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Prime Day is here, and while there is always a dizzying array of deals, not all of them are worth your time. Some of the best actual discounts are on audio gear, from headphones and earbuds to speakers and hi-fi. Some of our favorite, editor-tested gear is discounted, including newer products from top brands like Apple, Sony, Sennheiser, and more.
Non-Prime members can get a 30-day free trial to Prime to shop the sale as well, but if you prefer to spend your dollars elsewhere, many of the best Prime Day audio deals are also available by shopping directly via the brands or on other retailers like Best Buy.
Some standout deals include discounts on our favorite noise-canceling headphones ahead of the peak summer travel season, Bluetooth speakers for barbecues and beach hangs, and hi-fi gear like bookshelf speakers and stereo receivers.
Best of all? Most of the products featured are ones we’ve tested, and the ones we haven’t come from brands we have experience with. I’ve been covering the latest in audio and testing the best gear for two years at Rolling Stone, which means I’ve gone hands-on with dozens of earbuds, headphones, and speakers. So while everyone’s preferences (and ears) are different, I’ve gotten a good sense of what makes a quality audio product. Just want the best of the best? These are a few deals that I think are most worth it.
- Bose QuietComfort headphones for $170 (50% off): If you’re looking for everyday headphones with great ANC and comfort, these are one of the best options, and half off is a killer deal.
- Nothing Ear (a) earbuds for $53 (33% off): These are still one of my go-to earbuds thanks to their pocket-friendly case and eye-catching design.
- Beats Pill speaker for $100 (33% off): It’s hard to find fault with the Beats Pill, which has good sound and an attractive design. $100 is still an investment for a Bluetooth speaker, but in my opinion, it’s worth the splurge.
- Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $198 (50% off): These aren’t Sony’s latest, but they’re still very good headphones at a rare price.
Best Headphone Deals
Many of our favorite Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones are on sale right now, but you can also find discounts on wired headphones and open-back models.
Sony
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
Sony’s XM5 headphones are a generation older than the latest model, but they feature comparable noise-canceling and audio quality performance. While they’re regularly on sale, they’ve rarely dipped below $200.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Bose’s QuietComfort headphones are a great alternative to the brand’s pricier flagship headphones. I’m a fan of the intuitive tactile controls, and the lightweight fit is comfortable enough to wear all day. Plus, they can be used passively, so they’re still usable when the battery runs out.
Apple AirPods Max
This is the lowest price we’ve seen for Apple’s second-gen AirPods Max headphones, which were released in March. They feature improved noise-canceling over the first-gen, plus features like adaptive audio. In our review, we found them to be a great option for Apple enthusiasts, particularly given their solid sound quality and surprisingly comfortable build.
Nothing Headphone (1)
Nothing’s flagship over-ear headphones have an out-of-the-ordinary, retrofuturistic design. They’re surprisingly comfortable, despite the odd shape, and they boast solid sound quality and dependable noise-canceling performance.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
You can save $70 on Bose’s latest QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which boast excellent, customizable noise-canceling and convenient features, like turning on automatically when you put them on. They’re also impressively comfortable, and the 30 hours of battery life is long enough for long-haul flights.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Following the release of the Momentum 5 headphones, the last generation got a discount on Amazon. While the newest edition features some upgrades, including better noise-canceling, these have a nearly identical design and up to 60 hours of battery life.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Sony’s XM6 headphones have among the best noise-canceling on the market, plus superb sound quality and intuitive touch controls. Sony also offers a ton of customization options in its app, and you get 30 hours of battery life with these headphones.
Beats Studio Pro Over-Ear Headphones
Beats Studio headphones are frequently on sale, but rarely for this cheap. While there are newer options on the market, these are still one of the best headphones for the gym, thanks to their snug fit and relatively lightweight build.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
You can get a $50 discount on Bowers & Wilkins high-end Px8 S2, which are constructed from plush leather for a comfortable fit. They don’t skimp on audio quality, either, delivering rich sound, plus reliable noise-canceling performance.
Sennheiser HD 599 SE Open-Back Headphones
If you’re looking for open-back headphones, Sennheiser also has a number of options including the HD 599, which are currently $99. The velour earpads are designed to be comfortable and soft, and the headphones come with a 6.3mm and 3.5mm cable for compatibility with portable devices of hi-fi equipment.
Best Earbud Deals
Prefer earbuds to headphones? You can save on AirPods, open-ear earbuds, and workout earbuds. Here are some of the best deals.
AirPods Pro 3
Apple’s latest AirPods Pro 3 feature a heart-rate sensor, plus features like the ability to use them as a hearing aid and hearing protection. Most importantly, they have great sound quality and excellent noise-canceling.
Beats Powerbeats Fit
Beats’ latest Powerbeats Fit are one of our favorite workout earbuds, thanks to their wing-tip design that fits snugly but comfortably in the ear. The tactile controls make them convenient at the gym, too.
Nothing Ear Wireless Earbuds
Nothing’s earbuds are a great AirPods alternative, particularly for Android users. They have a stylish design, solid audio performance, and reliable noise canceling, and they’re a whopping 51% off right now.
Soundcore by Anker Space A40
Soundcore’s affordable Space A40 earbuds are a great option if you prefer pod-style earbuds, and the compact case makes them a great everyday option. In my testing, I was impressed with the sound quality for earbuds at this price.
Nothing Ear (a) Wireless Earbuds
Nothing’s more affordable Ear (a) earbuds are also discounted, and they’re a great pick over the pricier model if you want a more compact case. These still have solid noise canceling and a comfortable fit in a form factor that’s similar to AirPods, but with a bit more personality. They’re one of the best earbuds under $100, and a steal for just over $50.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose’s second-gen QuietComfort Ultra earbuds feature the best noise-canceling in a pair of earbuds I’ve tested. Not only is it the most effective, but it’s the most customizable, with the ability to set personalized modes. They’re pricey, but a better deal for $50 off.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Beats’ Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds feature over-the-ear hooks, plus a heart-rate sensor for working out. Like other Beats models, these feature tactile volume and playback controls that can be easier to use with sweaty hands.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose’s Ultra Open earbuds are still among our favorites in the growing clip-on earbud category, thanks to their solid sound quality and comfortable fit. The lightweight and compact case makes the earbuds a good option for taking on the go for outdoor workouts, too.
Nothing Ear (open)
Nothing’s open-ear earbuds are another favorite for workouts, with an over-ear hook that creates a secure fit. The sound quality is solid for earbuds in this form factor, and the slim case, while long, is easy to take on the go.
EarFun Air Pro 4
EarFun’s Air Pro 4 earbuds may have a somewhat generic design, but they have surprisingly great sound quality, robust noise-canceling, and a comfortable fit.
Google Pixel Buds 2a
Google’s Pixel Buds 2a shine thanks to their small form factor, which can be more comfortable than stem-style earbuds for smaller ears. The sound quality is engaging, and you can adjust the EQ in the Pixel Buds app. They’re a great pick for Pixel phone users, but they’re also well suited to pair with any Android phone.
Galaxy Buds4 Pro
The Galaxy Buds4 Pro are a seamless option to pair with Samsung smartphones. They have improved noise canceling over the last generation and features like live translation. Where they shine, though, is in sound quality, with crisp detail and authoritative but not overpowering bass.
CMF Buds Pro 2
CMF, Nothing’s affordable sub-brand, makes a solid pair of noise-canceling earbuds, particularly at this price. The buds also have a clever tactile knob on the case, letting you adjust the volume and playback directly.
Twelve South AirFly SE
If you’re looking for a way to connect your Bluetooth earbuds to an in-flight system, Twelve South’s AirFly adapter is a great option. With up to 20 hours of battery life, you can enjoy movies and shows for the length of all but the most brutal long-haul flights.
Best Portable Speaker Deals
As warm weather heats up, you can get discounts on Bluetooth speakers and party speakers, including on options we’ve tested.
Beats Pill
The Beats Pill is one of my go-to Bluetooth speakers, thanks to the stylish design, easy-to-use controls, and impressive sound quality. It even doubles as a portable speakerphone thanks to the built-in microphone.
Bose SoundLink Plus Portable Speaker
Bose’s hefty Bluetooth speaker features impressive, room-filling sound, and it’s a great option for outdoors, too. The IP67 rating protects it from water and dust, while the carrying loop makes it easy to take to the beach or pool.
Sony SRS-XB100 Speaker
Sony’s tiny Bluetooth speaker puts out a surprising amount of bass, and it’s a great option for small outdoor gatherings or travel, thanks to the lightweight build and included lanyard.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
The Wonderboom 4 is a tiny, portable powerhouse. The speaker is remarkably lightweight, and the carrying loop makes it easy to clip to a bag or take on the go. But despite its small size, it gets surprisingly loud, without sounding harsh at higher volumes.
Jonathan Zavaleta/Rolling Stone
Marshall Emberton III
Marshall’s Emberton III speaker features great audio quality in a stylish, amplifier-inspired package. The 360-degree sound means you can set it anywhere and enjoy it everywhere, and the 32-hour battery life is solid for a speaker this small.
JBL Flip 7
JBL’s Flip 7 Bluetooth speaker features a rugged build, with passive bass radiators for a surprising amount of oomph out of a small package. It also comes with a handy carabiner for taking on the go.
Jonathan Zavaleta/Rolling Stone
JBL Clip 5
The JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth speaker is a great option for attaching to a bag and taking on the go, and it gets plenty loud despite its small size.
Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
For a truly affordable option, Anker’s small Bluetooth speaker is discounted to $30. It features an IPX7 waterproof design, making it outdoor-friendly, and it’s available in a range of colors.
Best Hi-Fi and Home Theater Audio Deals
Looking to beef up your home listening setup? There are plenty of deals on hi-fi gear online, including on speakers and amps that we’ve tested.
Sony CS Speakers
Sony’s SS-CS5M2 speakers are an excellent option for anyone in the market for passive speakers. They have impressively detailed sound thanks to the dual-tweeter design, and the 5.12 in woofer packs enough bass to fill an average-sized room. On sale, you’d be hard-pressed to find better-sounding speakers at this price.
Klipsch R-51PM
If you prefer powered speakers, Klipsch has long been one of our favorite brands for its stylish designs and value for the price. The R-51PM powered speakers feature the brand’s signature copper-colored woofers, and there are plenty of inputs for hooking up turntables, computers, and more. There’s also Bluetooth for seamless connectivity.
Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable
While I haven’t tested this particular model, I’ve had a good experience with Sony’s turntables in the past. With a built-in phono preamp and Bluetooth compatibility, the PS-LX3BT is a plug-and-play turntable, and the stylishly modern design is a nice touch.
Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar
If you’re looking for an affordable way to upgrade your home theater setup, a soundbar goes a long way, particularly when paired with a subwoofer. The features of this model are basic, but it’s a good way to punch up the sound of a TV.
KLH Model Three Bookshelf Speaker (Single)
KLH calling these bookshelf speakers might be a stretch, given their size. You won’t be able to set these on any bookshelf I’ve ever seen, but thankfully, they come with their own sturdy metal stands. The design itself is strikingly retro, with a premium wood finish and fabric grilles. Sold individually, they’re undoubtedly an investment piece, but properly cared for, they can last forever. Crucially, the sound is exceptional, thanks to the acoustic-suspension design that keeps the bass clear and distortion-free.
WiiM Ultra Music Streamer
WiiM’s Ultra Music streamer has been the hub of my home listening for months; the device adds wireless capabilities to any home stereo setup, and it has direct support for Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, and others.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK
Audio-Technica’s LP60 turntable has been a go-to budget recommendation for starter turntables for years; it has a built-in phono preamp for easy setup, and the automatic tonearm makes it easy to set a record down and start listening. A $20 discount isn’t huge, but it’s an affordable turntable to begin with.
Samsung Q990F 11.1.4ch Q Series
If you’re looking to upgrade your home theater setup, this system includes two rear speakers, a subwoofer, and a soundbar for immersive, room-filling audio.
Marshall Acton III
I’ve long liked Marshall’s stylish Bluetooth speakers, and the Acton III is a great statement-making piece with amplifier-inspired details like tactile volume and EQ knobs. The Acton III supports Bluetooth or Aux, and it comes in a range of colors with a faux-leather outer.
Sonos Era 100
Sonos’ Era speakers remain one of the best ways to set up multi-room audio in your home, and you can listen over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, while the line-in connection means you can connect it to a turntable with an adapter.
Edifier M60 Multimedia Speaker
I’m a fan of Edifier’s relatively affordable bookshelf and computer speakers. This is a great desktop option, and it includes inputs for USB-C, Aux, and Bluetooth.
JBL Authentics 300
JBL’s Authentics 300 speaker features room-filling sound in a relatively portable package. It’s not the kind of speaker you’d take to the beach, but the built-in battery and carry handle make it easy to tote from room to room, and the Wi-Fi-enabled speaker allows for seamless playback.
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Bose’s Smart Soundbar is a compact option for smaller spaces. Despite its size, it features room-filling sound, thanks to Dolby Atmos and the five drivers, including two upfiring speakers.
About the Author
Jonathan Zavaleta is a commerce writer at Penske Media, covering audio gear and tech, as well as streaming, concert tickets, physical media, and lifestyle. His bylines include WWD, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, and Men’s Journal.
