It’s been a few months since the newest AirPods hit the market, and we suspect even Apple is surprised at just how well-received its AirPods Pro have been. We were certainlysurprised by just how good they are. But all of those rave reviews have come at a cost for consumers looking to get a set as a gift for themselves or a loved one this holiday season: AirPods Pro were already in very short supply and the combination of Black Friday/Cyber Monday diminished that supply even further.
Most online storesincluding Amazonare showing zero in their inventory, with wait times ranging from one week to four weeks, which is a real problem for that all-important December 25 deadline. But that doesn’t mean you can’t buy the AirPods Pro, it just means you’re going to have to get creative.
Keep googling
Even though the big players are sold out, some alternative sources might still have stock. Until a few days ago, Verizon Wireless — not normally a retailer we’d think of for true wireless earbuds — still had some, but now its site says it can’t ship until after Christmas.
Check the wait times
If an online retailer is showing no supply, check to see if they’re going to be getting more soon. B&H Photoshows a 6- to 10-week wait, which is obviously too long, but Best Buy saysit can ship by December 23— which will be cutting it incredibly close. Still, that’s better thanApple’s own declared shipping time: July 09, 2025.
Shop local
Just because the AirPods Pro are showing up as out-of-stock when shopping online doesn’t mean that all of the individual stores are sold out. Try calling your nearest electronics retailer and see if they’ll put a set aside for you so you can swing by and pick them up in person. Often times, you can still find the latest accessories, iPhones, and Apple Watches at your nearest Apple store if you can’t find them anywhere online in time.
Another strategy is to go online and use the “change location” feature to see if a store a little farther away (but still within a reasonable distance) has some stock. For instance, as of December 18,Apple’s websiteis showing that a few of its Pensylvania and Michigan stores still have them in stock.
Shop for AirPods Pro alternatives
We know you probably have your heart set on a pair of AirPods Pro, but they’re far from the only terrific true wireless earbuds on the market. Big brands like Sony, Jabra, and even Amazon have some verygood AirPods alternativesif you don’t mind straying from the path of Apple. Here are a few models we think are worth your consideration.
Looking to find even more Apple products? If so, we’ve also hunted down thebest iPhone dealson the market.
