Jaybird Vista 2
Photograph: JaybirdIf you’re hard on earbuds, these are some of the most rugged we’ve tried. They’re sweat- and dust-resistant, and they fit very well (and stay secure even during sweaty endeavors). At this steep discount, they’re a good buy for any Pigpens in your life.
Headphone Deals
Be sure to check out our complete lists of the Best Wireless Headphones and Best Noise-Canceling Headphones.
Apple AirPods Max
Photograph: AppleThese are the best-sounding wireless headphones I’ve ever heard, and they’re absolutely magical with iOS devices and Macs. They sound fantastic, have excellent noise reduction, and boast one of my favorite volume knobs in the business. If you’re looking for the best headphones for work and travel, these are them.
Sony’s flagship wireless headphones (9/10, WIRED Recommends) have ranked among the best on the market for nearly a decade. They have 30 hours of battery life, amazing noise reduction, and fantastic sound. They even detect ambient air pressure, so they can help reduce that weird feeling you get in your ears on flights.
These are the best-sounding wired headphones I’ve ever heard under $220, let alone $179. Be aware: They’re open-backed, which means you’ll be able to hear all sounds from the outside world, and we’ll be able to hear your music.
This is the newer version of the ever-popular QC-35 headphones that debuted over a decade ago. They now have better mics, better battery life, and the same great noise-canceling feature. At this price, they’re a great deal for those who are spending more time than ever on Zoom.
Jabra’s sleek on-ears are some of our favorite headphones under $100 because they fit and sound great for the cash. Now that they’re 40 percent off … maybe just buy two pairs?
Speaker Deals
Our guides to the Best Bluetooth Speakers and Best Smart Speakers can help you learn more about the products we like right now.
Google Nest Mini
Photograph: GoogleThe Nest Mini is a great little speaker if you want to bring music (and a voice assistant) into bedrooms, bathrooms, or kitchens. I like using them to set timers or listen to the news while I get dressed, but they also make great alarm clocks and white noise machines.
Sony’s little portable speaker is one of my new favorites, thanks to its bold, bassy sound. Toss it into a backpack or book bag and you can take your favorite tunes with you anywhere, thanks to an IP67 rating and up to 16 hours of battery life.
We like JBL’s Bluetooth speakers for their blend of style and value. This little tube has 10 hours of battery and an IPX7 rating, making it a worthwhile portable listening companion.
Klipsch speakers are gorgeous. But if that’s not enough of a reason to buy this wooden Bluetooth speaker, consider the gorgeous metal knobs and knit-looking grille cover. Imagine yourself sipping scotch and listening to Miles Davis on this thing.
