Need a new pair of headphones for the end of the year? Plotting an upgrade for a friend or loved one for the holidays? We have you covered. We’ve checked our lists twice for the best black friday headphone deals, from fancy noise-canceling options to open earbuds for workouts, there should be something on sale for everyone.
Don’t miss our other recent deals roundups, including these Google Pixel deals, early Best Buy Black Friday deals, and the Home Depot Black Friday Sale.
Over-Ear Headphone Deals
These are Sony’s top-of-the-line noise-canceling headphones and rank among the best wireless models available. Their powerful processing effectively blocks out the most disruptive ambient noise, while the high-quality microphones ensure clarity on video calls. The audio performance is superb, with custom drivers producing Sony’s signature clean and balanced sound.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 builds thoughtfully on its predecessor with a familiar, comfortable design, vibrant sound, and top-tier noise cancellation. New features are subtle but useful, including the ability to wake and unpair the headphones by simply putting them on or laying them flat. The updates also bring lossless audio over USB-C, a dedicated Cinema mode, and more natural ambient sound controls. Combined with a slight battery improvement, these refinements make the Ultra 2 a compelling package.
While among the most expensive wireless headphones, Apple’s AirPods Max deliver fantastic sound with rich bass, a massive soundstage, and excellent noise cancellation. A standout feature is the large, Apple Watch-like knob for easy volume control. They offer seamless integration with iOS devices and excel with video, using head tracking in certain apps to simulate immersive, object-based surround sound. It’s great for Netflix on flights, though they are a bit heavy.
I’m a fan of these distinctive transparent over-ear headphones, which boast one of the most satisfying physical volume controls I’ve used. Their sound profile was expertly tuned by the renowned hi-fi company KEF.
It’s no accident that Sony’s headphones are consistently ranked among the best. The WH-1000XM5, while an older model, continue to be one of the finest pairs of wireless noise-canceling headphones you can buy.
Earbud Deals
It’s not a huge discount, but you can snag a slight decrease on MSRP on Apple’s latest flagship earbuds this Black Friday.
Bose continues to defend its noise-canceling crown with the QuietComfort Ultra 2, which builds on a foundation of excellent fit and bold sound. This iteration introduces welcome refinements like wireless charging and more customizable audio. Its phenomenal noise reduction bests the previous model, silencing everything from keyboard clicks to low rumbles. Enhanced processing creates a detailed and immersive soundscape from the same drivers.
This is the older model of Pixel Buds Pro, but they’re still a favorite of ours, and for under $200 they do everything that AirPods Pro do on Android.
Even this previous generation of AirPods Pro remains a compelling purchase for iPhone users. They feature strong active noise cancellation, good (though bass-emphasized) sound quality, and seamless, instant pairing with the Apple ecosystem.
These are a top pick for workout headphones, thanks to their secure ear-hook design and smooth integration with iOS devices, a benefit of Apple’s ownership of Beats.
The Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ earned a rare 10/10 score for their truly epic audio, which bests everything in their price class. This performance comes from a special driver duo, and they add further value with features like LDAC support, good noise canceling, and a handy app.
Open earbuds are perfect for listening to audio while staying aware of your surroundings. This model is one of our preferred choices in that category.
If you’re simply looking for an ultra-affordable pair of earbuds to toss in your gym bag, these are currently on sale.
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