The 20+ best Black Friday headphones deals, hand-picked by an audio reviewer

Black Friday is tomorrow, but the sales have started already. Chances are you or someone you know needs a new pair of headphones or earbuds, and many models from last year are set for major discounts, such as the Sony WH-1000XM6, AirPods Pro 3, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Also: Best Black Friday deals 2025: I'm tracking over 85 of my favorite discounts live now

I review headphones, and this year, I've seen the lowest prices ever on models like the Sonos Ace, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and AirPods Max. Other models, like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, Sennheiser Momentum 4, and Beats Studio Pro, are always a shoo-in for $100+ discounts during seasonal sales, so it's a great time to snag them.

I'll be tracking the best headphones and earbuds deals from now until shortly after the holiday sale season. These are the best ones to shop so far.

Black Friday headphone deals at a glance

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 over-ear headphones: 55% off at Best Buy for $180 (save $270)
• Nothing Headphone 1 over-ear headphones: 20% off at Nothing for $239 (save $60)
• Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones: 31% off at Amazon for $90 (save $40)
• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC wireless earbuds: 44% off at Amazon for $100 (save $79)
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 wireless earbuds: 26% off at the Google Store for $169 (save $60)

Best Black Friday headphone deals

• Current price: $150 (57% off)
• Original price: $350

Beats' latest flagship headphones deliver native software integration with Android and iOS, making them a solid option for people with mixed-device ecosystems. 

Most colors at most retailers are on sale for $170, but you can find the Black & Gold model for $150 at Best Buy, and the new and exclusive Matte Pink model for $166 at Target. At Sam's Club, purchasing these headphones earns you $15 Sam's Cash.

Review: Beats Studio Pro

• Current price: $199 (44% off)
• Original price: $359

Bose's midrange QuietComfort over-ear headphones include Bose's best-in-class noise cancellation, all-day comfort, and a simple user experience.

• Current price: $279 (30% off)
• Original price: $399

Sonos' flagship headphones are ideal for individuals who frequently wear headphones in quiet environments, own a Sonos soundbar, or appreciate a dynamic and vibrant sound profile.

Also: Here's how a free software upgrade made the Sonos Ace worth their price tag

• Current price: $129 (30% off)
• Original price: $200

If you don't like over-ear headphones, the Solo 4's on-ear design has less coverage on your ear, while the headphones offer native integration with both iOS and Android devices. Most colorways are on sale for $130, but you can find the Warm White and Gold colors for $100 at Target.

Review: Beats Solo 4

• Current price: $220 (11% off)
• Original price: $250

Apple's latest flagship earbuds debuted with an upgraded device-tracking chip, waterproofing, in-ear heart rate sensing, a longer continuous battery life, and seamless integration with your iOS devices.

Also: AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: I compared the two models, and here's who should upgrade

Best headphone deals under $200

• Current price: $100 (33% off)
• Original price: $150

These budget Sony headphones are great for beginners or people who need a backup, thanks to their lightweight design, great sound, and acceptable noise cancellation.

Review: Sony WH-CH720N

• Current price: $148 (40% off)
• Original price: $250

These midrange Sony headphones are packed with bass, battery life, and some of Sony's best audio and noise-canceling technology.

Review: Sony Ult Wear

• Current price: $199 (33% off)
• Original price: $299

Bose's open-ear earbuds deliver a stylish design, great sound, water resistance, and a simple user experience.

Review: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

• Current price: $50 (38% off)
• Original price: $80

These simple Beats earbuds promise 18 hours of battery life, fast charging, and a pocketable design.

Review: Beats Solo Buds

• Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds: $149 (save $50): These Beats earbuds are ideal for those with active lifestyles, thanks to their secure fit and lightweight design.
• Sennheiser Sport wireless earbuds: $100 (save $50): These earbuds offer Sennheiser's signature sound, 27 hours of playtime, and dust, splash, and sweat resistance.
• Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones: $90 (save $40): Shokz's bone conduction headphones are great for runners, thanks to their open-ear design, water resistance, and eight-hour battery life.
• Google Pixel Buds 2a wireless earbuds: $99 (save $30): Google's newest midrange earbuds have Gemini integration, 20 hours of playtime, and sweat and dust resistance.
• Soundcore Space One Pro over-ear headphones: $114 (save $86): Soundcore Space One Pro are a great midrange pair, sporting a comfortable, plush design and powerful active noise cancellation.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro wireless earbuds: $160 (save $90): Samsung's premium earbuds are fitted with Galaxy AI features, solid audio performance, and impressive noise cancellation.
• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: $70 (save $60): These AirPods are great for casual users, as they offer some premium features without the added price.

Sony headphones deals

Sony's holiday sales are available on its website, as well as participating retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and more. Buying from Sony promises free shipping, and some products come with a free three-month Audible trial.

• Sony LinkBuds Fit wireless earbuds: $200 (save $30): These lightweight Sony earbuds have a relaxed fit for increased ambient noise, up to 21 hours of battery life, and adaptive noise cancellation.
• Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones: $400 (save $60): Sony's recently released flagship headphones deliver 30 hours of playtime, best-in-class noise cancellation, a lightweight design, and a foldable frame.
• Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones: $250 (save $150): These aren't the newest over-ear headphones from Sony, but they still provide exceptional noise cancellation, great sound, and all-day battery life.
• Sony Inzone H9 gaming headphones: $200 (save $130): Sony's flagship gaming headphones are optimized for PlayStation, promising 360 Spatial Sound, a Discord-certified microphone, hours-long comfort, low latency, and 32 hours of wireless gameplay.

Bose headphones deals

Bose's holiday sales are available on its website, as well as participating retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and more. Buying from Bose promises a 90-day return window, price match, and free returns.

• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: $199 (save $160): If you don't want the added features (and price) of Bose's premium headphones, these midrange headphones deliver great noise cancellation, sound, and comfort. 
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2): $399 (save $50): Bose's latest premium headphones deliver an upgraded battery life, USB-C audio, and a new power management feature.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: $299 (save $130): Bose's first-gen QuietComfort Ultra over-ear headphones include Bose's best-in-class noise cancellation, all-day comfort, and spatial audio compatibility.
• Bose Ultra Open open-ear earbuds: $199 (save $100): Bose's open-ear earbuds deliver an ambient listening experience with style, water resistance, and seven hours of playtime.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2): $249 (save $50): Bose's latest premium earbuds are great for frequent flyers, thanks to their hours-long comfort and impressive noise cancellation.
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: $129 (save $50): These midrange Bose earbuds offer everything to love about Bose -- great sound, noise cancellation, and comfort -- without a higher price tag.

Top Black Friday headphone sales

FAQs

When is Black Friday? 

Black Friday is Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving. Traditionally, Black Friday sales were reserved for in-person shopping for one day only. In recent years, Black Friday promotions have begun in early November, and most of the best deals are available online. Cyber Monday is Monday, Dec. 1, and is another opportunity to shop end-of-year deals.

Are headphones really cheaper during Black Friday? 

Yes, headphones and earbuds are typically cheaper during Black Friday. Some models released this year will see discounts for the first time, while older models can now receive even deeper discounts, as new models are on the market.

How did we choose these early Black Friday deals?

Typically, ZDNET chooses Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals based on the depth of their discount (preferably 20% or more) and our hands-on testing. Many of the models featured on this list have been tested and worn extensively throughout the year.

When headphones and earbuds are on sale, we compare the sale prices across retailers, as they sometimes vary. We keep an eye on prices throughout the year, comparing them to declare which annual sale offers the best discounts. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing, in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.

ZDNET Recommends