I have reviewed a horde of gaming headsets over the years, and yet no matter how good they were, I clung dearly to my Sony WH-1000XM3 for seven years (yes, they launched all the way back in 2018). To say my expectations for the Sony WH-1000XM6 were high is a criminal understatement.

The jump in audio quality I experienced with the Sony WH-1000XM6 reminded me of putting on a new pair of glasses for the first time — I could see (hear) everything. The XM6’s soundstage is grand and epic, the earcups are snug, the dual Bluetooth-connectivity is so convenient, and the battery life is long.

However, as much as I love the Sony WH-1000XM6, they aren't without some problems. The earcups are snug, which may be uncomfortable for some folks. If you’re app-averse for some reason, you need to download the phone app to disable ANC. I wish the Ambient mode took in more sound at higher volumes, and I would have liked the microphone to sound better, although it’s not terrible.

Yet, like Sony's other mythically excellent creation, Kratos with his Leviathan axe, my ears wield the Sony WH-1000XM6 as their daily weapon. I imagine the XM6 will be my companion for quite a long time, at least until it's dethroned by the XM9. There's no question that the XM6s are one of the best headphones out there, but are they good enough to drop $450? Let’s jump into that Yggdrasil rift together.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Price and value

I reviewed the Black model of the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, but you can also get them in Midnight Blue or Platinum Silver, all of which cost the same $449. I’m partial to the Midnight Blue colorway — they are the only ones with actual color. The XM6s also come with a neat magnetic carrying case, which is a dark gray color and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a very short USB Type-A to Type-C cable. You can get the Sony WH-1000XM6 directly from Sony’s website, Best Buy, or Amazon.

The real question is: Are they worth it? Well, that depends on you. What I can say is that the pricing is competitive, especially when compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (also $449). And this is too much for you to spend on headphones, no matter how good they are; I completely understand. You can easily get the XM4 for $280 (at the time of writing).

If you really want the XM6 model and aren’t swimming in cash, I’d wait for a sale. But if you have the disposable income, they're worth it.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Design

The Sony WH-1000XM6 looks like an alien carved them out of a block of obsidian… and then blasted them with soft paint. Sony took the revamped design language of the XM5 headphones and threw a couple of curves in there. The design isn’t drastically different, but just enough to take a slightly basic design and add a more premium flair.

The cups feature an off-center circle that allows access to the touch controls, and they curve downward from there into an oblong shape. Around the edges of those cups are a slew of black microphone vents that blend in. The leatherette cups also feature a seamless transition, without the typical puffy protrusion on the outer layer.

My favorite part of the design is the hinges, where the cups meet the headband. It’s a diagonally carved cylinder with the classic gold Sony logo painted on it. Company logos are hit or miss, but Sony is iconic for its stylish logo on vintage and now future tech. And between the hinge and the headband is another thinly carved piece, which adds to the flair. The headband itself starts thin and then expands slightly.

On the left cup, you’ll find the power button, headphone jack, and the ANC button, while the right features the Type-C charging port.

Out of the previous XM-series headphones, the XM6 offer the most modern and sleek design, making them worthy of their premium price (in this regard, at least).

Sony WH-1000XM6: Comfort

Imagine a pillow with arms that could give you a little squeeze — that's the Sony WH-1000XM6. I like it, but they are pretty snug, so it might not be comfortable for some people.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 weigh 254 grams, which is unnoticeably heavier than their competitor, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (252 grams).

From dusk till dawn, I played Elden Ring Nightreign. I'm not ashamed — those Nightlords needed to die. But after a short adjustment period from my looser XM3 headphones, the XM6 felt like the familiar yet satisfying pillow you'd flip over in the middle of the night. The cushions are soft yet firm. I still felt them squeeze my head, which may bother some folks, but I liked it because it offers some passive noise cancelling.

I didn’t even notice the headband until I paid attention to it. It’s soft and doesn’t crush my head like the earcups do, so I count that as a win.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Audio

I jumped from the XM3 to the XM6, and the best way to describe the jump is like watching a flower finally bloom. The 30mm neodymium drivers delivered a wide, immersive soundstage that kept me engaged in all of the content I played.

I listened to all of Epic: The Musical on the Sony WH-1000XM6. In “Full Speed Ahead,” the XM6 captured the subtle rumbling drums that open the song, accompanied by solid bass, and it stood out among the following soft piano and warm strings.

I jumped to “Keep Your Friends Close,” which opens with a melodic string of wind instruments, and I noticed that there were many more distinct notes than usual, none of which detracted from the smooth vocals. Then I moved to the more sinister “Get in the Water,” and the XM6 did struggle a bit with the opening synths, but it captured the subtle horns and synths during the vocals, amplifying the suspense of the track.

One of the issues I’ve had with Epic: The Musical is that when the creator, Jorge Rivera-Herrans, discusses how he developed the motifs for each character, I never really noticed it because the vocals often overpower the instruments. However, with the XM6, I got to experience everything he talked about, and it made me appreciate the sound design that much more. My heart actually broke when listening to “Love in Paradise.” I never heard Polites’ voice during Odysseus’ final scream to Athena, where he says, “We can light up the world, here’s how to start.” (I’m not crying, you’re crying.)

Of course, I simply had to game with the XM6, so I decided to get bodied in Elden Ring Nightreign. I had previously played with the XM3, so the soundstage changed completely once again. It expanded noticeably. Similar to my issue with Epic, some boss music filters through my ears because they could not match the level of intensity you’ve got to lock in to win.

However, when facing off against The Shape of Night, the strings were empowering. Every slash and spell still sounded sharp and impactful against the weight of the strings, making for a truly epic fight (pun intended). I don't think I’ve ever been as locked into a boss fight’s sound design before, and I’m honestly sad that I haven’t played so many of my favorite games with the XM6. For Duchess' sake, I could even hear this boss’ sword grinding through the sand in the opening shot.

There’s an equalizer on the Sound Connect app. I enjoyed the default sound the most at first, but one of the coolest features is the Find Your Equalizer setting. This is something that more audio apps need. It asks you to play some content, and then, similar to when you’re at the eye doctor, you get to choose between a set of numbers to see (hear) which sounds better. I’ll admit, the implementation isn’t the best. I’d prefer it if it offered a repetitive example with only two choices at a time, but I think this feature is pretty vital for non-audiophiles.

I also tried different listening modes, like Background Music and Cinema. The former is what you’d expect, which is fine if that’s what you want. Meanwhile, Cinema captured a more 360-degree soundstage to increase immersion, but I didn’t really vibe with it. This more so stretched out the soundstage, which made everything sound a little messy and distant. I’ll say that it does kind of give off a movie-theater experience, but maybe not the one you’d want.

Sony WH-1000XM6: ANC

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are outfitted with Sony’s latest HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, which introduces 12 microphones to deliver improved noise canceling over the previous generation (with a measly 8 microphones — kidding).

With ANC enabled, my office got eerily quiet. The rumbling from the fan and the bass of my keyboard completely drowned out, but I could still hear the sharper sounds that they made — it doesn’t completely make your surroundings quiet. ANC is excellent for use during commutes. Traveling from New Jersey to NYC, I’m cursed with the annoyingly expensive NJ Transit, which features the loudest trains. However, with ANC on, I could fully focus on watching my favorite shows. I can still hear the train, but the sound is dramatically reduced and filters out to ambient background noise, equivalent to the fan in my room.

Ambient mode allows for external sounds to pass through. This is great for when you're walking through a bustling city and trying to avoid an expedition to the beyond by car. However, at home, I found myself just removing one ear cup from my head instead of using Ambient mode. When listening to music or playing a game at 50%, I could not hear my child asking me to open her applesauce pouch until she yelled at me. I tinkered with the app a little bit, and there's no way to increase the ambient sound filtered in (because it was already at a max of 20 out of 20). You can enable voice passthrough to focus voices, which helps a little bit. There’s also an Auto Ambient Sound setting, which adjusts the sensitivity based on your surroundings, but that operates within the slider that you can already manually use. It could be useful, but not in this context for me.

Despite that, there's a feature called Speak-to-Chat, which can detect when you're speaking and dramatically reduces the volume of the content you're listening to, remaining active until it stops detecting your voice. However, this doesn't trigger when people are speaking to you. I tested this with my daughter, and it registered her voice only when I was a foot or two away from her. This is also available for any mode, which is a nice feature.

The biggest issue with the Sony WH-1000XM6’s ANC is that I couldn't turn it off. There are two modes enabled out of the box: ANC and Ambient mode. There's no way to disable it. That's when I had to download the app, and sure enough, you can add a disable setting to that same ANC button. You don't just turn it off via the app; the headphones already have that setting programmed into the ANC button, but for some reason, you need to download the app just to enable the disable button.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Microphone

Despite the absurd number of microphones packed into the Sony WH-1000XM6 (there are 12), the microphone quality is a certified “meh.”

The quality of my voice sounded slightly better than how I'd normally speak through my phone, and that's the nicest way I can paraphrase what my friends said when I joined a group Discord call. In other words, my voice sounded muffled but audible.

However, overall quality is not necessarily the point of the XM6’s microphone. Headphone mics aren't going to sound as good as a $550 Shure SM7dB. What the XM6 delivers on is noise-cancelling. Similar to ANC, this doesn’t completely cut out all the sounds around you, but it does significantly drown it out. While on said terrible train, I got on a call, and my friends could hear me clearly. I tested this at my desk too, and the microphone could still pick up me knocking on the desk, but again, it sounded muted.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Battery life

I played Elden Ring Nightreign for several hours straight and the Sony WH-1000XM6 told me they had a 90% charge. Even if it was closer to 80%, that’s still pretty impressive. Sony claims that the XM6 can get up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off, and I’m inclined to believe that. (When communicating, you’ll get 24 hours with ANC on and 28 hours with ANC off.)

You can go at least a couple of days before you need to charge the Sony WH-1000XM6. And according to Sony, you can charge the headphones for 3 minutes and get 3 hours of playback (with an optional USB-PD compatible AC adapter). That’s pretty convenient for someone who constantly forgets to charge their headphones (it’s me, I’m the problem).

Sony WH-1000XM6: App and features

Keep in mind that if you get the Sony WH-1000XM6, you’re practically forced to use the app, at least if you want any of the valuable functions (you know, like turning off ANC). Sony’s Sound Connect app features the aforementioned settings for the equalizer, listening mode, and ANC and Ambient modes. If you care about spatial sound, head tracking, and 360 reality audio, there are settings to set those up as well. You can also enable DSEE Extreme, which improves the sound of compressed audio files.

One of my favorite features is the dual Bluetooth connectivity, so I can connect to my PC to play games while also connected to my phone to take phone calls. The coolest part is that I can tinker with audio settings on my phone and get immediate changes to the content I’m listening to on my PC. (Do you realize how much of a pain it is to jump from a phone app back to your PC and be able to tell the difference between audio settings?). If you’re having some connectivity issues, you can prioritize your Bluetooth connection over the sound quality.

In the System settings, you can enable voice assistants, add the Off setting to the ANC/AMB button, and assign shortcuts to the same button to pull up said voice assistants. There’s also a setting to enable head gestures, which I don’t think anyone is using (listen, my knees already ache, I’m not pulling a muscle to decline a call). You can also enable a microphone mute shortcut, which, again, why isn’t that enabled by default? Another cool feature is that the headphones will turn off after a certain amount of time if you’re not wearing them (I forget to turn my headphones off all the time).

Then there’s the touch controls, which I rarely use, but they’re convenient if you don’t have quick access to your device. If you’ve ever used a headphone with touch controls, the XM6 works generally the same. Tap twice to play/pause, swipe forward to skip, swipe backward to rewind, swipe up or down to raise or lower the volume, respectively. You can also swipe up or down and hold to continuously raise or lower the volume, which is great because I’d rather not have to swipe my headset over and over.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Bottom line

I’m quite critical about tech, especially when it costs an absurd amount of money. However, I couldn’t help but be wowed by the XM6’s incredible range, sleek design, comfortable fit, and long battery life.

No, they aren't perfect. The Ambient mode and microphone could be better. It’ll certainly deter folks who don’t like snug headphones. And I hate anything that forces you to download an app for the most basic functions. Not to mention, they cost over $400, which is enough to make most people carefully consider the purchase.

Yet, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 might cost a whopping $450, it offers an unbeatable immersion for my favorite content. There’s a reason why it’s a premium headphone, just like there’s a reason why Kratos prefers his Leviathan axe — it’s just better.

Want to upgrade your headphones? There's no time like summertime. I keep running into some of the best headphone deals I've seen in months, and yes, even during the recent Memorial Day sales. I guess retailers are fully aware of the fact that summer is when earbuds and headphones get the most usage.

Or ... is it just me? When it's cold, I often leave my buds in peace (since I'm sitting home, anyway). My noise-cancelling headphones get plenty of use throughout the year, though, and the model that I use actually happens to be on sale, so that's what I'm going to start you with today.

As I write this, I'm currently wearing my Bose QuietComfort headphones. Those things are seriously worth their weight in gold (and then some). It's hot, I've got two fans running at max speed, and all I hear is music -- zero noise. If that doesn't convince you, I'll tell you that these Bose beauties are now $100 off and you can get them for $249 at Best Buy.

There are more headphone deals to dig into. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are now just $169, down from $249, and they're a steal at that price. Prefer Android? No worries. Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 Pro were previously $249, but now, they're just $189.

It's entirely possible to get yourself a decent pair of headphones under $50, so if those pricey options aren't your style, check this. These Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones are $49, down from $69, and they still have a surprisingly long list of features for a budget pair.

Join me as I walk you through the best headphone deals in June 2025 and start the summer with a new pair of your own!

Best headphone deals — Quick links

• Sony WH-CH520: was $59 now $38 at Amazon
• Soundcore by Anker Q20i: was $69 now $49 at Amazon
• Sony WH-CH720N: was $149 now $87 at Amazon (see price in cart)
• Sony LinkBuds Fit S: was $199 now $158 at Amazon
• Apple AirPods 4: was $129 now $99 at Amazon
• Apple AirPods Pro 2: was $249 now $169 at Amazon
• Apple AirPods Max: was $549 now $549 at Amazon
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: was $229 now $189 at Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: was $249 now $189 at Amazon
• Beats Solo 4: was $199 now $129 at Amazon
• Beats Studio Pro: was $349 now $249 at Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Wireless: was $349 now $249 at Best Buy

Best headphone deals — earbuds

Best headphone deals

Best headphone deals

FAQs

What are the best Sony headphones and earbuds?

Some of the best Sony headphones and earbuds include the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Sony WF-C510. Headphone-wise, check out the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sony WH-CH520.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones?

Our sister site, What Hi-Fi, maintains a ranking of the best noise-cancelling headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM6 lead the ranking, followed by the Sony WH-CH720N and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

June is here, and so is summer, which is why it's such a great time to grab one of the best AirPods deals.

As the weather's largely getting warmer (I know, I know, that depends on where you live - but personally, I'm already overheating), it's nice to step outside and enjoy the sunshine. And what better way to do it than with some sweet tunes blasting in your ears?

So, about those discounts on AirPods ... Here's where we're at. With Memorial Day sales behind us and Prime Day still up ahead, we're kind of in between two big shopping events. Normally, that'd mean a barren wasteland in terms of discounts, so I didn't expect much - and yet, surprisingly, there are lots of AirPods deals still up for grabs.

The best deal by far is this one on the AirPods Pro 2, which are now $50 off at Amazon ($199). But if you're looking for something a little less premium, the AirPods 4 with active noise-cancellation (ANC) are also slightly discounted, down to $169 at Amazon.

Now is also a great time to stock up on some accessories for your AirPods. For instance, Apple's wireless charging case used to cost $79, but now it's $55 at Amazon.

Whether you're planning to pair your new AirPods with a tablet (in which case, check out some of the best tablet deals right now) or with a laptop (likewise, lots of laptop deals available), the bottom line is: Get them now. They're in stock, discounted, and unlikely to be cheaper for a while yet.

Below, I'll show you some of the best AirPods deals in June 2025.

Quick links

• AirPods 4: was $129, now $119 at Amazon
• AirPods 4 with ANC: was $179, now $169 at Amazon
• AirPods Pro 2: was $249, now $199 at Amazon
• AirPods Max USB-C: $529 at Amazon
• Apple EarPods USB-C: $19 at Amazon
• Apple wireless charging case for AirPods: was $79, now $55 at Amazon
• Apple MagSafe Charger: was $39, now $36 at Amazon
• Apple Cables and Chargers: from $12 at Amazon

Best AirPods deals

Today's top deals on Amazon are bountiful with savings worthy of Prime Day. If you're considering what headphones to buy for a last-minute Father's Day gift, graduation present, or your audio upgrade, here's a deal you might like.

Right now, the Beats Solo 4 are on sale for just $99 at Amazon. That's 50% off its regular retail price of $200 and amounts to $100 in savings.

Browse: Amazon's entire sale

This is the Beats Solo 4's lowest price to date since they launched back in May 2024. If you want to pick up some new headphones sooner rather than later, it's one of the best audio deals you can get before Prime Day.

Beats Solo 4 headphones have earned high praise from industry experts and consumers. Compared to the previous-gen Beats Solo 3, the Beats Solo 4 upgrades the series with new, redesigned custom 40mm drivers, Personalized Spatial Audio, and up to 50 hours of battery life between charges.

Despite lacking the active-noise cancellation feature found in our beloved Beats Studio Pro headphones, Best Solo 4's offer just about the same features and better battery life.

If you don't mind spending more, the Beats Studio Pro can be yours for $169 ($180 off). We reviewed these headphones and rated them 4.5 out of 5 stars for their top-notch sound/call quality, intuitive noise-cancellation, and Spatial Audio.

However, if you'd prefer to stay within the sub-$100 range, the Beats Solo 4 is the wallet-friendly choice.

Today's best Beats Solo 4 headphones deal

Father's Day is on June 15, so you still have plenty of time to find the perfect token of appreciation. Whether dad is techie, sporty, or both, Bose audio wearables make the perfect gift.

I've taken the liberty of scouring today's deals for Bose gift ideas that'll bring joy to dad's mobile lifestyle.

One deal I recommend is the Editor's Choice Award-winning Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for $249 ($50 off) from Best Buy. These earbuds are suitable for the sporty dad who likes jogging, running, and working out at the gym.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are fashionable, functional, and deliver audiophile-worthy sound.

Browse: Best Buy's entire sale

In our Bose Ultra Open review, we gave them 4 out of 5 stars. Featuring high-quality sound, good battery life, and a luxurious design, the Bose's Ultra Open are the Editor's Choice earbuds.

Featuring an open-ear, flex arms design, they stay in your ears and let you enjoy music without totally drowning out your surroundings. Although there's no outright discount for these new release Bose headphones, here's how to snag some savings.

They're also a wise choice for travel, as they offer high-fidelity sound to go.

Prefer to gift dad with noise-cancelling wireless earbuds for Father's Day? If so, you can't go wrong with Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for $149 ($30 off).

Launched in 2024, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer that iconic audio, top-tier noise cancellation, and reliable battery life we've come to expect from the brand.

For more Father's Day gift idea inspo and savings, keep scrolling to see more of my recommendations.

5 Bose headphone deals for Father's Day gift inspiration

AirPods are by far Apple’s most personal product. You’d share your MacBook, iPad, or even iPhone, but you’d be hard-pressed to share your AirPods with another person. They are private; they go inside your ear canal. And that is what makes Apple’s upcoming AirPod update quietly so innovative.

Ahead of WWDC, Apple’s annual developer conference, sources at the company have leaked that your very personal AirPods may be even more personal. They’re going to know about the most private moment of your day.

Sleep is arguably the most private, vulnerable moment of our days. Many people largely do it out of the sight of others — except for the occasional subway nap or park snooze. Our bedrooms and beds are private. Many of us go to sleep with our earbuds playing music, a podcast, or some other audio as we drift off to sleep.

Audiologist Dr. Valerie Pavlovich Ruff told Health Essentials, a publication of the world-famous Cleveland Clinic, that wearing your earbuds to sleep can be beneficial to stop ringing from tinnitus or other medical problems. There’s also the fact that our minds race before bed, and wearing earbuds or AirPods can help, Pavlovich Ruff says.

“Emotional stress can cause ringing in your ears, too,” Pavlovich Ruff told the publication in 2022. “This is why many people might want to fall asleep listening to something soothing or relaxing just for stress relief.”

Of course, it's critical to wear comfortable earbuds and ensure the volume is at a safe level. That’s where Apple comes in.

This week, 9 to 5 Mac reported that a “sleep auto-pause” feature may debut as soon as Monday’s WWDC 2025 keynote. The publication reports that engineers at Apple is developing technology that will sense when the AirPods wearer falls asleep and the AirPods will automatically pause.

This auto-pause has two significant benefits. Most importantly, even if you listen at a high volume, it won’t be at that high volume for the entirety of your sleep. And two, far less critical to your health, your AirPods battery will be preserved.

We know that Apple Watch’s sleep feature kicks on automatically when you fall asleep, tracking your deep, core, and REM sleep. What we don’t know is whether those AirPods will enter auto-pause mode based on data from your Apple Watch (which is connected to your iPhone) or if they will sync with your iPhone directly and bypass the Apple Watch.

If it does sync to Apple Watch, you could very well take a nap, and the auto-pause feature won’t kick on. Anybody who wears an Apple Watch and takes the occasional Saturday afternoon nap will know that naps don’t often register as sleep within the Apple Health app.

The most private moment of your day — when you doze off for a good night’s sleep — may be recognized by your Apple Watch, iPhone, and your AirPods. Just don’t forget to keep the volume down.

The 9 to 5 Mac report also included other features that may be available on AirPods as soon as Monday.

They include new head gestures for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 to control conversation awareness, a noise-control feature that you can currently control by touching the tip of your AirPods.

Apple may also announce improvements that help multiple users share an iPad, like in a classroom setting.

Perhaps great news from streamers and anyone who makes video is the ability to control your iPhone camera by pinching the tip of your AirPods.

On the audio side, AirPods will also sound differently depending on your environment by using AI. It will also enable the wearer to choose from three voice options, reports 9 to 5 Mac, “in-frame, studio, and cinematic.”

Whatever Apple announces regarding AirPods or anything else, we’ll know on Monday, June 9, when WWDC kicks off at 10 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Eastern.

More from Laptop Mag

• WWDC 2025 could be a low-key banger for millions of iOS power users. Here's why.
• "It's 5GB of pure bloatware": Apple Intelligence unlikely to win over Mac users at WWDC — Here's why
• Why Apple’s next macOS might signal a shift. Here's why.
• Our beloved 5-star rated Apple MacBook Air M4 gets a sweet price cut in time for Father's Day

Looking for the best tech and accessories for remote workers? You're in the right place.

I've been working 100% remotely since 2018, and one of my favorite perks (aside from the option to work in my PJs) is the ability to pick out my own tech. I do not miss the PCs at my old office that took 30 minutes to boot. No, I'm not exaggerating.

Performance is important, so the best tech you can get yourself as a remote worker is one of the best laptops. Options include the Apple M4 MacBook Air, now just $1,099 at Amazon, or the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5, just $680 at Amazon.

As much as my own home is quieter than my old office, it gets noisy if my neighbors randomly decide to drill for 10 hours a day. (Again, not exaggerating.) Noise-cancelling headphones are a must, and my Bose QuietComforts are true lifesavers. You can pick them up for $349 at Amazon.

Don't forget to invest in a good standing desk to keep your spine happy. The Flexispot Comhar electric standing desk has drawers and ports, which is a win in my book, and it's now just $253 (down from $300) at Amazon.

You'll also love having a portable monitor if you work in a hybrid environment or travel for work sometimes. The Acer AOPEN is a 15.6-inch option that weighs under 3 pounds, making it easy to carry if you commute. It's now down to $89 at Best Buy.

The above is just a little sample of all the best tech and accessories for remote workers I'm about to show you. Check out my favorites below; trust me, they will make your work life more enjoyable.

Best tech and accessories for remote workers - Quick links

• Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5: $680 at Amazon
• Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4: was $1,199, now $1,099 at Amazon
• Logitech Blue Yeti Nano USB nicrophone: was $119, now $99 at Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones: $349 at Amazon
• Logitech Brio 101 Full HD webcam: was $39, now $35 at Amazon
• Havit HV-F2056 Laptop cooling pad: was $39, now $27 at Amazon
• HP X3000 G3 wireless mouse: was $18, now $17 at Amazon
• Logitech Wave Keys wireless ergonomic keyboard: $69 at Amazon
• Acer AOPEN 15.6-inch LED portable nonitor: was $129, now $89 at Best Buy
• SAMSUNG ViewFinity S5 34-inch ultrawide monitor: was $329, now $229 at Amazon
• Flexispot Comhar electric standing desk w/ ports: was $300, now $253 at Amazon

Best tech for remote workers — Laptops

Best tech for remote workers — Headphones & microphones

Best tech for remote workers — Webcams

Best tech for remote workers — Laptop accessories

Best tech for remote workers — Mice & keyboards

Best tech for remote workers — Monitors

Best tech for remote workers — Desks & chairs

When Apple opened its first retail stores in Tysons, Virginia, and Glendale, California, back in 2001, the goal was to let people touch the tech and connect with it in a way that glossy print ads never could.

While your local Apple Store may still be a bustling place on the regular, the retail world has changed a lot over the past twenty-four years.

Online shopping dominates, and most of us have giddily traded the instant gratification of immediately leaving a store with product in hand for the one-click convenience of cashing out your virtual shopping cart in your PJs, only for your shiny new iPhone or AirPods to show up on your doorstep a few days later.

But what if there was a third option? One with the benefits of both?

What if you could buy an iPhone, AirPods, or a new set of Apple AirTags in your PJs, step outside, and have them rain down from the sky into your eager arms within the hour?

You could call it the most literal version of AirDrop to date.

And, in parts of the U.S., you can now call it a reality — thanks to Amazon.

See more: Apple Memorial Day deals 2025

Your new iPhone has been cleared for landing

If you've ever ordered an Apple product online, you're probably well aware of the usual routine: confirmation email, obsessive tracking, and the anxiety loop of peering out of the window every five minutes while your parcel is "out for delivery" — lest you be plundered by porch pirates.

However, in a handful of U.S. cities, some Apple products are skipping the store, skipping the delivery truck, and skipping the porch entirely.

Instead, they're arriving by air.

Skipping the Apple Store for Amazon is already something of a surreal experience. It's a bit like finding your new-age vegan nutritionist slipping Big Macs into bags behind the counter at McDonald's.

However, that experience is set to get all the more unique following the FAA's approval for Amazon to deliver several new categories of products by drone, including iPhones, AirPods, and AirTags — joining more than 60,000 other eligible products ready to arrive by air.

According to Amazon, the entire delivery process takes just 60 minutes or less, with customers able to select the drone delivery option through the Amazon Shopping app.

At which point, one of Amazon's MK30 drones will secure your package, take flight, and head towards your preferred delivery spot, which could be your driveway or yard. Once at the location, Amazon's drone drops to a height of 13 feet, scanning for any obstacles (including cars or pets), before safely dropping your (cushioned) parcel for collection.

What's next

At present, Amazon's drone delivery service is only available for a select catalog of items and in the following areas:

• College Station, Texas
• West Valley area of Phoenix, Arizona

However, Amazon is testing the program in other areas and looks to scale its drone delivery service to more states and cities across the U.S. over the coming months and years.

Given the MK30 drone's 5 lbs weight limit, we may not be too far off from a day when your next MacBook Air doesn't only earn its moniker from its lightweight build, but also its method of delivery.

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Sony headphones are up to $100 off for Memorial Day, and this should be music to your ears if you plan on buying new earbuds or earbuds. Sony is known for its expertise in audio devices, and it has been my brand of choice since I got my first Walkman back in the 80s. Fast forward to 2025, and Sony manufactures many of today's best wireless headphones.

If you like nice things for less, Memorial Day generally offers the lowest prices of the season on tech — audio wearables included. As expected, Memorial Day sales are starting early, so of course I'm putting you on to the best Sony headphones Memorial Day deals at Amazon and other retailers.

See also: Amazon Memorial Day sale deals.

For a limited time, you can get the new Sony WH-1000XM6 for $424.99 ($25 off) when you sign up for Sony's newsletter. This is a first-time discount on Sony's new flagship headphones and, of course, their lowest price since launch.

Launched May 15, 2025, Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones earned a solid 4 out of 5-star rating from Tom's Guide for superb comfort, enhanced vocal clarity, and battery life. They feature the HD noise-cancelling processor QN3, 12 microhones for enhanced noise cancelling and call quality over the previous-gen Sony WH-1000XM5.

Audiophiles will especially benefit from the WH-1000XM6's precision-tuned sound, high-resolution audio, and LDAC support. Like all Sony Bluetooth headphones, you can personalize your audio using the equalizer in the free Sony Sound Connect App.

If hearing music the way the artist intended is important to you, Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones might be worth the splurge. As a cheaper alternative, you can get the previous-gen Sony WH-1000XM5 for $299 ($100 off) at Amazon.

In our Sony WH-1000XM5 review, we rated them 4.5 out of 5 stars for balanced, spacious sound, excellent adaptive ANC, and superb call quality.

Whether you're long overdue for an audio upgrade, surprising a grad this season, or considering Father's Day gift ideas, Sony headphones are a wise choice.

See more of my recommended discounts below.

Sony headphones Memorial Day sale deals — Quick links

• Shop: Memorial Day headphone deals from $19 at Amazon

Sony headphones Memorial Day sale deals

Sony Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

Sony Wireless Earbuds

Apple might be focusing its efforts on the iPhone thanks to the current tariff situation, but it does have other popular devices that it's working to improve upon with newer versions.

One of its most popular lines of devices is the AirPods. Last year, Apple sold more than $18 billion in AirPods, and it appears a new version could be coming next year.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted on Sunday about the next iteration of the AirPods. He predicts a new version won't be coming until sometime next year.

"AirPods may not see significant updates until 2026 (aligning with my earlier prediction that IR camera-equipped AirPods would enter mass production in 2026)," Kuo wrote.

The addition of cameras to the earbuds would be used for gathering data for AI. Visual info picked up by the cameras would give an AI more details about the environment, which could be used for some features although no details have surfaced about what those features could be.

Earlier in the week, a string of code was discovered in an Apple update that is being viewed as a leak of the release of the AirPods Pro 3, as reported by 9to5Mac. The snippet of code referencing a task changed from saying "This task requires Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation" to "This task requires Apple AirPods Pro 2 or later." This change doesn't mean a new version of the earbuds is right around the corner, but it does hint that they're being worked on.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about new versions of the AirPods.

The AirPods already have some interesting changes coming thanks to AI. Apple plans on using the earbuds to incorporate new health features such as checking a user's temperature, heart-rate monitoring, and other biometric data. The company also wants to bring live translation to the AirPods later this year. And just last year, Apple added a hearing aid feature to the earbuds as well.

What's next for AirPods Max?

The AirPods weren't the only device Kuo mentioned in his tweet. He also said a new version of the AirPods Max would also be coming.

"A lighter version of the AirPods Max is expected to enter mass production in 2027," he wrote.

The current iteration of the AirPods Max came out in 2020 with only a few changes made since then such as going from Lightning to USB-C, slight changes to the build, and more colors.

Back in 2023, Kuo predicted that the AirPods Max 2 would come out in 2025. That ended up not being the case, although it's unclear what might have caused this two-year delay by Apple.

The Beats Solo Buds in Arctic Purple first caught my eye when they launched back in June 2024. If you're like me and drawn to gadgets that add a pop of color to your life, this deal is for you.

Big box retailer Target continues to offer the Beats Solo Buds in Arctic Purple for just $49. They normally cost $79, so that's $$30 in savings and the cheapest they've ever been.

Browse: Target's entire sale

By comparison, it undercuts Amazon's current price for the Solo Buds in Black, Storm Gray, and Transparent Red color schemes by $10. It's also $30 cheaper than Beats' direct price for the same Arctic Purple Solo Buds.

I track sales all year round, and this is one of the best headphone deals I've seen outside of the holidays.

Though we didn't test them, our sister brand TechRadar rated the Beats Solo Buds 3.5 out of 5 stars in their review. They liked the earbuds' 18-hour battery life, compact design, and comfortable fit.

If the lack of active noise-cancellation and water resistance aren't deal breakers for you, the Beats Solo Buds are a budget-friendly choice.

Today best Beats Solo Buds deal

Let's get one thing straight: The definition of "mom" should be as broad as you want it to be. With that out of the way, it's not too late to get the mom in your life — be it your birth mom, your step-mom, your mother-in-law, the mother of your kids, your sister with kids, the mom-like figure in your life, or you, a literal mom — a gift this Mother's Day.

Best Buy has quite the Mother's Day sale this year — with gifts ranging from stylish and techy Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer smart glasses to the practical and chic Kate Spade New York laptop puffer sleeve — and it is full of deals for mom.

Don't pass up the deals, whether you're buying for mom or you're a mom yourself. And if you get the chance, offer to set up the tech for mom — don't make her ask!

Best Buy 2025 Mother's Day Gifts — Quick Links

• Insignia HD glass screen protector for iPad - $10
• Kate Spade New York puffer sleeve for laptops - $24
• Insignia 140-watt USB and USB-C desktop charger kit: - $48
• JBL Tune wireless earbuds - $59
• Sony Wireless noise canceling headphones - $99
• Asus Chromebook 14-inch laptop - $129
• Fitbit Versa 4 fitness smartwatch - $149
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 11 - $159
• Apple AirPods Pro 2, wireless active noise-canceling Earbuds - $169
• Samsung Galaxy Watch7 - $199.99 - $199
• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless headphones - $199
• Apple Watch Series 10 - $299
• Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses - $299
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless noise-cancelling headphones - $399
• HP Envy 2-in-1 14-inch touchscreen laptop - $783
• HP Envy 2-in-1 16" touchscreen laptop - $1,052

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• I found the best 3 iPad deals from $299 for last-minute Mother's Day shoppers
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The new Powerbeats Pro 2 are the best noise-cancelling earbuds for working out. Athletes will appreciate the Powerbeats Pro 2's secure-fit earhook design, sweat resistance, and long battery life.

Right now, you can get the Powerbeats Pro 2 for just $199.95 at Amazon. These sporty wireless earbuds normally cost $250 so that's $50 in savings. Until recently, the biggest discount I've seen for these althletic earbuds was $1.

Browse: Amazon's entire sale

I've been price-tracking the Powerbeats Pro 2 since they launched in earlier this year in February. This marks the Powerbeats Pro 2's lowest price ever at Amazon and any other retailers.

Beating its previous price low of $249 ($1 off), this is one of the best headphone deals in town.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the most advanced Beats sports-centric headphones yet. Design engineers conducted over 1,500 hours of athlete testing to help ensure a secure, comfortable fit for any ear shape and intensity level.

While we didn't test these them Powerbeats Pro 2 reviews average 4.0 out of 5 stars at Amazon. Satisfied customers say the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the best earbuds for working out. Owners praise their comfrotable, secure fit, and great sound.

It's worth noting that this Powerbeats Pro 2 deal is bundled with Apple perks. New and returning subscribers get three months of Apple Music (valued at $33) for free. Meanwhile, new subscribers get three free months of Apple Fitness+ (valued at $30).

If you want the best headphones primarily for running, cycling, and working out at the gym, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are for you.

Today's best Powerbeats Pro 2 deal

Mother's Day weekend is nearly here and last-minute deals on Mother's Day gift ideas are available this week. For instance, Google's beloved Pixel Buds are on sale starting from $59 — and just in time for Mother's Day.

The deal I recommend based on my personal experience is the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $189 ($40 off) at Amazon. As far as headphone deals go, this is one of the best spring savings I've seen.

You can get them directly from the Google Store for the same price.

I switched from the Sony WF-700N to the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 six months ago, and I have no regrets. Media playback and call quality are excellent, and I like their secure fit and instant connectivity with my other Pixel devices.

Don't get me wrong, my Sony earbuds are still in my rotation. It's just satisfying to accessorize my Pixel Buds with my other Google gadgets.

In the words of the late, great John Witherspoon, "You've got to coordinate."

Launched in September 2024, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are Google's best earbuds yet. They improve the series with enhanced sound, improved active noise cancellation (ANC), and better durability.

Although I don't use hands-free Gemini AI, it's nice to know it's there if I ever want to call on Google's virtual assistant using my voice.

At just under $190, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are worth it if you want to snap up some new earbuds for yourself or mom.

For more budget-friendly options, see my recommended discounts below.

Today's best Pixel Buds deals from $59

Mother's Day is right around the corner, but it's not too late to get a great gift! If the mom in your life is an Apple fan, a new pair of AirPods could be the perfect gift, whether she prefers comfy over-ear headphones or ultra-portable earbuds. You can also take advantage of the sale and pick up a pair for yourself.

Right now, you can save up to $80 on a few top pairs of AirPods on Amazon. The AirPods Max are a great pick, pairing luxury build quality with top-tier audio and active noise cancelling.

Alternatively, if a pair to wear on the go is preferable, the AirPods Pro 2 could be the perfect fit. They feature silicone ear tips so they stay in place during workouts while also offering the same stellar audio quality and features you get on the AirPods Max, including ANC and even a built-in hearing aid feature!

See also: Best laptop deals in April 2025

Top 3 Mother's Day AirPods deals

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We're on the cusp of peak travel season, and chances are you're planning your vacation. Sure, getting some well-deserved R&R is fun, but let's face it, traveling is stressful.

Especially for those of us who don't have the luxury of a private jet.

Whether you're taking a plane, Greyhound, or Amtrak to your getaway, here's a travel tip. Get yourself a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones to bring with you and make your trip more enjoyable.

Ideally, the right headphones should be stylish, portable, comfortable, and excellent at blocking ambient noise that may disturb your peace.

I browsed today's headphone deals and found three top-rated ear cans I would buy.

For example, Amazon now offers the Sennheiser Momentum 4 for $269 ($110 off). These Laptop Mag Editor's Choice Award-winning headphones offer an outstanding soundstage, active noise cancelling (ANC) that rivals Bose, and strong connectivity.

In our review, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 earned a solid 4.5 out of 5-star rating for the aforementioned highlights and long battery life.

During testing, our audio expert reported having 60% of juice left after 3 hours of daily use during a workweek. That's on par with Sennheiser's battery life of 60 hours on a full charge.

As an alternative, Amazon offers the Sony WH-1000XM5 for $328 ($71 off), another one of our Editor's Choice Award winners. In our Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones review, we gave them a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for their balanced, spacious sound, excellent adaptive ANC, and superb call quality.

Last, but in no way least, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra — now marked down to $399 ($30 off) on Amazon is one of the best premium wireless headphones to buy. Featuring Spatial Audio, they offer an immersive experience that makes music feel more real. Meanwhile, Custom Tune technology lets you personalize the sound.

So if you plan to trek across the country or abroad within the coming months, any of these three noise-cancelling headphones will make a great travel buddy.

The latest AirPods 4 wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation (ANC) are wildy popular for good reason. Apple engineers redesigned to offer a better fit and feature Apple's H2 chip to deliver enhanced audio over the AirPods 3.

Right now, you may upgrade to Apple's top-rated AirPods 4 ANC earbuds for $149 via this deal from Amazon. That's $30 below their regular retail price of $179 and just $10 shy of their lowest price ever on Amazon.

Browse: Amazon's entire sale

As a deals expert who keeps a close eye on discounts, I can tell you this is one of the best AirPods deals I've seen this year.

We didn't get to review Apple's 4th generation ANC earbuds, however, our sister site What Hi-Fi did and rates them 4 out of 5 stars.

In their thorough review, they found the AirPods 4 ANC offers impressive active noise-cancellation and clear detailed sound. They also praise the AirPods 4 ANC's compact, light, and comfortable design, great features, and seamless pairing with Apple devices.

If you're shopping around for new earbuds and prioritize the afforementioned characteristics, you can't go wrong with the AirPods 4 ANC.

Amazon also offers the AirPods 4 without ANC for $117 ($12 off). This is a budget-friendly option if the lack of active noise cancellation isn't a deal breaker.

Today's best AirPods 4 ANC deal

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It's the final day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale and we found these 5 deals for tech gear priced under $100. This potpourri collection of gear covers a range of categories, including earbuds and headphones, tablets, and fitness trackers.

Let's start with treats for your ears. The Beats Studio Buds are now $99, a $50 price drop from the usual $149 price. This is a good savings on these capable earbuds that work well with both Apple and Android devices.

If you prefer over-ear headphones, you can get the Sennheiser Accentum for $99 (50% off)— its lowest-ever price at Amazon. These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature hybrid active noise cancelling, a comfortable fit and up to 50 hours of battery life for all-day use. .

Spring is in the air and Amazon drops the price of the Fitbit Inspire 3 to $69 ($30 off) to help you reach your fitness goals. This health and fitness tracker matches its best price ever at Amazon. It has a slim, rectangular design that feels comfortable on your wrist, and its up to 10-day battery life means you don't need to worry about recharging it daily. I've been using this device for the past six months, and it's the first wearable I can tolerate wearing overnight.

Our final sub-$100 tech picks are a pair of Amazon tablets. The first is the Amazon Fire HD 7 at $45 ($15 off). This 7-inch Fire tablet is great for general use, gaming, and streaming entertainment. Meanwhile, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (in grape colorway) drops to $85 ($55 off). This may not be its lowest-ever price (last seen during the past Black Friday shopping season), however, it's a solid deal if you want a kid-friendly tablet that carries Amazon's worry-free 2-year replacement guarantee.

Amazon Big Spring Sale ends at midnight, so grab these deals while you still can.

Best last-chance Amazon Big Spring Sale deals under $100

Amazon just launched its Big Spring Sale and we found these 5 deals for tech gear priced under $100. This potpourri collection of gear covers a range of categories, including earbuds and headphones, tablets, and fitness trackers.

Let's start with treats for your ears. The Beats Studio Buds are now $99, a $50 price drop from the usual $149 price. This is a good savings on these capable earbuds that work well with both Apple and Android devices.

If you prefer over-ear headphones, the Sony WH-CH720N fall to $88, hitting their lowest-ever price at Amazon. This 41% off sale price applies to the black colorway only; white costs an additional $10. These Bluetooth headphones have a lightweight design conducive for all-day use and it has integrated Alexa voice controls. Plus, it uses Sony's Integrated Processor V1 to facilitate active noise cancellation as well as its Adjustable Ambient Sound and Adaptive Noise modes.

As we spring into spring, Amazon drops the price of the Fitbit Inspire 3 to $69, down from $99. This health and fitness tracker matches its best price ever at Amazon. It has a slim, rectangular design that feels comfortable on your wrist, and its up to 10-day battery life means you don't need to worry about recharging it daily. I've been using this device for the past six months, and it's the first wearable I can tolerate wearing overnight.

Our final sub-$100 tech picks are a pair of Amazon tablets. The first is the Amazon Fire HD 10.1 at $94 from $139. A continuation of the sale that began last week, this 10.1-inch Fire tablet is great for general use, gaming, and streaming entertainment. Meanwhile, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (in grape colorway) drops to $84 from its usual $139 price. This model wasn't on sale last week with other Fire tablets, and it's not at its lowest ever price (last seen during the past Black Friday shopping season). But this remains a solid deal if you want a recently-release kid-friendly tablet that carries Amazon's "worry-free" 2-year replacement guarantee.

The Amazon Big Spring Sale runs through March 31, but there's no guarantee these deals will remain live for the duration of the sale so grab these deals while you can.

Today's best tech gear under $100 at Amazon

Beats Audio deals at Best Buy slash up to $170 off Apple's other best-selling headphones and earbuds. One deal I'm excited to share takes nearly half off one of our favorite headphones.

Currently, you can get the Beats Studio Pro Noise Cancelling Headphones for $179 ($170 off) at Best Buy. That's just $10 shy of their record-low price and one of the best headphone deals I've seen during this first quarter of the year.

Launched in July 2023, the Beat Studio 3 is still one of the best headphones worth buying in 2025.

In our Beats Studio Pro review, our audio expert called them "Apple's best headphone value" and rated them 4 of 5 stars. Compared to the AirPods Max, the Beats Studio Pro offers better sound, battery life, and enhanced compatibility for less money.

If you're on a smaller budget and can live without noise-canceling, I recommend the Beats Solo 4 for $129 ($70 off). Released in May 2024 the Beats Solo 4 has earned high praise from industry experts and consumers alike.

While they're not on sale, the $249 Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds includes freebies. New and returning subscribers gat 3 months of Apple Music for free whereas 3 months of free Apple Fitness+ is afforded to new subscribers only.

If you're on the hunt for headphones that stay in your ears when you're running, at the gym, or just out and about, the Powerbeast Pro 2 is you.

They're the most advanced Beats sports-centric headphones yet with secure-fit earhooks that stay put as you train. Design engineers conducted over 1,500 hours of athlete testing to help ensure a secure, comfortable fit for any ear shape and intensity level.

These are just a few Beats headphones to consider adding to your cart. See all five of my recommendations below.

Best Buy's Beats Audio sale ends March 29.

Top 5 Beats Audio deals from Best Buy

Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025 is here and we're seeing amazing deals across laptops, tech, and accessories like headphones. In particular, Beats headphones and earbuds are seeing several discounts all around Amazon, so we're compiling the 7 best Beats headphone deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Our best deal and easily the steepest sale of the bunch is for the Beats Studio Pro for $179 at Amazon. It's discounted from its original price of $349, which means we're seeing a near 50% discount off of the original price. We gave the Beats Studio Pro a 4.5 out of 5 in our review and claimed it was the best headphones Apple users could buy.

But if you're in the market for buds rather than headphones, you should get Beats Studio Buds for $99 at Amazon. These legendary buds boastBluetoothh connectivity, powerful audio with ANC, and up to 8 hours of battery life. They might be a bit old, but they're a great example of a product that remains timeless due to its high quality.

Here's the slew of deals coming from Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025 for Beats headphones:

7 Best Beats headphone deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Apple AirPods are not just for listening to music, at least, for Apple. The company has big plans for the earbuds and improving the audio or battery life aren't the only ideas.

Apple reportedly plans on adding cameras to its Airpods to let AI get a sense of the environment around the user. The company also wants AirPods to help track certain biometrics like heart rate and body temperature, but a new patent suggests Apple may want the earbuds to do even more.

The AirPods maker wants the earbuds to use sensors to help detect different metrics from the body and use machine learning to determine if someone has a health problem, according to a report from Patently Apple.

The tech would work by using the sensors in the AirPods to determine certain fitness metrics as a baseline such as how steady a person walks and their breathing patterns. Once it develops a baseline for the user, over time the sensors would pick up more data from the user such as abnormal walking patterns, grinding teeth, or joints cracking.

This data combined with timestamps and location data would then be analyzed by AI to pick up any possible patterns that could be related to some sort of health ailment. The goal would be for the AirPods to help determine a health problem before it becomes serious.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about this new patent.

Will AirPods be the next fitness wearable?

As interesting as this tech might sound, it will likely be years before it can be implemented, if it ever is. Apple files a lot of patents for tech that doesn't reach the public.

If Apple does move forward with this tech, it will still take time before the public will be able to buy one of these health-focused AirPods. The primary reason is that tech involving a user's health typically has to receive approval from a federal regulator like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Last year, the AirPods Pro 2's hearing aid feature had to clear the FDA hurdle before it was made available to users. The FDA conducted a clinical study of 118 people to determine if the AirPods feature provided similar improvements to hearing aids without adverse effects.

For Apple, testing is still underway for AirPods monitoring a wearer's heart rate and body temperature. If Apple gets these monitors working soon, we could see them being featured at the Worldwide Developer Conference in June.

Apple still appears to be tinkering with the AirPods. It makes sense as the earbuds still bring in billions for Apple each year, and the competition in the earbud market is ramping up.

That competition also means some companies have certain features that Apple hasn't implemented yet. In this case, there's a feature that the Samsung Galaxy Earbuds and the Google Pixel Buds have that Apple will reportedly add to the AirPods fairly soon.

Live Translation is a new feature coming to the AirPods later this year, according to a report from Bloomberg. The tentative plan for Apple is to release the Live Translation feature in a future AirPods update, likely with the release of iOS 19.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the feature.

The iPhone maker reportedly has another AirPods feature in the works, but it likely won’t appear in the earbuds anytime soon. This feature involves adding cameras to the AirPods in order to pick up details from the surrounding environment. This feature would depend heavily on AI, which Apple is having a little trouble with right now as the company recently delayed its major overhaul of Siri. It's also unclear if these cameras will be available only on the larger AirPods Max or if Apple will find a way to incorporate them into the AirPods earbuds.

How woud Live Translation work?

The report doesn't offer details on how Live Translation for the AirPods would work, but the feature might function similarly to how it works on the Galaxy Buds and Pixel Buds.

In both cases, the phone's translation app is doing the actual translating. Once activated, the app will translate the language being spoken and send that translation directly to the earbuds. It will also pick up what the person wearing the earbuds is saying and translate it to the language the other person is speaking. This makes translation smoother, as the person wearing the buds can simply let the other person hold the phone with the app running instead of passing it back and forth.

Apple might be able to streamline the process even further, but that won't be made clear until the feature's release. This feature might be shown off in June at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference.

If your headphones are due for a spring tech refresh, chances are the AirPods 2 are on your radar. If you're looking for a price break, you'll be happy to know that our favorite Apple noise-cancelling earbuds are down to a stellar price.

Currently, Amazon offers the AirPods Pro 2 for $169. Typically $249, that's $80 off and the lowest price I've seen for the AirPods Pro 2 in a while. Best Buy offers this same deal through March 16.

This is one of the best AirPods deals you can get right now and undercuts Walmart's current price by $10.

Browse: Amazon's entire sale

The AirPods Pro 2 offer everything you could ever want in true wireless earbuds and pair instantly with your iPhone, MacBook, or iPad. They feature active noise cancellation (ANC), water/sweat resistance, 3D sound, and personalized spatial audio.

For more details, check out our AirPods Pro 2 review, in which we rated them a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. We also gave them our Editor's Choice Award for their enriched soundstage, personalized Spatial Audio, and impeccable controls.

On a full charge, the AirPods Pro 2 last up to 6 hours and up to 30 hours with the included charging case.

Now $80 off, the AirPods Pro 2 are at their cheapest price of the year and Laptop Mag's recommended best earbuds for Apple users.

Today's best AirPods Pro 2 deal

More From Laptop Mag

• Best AirPods deals in March 2025
• AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which wireless earbuds are right for you?

Sony manufactures some of the industry's best headphones and is a brand synonymous with high-quality sound. From my personal experience, the 2019 Sony WH-XB900Ns still sound as good as the day I bought them. If they conked out on me today and I wanted to upgrade, there are several Sony headphone deals I have my eye on.

When I'm shopping around for headphones, great sound, solinoise-cancellationon, and optimal comfort are important to me. I'd snag the Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones for $329 ($70 off) at Amazon or a Best Buy near me. I'd buy them with confidence, knowing that our Laptop Mag audio expert rated them 4.5 out of 5 stars.

You'll see in our Sony WH-1000XM5 review that we praise their balanced, spacious sound, excellent adaptive ANC, and superb call quality. It's the Editor's Choice noise-cancelling Sony headphones.

Listen, my music playlist includes bass-heavy genres like dancehall reggae, hip-hop, and '90s house music. For that reason, I'd benefit from the boomin' bass of the Sony ULT WEAR for $149 ($50 off) at Amazon. Again, Best Buy mirrors this Sony headphones deal. In our hands-on Sony ULT WEAR review, our audio expert says they sounded amazing. Plus, they provide impressive noise cancellation that rivals pricier competitors.

If I wanted to replace my Sony WF-C500 earbuds, I'd snap up those new Sony LinkBuds Fit for $179 (20 off) from Amazon or Best Buy. We didn't get our hands on Sony's latest noise-cancelling earbuds for testing, however, our previous-gen Sony LinkBuds S review tells me all I need to know.

They earned our Laptop Mag Editor's Choice Award for their balanced, well-defined sound, comfortable fit, great call quality, and solid active noise cancelling. I expect the LinkBuds Fit to be on par and welcome the new wing-tipped stay put design. As a cheaper alternative, I'd consider the Sony LinkBuds S for $129 ($70 off).

These are just a few of the Sony headphone deals I'd grab if I needed an audio upgrade. Keep scrolling to see my full list of recommendations.

Today's best Sony headphone deals

I love my AirPods Pro 2. They sound great, the noise cancellation is stellar, and they are incredibly convenient to use in almost all use cases.

However, when Beats unveiled the Powerbeats Pro 2, I saw the first earbuds that could challenge the AirPods Pro 2 as my go-to earbuds. So, I picked them up and spent a week using them instead of my AirPods Pro 2 to see what would happen.

After a week of using the Powerbeats Pro 2 instead of my AirPods Pro 2 at home, at work, and exercising, I’ve come away with a much better understanding of where each of these plays a role in my everyday carry.

AirPods Pro 2 are still my “everyday” earbuds

While I’m mostly using my AirPods Pro 2 during work, I also use them around the house. Whether I’m taking a walk over lunch and giving my parents a call or listening to a podcast while I’m doing chores around the house, they are an everyday carry of my everyday life.

I tried using the Powerbeats Pro 2 instead of my AirPods Pro 2 here and, after a week, I’ve found that, while the Powerbeats can technically replace my AirPods Pro 2 — they can make calls and pump out music, podcasts, and audiobooks — the AirPods Pro 2 are more enjoyable to use.

They’re easier to pop in and out of your ears, the Adaptive Audio feature is great for switching between quiet and loud environments while staying aware of your surroundings, and they’re more comfortable to wear over long periods of time.

Powerbeats Pro 2 for work is weird

The second area where I replaced my AirPods Pro 2 was my work life. As someone who works remotely, I am constantly on video calls, and while I could blast the audio through my desktop speakers, I’d rather use some earbuds. It’s also nice to throw on some music in between meetings while I am working — and that’s also better to listen to with earbuds — so I end up with them in for most of the workday.

Here, the AirPods Pro 2 also won out for me. I find them more comfortable to wear than the Powerbeats Pro 2, and that alone means a lot when you use them consistently over an entire day’s worth of work. The microphone is also better, which is a big deal as someone who is on Google Meet and Zoom calls a lot.

It also feels weird wearing Powerbeats Pro 2 on video calls at work. AirPods are basically the Patagonia vest of work earbuds now.

AirPods Pro 2 are still the king of travel

When it comes to traveling, especially flying, AirPods Pro 2 have surprisingly taken their place as my go-to headphones. While I’ve used the AirPods Max and Beats Studio Pro in the past due to over-the-ear headphones having the most obvious advantage when it comes to noise cancellation, the noise cancellation in the AirPods Pro 2 has gotten so close in performance that their convenient size has made them much simpler to travel with.

While I did not have the chance to hop on a plane with the Powerbeats Pro 2 to compare them to the AirPods Pro 2, I did the Youtuber thing and played some plane sounds out of my television to see how good each did to cut out the noise. While you can certainly get away with the Powerbeats Pro on a flight, the AirPods Pro still had noticeably better noise cancellation.

With that in mind, and already feeling the difference in comfort that the AirPods Pro 2 provide over extended listening, the AirPods Pro 2 are also my pick here.

Powerbeats Pro 2 easily win for workouts

While AirPods Pro 2 won in every use case so far, we know how this one will go. While I love my AirPods Pro for basically every other use case, I hate them for exercise for the same reason many people do: They will not stay in my ears.

They’ll stay in place if I do something standing and upright, like lifting weights. But start running, biking, or doing anything that requires you to lean forward or backward anywhere close to ninety degrees, and you can bet those babies are coming out of your ears. Whenever I use them on a run, a hike, or am even at home doing some pushups or situps, I constantly readjust them to ensure they don’t take a nosedive into the floor.

This is obviously where the Powerbeats Pro shine the most. With the over-the-ear hook design, they do what the AirPods Pro can’t: stay in place. I tried, purposefully, everything I could think of to get them to pop out of my ears — they would not budge. So, despite having a little less impressive sound quality and noise cancellation, they immediately overpower the AirPods Pro as my earbuds of choice when doing anything active.

Running? Powerbeats Pro 2. Hiking? Powerbeats Pro 2. Biking? Powerbeats. Leaning too far forward? You get the idea.

The only thing I noticed that bummed me out about the new Powerbeats is that, despite coming packed with Apple’s H2 chip, they aren’t automatically recognized by my Apple TV like my AirPods Pro 2. Even the Beats Studio Pro automatically recognize and prompt to be connected, which is disappointing, especially since the Powerbeats Pro 2 would be my headphones for an Apple Fitness+ workout. Hopefully, this will be an omission at launch, and Apple and Beats will work together to add this support to a firmware update.

The point of Powerbeats Pro 2 is clear

After using the Powerbeats Pro 2 for a week, the purpose of these earbuds is clear. While you could use them for everything, they are really tailor-made for the active part of your lifestyle. Beats’ marketing clarifies this, saying they are “built for athletes.”

I’ll continue to use my AirPods Pro 2 for most of my use cases at home, at work, and when traveling. However, I am immediately replacing them with the Powerbeats Pro 2 regarding my workouts. Together, they are a powerful combination that covers every use case you can throw at them.

Now I’ll have to decide if I still need my Beats Studio Pro!

More from Laptop Mag

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• Apple reportedly planning to add this radical feature into Airpods
• The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds could take the crown for longest-lasting earbuds to debut at CES 2025
• Two new health features could turn your AirPods into the next Apple Watch

AirPods are not just a simple audio accessory from Apple. The company sold more than $18 billion of AirPods in 2023, and already laid out plans to incorporate new health features into the earbuds such as checking a user's temperature, heart-rate monitoring, and other biometric data.

These possible upcoming features for the AirPods would complement the hearing aid feature that Apple added to the earbuds last year. There is, however, another feature for the AirPods that Apple is working on, and it could be another game changer.

Apple is working on adding cameras to its AirPods, according to a report from Bloomberg. The cameras would reportedly power AI features by gathering data from the environment. The report doesn't specify whether this feature would show up on the AirPods or AirPods Pro, or would cameras be added to the larger AirPods Max, which could easily accommodate a camera.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for confirmation about the report.

Apple really wants AI to work.

Like other potential new features for AirPods and Apple devices, these advancements rely on AI. Apple's venture into AI, however, has faced challenges.

Last September, Apple unveiled its Apple Intelligence feature with the release of the iPhone 16. Apple had big plans for Apple Intelligence at the time but faced a major setback.

On Thursday, an Apple spokesperson told Daring Fireball that the planned update to Siri, making it a true AI assistant, has been delayed. The company says it plans to release this Siri overhaul later this year. It's unclear if Apple will unveil this new Siri at its Worldwide Developer Conference this June.

The delay of the new Siri also impacted the development of a new Apple device. A smart home hub, designed to function as an iPad-like home control device, has been pushed back from an expected March reveal, according to Bloomberg. Its delay stems from its dependence on the overhauled Siri.

Audiophiles, listen up! Sonos Ace wireless headphones just dropped to a stellar price for Presidents' Day. Launched in June 2024, Sonos Ace reviews sing praises of comfort, excellent sound, and noise-cancelling performance.

For a limited time, you can get the Sonos Ace headphones are on sale for $349 at Amazon. Typically $449, this deal knocks $100 off and drops them to an all-time low price. I've been tracking the Sonos Ace's price since they released and this is the best I've seen since the holidays.

If you're due for an audio upgrade, this is one of best headphone deals in town.

Browse: Amazon's entire sale

In the audio arena, the Sonos Ace is formidable contender to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Known for its best-selling Arc soundbar, Sonos is throwing its hat into the ring with its first headphone, the Ace. Boasting exceptional comfort, superb, lossless sound, and excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), the Sonos Ace holds it own among today's best headphones.

Sister site Tom's Guide reviewed the Sonos Ace and gave them a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. They loved the headphones' spectacular sound, wide 3D soundstage, and ANC so much that they named them Editor's Choice.

Now $100 off, the Sonos Ace are worth considering if lossless sound, noise-cancellation, and comfort are important to you.

Today's best Sonos Ace deal

Valentine's Day is next week and Beats headphones make a great gift for your significant other. If you're considering surprising your sweetheart or treating yourself, I have good news. Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Beats Solo 4 have never been cheaper.

At the moment, you can score the Beats Solo 4 for just $99 at Amazon. They normally cost $199, so that's $100 off and the biggest discount they've seen yet. As far as headphone deals go, this is one of the best I've seen since the holidays.

Browse: Amazon's entire sale

The Beats Solo 4 launched in May 2024 and has since earned high praise from industry experts and consumers. Improving upon its predecessor, the Beats Solo 4 features redesigned custom 40mm drivers, Personalized Spatial Audio, and up to 50 hours of battery life on a full charge.

Although they lack active-noise cancellation (ANC) as found in the $350 Beats Studio Pro , they offer 10 more hours of battery life and just about the same features. If you're on the hunt for the perfect Valentine's Day gift under $100 or replacing your old headphones, you can't go wrong with the Beats Solo 4.

Today's best Beats Solo 4 deal

If you've hedged on picking up a pair of the latest Apple AirPods, now is a great time to take the leap. Amazon currently has three varieties of Apple's distinctive earbuds on sale, and one of those is actually at its lowest price ever.

Each of these Apple AirPod models hit a different price and feature mix. The most expensive is the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds for $169. These earbuds not only have terrific active noise cancellation, but they can also double as a clinical hearing aid.

The least expensive is the AirPods 4 for $99. That price marks a new low for the AirPods 4 and the first time those entry-level earbuds drop below $100. These earbuds lack wireless charging and active noise cancellation, but deliver big sound for Apple users.

Somewhere in between sits the AirPods4 with ANC, on sale for $148. These earbuds build on the design and features of the AirPods 4 by adding active noise cancellation with transparency mode and wireless charging.

All three AirPod models are some of the best AirPod deals we've seen this year. Get your AirPods now at Amazon while these deals last.

Today's best AirPods earbud deals

Select Beats headphones are seeing hefty discounts at Amazon today. If you want to buy some stylish new headphones or are looking for Valentine's Day gift inspo, this deal should be music to your ears.

Amazon continues to offer the Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian Headphones for $179. These special collaboration Beats headphones normally cost $349, so that's $170 in savings. I've been tracking the price of these headphones since they launched last year, and this is the cheapest they've been since Black Friday. This is one of the best headphone deals I've seen since the holidays.

Browse: Amazon's entire sale

Like the standard Beats Studio Pro, these special edition Kim Kardashian headphones feature active noise-cancelling, transparency mode, personalized spatial audio, and lossless audio via USB-C. On a full charge, you'll get up to 40 hours of battery life, and if you're in a pinch, a 10-minute Fast Fuel top-up gets you up to 4 hours of uptime.

In our Beats Studio Pro review, we gave them 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review, and said "it delivers better audio, battery life, and compatibility than the AirPods Max, and for a lower price."

Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian headphones sport neutral shades on par with Kim Kardashian's signature nude makeup palette. Available in Moon, Dune, and Earth colorways, they look great with just about any fit of the day.

Alternatively, you can get the matte white Beats Studio Pro headphones for the same price.

Whether you're updating your phones or looking for Valentine's Day gift ideas, Beats Studio Pro headphones are a solid choice. Especially at this stellar price.

Best Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian headphone deals

More from Laptop Mag

• Amazon Presidents' Day sale preview — early deals to shop now
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Beats headphones are made for music lovers who appreciate stylish audio gear. Apple's other best-selling propriety headphones work with Android and Apple devices and support audio-sharing with AirPods.

If you just so happen to be in the market for new headphones, I found a few deals worth your while.

Right now, you can get Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds for just $39 ($30 off) from GameStop. These are the cheapest Beats earbuds you can get right now. We normally don't recommend products over 2 years old, but the 2020 Beats Flex are an exception. To this day, they're still one of the best mobile audio alternatives to true wireless earbuds. If you're prone to losing things, you'll benefit from the wrap-around-the neck design of the Beats Flex.

Browse: GameStop's entire Beats Audio sale

Similar to AirPods ear detection, the Beats Flex automatically plays music when they're in your ear. Playback pauses when you connect the earbuds to one another via built-in magnets. If you prioritize great sound, clear call quality, and 12-hour long battery life, you can't go wrong with the Beats Flex.

For $50 more you can get the Beats Studio Buds for $99 ($50 off) from Amazon. If well-balanced sound, noise-cancellation, and up to 24 hour battery life (with the charging case) are music to your ears, the Beats Studio Buds are for you.

Browse: Amazon's entire Beats Audio sale

Finally, if you like nice things and have room to splurge, treat yourself to the Kim Kardashian Beats Studio Pro for $179 ($170 off) at Amazon. These special edition headphones are designed in neutral colors Moon, Dune, and Earth which match Kim Kardashian's signature nude makeup palette.

In our Beats Studio Pro reveiew, we gave them 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review, and said "it delivers better audio, battery life, and compatibility than the AirPods Max, and for a lower price."

Alternatively, you can get the matte white Beats Studio Pro headphones for the same price.

Keep scrolling to learn more about these 5 recommended Beats headphone deals.

Best Beats headphone deals from $39

Sony's line of noise-cancelling over-ear headphones are known to offer fantastic sound quality and customizable controls. Plus, during the winter, over-ear style headphones do double duty as ear muffs.

If your ear can are due for a new year refresh yet you're strapped for cash, Sony headphone deals await you.

Currently, Amazon takes $65 off the Sony WH-CH720N model, dropping it to an all-time low prie of $84. Hands-down, this is one of the best headphones deals I've seen outside of Black Friday.

Browse: Sony headphone deals from $6 at Amazon

Although we didn't test them, I own the previous-gen Sony WH-C700N in my headphones collection and they sound great and are comfortable to wear.

The Sony WH-CH720N improves upon its predecessor with high-quality sound, Sony's Integrated Processor V1, multipoint connection for up to two devices, and up to 35 hours of battery life between charges.

If have room in your budget to splurge, you can get the Editor's Choice Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $328 ($71 off). These are one of the best headphones we've tested from Sony and recommend them to anyone looking for premium ear cans.

In our Sony WH-1000XM5 review, we rated them 4.5 out of 5-stars for their balanced, spacious sound, excellent adaptive ANC and superb call quality.

Last but definitely not least, Sony's 2020 release WH-1000XM4 flagship headphones just dipped to $279 ($70 off) at Amazon. We normally don't recommend products more than 2 years old, but these are an exception.

In our Sony WH-1000XM4 review, we rated them 4.5 out of 5 stars for their excellent sound quality, powerful noise-cancelling performance, and light, comfortable frame.

Just about the only key differences between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are design and battery life. The latter has punchier sound so if that's important to you, choose wisely.

It's worth noting that you can always customize your sound using the equalizer in the Sony Headphones or JetAudio apps — both free for iOS and Android.

Amazon didn't put an expiration on these Sony headphone deals, so be sure to snag them while they're still live.

Today's best 3 Sony headphone deals

Wireless earbuds have become a staple in the everyday tech category, gifting us all the ability to discretely score the soundtrack to our lives, catch up on our podcast backlog, and even take calls hands-free, no matter where we find ourselves.

While convenience is key to earbuds, the tech that powers them gets better every year. Improved touch controls, spatial audio, and refined active noise cancellation are hallmarks of a great pair of earbuds, and the longer they can last, the more we get to enjoy them.

At CES 2025, Laptop Mag took a moment to switch from WiFi to HiFi in search of some killer competition for Apple's ever popular iPods, and thanks to the efforts of Audio-Technica, we may have found just that in the ATH-CKS50TW2 wireless earbuds.

Best earbuds of CES 2025: Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2

If there’s one thing we all love in our gadgets, it’s a long battery life and wireless earbuds are no different. Even if most earbuds charge pretty fast, having to take your buds out and endure the horrible sounds of the New York City subway while they charge in their case isn’t ideal.

For that reason, Audio-Technica’s ATH-CKS50TW2 wireless earbuds are getting the nod for the best earbuds of CES 2025.

While we haven’t had a chance to test for ourselves, Audio-Technica claims the buds get 25 hours of battery life outside the case while ANC is turned off and a still very impressive 15 hours while ANC is activated.

And if a hefty battery life isn’t enough to convince you, the buds also come with a useful feature for those of us who like to let our buds live dangerously outside the charging case.

Magnetic Switch Technology, as Audio-Technica has dubbed it, uses magnets on the buds themselves to glom with ears together and automatically switch them off so they don’t die when you hastily shove them into your pocket (I assume this would also be useful for not losing them, too).

The ATH-CKS50TW2 wireless earbuds are available to purchase from the Audio-Technica website for $149 in Black or Beige colorways.

The AirPods 2 with USB-C just hit their lowest price of the year during Amazon's Winter Sale on tech.

Right now, you can grab the AirPods Pro 2 for $179 from Amazon. These pro version Apple earbuds normally cost $249, so that's $70 in savings. This marks the AirPods Pro 2's lowest price in 30 days.

By comparison, it undercuts Walmart's current price by $10.

Browse: Amazon's entire sale

The AirPods Pro 2 offer all the bells and whistles you'd expect from today's premium wireless earbudss. You get active-noise cancellation, water/sweat resistance, 3D sound, personalized spatial audio, and now USB-C charging.

In our AirPods Pro 2 review, we rated the AirPods Pro 2 a perfact 5 out of 5-stars and our Editor's Choice Award. We found their enriched soundtage, personalized Spatial Audio, and impeccable controls most impressive.

On a full charge, the AirPods Pro 2 last up to 6 hours and up to 30 hours with the included charging case.

Alternatively, you can get the latest AirPods 4 with ANC for $169 ($10 off). These last up to 5 hours on a full charge and are slightly smaller and lighter than the AirPods Pro 2.

Now $70 off, the AirPods Pro 2 are a wise choice for Apple users in the market for new earbuds. Amazon's Winter Sale ends Sunday, so don't hesitate too long.

Today's best AirPods Pro 2 deal

More From Laptop Mag

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• AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which wireless earbuds are right for you?

For anyone who utilizes Google Assistant daily, for random questions, weather updates, and other assistance, adding a pair of Google-brand earbuds to your daily gadget toolbox is a smart idea. Fortunately, the well-reviewed, first-gen Google Pixel Buds Pro are majorly on sale right now.

In this New Year deal, the Google Pixel Buds Pro are slashed to just $109 via Woot. Regularly priced at $199, that's nearly 50% in savings! This is the lowest price we've ever seen for the Pixel Buds Pro in these three colorways: Bay, Coral, and Porcelain.

In our Pixel Buds Pro review, we loved ther lightweight design, great audio performance, and powerful ANC. We gave the Pixel Buds Pro an overall 4 out of 5-star rating and our Editor's Choice Award.

If you have an Android smartphone and you're looking for seamless Google Assistant integration (at a more affordable price than the Pro 2 buds offer), the Pixel Buds Pro are definitely the way to go.

And if you need an updated laptop to ring in the new year, we've seen some stellar deals recently. End-of-year sales are always great, but inevitably, not all stock sells out. When the new year rolls around, we often see even better deals than we did around Black Friday and the holiday season. Browse through the best laptop deals we've gathered to find a new machine to pair with your Pixel Buds Pro.

Today's best Google Pixel Buds Pro deal

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones are still among the best noise cancelling headphones you can buy. And right now you can snag a pair of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 over-ear headphones starting at $234 at Amazon.

That price marks 38% off the usual $379 price, and it is just $10 shy of the rock-bottom low price we saw back at the beginning of December. The deepest discount is only available on the white Pride colorway with a subtle rainbow stripe adornment. Most other colorways are currently $249, which is still a good price for these outstanding headphones.

Sennheiser is well-known for its distinctive audiophile-grade headphones. The Momentum 4 have 42mm drivers and excellent active noise cancellation with adaptive and transparency modes. These headphones can also deftly handle Hi-Res Audio playback. We gave the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones a 4.5 out of 5 stars for their outstanding soundstage, high-performing noise cancellation (in our tests, they successfully suppressed wind and airplanes flying over the house), clear call quality, and long battery life (up to 60 hours between charges based on our testing and Sennheiser's own estimates).

If you value Hi-Res Audio, ANC, and long battery life, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 are a great choice. And right now, you can save at Amazon for a limited time.

Today's best Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones deal

If you love to listen to music — and let's be honest, who doesn't love to listen to music? — picking up a pair of Bose headphones might just be the smartest decision you'll ever make.

Fortunately, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones just dipped to $329 at Amazon in the limited Diamond 60th Anniversary Edition colorway, which is a sleek white shade. That gives you $100 in savings and lets you snag this fan-favorite pair of headphones at its lowest price ever.

In addition to premium audio quality that'll help you appreciate your favorite songs even more, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones are known for unrivaled noise cancellation.

More specifically, our sister site T3 said these cans offer "active noise-canceling that truly cancels ambient sound." T3 also praised the QuietComfort Ultra headphones for a lightweight and compact design and a pretty good 18-hour battery life.

Investing in a good pair of headphones often comes with sticker shock, but epic deals like these help soften the blow a little bit. And you can rest easy knowing that you likely won't buy another pair of headphones for years. That said, feel free to check out the other best headphone deals we've rounded up so far before deciding this is the right pair of headphones.

Today's best Bose QuietComfort Ultra deal

If there's one piece of tech I use every day (besides my iPhone), it's my favorite pair of headphones. I usually try to pick up a new pair of headphones during Black Friday sales, but if you missed them, don't worry. Amazon's Winter Sale is the perfect solution.

Right now, you can take advantage of discounts on Beats headphones and save over $100!

For instance, the Beats Solo 4 is currently on sale for just $99 on Amazon! My pair of Beats Solo headphones has been going strong for years and still sounds and feels just as good as the day I bought them. The Solo is a great all-around audio pick, but thanks to its low price and stylish design, it's especially good for students.

If on-ear headphones aren't to your liking, you're still in luck. Three of the top pairs of Beats earbuds are also on sale right now. For example, the top-tier Beats Studio Buds are 47% off for Amazon's Winter Sale, bringing them down to a mere $79! Considering the style, comfort, and listening experience you'll get with these premium earbuds, that's a steal.

Those deals are just the start. I hand-picked the top five deals on Beats headphones for Amazon's Winter Sale so you can save your money and your time.

Top 5 Beats headphones deals for Amazon's Winter Sale

Simple fitness trackers evolved into smartwatches that track daily stats and heart rate, and eventually, smart rings were born to do the same. Why not add earbuds to the list of devices that can track basic health stats? Apple seems to think it's doable.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in the most recent Power On newsletter, Apple is working on bringing health features to next-gen AirPods, including heart-rate monitoring, temperature sensing, and tech that can track "a slew of physiological measures."

Considering the AirPods Pro 2 impressed the world earlier this year with a first-of-its-kind hearing aid feature that has since gained FDA approval, Apple's move in this direction isn't surprising. Given the narrative surrounding the current-gen Apple Watch, it's expected.

The AirPods Pro could be Apple's next big health-focused smart device

Gurman points out in his Sunday newsletter that the Apple Watch has "gradually gained health capabilities during the past decade."

The first Apple Watch could send notifications for irregular rhythm, a high or a low heart rate, and provide basic cycle tracking — and that's it. Compare this to the current-gen Apple Watch Series 10, which offers everything the Series 1 does, plus:

• An ECG app
• Low cardio fitness notifications
• Sleep tracking
• Sleep apnea notifications
• A Vitals app featuring heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and sleep duration
• Temperature sensing
• Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
• Emergency SOS
• International emergency calling
• Fall detection
• Crash detection

To say the Apple Watch has come a long way in the past eight years is an understatement. I remember when the Apple Watch Series 10 was announced, Apple marketed it as a groundbreaking health and safety device, promoting how it detected active heart attacks, saved people after a crash or a fall, or helped get an early diagnosis for heart-related issues.

Gurman reports that "AirPods will see the same thing happen over the coming years" and eventually become just as full-featured and health-focused as the Apple Watch. Apple's main focus at the moment is accurately measuring a user's heart rate.

According to Gurman, "In Apple's testing, heart-rate data is more accurate on the watch than AirPods, but the earbuds aren't terribly far off."

Once Apple has heart monitoring covered with relatively high accuracy, the company will start working on temperature sensing and other health-related features.

And here's the best part: We might not have to wait that long for these health-focused AirPods. Gurman says, "The capability [of measuring a user's heart rate] could be ready for the next-generation AirPods Pro, which is in early development."

The first-generation AirPods Pro launched in 2019, followed by the second-generation (and current-generation) AirPods Pro 2 in 2022. If Apple follows the same three-year release schedule, the AirPods Pro 3 will be released in 2025.

With less than a week to receive your gifts in time for the big day, it's not too late to score a holiday deal on Apple AirPods. Amazon has three deals on Apple AirPods — both the in-ear and over-ear varieties — and all three are available for fast delivery before Christmas with Amazon Prime.

If you're not already a Prime member and you're still crunching on your holiday shopping, it's worth considering getting Prime for a 30-day trial. This way you can get these AirPods and any other last-minute gifts delivered quickly, and in time for Christmas.

While none of these deals are as good as the ones we saw earlier in the holiday shopping season, they'll still save you real money on Apple's popular AirPod family. For example, you can score the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds for $189, the AirPods Max USB-C for $529, and the AirPods 4 for $119.

Don't wait too long to shop these deals. For products that show two-day delivery, you need to order by December 22 to get your gear by December 24.

Today's best AirPods headphone and earbud deals

There's good news for procrastinators still searching for the perfect holiday gift. Plenty of last-minute holiday shopping deals on Beats headphones are available this week. Prices range from $59 to $169 to fit within every budget.

One of the best deals from Apple offers the Editor's Choice Beats Studio Pro for just $169 ($180 off). This generous discount drops them to just $10 shy of their all-time low price which it hit on Black Friday.

Order now from Apple.com to have your order shipped to arrive by December 25. You can also place your order online for pick up at an Apple Store near you.

As praised in our Beats Studio Pro review, these headphones provide decent active-noise cancellation (ANC(, balanced sound, and good call quality. On a full charge, you'll get up to 24 hours of battery life with ANC on (up to 40 hours when toggled off).

Featuring Personalized Spatial sound and universal compatibility for iOS and Android devices, Beats Studio Pro headphones make a great holiday gift for music lovers.

Looking for the best last-minute gift under $100? Consider the Beats Solo 4, now on sale for $99 ($100 off). Apple also offers the Beats Solo 4 Minecraft Special Edition for the same price.

Despite lacking ANC, Beats Solo 4 headphones boast Personalized Spatial Audio to deliver immersive, clear, crisp, distortion-free sound like their pricier sibling.

So, if someone dear to you has been hinting about wanting new headphones for the holidays, you don't have to spend a small fortune. Wrap up your holiday gift shopping with my favorite last-minute deals on Beats wireless headphones and earbuds below.

Today's best Beats headphone deals

Christmas Day is over a week away so you still have time to shop for the holiday gifts. For inspiration, I found a sweet deal on one of our favorite wireless earbuds you might like.

Right now, you can get the Beats Studio Buds for just $79 at Amazon. Shipped free to arrive before Christmas Day. If you have Amazon Prime, you can get it tomorrow with free one-day delivery.

Browse: Amazon holiday deals

These noise-cancelling wireless earbuds typically cost $150, so that's $70 off. As far as end-of-year headphone deals go, this is one of the best under $100.

Launched in June 2021 and succeeded by the $170 Beats Studio Buds Plus, Beats Studio Buds are still among the best wireless earbuds around. Although I normally don't recommend products more than 2 years-old, the Beats Studio Buds were ahead of their time.

In our Beats Studio Buds review, we rated them 4 out of 5-stars for their well-balanced sound, active noise cancelling functionality, and striking design.

Simply put, if you want to treat someone special to the gift of music, you can't go wrong with the Beats Studio Buds.

This is the lowest price we've tracked for the Beats Studio Buds this year. In fact, it's one of the best headphone deals of the season.

Today's best Beats Studio Buds deal

You can never go wrong gifting a pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. And right now, you can buy the Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian collection — as well as the standard colorways — for $199 at Amazon.

This discount marks a savings of $150 over the Beats Studio Pro's usual $349 price, making it a good headphone deal. That translates to 43% off the list price, a healthy savings even if it is not the lowest price ever.

Also referred to as the Kim Special Edition, Beats' Kim Kardashian collaboration embraces Kardashian's favored neutral color palette, with three colorway options representing light, medium, and dark hues. While the deepest brown colorway (Earth) is unavailable, both the Moon and Dune colorways are available at this sale price, and both ship in time for Christmas. The Kim Kardashian headphone colorways came out in August 2024. The headphones are identical in every other way to the regular, otherwise outstanding Beats Studio Pro headphones.

In our review, we gave the Beats Studio Pro headphones 4.5 out of 5 stars. We felt the Beats Studio Pro headphones produced better sound than Apple's own AirPods Max, which retail at $549.

Considering that Beats Studio Pro headphones are integrated fully into Apple's ecosystem, this is a solid deal for one of AirPods Max's biggest competitors, and it's a terrific deal for these Apple-friendly headphones.

Today's best Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian deal

It's the first day of Christmas... at least according to the song, and that means you've not got long to pick up some last-minute presents for the holidays. Luckily for you, we've found some great tech deals for under $50 at Amazon.

Our top pick is the 44% discount on the 32GB Amazon Fire 7 tablet, which is down to just $44. It's absolutely wild that you can get any kind of tablet for under $50, let alone one as good as this. In our Amazon Fire 7 review, we praised the pint-sized tablet for its great battery life, bright display, and robust build. If you don't see the deal price right away, click on "See all buying options," and you can add the discounted tablet to your cart.

Beyond that, we've found a couple of great deals on some budget headphones, with options to cover fans of both in-ear buds and over-ear cans. For the former, we've got the TOZO T20 Wireless Earbuds for $25 (a massive 49% discount), while the latter can take a gander at the colorful JBL Tune 520BT On-Ear headphones for just $34.

Rounding things off, there's $22 off the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank, bringing it down to $47. It's got a 10,000 mAh battery and can charge your devices wirelessly or via USB to keep them juiced up all day long. And speaking of colorful gadgets, there is also this awesome-looking VOYEE Switch controller for $25. It's got a cool, galaxy-esque design on the front, complete with a ton of RGB lights that you can configure.

Cyber Monday has extended this Black Friday sale, so Apple audiophiles can save big with the lowest price we've seen yet on the Airpods Pro 2 earbuds. While many deals are starting to sell out, this one hasn't, which my roommate will be thrilled to hear.

Apple's Airpods Pro 2 (2nd Generation) are on sale at Walmart and Amazon for just $154, marking the lowest price we've seen yet on the refreshed pro-line of Airpods.

So, if you just upgraded to the iPhone 16 and want a quality pair of earbuds, you should grab this deal before it's gone.

If the Airpods Pro 2 doesn't fit your vibe, other headphones and earbuds are on sale at Amazon for Cyber Monday. No soul-selling required

Airpods Pro 2 early Black Friday deal

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Bose's earbuds don't come cheap, but it's Cyber Monday, and even the most expensive gadgets in their class can be had for less.

Bose's Ultra Open wireless earbuds are included in that list and they're also some of the best-sounding open-style earbuds I've used yet. Like other earbuds in this class, Bose's Ultra Open earbuds (if you can call them buds) are meant to help you hear your surroundings while still getting personal audio.

I've tested the Ultra Open earbuds extensively and find them to be a great ratio of personal audio to ambient noise — I've even worn them with enough satisfaction in the New York City subway, which isn't known for its lack of noise.

I've used quite a few open-style earbuds at this point — Nothing's Ear Open and Sony's new LinkBuds open — and Bose's really hit the sweet spot.

For the full list of all the wireless earbuds I love that are on sale right now check this list out.

Launched in September 2024, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are still on sale for $169 at Wellbots for $169 for Cyber Monday. Normally $299, that's $60 in savings and the Pixel Buds Pro 2's lowest price ever.

This is one of the best headphone deals you can get before Cyber Monday, December 2.

I snapped them up in early November when they dropped to $179 and now they're $10 cheaper. Sure, I could have waited for Black Friday, however, I was eager to complete my Pixel ecosystem.

Browse: Wellbots Cyber Monday deals

I've been using them for a few weeks now and I have zero complaints. Beyond the Sony WF-C500s, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the best wireless earbuds I've owned. They're compact, comfortable, and sound great whether I'm listening to music or on a call.

Most importantly, they stay put in my ears thanks to their unique twist-in-place design.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the best earbuds for Pixel phone users. If you've been hesitant about picking them up due to price, this extended Black Friday deal is all the motivation you need.

If you prioritize great sound, noise-cancellation, and long battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds are a solid buy. Especially at this unbeatable price!

Today's best Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Cyber Monday deal

More from Laptop Mag

• Best extended Black Friday headphone deals 2024
• 50 best Black Friday deals still available now

Because there are so many fantastic deals, Black Friday season is the best time of year to upgrade your existing tech (or put it on your wish list so someone else can buy it for you). Among all the tech you can buy, headphones are definitely up there as one device you don't want to skimp on — and Black Friday headphone deals make it easy to grab a top-tier, flagship pair of headphones for cheap.

You can easily find a pair of over-ear headphones that on sale for $50 or less, but the quality you get in exchange for that $50 is usually pretty low. Budget-friendly headphones often kick up the bass so it sounds more "full," but once you test out a pair of high-end headphones, you'll realize what you've been missing.

My favorite headphone deal will likely surprise no one, as it involves one of the most in-demand, well-reviewed pair of headphones currently available. I'm talking about the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for just $298 at Amazon.

Although poorly named, these headphones have topped "best headphones" lists for years because they're just that good. In our Sony WH-1000XM5 review, we awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars for multiple reasons: long battery life, excellent adaptive ANC, and a new chip providing "more clarity and definition" than its predecessor, helping the sound come through balanced and spacious.

While the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphone deal may be my favorite, it wasn't the only great deal I found. Read on to see which 5 top-brand headphones made the cut with stellar Black Friday deals.

Quick links

• Sony WH-1000XM5: was $399 now $289 @ Walmart
• Beats Studio Pro: was $349 now $159 @ Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort: was $349 now $199 @ Amazon
• Apple AirPods Max (Lightning): was $549 now $399 @ Best Buy
• Sennheiser Momentum 4: was $379 now $219 @ Amazon

Best Black Friday headphone deals

Nothing is no stranger to flashy design, but something about its recently released Nothing Ear A earbuds speaks to me.

In case you missed it, Nothing finally plunged into a more colorful design language with its Ear A wireless earbuds this year — the successor to the Ear 1, which price-wise occupies the same territory at $99.

That's already a pretty good deal for a pair of wireless earbuds that look great, have solid ANC, and a fairly robust sound profile. Naturally, though, since it's the season of deals after all, Nothing sweetens its deal even further by knocking off almost 30% from its usual retail price.

If you're tired of the same old white AirPods, this is the wireless earbud deal you should spring on.

And if you want a bigger list of my favorite earbuds on sale right now go here, or check out our running list of all the best Black Friday deals.

It's the day after Black Friday and Google's Pixel Buds A-Series wireless earbuds remain cheaper than ever.

You still have a chance to snap up the Pixel Buds A-Series for just $49 at Amazon. That's $50 off their regular retail price of $99, and one of the best Black Friday headphone deals still available to day.

Best Buy and Walmart are still offering same deal as we roll into Cyber Monday, December 2.

Although I usually don't recommend products more than two years old, Google's Pixel Buds A-Series is an exception. Released in 2021, Google's 3rd generation earbuds feature 12mm drivers for high-quality audio and adaptive sound which intuitively adjusts volume depending on your surroundings.

Despite their lack of noise cancellation, the Pixel Buds A-Series's ergonomic fit offers a tight seal to block some outside noise.

If you're looking for cheap but good wireless earbuds for your Pixel or Android device, at just $49, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series are a no-brainer.