The 8 best earbuds to buy during Black Friday 2025, selected by Mashable audio experts
If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of earbuds, the options available today can be both exciting and overwhelming. Gone are the days when iPhones came bundled with a free pair of earbuds; now, consumers are faced with a vast array of choices that cater to different needs, preferences, and budgets. From wired to wireless models, the market is brimming with options, many of which boast advanced features such as active noise cancellation (ANC) to help you escape the clamor of busy environments like coffee shops or public transport. As you navigate this crowded landscape, it’s essential to consider what you value most in a pair of earbuds, whether it’s sound quality, battery life, or specialized features like workout durability or sleep comfort.
The price range for earbuds is incredibly varied, stretching from as low as $10 to upwards of $1,000 for professional-grade models. For those who prioritize noise cancellation, expect to invest around $300 for top-tier options. Notable recommendations from recent reviews include the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100, both priced at $299. These models are celebrated for their exceptional sound quality and comfort, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. As we approach the Black Friday season, savvy shoppers can look forward to potential discounts, such as the current $50 off on the QC Ultra earbuds, making this an opportune time to invest in high-quality audio gear.
When it comes to the types of earbuds available, they generally fall into two categories: wired and wireless. While wired earbuds have a traditional design that connects directly to your audio source, they lack the advanced features found in many wireless models, such as ANC. Wireless earbuds, on the other hand, connect via Bluetooth and can vary widely in price and functionality. With battery lives typically exceeding eight hours, they offer the convenience of mobility without the hassle of cords. Recent updates to earbud recommendations include the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 as the best sleep earbuds and the Powerbeats Pro 2 as the top choice for workouts. Whether you’re an Apple enthusiast looking for AirPods Pro or a budget-conscious shopper seeking reliable options from brands like Marshall or Anker Soundcore, this guide aims to simplify your decision-making process as you search for the perfect pair of earbuds.
If you’re in the market for a new
pair of earbuds
, we have good news: You have a lot of options. The bad news? You have
a lot
of options, and your decision can get overwhelming, fast. Wasn’t life easier when
iPhones
came with a free pair of earbuds?
While you can still find wired earbuds that plug in and go (you’ll even find a pair on this list), the market is flooded with wireless options. Now, you’ll find models with
advanced noise cancellation
to block out the sounds of busy coffee shops and commutes. Plus, a good pair should have a quality microphone so you can take calls on the go.
SEE ALSO:
I replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with $19 wired EarPods
Prices on
earbuds
range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you’re going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that’s the price of peace and quiet. These days, you can even get hyperspecialized models like
sleep earbuds
. Our guide also includes our picks for the
best earbuds for working out
and the
best open earbuds
.
Our top picks for earbuds are the
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen)
and
Panasonic Technics AZ100s
, which provide outstanding sound quality — but keep in mind, both of these models cost $299. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending $300 on a pair of headphones is a lot to stomach. That’s also why we recommend shopping for earbuds during
Black Friday season
. As sales start to kick off, the QC Ultra earbuds are down $50 (their lowest price since their September release date). As we approach the actual day of Black Friday on Nov. 28, we expect to see even more markdowns on our favorite earbuds.
Ready to start shopping now? Here are our top earbud picks of 2025.
Types of earbuds
There are two types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let’s get into the specifics of both.
Wireless
Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don’t require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.
While earbuds traditionally don’t provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.
Wired
Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high tech, they’re pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, and you won’t find any on our list.
The biggest positive to wired headphones is that they don’t need to be charged. They’re a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.
New additions to this guide
After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the
best sleep earbuds
. You can read her full guide, but as of May 2025, we’ve added the
Anker Soundcore Sleep A20
to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people.
As of August 2025, we also updated the best earbuds for working out to the
Powerbeats Pro 2
and added the
Shokz OpenDots One
as the best open earbuds.
What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?
If you’re just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We also included the Marshall Mode wired earbuds as an option for folks who don’t want to worry about battery.) If you’re looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can’t go wrong with the
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
and
Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds
, our most recent recommendation in 2025. Both of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise-cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.
Still, this guide includes several other earbuds we stand behind. Apple users may prefer the AirPods Pro, while shoppers on a budget may prefer buds from Marshall or Anker Soundcore. If you need help picking the perfect pair, read on.
