You Can Get the Second Generation Apple AirPods Pro for $160 Right Now
If you’re thinking about upgrading your headphones without spending a lot of money, a pair of refurbished Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) might be a smarter decision. They’re currently $159.99 on StackSocial ( a notable discount compared to buying new ) and are rated “Grade A” refurbished, meaning they may have some minor cosmetic wear but are guaranteed to perform like new. They ship free throughout the US and come with a third-party 30-day parts and labor warranty—not as reassuring as AppleCare, but enough to cover any immediate surprises. And while they’re not brand new, the price is below what you’d typically expect to pay for a pair that still offers Apple’s top-notch audio quality.
In terms of what you get, the second-generation AirPods Pro represent some real improvements over the originals. Active noise cancellation is stronger, Transparency mode sounds more natural, and Adaptive Audio technology now cleverly blends noise control based on your surroundings. If you’re used to older AirPods, the fit here feels snug and secure thanks to the extra dimensions of the ear tips (though people with oddly shaped ears may still find it uncomfortable for long sessions). Battery life is good, too: about six hours of listening time on a single charge, and about 30 hours if you include refills from the MagSafe case. The switch to USB-C charging is also a bonus if you’re already ditching Lightning cables with new Apple devices, a PCMag review notes.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Refurbished means you’re not getting a brand new battery, so while it should be almost perfectly fine, it won’t have the same lifespan as something straight out of the box. Additionally, while the AirPods Pro are great for iPhone users with features like personalized spatial audio and Find My tracking, they’re less impressive on Android devices, where you lose some of the ecosystem benefits.