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Best Apple Prime Day Deals 2024: AirPods, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watch

The best Apple Prime Day 2024 deals were not always the biggest discounts. Here is how the strongest AirPods, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch offers compared by configuration, age, condition, and total cost.
From TheFinanceBase Team7 min to read
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This guide covers both U.S. 2024 Amazon deal events: Prime Day on July 16–17 and Prime Big Deal Days on October 8–9. The prices below are historical event prices and may no longer be available. The best deal was not always the biggest percentage discount: configuration, condition, product age, storage, connectivity, warranty, and accessory costs mattered just as much.

Quick picks from the 2024 events

Product Historical price signal Best for Verdict Event
AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C About $169–$179 in 2024 deal coverage Most buyers wanting the best balance of features and price Best overall AirPods value near the low-$170 range Various 2024 promotions
AirPods Max $394.99, down from $549 Premium over-ear listening Strong dollar discount, but older Lightning-era hardware July 16–17
Apple Watch SE 2 $170 versus a $249 MSRP Budget smartwatch buyers Best budget Apple Watch if the exact configuration was right October 8–9
iPad mini 6 About $399.99 in reported coverage Reading and portability Good when heavily discounted and compact size mattered 2024 coverage
Base iPad About $299 was the attractive target Streaming, browsing, and schoolwork Good budget pick, but 64GB could be limiting 2024 coverage

These were Amazon prices, not Apple Store prices, and inventory varied by color, storage, connectivity, condition, and seller. Deal reports also used different standards: for example, NBC Select focused on Apple products at least 20% off and at their lowest price in at least three months, rather than listing every temporary coupon.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

MacRumors reported the July AirPods Max price, while Macworld reported the October Apple Watch SE 2 price.

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Best AirPods deals

Best overall: AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C

AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C were generally the strongest all-around recommendation when discounted to roughly $169–$179. They offered active noise cancellation, a better feature set than the entry-level models, and USB-C charging. At prices near the low $170s, they were often a better value than buying older AirPods 2 or AirPods 3 simply because those models had a larger percentage discount.

#1 Best Overall
Ljusmicker for AirPods Pro 3 Case 2025 with Cleaner Kit,Black
  • Accurately Match: Only compatible with AirPods Pro 3 (2025) (USB-C Cable), not compatible with AirPods Pro 2nd/1st Generation (2023/2022/2019), Note:Airpods Pro 3 is not include
  • One-Piece Design: The Ljusmicker Airpods pro 3 protective case features a one-piece design,So you need never worry about the lid accidentally falling off again
  • Bottom Dust Cover: The bottom charging port with dust cover design, keeps the charging port sealed and clean when not in use,The precise cutouts for easy access to all ports
  • 3 in 1 Cleaning Pen: The cleaning pen with metal pen tip, soft brush and the high-density Flocking brush,Can help you remove dust and dirt from your headphones,Always keep your Airpod Pro 3rd generation case as new
  • 360° All Round Protection: The shockproof Airpods cases are made of premium silicone material offers which is skin-friendly and harmless, It feels extremely silky in your hands and full protection from scratches, accidental drops, shocks and bumps without adding any bulk

Check that the listing is specifically the USB-C version. A Lightning version may be cheaper, but it is less convenient if the rest of your devices use USB-C. Apple also expanded AirPods Pro 2 hearing-health features in September 2024; availability can depend on software, region, and regulatory status. See Apple’s AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 announcement.

Budget options: AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods 4

AirPods 2 or 3 made sense only when they were substantially cheaper than newer alternatives. AirPods 4 launched in September 2024 in standard and Active Noise Cancellation versions, making an older model less attractive unless the savings were meaningful.

  • AirPods 4: the newer entry-level design and the better long-term choice when the price gap was modest.
  • AirPods 4 with ANC: worth the premium for commuters and frequent travelers who wanted noise cancellation without moving to the Pro line.
  • AirPods 2 or 3: consider only at a clearly lower price, and confirm whether the case uses Lightning or USB-C.

Best premium discount: AirPods Max

During July Prime Day, AirPods Max were reported at $394.99, down from a $549 U.S. MSRP. That was a strong dollar discount, but it did not make them equivalent to a newer AirPods product. Much of the 2024 discounted inventory used older Lightning-era hardware and lacked newer AirPods Pro features.

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Buy AirPods Max at that historical price only if you specifically wanted premium over-ear headphones, aluminum construction, and Apple ecosystem integration. Compare the purchase with newer headphones, and verify whether the unit is new, renewed, or used. AppleCare+ was an optional checkout offer—not automatically included.

Rank #2
ESR for AirPods Pro 3 Case (2025), Magnetic Lid, Cyber Tough Series, Black
  • Compatibility: only compatible with AirPods Pro 3 (2025) (USB-C Cable); earbuds and charging case not included;the weight of our airpods pro 3 case is only 32.6g (1.15 oz)
  • Magnetic Locking Lid: precision fit combined with four strong magnets creates a secure, firm hold, so you never have to worry about the lid coming loose or your charging case popping open at the wrong time
  • MagSafe Ready: strong magnets built into the back of the case ensure a secure lock on MagSafe chargers, letting you enjoy tap-and-go wireless charging for your earbuds
  • Powerful Drop Protection: shock-absorbing polymer and Air Guard corners protect your charging case from even the worst drops and impacts
  • Visible Status Light: precise cutout lets you check the charging status at a glance, whether you’re charging wirelessly or with a cable

AirPods checklist

  • Confirm the exact generation and charging connector.
  • Verify new versus renewed or used condition.
  • Check the seller, fulfillment method, return window, and warranty.
  • Do not treat “lowest price ever” as meaningful without confirming the exact SKU and comparison period.
  • Remember that AppleCare+ for headphones is extra.

Best Mac deals

The best Mac deal depended more on the chip, memory, and storage than on the product name or percentage discount. A heavily discounted MacBook Pro was not automatically a better buy than a newer MacBook Air.

Best MacBook Air value

A discounted M2 or M3 MacBook Air was attractive for general work, school, browsing, writing, and light creative tasks when it was meaningfully cheaper than a newer equivalent. Prefer 16GB unified memory when available at a reasonable premium. A 256GB SSD can work for cloud-storage users, but it is a poor fit for large photo libraries, video, games, or development projects.

The Air is fanless and portable, but sustained heavy workloads can favor a MacBook Pro’s active cooling. Buyers should also check external-display support, especially if they plan to use multiple monitors.

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When a MacBook Pro was worth it

A MacBook Pro deal was compelling when it included a Pro or Max chip, at least 16GB of memory, and a discount large enough to justify the higher price. The Pro made more sense for sustained video editing, software development, 3D work, audio production, or buyers who valued its display, ports, speakers, cooling, and external-display support.

Rank #3
Ljusmicker for AirPods Pro Case Cover with Cleaner Kit,Black
  • Accurately Match: Compatible with Apple AirPods Pro 2nd/1st Generation charging case 2023/2022/2019,With specially treated see-through thin wall,The front LED indicator is visible when you charging. note:Airpods is not included
  • One-piece&dust design: The protective case is a one-piece design,So the lid won't come off accidentally and The bottom dust plug design keeps the charging port sealed and clean when not in use
  • 3 in 1 Cleaning Pen: The cleaning pen with metal pen tip, soft brush and the high-density Flocking brush,Can help you remove dust and dirt from your headphones,Always keep your AirPods as new
  • 360° All Round Protection: The shockproof Airpods cases are made of premium silicone material offers which is skin-friendly and harmless, It feels extremely silky in your hands and full protection from scratches, accidental drops, shocks and bumps without adding any bulk
  • Supports Wireless Charging: The case is precision cut for easy access to all ports,It supports wired and wireless charging without removing the case

Mac configurations to qualify or reject

  • An older Mac with only 8GB of memory could have poor long-term value despite a large discount.
  • 256GB storage may be inadequate for professional or media-heavy workloads.
  • Intel Macs should generally be treated as clearance products unless a specific compatibility requirement justified one.
  • Check whether a model was already superseded or likely to be refreshed before buying.
  • Confirm the seller and Apple warranty eligibility.

Apple Intelligence became available in October 2024 on supported iPhone, iPad, and Mac hardware. Do not assume every discounted Mac supported every new feature; verify the model against Apple’s requirements in its Apple Intelligence announcement.

Best iPad deals

Best cheap iPad

A base iPad near $299 was a sensible budget choice for streaming, browsing, schoolwork, and casual use. The main warning was storage: 64GB could become restrictive if you stored games, photos, video, or creative projects. Compare the complete setup cost, including a case, charger, keyboard, and Pencil.

Best portable option: iPad mini 6

The iPad mini 6 was a strong historical pick near the reported $399.99 range for readers who valued portability. It remained appealing for reading and travel, but it used older hardware than the 2024 iPad Air and did not have the same Apple Intelligence positioning as supported newer M-series devices.

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Best general-purpose premium tablet: iPad Air

The iPad Air was usually the better long-term purchase than a modestly discounted base iPad when the price difference was manageable. Apple introduced the M2 iPad Air in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes in May 2024. Check screen size, storage, Apple Pencil compatibility, and Magic Keyboard compatibility before comparing prices.

Rank #4
Wireless Charging Case Compatible with AirPod Pro 1st & 2nd Generation, Air Pod Pro 2 1 Charger Case Replacement to USB-C Without Earbuds
  • Replacement Charging Case: If you lose or damage the original earbuds case of Air Pod Pro 1st & 2nd Generation, this charging case will be your high-quality replacement. It is compatible for Pro 1st & 2nd Generation. The connection method is the same as the original.This Charging Case is not compatible for Air Pod 1/2/3/4. It is only compatible for Air Pod Pro 1 2 .(Note: Earbuds are not included, only compatible with original headphones)
  • Bluetooth Sync Pairing: The replacement charging case has been upgraded to a better Bluetooth chip, providing a faster and more stable connection. After pairing, open the lid and pick up the earphones to automatically connect.
  • Wireless Charging and Type-C Charging: The replacement charging case supports USB-C charging and wireless charging. It can fully charge headphnes in 20 minutes when charging with a cable.
  • Large-capacity battery: The charger case can charge headphones more than 4 times when fully charged. The battery capacity of the charging case can easily meet your daily use.
  • Fast Charging: Our charging case boasts fast charging capability, providing 1 hour of listening time in just 5 minutes of charging. If your earbuds are completely out of charge, it only takes 30 minutes to fully charge them. The charging case itself takes only 2.5 hours to charge.

The Air is a particularly good fit for students, professionals, and creators who want more performance than the base iPad without paying iPad Pro prices.

When iPad Pro was worth it

The M4 iPad Pro was aimed at buyers who specifically needed its display, high-end performance, or professional accessories. It was poor value for ordinary browsing and streaming unless the discount was substantial. Compare any older iPad Pro deal with the M4 model launched in May 2024, not only with the older model’s original MSRP. Apple’s launch details are in its iPad Air and iPad Pro announcement.

iPad configuration checklist

  • Compare 64GB and 256GB storage directly.
  • Do not compare Wi-Fi pricing with cellular pricing as though they were identical products.
  • Confirm whether the model supports the Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil Pro you want.
  • Check Magic Keyboard compatibility.
  • Price the complete setup before deciding that an iPad is cheaper than a laptop.
  • State clearly whether the listing is new, renewed, or refurbished.
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Best Apple Watch deals

Best budget choice: Apple Watch SE 2

The Apple Watch SE 2 was one of the clearest value deals during October Prime Big Deal Days: approximately $170 versus a $249 U.S. MSRP, according to Macworld. It was the right choice for notifications, fitness tracking, and basic Apple Watch functions when the buyer did not need an always-on display or advanced health sensors.

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Confirm the case size, GPS status, and exact listing. The reported price may have applied to a particular configuration rather than every SE 2 model.

Best Value
ATUAT for AirPods Pro 1st/2nd Generation Case Cover, Protective Silicone Skin Accessories with Keychain for Women Men for Apple AirPods Pro 2019/2022 Charging Case,Front LED Visible-Midnight Green
  • [Designed for AirPods Pro 1/2] Only for Apple AirPods Pro 1st/2nd Generation Charging Case, not for AirPods 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen.
  • [Premium Skin-Friendly Material] Made of premium grade silicone, which is different from other materials, not easy to age and break, the protection will be better and it will last longer.
  • [Thickened Silicone Layer] 3.0mm thickness, thicker and stronger than other silicone protective cases, 360-degree full protection body to prevent scratch and fall protection.
  • [Shock-Absorbing and Drop Protection] Applying the latest technology, the appearance of silicone is extremely silky and soft, and it feels great in your hands. The silicone protective case fits snugly on the AirPods Pro and is not easy to drop.
  • [Support Wireless Charging] There is no need to remove the silicone case, and the indicator light can be seen when wireless charging.

Best mainstream value: Series 9

Series 9 was worth considering when its price was close enough to the SE 2 to justify its additional features. Compare it with Series 10, introduced in September 2024, and identify what the older model gives up in design, sensors, display, and expected support runway.

Premium choice: Ultra 2

Apple Watch Ultra 2 made sense for buyers who wanted its larger 49mm case, battery life, durability, and outdoor features. It was not a sensible value pick for ordinary notifications and casual fitness tracking. Apple introduced a black titanium Ultra 2 option in September 2024, so color and case material could affect both price and availability.

Watch buying warnings

  • Choose GPS unless you genuinely want iPhone-free calling and data.
  • Cellular service can add recurring carrier charges.
  • Check iPhone compatibility and supported watchOS versions.
  • For renewed or used units, investigate battery condition and activation status.
  • Blood oxygen availability can vary by U.S. model, region, regulatory status, and software.

Apple’s September announcements cover the new lineup and product availability.

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Deals that looked better than they were

  • Poorly configured Macs: a low price could conceal 8GB memory or inadequate storage.
  • 64GB iPads: a discount was not compelling if you immediately needed more storage.
  • Cellular Watches: the upfront discount ignored ongoing service costs.
  • Renewed products near new prices: the lower condition should have produced a meaningful additional saving.
  • Older AirPods: the price was weak if it was not far below AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2.
  • MSRP comparisons: an old MSRP could exaggerate the apparent discount compared with the normal street price.

How to verify a Prime Day Apple deal

  1. Record the exact model, generation, chip, memory, storage, case or screen size, and connectivity.
  2. Confirm whether the item is new, renewed, refurbished, or used.
  3. Check the seller, fulfillment method, return policy, and warranty.
  4. Compare the price with Apple and major authorized retailers, not only the displayed MSRP.
  5. Include AppleCare+, a Pencil, keyboard, charger, case, or cellular service in the ownership cost.
  6. For used or renewed devices, check Apple warranty coverage and activation status after purchase.
  7. Do not assume an expired deal link still reflects the 2024 event price.

Bottom-line picks by budget

  • Under $200: Apple Watch SE 2 near $170, or AirPods Pro 2 near the low-$170 range, depending on your needs.
  • Around $300–$500: a base iPad near $299 for basic use, or iPad mini 6 near $399.99 for portability.
  • Around $700–$1,000: choose the best-configured M2 or M3 MacBook Air, prioritizing memory and storage over the headline discount.
  • Premium buyers: choose MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 only when the professional performance or specialized hardware solves a real need.

For historical sourcing, see MacRumors’ July coverage, NBC Select’s October methodology, and Macworld’s October deal coverage.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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