Table of contents
Introduction
With so many headphone options available to consumers in 2024, it’s an almost impossible task to sort through all of the options that are truly worth exploring and seeking out. That’s where we come in with our reviews and “Editor’s Choice” buying guides that offer a taste of what is available.
The reality is that high-end brands rarely put their best models on sale because they want to maximize the level of interest and profitability for those specific models.
However, with the economy still somewhat sluggish and consumers still interested to buy, manufacturers seem to offering up some of their “better” models this holiday season and we are on the lookout for the best deals.
Our Black Friday list will grow over the next week and we would not recommend anything unless the eCoustics team has actually reviewed or auditioned the products that we have discovered to be on sale.
Why Spend More on a Headphone?
More than a decade into the high-end headphone revolution, it is rather clear that consumers have spoken with their wallets and things have certainly changed in regard to the future of high-end audio.
We think that change represents a necessary shot in the arm for the industry for a myriad of reasons; younger audience, newfound focus on better sound quality, the growth of hi-res streaming, and the incredible range of products that one can consider for a desktop or portable headphone rig.
Headphone listening has evolved; and quite frankly it’s hard to argue with those who boast that the high-end headphone listening experience is not only superior but a better methodology for getting people interested in better sound quality.
Knowing all of that, what should consumers be looking for when spending more on a pair of headphones; and that includes wireless models as well.
A superior sonic experience doesn’t mean very much if the headphones are uncomfortable or hard to adjust for those longer listening sessions; and that’s rather important because consumers listen longer when wearing headphones compared to sitting in front of a pair of loudspeakers.
Better quality headphones should be designed to sit properly on your head and offer adjustability in regard to their height and how much pressure they place on your head as you listen.
Better quality ear pads should not only allow you to create a better seal, but remain cool and not become too warm as you listen.
The evolution of the headphone has given listeners the option of dynamic, planar magnetic, and even electrostatic drivers — which has raised the performance bar considerably.
Driver technology has also forced manufacturers to reinvent the portable and desktop headphone amplifier; including the dozens of Dongle DACs that we have featured over the past four years.
Manufacturers offer a range of options such as open-back and closed-back designs.
Closed-back headphones are sealed around the back of the ear cups. This means they will block out a lot more outside noise, isolating your music listening from the ambient noise from the outside.
Open-back headphones allow air to pass through their ear cups resulting in a more transparent sounding presentation that can reproduce a much larger and deeper sounding soundstage.
The trade-off is that open-back designs allow everyone sitting in proximity to hear what you are listening to.
Wireless headphones have become the most popular category in all of consumer A/V and whilst it was fair over the years to say that they did not provide a superior listening experience to their passive siblings, the reality is that gap has narrowed considerably over the past 3 years. Some of our favorite headphones are from the wireless category because they offer active noise cancellation without crushing sound quality in the process.
Best Headphone Deals Under $100
1MORE SonoFlow Pro
The 1More SonoFlow Pro is the latest flagship wireless noise cancelling headphone in the SonoFlow line-up. The original SonoFlow impressed us and the new model improves noise cancellation and battery life while keeping much of the original design the same.
Best Headphone Deals Under $200
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony’s award-winning WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones remain very popular even though they were released in 2020. That’s because they still deliver some of the best noise-cancellation on the market today. Although they’ve been replaced by Sony’s XM5, the XM4’s are an unbeatable travel headphone when 45% off. Available in black, silver, or blue.
Bose QuietComfort
The Bose QuietComfort quietly replaced the nearly identical QC45 last year. Expect industry leading noise cancellation that’s neck-and-neck with Sony, which makes them great travel companions. However, Bose offers more color choices to fit any style.
Best Headphone Deals Under $400
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Although Momentum 4 was released in 2022, it’s still Sennheiser’s top-of-the-line wireless noise cancelling headphone. We preferred its sound quality over Bose and Sony, although it doesn’t match their noise cancelling prowess. Nonetheless a great choice for an all-around versatile headphone.
Meze Audio 99 Classics
The Meze Audio 99 Classics wired headphones have been the daily choice of our Editor-in-Chief for nearly 6 years. They’re comfortable, lightweight and proven to be incredibly robust road warriors. Built in Romania, the 99 Classics deliver a warm tonal balance and rather strong low end that is sure to please many. Available in walnut with silver or gold accents with free boom mic for calls/gaming during their Black Friday promotion (ends 12/2).
Edifier STAX Spirit S5
If you can live without noise cancellation, Edifier’s STAX Spirit S5 wireless headphones deliver audiophile sound quality thanks to their planar magnetic drivers. This 2024 model supports the latest wireless codecs including aptX Lossless and LDAC. However, it’s only available in black.
Best Headphone Deals Under $600
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless Headphones
Although the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 were introduced in 2022, they remain our Editor’s Choice favorite and are still the top-of-the-line model from the iconic British loudspeaker brand. These wireless headphones offer the best combination of sound quality, noise-cancellation, comfort and luxurious design. Choose among four colors: black, tan, green, or royal burgundy.
Best Headphone Deals Under $1,000
Stay tuned for more deals that will be added as we find them.
The Bottom Line
The headphone deals above are ones we feel are noteworthy that one or more members of our team have heard and reported on previously. Don’t hesitate to grab one of these deals, because Black Friday pricing won’t last long.
Of course, don’t forget to check the seller’s return policy and the manufacturer’s warranty conditions.
Need more ideas? Check out our latest gift guides.
