The marvellous world of audio technology is not immune from trend-led styles. From the fashion statement that is the Apple AirPods Max over-ears to the classic Rock n Roll style evoked by a pair of square Marshall headphones, how we choose to listen to music in private rather surprisingly says a lot about our personality.
Style is just one, albeit very important, part of the audio equation. Developments in noise-cancelling capabilities over the last decade have made our personal standards for near-silent listening higher than ever. You’ll be hard-pressed to come across an individual who doesn’t want to shut out the hustle and bustle of the city and the ear-popping screech of the underground to enjoy soulful sounds in their own meditative bubble.
However, premium noise cancellation and style come with a price tag to match, which makes keeping a tab on those all-important bargain days throughout the festive season incredibly important. Luckily, you’re in the right place. Black Friday is just around the corner, and ES Best has got you covered on deals for all things tech, gadgets, home cinema, personal audio and so much more.
Why you can trust ES Best’s Black Friday coverage
With an expert edge and insider’s knowledge, we put together curated guides to help you find the best possible deals each and every Black Friday. We’ve been doing it for a fair few years now, so it’s safe to say we’re a trusted source. When it comes to headphones specifically, we’ve tested out some of the best on the market: from noise cancelling over-ear options to wireless buds, gaming headsets, running headphones and so much more.
Fret not, for we’re not about listing every bargain imaginable. We’re selective in our offering, which means we’ll only alert you to the best possible deals on truly coveted items. From our individual deal round-ups to the Live Blog that we run all weekend long, you won’t miss a beat.
Top deals on headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
Best for: Industry-leading noise cancellation
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a top choice for anyone seeking unparalleled noise cancellation and sound quality. With advanced features like adaptive sound control, they automatically adjust to your environment, whether you're in a busy café or on a plane. These headphones offer an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge, ensuring you stay immersed in your music without interruption. The quick charging feature provides up to five hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge, making them perfect for those on the go.
Their comfortable design features plush ear cups and an adjustable headband, allowing for extended listening sessions without discomfort. The WH-1000XM4 is equipped with touch sensor controls for effortless music playback, volume adjustments, and call handling. The Speak-to-Chat function pauses playback automatically when you start talking, making it easy to have conversations without taking your headphones off. These headphones also support voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, providing a seamless experience for managing tasks hands-free.
With the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can customise your sound preferences, including a comprehensive equaliser and various noise-cancellation settings. If you prioritise audio quality and comfort, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are an excellent investment for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Was: £279.99
Buy now £224.00, Amazon
Beats Studio Buds
Best for: Stylish portability
The Beats Studio Buds combine sleek aesthetics with impressive performance, making them an ideal choice for style-conscious listeners. These compact earbuds feature active noise cancellation and a transparency mode, allowing you to control how much ambient sound you let in. With a snug fit and excellent sound quality, they provide a powerful audio experience in a small package. Battery life is robust, offering up to eight hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case, ensuring you stay connected throughout your day.
Designed with comfort in mind, the Studio Buds include three sizes of ear tips for a personalised fit. They seamlessly integrate with Apple devices but are also compatible with Android, making them versatile for all users. The simple one-touch controls allow you to switch between noise-cancelling modes, answer calls, or skip tracks with ease. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, these earbuds are ready for workouts and outdoor adventures, providing durability without compromising on style.
In addition to their excellent sound quality and features, the Beats Studio Buds are equipped with spatial audio, creating an immersive listening experience that enhances your music, movies, and gaming. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or simply enjoying your favourite playlist, these earbuds deliver on both style and performance.
Was: £159.99
Buy now £89.99, Amazon
Marshall Major IV On Ear Bluetooth Headphones
Best for: Classic sound and design
The Marshall Major IV headphones embody a timeless design paired with modern Bluetooth technology. These on-ear headphones offer a rich sound profile with deep bass and crisp highs, perfect for music enthusiasts who appreciate a quality listening experience. With an impressive battery life of up to 80 hours, you can enjoy extended listening sessions without worrying about recharging. The fast-charging feature allows you to get up to 15 hours of playtime from just a 15-minute charge.
Designed for comfort, the Major IV features plush ear cushions and a lightweight build, ensuring that you can wear them for hours without discomfort. The foldable design makes them easy to transport, fitting snugly into your bag or backpack. Equipped with a multi-directional control knob, you can easily manage your music and take calls without fumbling for your device. These headphones also feature a 3.5mm audio input, allowing for wired listening when needed.
The iconic Marshall branding and classic aesthetics make the Major IVs a stylish accessory, appealing to both music lovers and fashion-conscious individuals. The combination of quality sound, comfort, and distinctive design makes these headphones a perfect choice for everyday use or casual outings. Whether you're at home, in the office, or on the move, the Marshall Major IV headphones deliver a sound experience that lives up to the Marshall legacy.
Was: £129.99
Buy now £64.99, Argos
Bose QuietComfort
Best for: Comfort and sound quality
The Bose QuietComfort headphones are a staple for anyone seeking both comfort and superior sound quality. Known for their industry-leading noise cancellation, they create an oasis of tranquillity that allows you to immerse yourself in your music without distractions. With up to 20 hours of battery life, these headphones are perfect for long flights or commutes. A quick charge feature provides up to 2.5 hours of playtime from just a 15-minute charge, ensuring you can enjoy uninterrupted listening.
Designed with plush ear cushions and a lightweight headband, the QuietComfort headphones provide exceptional comfort for extended wear. They feature intuitive touch controls, allowing you to manage music playback and calls seamlessly. The adjustable noise cancellation settings let you choose how much outside sound you want to let in, making these headphones versatile for various environments.
With the Bose Music app, you can personalise your listening experience, accessing features like adjustable EQ settings and quick access to voice assistants. The QuietComfort headphones also support Bluetooth connectivity for easy pairing with your devices, ensuring a reliable connection. Whether you're travelling, working, or simply relaxing at home, the Bose QuietComfort headphones deliver a luxurious listening experience that is hard to beat.
Was: £319.95
Buy now £218.46, John Lewis
Dyson OnTrac headphones
Best for: Enhanced sound during workouts
The Dyson OnTrac headphones offer a unique blend of style and functionality. Featuring a sleek design, these headphones are perfect for those who want to combine fashion with high-performance audio. They come equipped with adaptive noise cancellation technology, allowing you to focus on your music or calls without outside interference. With a solid battery life that lasts up to 20 hours, you can wear these headphones throughout your workouts or while commuting.
Designed for active lifestyles, the OnTrac headphones boast an IPX5 water resistance rating, making them sweat-proof and ideal for gym sessions or outdoor activities. They provide a secure fit with adjustable ear hooks, ensuring that they stay in place during vigorous movement. The intuitive controls allow for easy navigation of music and calls, while the built-in microphone ensures crystal-clear voice quality.
Additionally, the OnTrac headphones come with a compact charging case for convenient storage and charging on the go. The stylish black nickel finish adds a touch of elegance, making them not just functional but also a fashionable accessory. With high-quality audio performance, these headphones are perfect for those who want to elevate their sound experience while maintaining an active lifestyle.
Was: £499
Buy now £399.00, John Lewis
Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
Best for: effortless connectivity
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) set a new standard for wireless convenience and sound quality. Designed for seamless integration with Apple devices, these AirPods offer effortless pairing and easy access to Siri. Their spatial audio technology enhances your listening experience, making music feel immersive and rich. The sleek design ensures a comfortable fit, making them ideal for all-day wear, whether you're commuting or enjoying a workout. With a significant upgrade in battery life and a charging case that provides extra on-the-go power, the AirPods ensure you're always connected without missing a beat.
Was: £179
Buy now £139.00, Very
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Best for: premium audio in a compact design
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro redefine what true wireless audio can be, combining a sleek design with high-quality sound. These earbuds feature an impressive adaptive noise-cancelling capability, ensuring that you can immerse yourself in your music without distractions. The ergonomic design guarantees a comfortable fit, perfect for long listening sessions. With a battery life that supports hours of continuous playback and a compact charging case that allows for effortless portability, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro make it easy to enjoy premium audio quality anywhere you go. These earbuds are an excellent choice for those who value both performance and style.
Was: £129.99
Buy now £89.98, Amazon
When is Black Friday 2024?
This year, Black Friday is set to fall on Friday, November 29. It’s the day after Thanksgiving, which is always the fourth Thursday of November in the United States.
When does Black Friday end?
Far from being a single day of sales, Black Friday lasts over the weekend right up until Cyber Monday, where even more deals can be expected on remaining stock across your favourite retailers.
Why is it called Black Friday?
There are many theories associated with why the sales extravaganza has such a dark name. The most commonly accepted reason is that retailers’ accounts tend to go from being ‘in the red’ to ‘in the black’ following a weekend of post-Thanksgiving sales – meaning that they’ve become profitable again.
