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 headphone deals this Black Friday weekend, from fancy noise-canceling options to open earbuds for workouts; there should be something on sale for everyone.
Don’t miss our other deals coverage, including the Best Google Pixel Deals, Best Buy Black Friday Deals, and the Absolute Best Black Friday Deals.
Updated November 29: We’ve added the Logitech Pro X2 gaming headphones, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless.
Over-Ear Headphone Deals
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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.
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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.
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Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
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.
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Photograph: Parker Hall
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Photograph: Parker Hall
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Photograph: Parker Hall
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.
Courtesy of Sony
It’s no accident that Sony’s headphones are consistently ranked among the best. The WH-1000XM5, while an older model, continues to be one of the finest pairs of wireless noise-canceling headphones you can buy.
Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
One of our favorite gaming headsets, this Logitech pair of cans has Bluetooth or wired connectivity, not to mention a built-in mic and comfy ear cups. You can actually pair it with your PC using the company’s Lightspeed wireless dongle for even less latency.
Earbud Deals
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Photograph: Parker Hall
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Review: Apple AirPods Pro 3
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Review: Apple AirPods Pro 3
It’s not a huge discount, but you can snag a slight decrease on MSRP on Apple’s latest flagship earbuds this Black Friday.
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Photograph: Parker Hall
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Photograph: Parker Hall
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Photograph: Parker Hall
Bose
QuietComfort Ultra 2 Earbuds
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.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
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Photograph: Parker Hall
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Photograph: Parker Hall
These are Google’s flagship wireless earbuds, and for under $200, they do everything that AirPods Pro do except for Android. Google recently added a software update with new features, such as nodding your head to accept a call or shaking it to decline.
Photograph: Christopher Null
Apple
AirPods Pro 2 (With USB-C)
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.
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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.
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Anker
Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless
The Life Q30s offer tons of battery life, OK noise canceling, and clear and warm sound at a bargain-basement price. Especially when they’re on sale for $50.
Courtesy of Amazon
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.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Soundcore by Anker
Aeroclip
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.
Photograph: JLab
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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