10 Best Headphone Deals for Prime Big Deal Days

Don’t be fooled by Apple’s numbering system. The company recently introduced the AirPods 5, but that model is really an update of the company’s first-gen AirPods with plastic ear tips. And numbers aside, the AirPods Pro 3 remain Apple’s top-of-the-line earbuds, and they’re jam-packed with features. The newest functions include live translation for overseas travel and a workout mode that allows you to leave your Apple Watch at home while you’re out on a run or ride. The buds still offer a clinical-grade hearing test and the option of turning your Pro 3s into an over-the-counter hearing aid. They also sound really good. The Pro 3s don’t go on sale very often, so this is an opportunity to get Apple’s latest tech at an enticing price.

If you want or need earbuds, but don’t like the feel of plugging up your ears, the Bose Ultra Opens are a unique option. They hook on your ear, just above the lobe, kind of like a cuff-style earring. They sound surprisingly good, too, once you get the placement just right. And it’s totally easy to hear things around you with a clarity that the "transparency" mode of most earbuds can’t match. Bose has just introduced the Ultra Open 2s, which are not yet available for us to test. They will retail for $299, which is a significant step up from this sale price on the older model. 

The Sony WF-1000XM6 replaces the WF-1000XM5, and it’s a worthy successor. Like previous XM models, these earbuds deliver so much musical detail that you simply hear your favorite songs in a different way. Sony has tweaked the shape significantly, too. Whether you like it better or not depends on the shape of your ears, so buy from a retailer with a generous return policy. The new XM6 case is actually a little larger than the prior one, so it leaves a slightly bigger bump in the pocket of your vintage Levi’s.

If you’re afraid of losing an earbud while you’re out running or simply getting off a plane, the Sony WI-C100 is a practical choice. With a wire tethering the two buds together, the odds of losing your headphones diminish greatly. Our testers give the Sony earbuds fine marks for sound quality. They don’t have noise cancellation, but the silicon ear tips will muffle some external noise and limit the amount of sound that escapes from the earpieces. They also have an in-line mic for phone calls.

If you want a pair of noise-canceling earbuds at a budget price, check out the Soundcore Space A40s. The bass packs some wallop, and the overall sound is warm, which makes the A40s pleasant to listen to over a long period of time. The noise cancellation is impressive, too—there’s even a transparency mode that allows you to monitor your surroundings when you’re out running or walking down a busy street. There’s a big gap between their $79 list price and their $54 recent street price, but at less than $50 these headphones are a serious value.

If great sound is a priority, the Status Audio Pro X should be on your shopping list.

Our testers praise their sonic balance, lively presentation, and the sense that the musicians are in the room with you. The noise-canceling tech is solid, too. The downside: They’re not as sleek as most modern earbuds, and the app isn’t quite as seamless as those from bigger brands like Apple or Sony.

If you’re still stuck on the idea that Beats headphones are mostly fashion accessories, it’s time to reconsider. The Studio Pros rank favorably in our noise-canceling headphone ratings, with solid (and slightly bass-heavy) sound quality and impressive noise cancellation. If you’ve got a big head or big ears, make sure you buy them at a retailer where you can return them if they don’t quite fit. At half the original list price, this sale merits your attention. 

Bose’s Quiet Comfort headphones perform very well with solid, if not stellar, sound quality and noise cancellation that can turn a noisy subway into a reference library. But while these first-gen headphones are very nice, the deal is truly special, especially since Bose headphones rarely go on sale.

If you’re looking for a high-value noise-canceling option, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus is a very solid choice. It’s an amiable companion, with robust bass, neutral midrange, and that sense of lively openness that makes really good headphones fun to listen to. The model is pleasantly lightweight and the fit and stability are good for most people, though those with large heads and/or prominent ears may want to buy from a retailer with a solid return policy. At the street price of $249, these headphones are a good value. At $110, you’re getting impressive quality at a very nice price.

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony’s previous top-of-the-line headphone. (The company recently introduced the XM6.) The XM5s still deliver admirable sound quality and noise cancellation. And, at this sale price, they represent a very solid value.