Prime Day 2025 has arrived, and with it comes a flurry of deals on some of the most popular tech gadgets and wearables. For anyone eyeing a new pair of wireless earbuds or a fitness tracker, this year’s discounts are hard to ignore. Apple and Fitbit, two of the most recognized names in personal tech, have rolled out significant updates and price cuts—but they aren’t the only players in town. Amazfit, a challenger in the fitness watch space, is making waves with its feature-packed devices at wallet-friendly prices. Here’s what shoppers need to know as they weigh their options during this year’s sales bonanza.
On October 7, 2025, Apple quietly pushed out a new firmware update for its AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4, according to 9to5Mac. The update, labeled version 8A358, replaces the previous builds—8A356 for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, and 8A357 for AirPods Pro 3. While Apple hasn’t released a detailed changelog (a classic move that keeps users guessing), the update is widely believed to contain the usual “bug fixes and other improvements.” But there’s more bubbling under the surface. Many industry watchers suspect this firmware is laying the groundwork for Live Translation support in new languages, a feature expected to go public with iOS 26.1 later this month.
Apple’s approach to AirPods firmware updates is, frankly, a bit mysterious. Unlike iOS, where users can manually trigger updates, AirPods firmware rolls out automatically. Users have to follow Apple’s guidance and hope their earbuds update in the background—there’s no magic button to push. This hands-off process often means firmware arrives before, after, or entirely independent of major iOS releases, which can leave even the most tech-savvy users scratching their heads.
For those looking to snag a deal, Prime Day is delivering in spades. As 9to5Mac reports, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are now just $119, slashed down from $179. The AirPods Max with USB-C sees a similar deep cut, coming in at $429 from its original $549. AirPods Pro 2, still a fan favorite, drop to $169 from $249, while the standard AirPods 4 without ANC are just $89, a hefty discount from $129. Strangely, Apple hasn’t specified a Prime Day price for the just-updated AirPods Pro 3, but with the new firmware in tow, they’re sure to be in high demand.
While Apple dominates the wireless audio conversation, the fitness tracker market is buzzing with its own drama. The Fitbit Charge 6, which will celebrate its two-year anniversary on October 12, 2025, is the latest in Fitbit’s lineup outside of the Pixel Watch series. Priced at $109.95—a 31% Prime Day discount—it’s a tempting entry point for those seeking Fitbit’s health insights in a lightweight package, notes Future and its syndication partners. The Charge 6 syncs with smartphones for Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation and YouTube Music controls, bringing a taste of Google’s ecosystem to your wrist. But there’s a catch: although this is a solid deal, the Charge 6 has been seen as low as $99 in the past, and the competition is heating up.
Enter Amazfit, which is challenging Fitbit’s dominance with its Active 2 fitness watch. At just $80.74 (19% off), the standard Active 2 undercuts the Charge 6, while the Active 2 Premium—complete with a leather strap, a second silicone band, and sapphire glass protection—matches the Fitbit’s Prime Day price at $109.99 (15% off). The Active 2 tips the scales at 43 grams, only slightly heavier than the Charge 6’s 31 grams, but it compensates with a much larger and brighter 1.32-inch, 2,000-nit AMOLED display (compared to the Fitbit’s 1.04-inch, 450-nit screen). Notifications are easier to read, and the overall experience feels more like a traditional smartwatch than a basic tracker.
Battery life is another area where Amazfit pulls ahead. The Charge 6 offers just 5 hours of GPS usage, while the Active 2 boasts up to 21 hours—an advantage that’s hard to overlook for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Both devices feature built-in GPS, but the Charge 6 lacks an altimeter for elevation tracking, a feature included in the Active 2. Health sensors abound on both: users get blood oxygen and skin temperature readings, but Amazfit sweetens the deal with a microphone and speaker for Bluetooth calls and voice commands.
One of the most significant differences comes down to software and subscriptions. Fitbit’s AI Coach is set for an upgrade with Gemini later in October, promising smarter fitness guidance. However, this improved coaching experience will only be available with a paid subscription after a six-month free trial. For budget-conscious buyers or those averse to recurring fees, this could be a sticking point. Amazfit’s Zepp Coach, while not as polished as Fitbit’s offering, sidesteps the subscription trap entirely. Users get daily run recommendations and fitness guidance out of the box, saving money over time.
So, who should buy what? According to the editorial advice from Future, anyone set on a lightweight, sleep-friendly tracker and deeply invested in Google’s app ecosystem (especially YouTube Music) will still find the Charge 6 a top pick—especially at the current discount. Its comfort and integration with Google services are tough to beat. But if you’re after a more versatile device with a larger screen, longer battery, and more robust fitness features, the Amazfit Active 2 is a compelling alternative. As the review puts it: “You want a cheap watch that doesn’t feel like a complete compromise out of the box; or you want fitness guidance without a mandatory subscription.”
For those willing to spend a little more, the Active 2 Premium offers a touch of luxury with its leather strap and sapphire glass, matching Fitbit’s sale price but surpassing it in materials and display quality. The Prime Day price is just a whisker away from its all-time low, making it an attractive option for deal hunters.
Meanwhile, Apple users are left to ponder the impact of the latest AirPods firmware. While it’s likely to be a behind-the-scenes update, the possibility of expanded Live Translation capabilities in iOS 26.1 adds a layer of anticipation. With iOS 26.1 still in beta as of early October and a public release expected later in the month, AirPods owners may soon find their earbuds more useful than ever—especially for travelers and multilingual households.
As Prime Day rolls on, shoppers are spoiled for choice. Apple’s AirPods lineup, now sporting fresh firmware and deep discounts, remains the go-to for wireless audio. Fitbit’s Charge 6, with its blend of comfort and Google-powered smarts, continues to appeal to loyalists. But Amazfit’s Active 2 is making a strong case as the best value-for-money fitness watch, especially for those looking to avoid subscriptions and get more features for less.
Whatever your priorities—be it sound quality, fitness tracking, or battery life—this year’s Prime Day deals offer something for everyone. It’s a rare moment when tech giants and upstarts alike are competing this fiercely for your attention and your dollars.
