellent performance, gorgeous screen and thinner design.
MacBook Air (M4, 13-inch) for $949 ($50 off): Apple's latest MacBook Air only came out earlier this month, but it's already seeing a slight discount at a couple retailers. One of the things we appreciated most in our review was the slight price drop for the base configuration. Instead of starting at $1,099 like the M3 MacBook Air, the M4 starts at $999. Add in this discount and the fact that the ultraportable packs Apple's latest M-series chip, and you've got yourself a pretty good deal on a capable laptop — one that happens to be our favorite laptop overall.
MacBook Air (M3, 13-inch) for $889 ($210 off): Now that the M4 MacBook Air is out, the M3 MacBook Air is no longer the latest edition. But it's still a great computer and our current budget pick for a MacBook. It builds upon the solid foundation of the M2 model, meaning it’s more than enough computer for most people. It earned a score of 90 in our review thanks to its speedy performance, sturdy yet sleek design, excellent keyboard and trackpad and good speaker system. If you want a slightly larger display, grab the 15-inch model instead. Also at B&H Photo.
MacBook Pro (M4, 14-inch) for $1,399 ($200 off): Both the 14- and 16-inch M4 MacBook Pros are some of the fastest laptops you can get right now, ideal for content creators, video editors and anyone who needs a notebook that can handle pretty much anything they throw at it. They have bright, bold displays, improved webcams and long battery lives, plus some models have Thunderbolt 5 ports. Also at B&H Photo.
iMac (M4, 24-inch) for $1,179 ($120 off): For an all-in-one solution, the M4 iMac is a good pick thanks to its powerful performance, standard 16GB of RAM and improved webcam. Just note that it only comes in the 24-inch screen size option.
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