
WIRED's expert-curated list of the best discounts on earbuds and headphones during Amazon Prime Day.
WIRED's headphone expert curates a list of top-rated audio equipment discounts for Amazon Prime Day, highlighting deals on Apple AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM5, and other premium models.
AI-generated summary
Amazon Prime Day is an annual sales event where Prime members receive discounts on various products. WIRED provides editorial curation to help consumers identify genuine price reductions.
Amazon Prime Day is here, and as WIRED's resident headphone expert, I've hunted down the best Prime Day headphone deals for your consideration. Prime Day is a great time to find discounts on all sorts of tech, and while the best deals are often only for Prime Members, it can be hard to tell whether something is truly on sale or just a markdown off an inflated price.
I've been covering headphones for over four years, including guides to wireless earbuds, noise-canceling earbuds, open earbuds, and more. I know which headphones are worth your time and which deals aren't all that good. Below, I've curated truly good products on sale that are worth a look.
Be sure to check out our other sale coverage of the Absolute Best Prime Day Deals, the Best Prime Day Tech Deals, the Best Prime Day Soundbar Deals, and more.
WIRED Featured Deals
The best earbud deal: Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $179 ($70 off)
The best budget earbud deal: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro for $136 ($34 off)
The best open earbud deal: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for $199 ($100 off)
The best headphone deal: Nothing Headphone (1) for $189 ($110 off)
Best Prime Day Earbud Deals
Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the best wireless earbuds for iPhone users. This latest model has some of the best noise-canceling and transparency you can find in an earbud, with clear, detailed audio no matter what you are doing. They also come with many unique features like a built-in heart rate sensor and live translation. Plus, they get up to eight hours of battery on a single charge.
Fifty percent off is almost unheard of for premium over-ear headphones like these, but it makes sense—the Sony WH-1000XM5 have largely been replaced by the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sony WH-1000XM4C. Still, these XM5s are top-tier performers, with excellent noise-canceling and sound quality. They feel so lightweight that they're comfortable to wear for hours.
Apple AirPods Max 2 are the best over-ear headphones for Apple loyalists—they work seamlessly with your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. They have some of the best sound quality, noise-canceling, and transparency on the market, rivaling other premium options from Sony and Bose. $120 off brings their sky-high sticker price down to a more reasonable level.

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