🎧 The early Black Friday sales are here, and if you’re in the market for new headphones or earbuds, now is the time to strike. Tech deals are abundant, but not all discounts are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the best current deals, curated by an expert tester who spends every day evaluating audio gear.
Why This Matters: The Headphone Market in 2023
This year has seen major releases from Sony, Bose, and Bowers & Wilkins, driving flagship headphone prices to $449 and beyond. These are the models that dominate “best of” lists, but they’re not accessible to everyone. Black Friday offers a rare opportunity to get high-end audio at a realistic price.
Top Deals, As of November 21st
These aren’t just any sale items; they’re genuinely great Black Friday discounts, meaning you won’t likely find them cheaper later. Here’s what stands out:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Original) – $298
These remain an exceptional value. While the newer second-generation Ultras boast minor improvements, the original QC Ultras deliver nearly identical noise cancellation and sound quality for $150 less. They lack passive playback and can be finicky with multiple device pairings, but the comfort is unmatched.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) – $216.13
These earbuds have dipped to a record-low price, making them a standout deal. If you prioritize all-day comfort and top-tier noise cancellation, they’re worth the investment. The secure fit and exceptional ANC rival many over-ear headphones.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) – Price Varies
The latest Bose flagships offer improved battery life, USB-C lossless audio support, and a refined design. They’re not a must-upgrade if you own the first-gen model, but a smart buy for newcomers.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones – $348
Sony’s former flagship remains a top performer. The “find your equalizer” feature is a game-changer for those unfamiliar with audio customization, and the sound profile is still among the best. The XM6s are better, but at a $150 premium, the XM5s are the smarter buy right now.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones – $398
The latest Sony flagship is down to its lowest price ever, though it may drop further next week. If you demand industry-leading noise cancellation, pristine audio quality, and folding earcups for travel, the XM6s are worth considering.
Sony WH-CH720N Headphones – $88
Excellent mid-range noise-canceling headphones for under $100. These deliver near-flagship sound quality and 35 hours of battery life with ANC on, outperforming many pricier models. The pink colorway is a bonus.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds – $199
If you prefer situational awareness, these open earbuds deliver surprisingly rich sound without sacrificing comfort. They’re a premium pick for open-ear designs, especially at $100 off.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds – $129
Underrated and highly effective. These earbuds boast incredible battery life, solid sound and noise cancellation, and are available at half the price of premium models. The performance discrepancy is minimal, making them the best mid-budget option.
JLab JBuds Lux ANC Headphones – $39.99
A budget-friendly standout. These over-ear headphones deliver comfortable all-day wear, solid sound quality, and excellent battery life for under $80.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 – $179.99
Designed for workouts, these earbuds feature a secure fit, reliable controls, and a built-in heart rate monitor. The ANC isn’t the strongest, but the overall package makes them a top pick for fitness enthusiasts.
What to Expect as Black Friday Approaches
More exceptional deals are expected to surface as we get closer to November 28th. But for now, these discounts represent the best opportunities to upgrade your audio setup without breaking the bank.
Bottom line: Don’t wait to act. The best deals are already here, and they won’t last. These curated picks from an industry expert offer real value, blending quality, performance, and affordability in a competitive market.
