The 8 best earbuds to buy during Black Friday 2025, selected by Mashable audio experts
If you’re considering a new pair of earbuds, you’re in luck—there’s a vast array of options available, but that also means the selection can feel overwhelming. Gone are the days when iPhones came with complimentary earbuds; now, consumers must navigate a market bursting with both wired and wireless models, each boasting unique features. While traditional wired earbuds still exist, the spotlight is on wireless variants that offer advanced functionalities such as active noise cancellation (ANC) to help you tune out distractions from bustling environments like coffee shops and public transport. Furthermore, a quality pair of earbuds should come equipped with a reliable microphone, making them ideal for hands-free calls while you’re on the move.
The price range for earbuds is incredibly diverse, starting as low as $10 and soaring up to $1,000 for high-end studio-grade options. For those prioritizing noise cancellation, expect to invest around $300, which is often considered a worthwhile expense for a quieter listening experience. As the holiday shopping season approaches, savvy consumers are encouraged to keep an eye out for discounts, particularly during Black Friday when prices can drop significantly. For example, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd generation) and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, both highly rated for sound quality, are currently priced at $299, with discounts expected as the shopping frenzy intensifies.
In the realm of earbuds, there are two primary categories: wireless and wired. Wireless earbuds connect via Bluetooth, offering the convenience of no cords, with prices ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models featuring ANC. While they typically provide superior sound isolation compared to wired options, battery life is a crucial factor, with most models offering around eight hours of use before needing a recharge. On the other hand, wired earbuds—though less popular today—remain a reliable backup, as they don’t require charging and are straightforward to use. Recent updates to the best earbuds guide highlight new models like the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 for sleep enthusiasts and the Powerbeats Pro 2 for fitness buffs. Whether you’re searching for top-tier wireless earbuds or a dependable wired option, this comprehensive guide aims to help you find the perfect fit for your audio needs.
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.
