14 headphones deals that are already Black Friday-worthy

Utsanjan Maity
November 06, 2026

If you want to upgrade your personal audio setup without paying full retail price, early Black Friday headphones deals are dropping surprisingly steep discounts weeks before the official shopping holiday. From deep price cuts on flagship active noise-canceling cans to budget-friendly daily drivers, top brands like Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, Marshall, and Apple have already kicked off their sales ahead of time.

sony, nothing, and bose headphones on gradient background

Why Early Black Friday Headphones Deals Are Starting Right Now

I initially thought the early Black Friday headphones deals were starting out strong a couple of weeks ago, but I definitely underestimated the power of early November. Though we still have a little over three weeks to go until Black Friday proper on Nov. 27, headphones brands have decided Black Friday starts now, if their price cuts are anything to go by.

Take, for instance, the 45% discount on the second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones, which were (released just this past August, btw). Prefer a flagship model? No problem, the Sony WH-1000XM6 -- our top pick for premium sound -- are available for $82 off.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Black Friday 2026: Best deals, sale dates, how to shop smart, and more

How We Filter Genuine Audio Deals from Fake Discounts

As someone who tests headphones year-round and is heading into her sixth year covering Black Friday at Mashable, I only write about deals that are actual deals. That means double-checking accurate list prices, using my price history knowledge from looking at headphone product listings literally every time I open my work laptop, and using price tracking tools where there may be gaps in my knowledge.

In today's market, price verification is essential for avoiding inflated list prices. This year, my criteria also include an awareness of price increases that have affected nearly every area of tech over recent months.

With all of that in mind, those two aforementioned deals -- and the ones you will find below -- are the absolute best early Black Friday headphones deals you will find ahead of Black Friday. And when more inevitably crop up as the shopping holiday draws closer, you will be sure to find them updated right on this list.

What Is the Single Best Early Black Friday Headphones Deal?

If you are looking for the absolute best mix of value, noise cancellation, and performance right now, the top spot goes to Bose's newest release.

green bose quietcomfort headphones

Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) -- $199 at Amazon (list price $359, save $160). Get Deal at Amazon

Why We Like the Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen)

The second gen Bose QuietComfort headphones are one of my favorite headphone releases of 2026. Though the $359 price tag does sit on the higher end of mid-range, these headphones eke ever closer to the performance of the QC Ultra headphones, which cost $459.

Their all-day comfort, spatial audio, and excellent ANC are reasons to invest, especially at this price point. Getting high-end noise-canceling headphones for under $200 makes this standard-setting model an easy recommendation.

Though audiophiles will probably be happier with the Sony XM4C -- you can read my full breakdown of how these two headphones compare -- at the time of writing, the Sony headphones clock in at $248, making the Bose headphones the best buy ahead of Black Friday.

Check out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) headphones.

More Early Black Friday Headphones Deals You Can Shop Today

If you prefer a different brand or need a specific budget level, plenty of other early Black Friday headphones deals are live across major retailers. Here is a list of top-rated wireless headphones currently on sale:

Budget vs. Flagship: Breakdown of Current Discounts

Finding the right balance between price and performance depends on what features matter most to you. For shoppers seeking entry-level value, the Sony WH-CH530 at $48 and the Sony WH-CH720N at $88 offer reliable wireless audio without breaking the bank.

In the mid-tier category under $200, brands like Marshall, Nothing, and Sennheiser provide stylish options and enhanced sound quality. The Marshall Major V drops to $89.99, while the Nothing Headphone (a) hits $129 and the Nothing Headphone (1) sells for $199. Meanwhile, the Marshall Monitor III ($199.99) and Sennheiser Momentum 4 ($199.99) deliver substantial savings of up to $100 off list price.

For listeners who demand top-tier active noise cancellation and flagship sound, premium models are seeing huge markdowns. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is down to $198, representing a massive $201.99 price reduction. You can also snag the flagship Sony WH-1000XM6 for $378 or step up to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) for $369.

Apple fans looking for luxury over-ear audio can grab the Apple AirPods Max 2 for $449, saving $100 off original retail pricing. Shopping these early Black Friday headphones deals allows you to secure top-tier tech before inventory runs out closer to late November.

Whether you need plush all-day comfort or high-end spatial audio, tracking these early Black Friday headphones deals ensures you get verified savings without waiting for the Black Friday rush.



from Mashable
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