Unless you’re at a barbecue, lifting a boom box at the end of Say Anything, or absolutely sure that it’s showtime on the Brooklyn-bound Q train, there’s no good reason to play music out loud. Well, there might be one: Not having a great pair of headphones. Prime Day is the right time to remedy that problem – or to simply upgrade the pair you’ve been rocking for the last three years.
Apple, Google, and Sony are among those jockeying for supremacy in the wireless space and offering deals to push their agenda, but a number of smaller outfits are worth listening to. Many make headphones for sports or great over-the-ear options, which are very much in the mix this year.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds
The best AirPods deal this Prime Day might be the best headphone deal overall. The newest generation of AirPods Pro typically cost around $250 and offer improved battery life as well as features like background noise reduction, but the older, non-Pro version still has a great microphone and sound quality. There’s also hands-free Siri access and decent battery life. If a pricier pair is out of your budget, or you don’t trust yourself with headphones not shackled to a wire, then this is a great deal.
Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbud Headphones
Sony’s LinkBuds are the brand’s foil to AirPods Pro – although on Prime Day, it’s priced way better. It’s also only slightly more expensive than the second generation AirPods, but with features closer to the Pro.
Like the Pro, LinkBuds have silicone tips that make them an easier wear, and a background noise reduction feature. The LinkBuds also offer EQ adjustments through the Sony app, which AirPods don’t. It features comparable battery life to Pro, and even access to Amazon Alexa as its Siri stand-in.
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose’s QuietComfort is the understated workhorse among flashier products in its (top) tier, such as the AirPods Max. But these stand out in terms of comfort, they sound great, and they have a massive advantage over its competitors at $199.
Sony WH-XB910N EXTRA BASS Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony also produces a number of excellent over-the-ear headphones. This pair, which retails at $250, is more than 50% off for Prime Day. Reviewers are fans of the ability to adjust EQ through the Sony app, meaning you can customize your sound. They’re even cheaper than Bose’s pair, if you’re looking for something closer to $100.
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones
SHOKZ OpenRun Pros are a great option for people who are serious about a) music and b) physical activity. They wrap around the head and use “bone conduction” to send sounds through your cheekbone, as opposed to traditional headphones, which send them through the air and up your ear canal. The benefit is that your ears are clear to pick up ambient noise – such as oncoming traffic when you’re jogging or someone on a bike shouting “on your left!”
JBL Tune 230NC TWS True Wireless in-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
JBL provides another solid sub-$100 option for wireless earbuds, but to make things even sweeter, their Tune 230NC is only $40 for Prime Day. You’d be hard pressed to find noise cancellation, 7 hours of battery life (28 with the case), and adjustable EQ for that price elsewhere.
Jabra Elite 4 Active in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds
Jabra has been pumping out quality budget headphones for years, and their steeply discounted earbuds for Prime Day make a great sub-$100 deal. They’ve got solid sound and battery life, and if it’s a toss up for you on this one versus the JBL pair, well, this one comes in mint.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Apple bought Beats nearly ten years ago, but the brand is still making quality, differentiated products. They’re bulkier than AirPods, but reviewers say they boast better sound and battery life, with a squatter build that might fit many ears better. It’s a toss up for sure, but $100 off their retail price (and the AirPods Pro’s) help make a case for Beats. Beats Studio Buds are also getting a discount for Prime Day.
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
The Google Pixel Buds are superior to most – if not all – other budget wireless earbud options, and they’re nearly half off for Prime Day. Reviewers say that they’re comfortable, connect to phones pretty seamlessly, and have solid sound quality – even if it’s better for those who spend more time making calls than listening to music. Easy setup and integration with Google apps is an added bonus for Android users.