Shop for past-season models. Like many electronics, headphones—particularly the wireless options from big brands like Bose, JBL, and Sony—tend to get cheaper as they get older and demand diminishes. As long as you aren’t insistent on getting the latest and greatest, you can save on highly regarded models that might be replaced with a new generation soon.
Check unpopular colors. Similarly, less popular colors of headphones often drop significantly in price before their more well-loved counterparts do. For example, in 2024 we found rock-bottom deals—under $50—on our top running headphones, the JBL Reflect Aero TWS, but only in the light green mint color. Similarly, we’ve encountered the best drops on our wireless noise-cancelling headphones pick, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, exclusively in the “diamond” edition, which has had sale prices that are $20 less than those of other colors.
Search for refurbished models. If the possibility of your ears touching an earcup or earbud that may once have made contact with a stranger’s outer or (ick) inner ear disgusts you, refurbished headphones aren’t for you. If you’re still reading, however, there are savings to be had. We recommend that you pursue only certified refurbs with warranties and purchase them through a reliable retailer or seller; eBay, for example, offers certified refurbs sold by the storefronts of manufacturers like Bose. These models come repaired (if necessary), cleaned, and inspected. I’ve purchased a few refurbs myself over the years, and I’ve had good experiences. No strange earwax was in evidence, and the earbuds and headphones functioned like new. Your mileage may vary, but that’s why we recommend refurbs only in the event you can return the item with no hassle.
Track prices. Finally, whether you’re seeking an older model or a recent release, you can and should track prices via Keepa or CamelCamelCamel to receive discount alerts. Just set a price target, and you’ll receive an email whenever the Amazon price falls below that target. At that point, you can look at prices from a variety of retailers. Often, Amazon’s algorithm is simply matching other prices out there, so you may have multiple options at the same purchase price. Headphones go on sale often, so knowing the price you’re willing to pay and getting an alert can help you secure the ones you want with less of a wait.
This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Leta Shy.
