Top Tech Picks: Sony, Apple, Bose, Beats and Beyond

Black Friday is usually a boon for headphone and earbud deals. This year is no different, with a variety of deals available online for all kinds of headphones, from high-end models to more budget-friendly options. The discounts cover several favorites from various guides, as well as popular models from Sony, Beats, Bose, Apple, and more. This is a great opportunity to buy a pair as a gift for someone on your holiday shopping list, or to replace your own aging cans or buds. Here are the best Black Friday deals on headphones and earbuds for 2023.

Sony WH-1000XM5:
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 is currently priced at $328 at Amazon, B&H, and other retailers. This is a $72 drop and ties the lowest price ever seen for this top pick in the best wireless headphones guide. The active noise cancellation is among the best tested, with a comfortable design and a solid 30-hour battery life. The sound is bass-heavy by default, but the EQ curve can be customized through Sony’s app. It also comes with various bonus features like “Speak-to-Chat,” which automatically pauses music when you start speaking.

Sony WF-1000XM5:
The Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are available for $248 at Amazon, B&H, and others, matching the lowest price ever seen. This set tops the list of the best wireless earbuds and offers a host of useful features, powerful ANC, and a comfortable fit. Battery life is around seven to eight hours with average use.

Sony WH-1000XM4:
The older Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are on sale for $248 as well, $100 off Sony’s list price. This model delivers similar ANC and battery performance as its successor and has nearly the same feature set. However, its mics aren’t as clear for calls, and it sounds a bit boomier out of the box. Nevertheless, it’s still a strong value at this price.

Apple AirPods Pro:
Apple’s AirPods Pro are on sale for $190 at Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. This matches the lowest price ever seen and offers a suite of helpful Apple-specific features, effective ANC, and a warm sound. The Pro’s six-hour battery life is average, but it offers great features for iOS users.

Apple AirPods (3rd-gen) and (2nd-gen):
The third-gen AirPods are available for $140, while the second-gen AirPods are down to $80 at various retailers. The third-gen model offers a more expansive sound and longer battery life and received a review score of 88. The second-gen model, while not at its all-time low, is still a more acceptable price for those who prefer an open design.

Apple AirPods Max:
Apple’s top-of-the-line headphones are discounted to $450 at Amazon and Best Buy. While still overpriced for most, they remain premium with top-tier ANC and a high-quality design.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Earbuds:
Bose’s latest QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Earbuds are both on sale for Black Friday. The headphones are $50 off at $379, while the earbuds are 17% off at $249, with powerful noise cancellation being their main feature.

Overall, there are plenty of great deals to take advantage of this Black Friday for anyone in the market for new headphones or earbuds.