Apple’s AirPods Pro have long been a dominant option for anyone looking for high-quality earbuds complete with noise cancellation and case charging, and the slightly older models offer fantastic value. And if you were looking to save as much cash as possible, it might be worth looking into buying a refurbished pair, as opposed to brand new.
You can currently pick up a second-generation set of AirPods Pro from just £149 at Wowcher – which is a whole lot less than buying new from Apple, which will cost you £229. Wowcher says the earbuds are ‘refurbished in good condition’ – you have the option to choose either the MagSafe Case or Regular Case.
AirPods Pro offer brilliant noise cancelling and case charging features alongside 24-hour battery life, a comfortable fit that stays secure when you’re working out or on a run. All this, and gesture controls mean you can switch tracks, change the volume, and answer calls without needing to use your phone. They pair seamlessly with iPhones, but they’re also compatible with Android handsets.
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These AirPods Pro are refurbished, meaning they’ve been previously owned but restored to mint condition. While some may prefer a brand-new product, there’s a lot to be said for the cheaper price point and environmental benefits of choosing a refurbished option. That said, you won’t be provided with any manufacturer warranty on refurbished tech, so be sure to bear the retailer’s return policies in mind.
While Wowcher doesn’t have any reviews to learn from, it’s useful to see what people thought of the AirPods more generally – and there are plenty of user ratings on Amazon which make for interesting reading. One shopper highlighted the calibre and utility of the noise cancelling: “During one flight, I put them in without listening to music, just so that the noise-cancelling function could reduce the cabin noise enough for me to get some sleep.” They added: “I also like that you can control noise transparency, which is much safer when you are out in public; this lets you filter in actual sounds when needed, for example when turning your head to check for traffic, or when speaking to someone. It works brilliantly.”
One five-star review mentioned their comfort: “The soft silicone ear tips provide a secure and comfortable fit, ensuring the earbuds stay in place even during vigorous activities”, while another user praised the spatial audio feature as providing “a theatre-like experience, making audio feel more immersive and dynamic”.
However, sound quality can be a very personal thing, and some users weren’t thrilled with what the AirPods offer. “These are certainly lacking in bass. All you get is mids and highs, unless you’re listening to new releases,” said one user, while another review added: “Sound is neutral and quite flat, there’s no way to adjust bass, treble, etc.”
All told, at £149, these refurbished AirPods Pro are heavily discounted, have a fantastic reputation, and are among the best all-rounders on the market. If you wanted to buy new from another brand, other options include the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, which are currently 25% off at £189 for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, offering outstanding sound and noise cancelling quality.
Alternatively, if noise-cancelling isn’t a priority, the £249.95 Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer incredible sound quality without deafening you to the outside world, making them an ideal option for runners, people who cycle on their commute, and anyone else who wants to keep their wits about them whilst listening to their favourite tunes. They’re currently reduced from £299.95, so now’s a great time to snap up a deal.