The best Black Friday headphone deals 2024: Early sales on Apple, Beats, Sony and more

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The holiday season is quickly approaching, and if you're like me, you try to find the best deals weeks before the shopping frenzy begins. Luckily, plenty of early Black Friday deals from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are already available a week before the official shopping event. These early bird deals make it an opportune time to find discounts on the newest headphones and earbuds from brands like Sony, Beats, Bose, and more.

Also: The best Black Friday deals live now

Whether you want new headphones to take to the gym or to wear during your daily commute, you can find releases and older models at impressively discounted prices. We've tested and delivered hands-on experiences with most of these selections, and many of the best of the best are on sale. Be sure to check back, as we'll frequently add more deals to this list as we get closer to Black Friday.

Our favorite early headphone and earbud deals for Black Friday 2024

Bose QuietComfort Ultra over-ear headphones: $329 (save $100 at Bose): Bose's premium over-ear headphones were our favorite headphones of 2023 for their best-in-class noise cancellation, sporty yet sleek design, and ambidextrous compatibility with iOS and Android devices.Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones: $130 (save $70 at Amazon): The fourth generation of Beats' most popular headphones debuted with redesigned audio components, fresh colorways, and lengthy battery life, making them one of our favorite headphones of 2024.Apple AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds: $189 (save $60 at Amazon): We've dubbed these earbuds the best AirPods you can buy, thanks to their seamless integration with Apple devices and hearing health features.Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones + 4 free months SiriusXM and 3 free months Youtube Premium: $300 (save $100 at Best Buy): Sony's premium over-ear headphones are among our favorite noise-canceling headphones. They sport a low-profile design, all-day comfort, and Sony's signature sound.Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones: $160 (save $20 at Amazon): Bone conduction headphones are fabulous for outdoor enthusiasts, and these earbuds offer immense comfort, sweat and water resistance, and lengthy battery life. Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones + 3 free months Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ (trade-in discount available): $250 (save $100 at Best Buy): Beats' premium headphones deliver effective noise cancellation, plenty of style, and impressive battery life.Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds + 3 free months YouTube Premium: $249 (save $50 at Best Buy): These Sony earbuds offer plenty of future-forward software features and effective noise cancellation, which is why they're one of our favorite earbuds.Bose Ultra Open open-ear wireless earbuds: $249 (save $50 at Bose): The Bose Ultra Open offer vibrant sound, a nondescript and stylish design, and an open-ear design for environmental awareness, making them one of our picks for the best earbuds of the year.Nothing Ear Open open-ear wireless earbuds: $149 (save $40 at Amazon): These open-ear earbuds are one of our favorites due to their unique and stylish design, all-day comfort, and crystal-clear sound.Sony WH-CH720N over-ear headphones + 4 free months SiriusXM and 3 free months Youtube Premium: $90 (save $60 at Best Buy): If the XM5 over-ear headphones are too expensive, these affordable Sony headphones share some of the same internal audio components.Sennheiser Momentum 4 over-ear headphones: $230 (save $150 at Amazon): We love these flagship Sennheiser headphones for their simple design, incredible sound, and marathon battery life.Sennheiser Accentum over-ear headphones: $116 (save $34 at Amazon): If the Sennheiser Momentum headphones are too expensive, the Accentum headphones offer a similar audio experience for less money.

Current price: $190Original price: $250

Apple's most advanced earbuds are discounted ahead of Black Friday, which is plenty of reason to snag this deal. These earbuds offer advanced hearing health features, effective noise cancellation, all-day comfort, and seamless integration with your Apple devices. If you purchase the AirPods Pro 2 at full price from Best Buy, new subscribers can receive three free months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness+.

Current price: $130Original price: $200

Beats' latest headphones, the Solo 4, received a steep price cut at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. These headphones debuted with an updated sound, new colorways, and better integration with iOS and Android devices. If you buy these headphones from Best Buy, new subscribers can receive three free months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness+.

Current price: $329Original price: $429

Bose's premium over-ear headphones were our favorite headphones of 2023 for their best-in-class noise cancellation, sporty yet sleek design, and ambidextrous compatibility with iOS and Android devices. If you purchase them at Bose, you can access two Bose-exclusive colorways for the $329 sale price.

Current price: $250Original price: $300

Sony's premium earbuds deliver great sound, comfort, and noise-canceling properties. These earbuds are discounted at Amazon and Best Buy. If you purchase from Best Buy, new subscribers can receive three free months of YouTube Premium.

Best Black Friday Apple headphone and earbud deals

Apple AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds + 3 months free Apple Music and Apple Fitness+: $190 (save $60 at Best Buy): We've dubbed these earbuds the best AirPods you can buy, due to their seamless integration with Apple devices and hearing health features.Apple AirPods Max over-ear headphones (Lightning, in Space Gray and Sky Blue only): $459 (save $90 at Amazon): Apple's over-ear headphones offer great noise-canceling properties and bold, full sound. They're best for people who own Apple devices and are one of our favorite AirPods you can buy.Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation wireless earbuds: $167 (save $12 at Amazon): We dubbed Apple's latest earbuds as "the best midrange AirPods," thanks to their all-day comfort and effective noise cancellation. However, they lack the advanced features found in the Pro 2 earbuds.Apple AirPods (2nd generation) wireless earbuds: $89 (save $40 at Walmart): These budget AirPods are great for kids or beginners since they lack features like noise cancellation, spatial audio, and water resistance.

Best Black Friday Beats headphone and earbud deals

Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones + 3 free months Apple Music and Apple Fitness+: $130 (save $70 at Best Buy): The fourth generation of Beats' most popular headphones debuted with redesigned audio components, fresh colorways, and lengthy battery life, making them one of our favorite headphones of 2024.Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones + 3 free months Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ (trade-in discount available): $250 (save $100 at Best Buy): Beats' premium headphones deliver effective noise cancellation, plenty of style, and impressive battery life.Beats Studio Buds+ wireless earbuds: $130 (save $40 at Amazon): These Beats earbuds offer unique integration with iOS and Android devices, fresh colorways, and effective noise cancellation, making them one of our favorites.Beats Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds + 3 free months Apple Music and Apple Fitness+: $160 (save $40 at Best Buy): If traditional wireless earbuds fall out of your ears but you prefer to stay wire-free, the water-resistant Powerbeats Pro sport ear hooks for added stability.

Best Black Friday Bose headphone and earbud deals

Best Black Friday Sony headphone and earbud deals

Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds + 3 free months YouTube Premium: $249 (save $50 at Best Buy): These Sony earbuds offer plenty of future-forward software features and effective noise cancellation, which is why they're one of our favorite earbuds.Sony WH-CH720N over-ear headphones + 4 free months of SiriusXM and 3 free months of YouTube Premium: $90 (save $60 at Best Buy): These Sony headphones are one of our favorite budget headphones, thanks to their fantastic sound and lightweight build.Sony LinkBuds Fit wireless earbuds: $180 (save $20 at Sony): We like these new Sony earbuds for their secure fit, great sound, and high levels of customization.Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones: $248 (save $100 at Amazon): These Sony headphones offer premium features like touch controls, adaptive sound control, and impressive noise cancellation. Sony Ult Wear over-ear headphones: $150 (save 50 at Sony): We love these midrange Sony headphones for their over-the-top bass, 30-hour battery life, and all-day comfort.Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones: $300 (save $100 at Sony): Sony's premium over-ear headphones are among our favorite noise-canceling headphones. They sport a low-profile design, all-day comfort, and Sony's signature sound.

Best Black Friday gaming headphone deals

Logitech G Pro X wireless gaming headset: $140 (save $20 at Best Buy): These gaming headphones are ideal for PC gamers and offer a 7.1 channel surround sound experience, clear voice chat, and immersive in-game sound.Logitech G733 Lightspeed wireless gaming headset: $93 (save $57 at Amazon): This lightweight headset delivers real-time voice filters, front-facing RGB lighting, and up to 29 hours of battery life.Sony INZONE H9 wireless gaming headset: $198 (save $102 at Amazon): Sony's premium gaming headphones offer effective noise cancellation, enough comfort for long gaming sessions, and spatial audio.Razer BlackShark V2 X wireless gaming headset: $49 (save $11 at Amazon): This versatile headset is compatible with most gaming consoles and delivers a 7.1 channel surround experience, enhanced mic quality, and memory foam earcups for added comfort.HyperX Cloud II wireless gaming headset: $85 (save $65 at Amazon): This headset is compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5, offering up to 30 hours of battery life, DTS spatial audio, and a Discord and TeamSpeak-certified noise-canceling microphone.

FAQs

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, but retailers are gearing up for the shopping event now, so you don't have to wait until the 29th to take advantage of Black Friday deals.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is the following Monday after Black Friday. This year, Cyber Monday falls on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.

Are headphone and earbud deals really better on Black Friday?

You can often find headphones and earbuds at heavily discounted prices during Black Friday. This holiday shopping season is a great time to see recently released headphones and earbuds for at least a $50 discount. However, it's also an excellent opportunity to find last year's best headphones and earbuds for up to $100 off their retail price.

What's the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

Historically, Black Friday sales were reserved for in-person shopping, while Cyber Monday deals were online only. These days, more people conduct their holiday shopping online out of convenience, and retailers often offer deeper discounts when customers buy online. As a result, the lines between Black Friday and Cyber Monday have blurred, but both days are opportunities to find the latest tech at lower prices.

How did we choose these Black Friday deals?

ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy, including products we've tested, recommended, and used daily. Our experts find deals on products we've previously tested and compare prices across retailers to find you the best deal. However, some products are in such high demand that their discount barely scratches 20% off. We try to find deals with at least a 20% discount, but some devices are worth the money, and a little discount is better than no discount at all.

We base our recommendations on our testing, extensive research, and comparison shopping. We aim to pair our hands-on experience with customer reviews and price comparisons to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.

Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?

You can find plenty of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals across many retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. All retailers compete for your business this holiday season, so you can also find deals when buying directly from a manufacturer.

Additionally, some retailers throw in a gift or subscription to entice you to buy from them. For example, Best Buy offers free three-month subscriptions to music and streaming services when you purchase select items. Some retailers offer trade-in programs to further your discount; others include accessories to accompany your new device.

What are the best Black Friday 2024 deals?

ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category: