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. Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event is the right time to remedy that problem — or to simply upgrade the pair you’ve been rocking for the last three years.
Apple, Bose, 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.
Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds II
Bose’s QuietComfort over-hear headphones are much beloved by SPY editors and audio experts alike, and during Amazon’s October Prime Day event, the brand’s earbud version is on sale. Accordingly, the QuietComfort II Earbuds aren’t your regular earbuds: they personalize noise-cancellation and sound performance using proprietary tech, and also come with a Bose Fit Kit, which includes three pairs of both ear tips and stability bands to ensure a comfortable, all-day fit.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
It wouldn’t be an Amazon savings event if Apple’s AirPods Pro weren’t discounted. This time around, score 24% off the tried-and-true earbuds, which come with noise cancellation, a MagSafe charging case, and adaptive transparency mode, as well.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
This October Prime Day, save on this ultra-lightweight pair of noise-canceling headphones from Sony. They feature adjustable ambient sound mode, which allows for a customized listening experience, and the battery life is no joke — it lasts up to 35 hours on a full charge, and there’s also a quick-charge feature. (It takes only three minutes to charge for up to one hour of playback.)
Amazon All-New Echo Buds (2023 Release)
Any Amazon sale event is the time to save on Amazon-branded devices, and these wireless earbuds are no exception. For an even more affordable price, they deliver crisp, balanced audio (thanks to 12mm drivers), plus they’re sweat-resistant and very lightweight.
JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless Headphones
For another pair of budget-friendly wireless earbuds, snag this pair of JBLs, which is on sale this Prime Big Deals Day. They feature up to 32 total hours of battery life (plus, users can speed-charge an extra two hours in 10 minutes), they’re water- and dust-resistant, and reviewers say they’re comfortable to wear.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones
Sennheiser is a gold-standard audio equipment brand, and these headphones — which are on sale during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event — are no exception. Of their many features, their sound quality is exceptional, thanks to their 42mm transducer system. (Plus, the brand’s Smart Control App allows for making adjustments to an integrated equalizer, as well as creating presets and sound modes, for a completely personalized listening experience.
JBL Tune 510BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Another solid option from JBL, the Tune 510BT wireless headphones sit right on the ear and feature up to 40 hours of battery life. They also feature an adjustable headband for a customizable fit, active noise-cancellation, and more — all for a very reasonable sale price.
Sony WH-10000XM4 Wireless Prmium Noise Cancelling Overhead Headphones
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones, which are on the higher end of the brand’s personal audio range, are discounted during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event this year. They’re incredibly spec-rich, featuring what the brand touts as industry-leading noise-canceling, up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging (aka 10 minutes of charging for five hours of playback), on-ear touch sensor controls (to pause, play, skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, answer phone calls), and much more.
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly pair of wireless headphones that actually stay charged, look no further than these — their battery life of up to 50 hours is pretty impressive. Plus, they have Fast Pair — a “find my headphones” feature — for extra peace of mind. Perfect for frequent fliers or long road trips.
