Black Friday 2026: headphone deals
to buy now, wait for or skip (Sony XM6, Bose, Beats)
Our best buy is the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. Black Friday is 39 days away and Amazon has not announced its dates. We checked six over-ear and on-ear headphones from Sony, Bose, Beats, Sennheiser and Soundcore on October 19 to see which are worth buying now, which to wait on and which to skip.
How we picked: we shortlist by Amazon Best Seller rank and number of ratings, then compare published specs. We don't test these products hands-on.
By Jamilur Rahman, Founder & Editor · Updated October 19, 2026
- Owner reviews checked
- Features side by side
- Quick & easy compare
- Smarter purchase
The short answer
When do Black Friday 2026 deals start? Black Friday is Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26), and Cyber Monday is Monday, November 30. Amazon has not announced its 2026 Black Friday sale dates yet (we checked on October 19). In past years its Black Friday deals started about a week before Black Friday and ran through Cyber Monday.
This page is a buying plan for over-ear and on-ear headphones sold on Amazon, written on October 19. AirPods and AirPods Max have their own page. Buy now: the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and the Beats Solo 4. Both are sold by Amazon.com and the listings show a clear markdown from the list price. Wait: the Sony WH-1000XM6, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) and the Beats Studio Pro. The first two are new models with only a modest discount over their price today, and the Studio Pro is an older model that could fall further. Skip: the Soundcore Space One Pro at full price, because it shows no markdown and costs more than the discounted Sennheiser.
Don’t wait if your current pair just died or you need noise cancelling for a flight before the sale. A pair you can use beats a small saving. Don’t trust “percent off” badges on their own either. Some listings measure the discount against a high list price, so judge each pair against similar headphones, not against its own crossed-out number. We checked every listing on October 19 and only used pairs sold by Amazon.com or the brand. Prices move daily, so tap “View on Amazon” for today’s number.
Compare them side by side
Everything that matters, in one table. Swipe to see all 6.
| Product | Best Buy Now Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Over-ear ANC Bluetooth headphones |  Best Cheap Pair Now Beats Solo 4 On-ear Bluetooth headphones |  Best Flagship to Wait For Sony WH-1000XM6 Flagship over-ear ANC Bluetooth headphones |  Best Bose to Wait For Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Flagship over-ear ANC Bluetooth headphones |  Best Midrange to Wait For Beats Studio Pro Over-ear ANC Bluetooth headphones |  Skip at Full Price Soundcore Space One Pro Over-ear ANC Bluetooth headphones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore | 92 / 100 | 88 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 89 / 100 | 85 / 100 | 80 / 100 |
| Our call | Buy | Buy | Wait | Wait | Wait | Skip |
| Best for | Long battery life and warm sound for less | iPhone or Android users who want a light, long-lasting pair | Best noise cancelling for flights and commutes | Comfort and spatial audio on long trips | Apple and Android users who want ANC and lossless USB-C | Only if the price drops under $150 |
| Typical price (checked October 19, 2026) | $200–$220 | $140–$160 | $450–$470 | $440–$460 | $240–$260 | $190–$210 |
| Model | 2022 model (Momentum 4) | 2024 model (Solo 4) | 2025 model (current flagship) | 2025 model (2nd Gen) | 2023 model (Studio Pro) | Soundcore Space One Pro |
| Newer model out? | No successor found on Amazon | No | No | No | No | See listing |
| Why it’s here | Clear markdown, sold by Amazon.com | 25% under list, no noise cancelling | Newest Sony flagship, modest discount so far | New model, older first-gen only from third-party sellers | 17% off, older model that may fall further | No markdown and costs more than the Sennheiser deal |
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BeastScore here is our overall rating out of 100, based on published specs and Amazon owner reviews. Prices change daily, so tap "View on Amazon" for today's price. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Why each one made the list
What each pick does best, where it falls short, and the typical Amazon price when we checked.
- 1. Best Buy Now
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
BeastScore 92 / 100Typically $200–$220 on Amazon (checked October 19, 2026)The Momentum 4 is our buy-now pick. The listing shows a 29% markdown from a $299.99 list price and a limited time deal tag when we checked on October 19, and it is sold and shipped by Amazon.com. It is also the cheapest of the big-brand over-ear pairs here with real noise cancelling. On paper it offers adaptive ANC, a Transparency mode, 42mm drivers and up to 60 hours of battery, which is far more than Sony or Bose list. It is a 2022 design, so a Black Friday cut is possible but probably small, because the price is already well under list. If you want an easy, safe buy, this is the one.
Pros- 29% under list price on the listing, sold by Amazon.com
- Up to 60 hours of battery per the listing
- Foldable, with a custom EQ in the Smart Control Plus app
Cons- A 2022 model, so no newest chip or codec
- Noise cancelling is good on paper but Sony and Bose set the bar
- No spatial audio headline feature like Bose
- 2. Best Cheap Pair Now
Beats Solo 4
BeastScore 88 / 100Typically $140–$160 on Amazon (checked October 19, 2026)The Solo 4 is the pick if you want a light pair under about $150. The listing shows 25% off a $199.95 list price, sold by Amazon.com. It is an on-ear design with up to 50 hours of battery and Fast Fuel charging, plus Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. The big catch is that it does not have active noise cancelling, and on-ear pads press on your ears instead of surrounding them. If you want ANC, look at the Sennheiser or Beats Studio Pro. We call it a buy now because it is a 2024 model that is already well off list, and it is rarely out of stock.
Pros- 25% off list price on the listing
- Up to 50 hours of battery per the listing
- Light on-ear design that works with iPhone and Android
Cons- No active noise cancelling
- On-ear pads can feel tight for some heads
- Sound is Beats-tuned, so bass-forward on paper
- 3. Best Flagship to Wait For
Sony WH-1000XM6
BeastScore 90 / 100Typically $450–$470 on Amazon (checked October 19, 2026)The XM6 is the headphone most people searching for “black friday sony xm6” want. The listing says it uses a QN3 noise cancelling processor and 12 microphones, with six more mics for calls, and a foldable design with a new case. Amazon.com sells it and the badge shows 34% off. We would not read that badge as a Black Friday price. It is measured against a high list price, and the pair still costs about $100 more than the Sennheiser Momentum 4. Sony’s flagships have a reputation for steady pricing, so a deep cut is not guaranteed. Wait unless you need the best ANC right now.
Pros- Newest Sony flagship, so no “old model” worry
- Top-tier noise cancelling on paper
- Strong call mics and a foldable case
Cons- Costs far more than the Sennheiser Momentum 4 today
- The “34% off” badge flatters the real discount
- Sony may not cut a new flagship deeply
- 4. Best Bose to Wait For
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
BeastScore 89 / 100Typically $440–$460 on Amazon (checked October 19, 2026)Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Ultra is a strong all-rounder: the listing mentions Quiet and Aware modes, spatialized audio, a new Cinema Mode and up to 30 hours of play time. Amazon.com sells it at 23% off its list price. But it is a 2025 model that costs about the same as the Sony XM6. The older first-gen QuietComfort Ultra sold for less when we checked, but those listings were from third-party sellers, and we do not recommend them. Wait to see if Bose cuts the 2nd Gen further during the sale. If you hate waiting, it is a fine pair at this price, just not a bargain.
Pros- 2nd Gen model with Cinema Mode and USB voice
- Spatialized audio for movies and music
- Sold and shipped by Amazon.com
Cons- Costs about as much as the Sony XM6
- Immersive Audio lowers battery life to about 23 hours
- Cheaper first-gen listings come from third-party sellers
- 5. Best Midrange to Wait For
Beats Studio Pro
BeastScore 85 / 100Typically $240–$260 on Amazon (checked October 19, 2026)The Studio Pro is an older model, which is why we like waiting on it. The listing shows 17% off a $299.99 list price, which is a real but small cut. It gives you active noise cancelling, USB-C lossless audio and up to 40 hours of battery, with one-touch pairing for Apple and Android. The reason to wait is that Beats usually cuts older models harder than new ones, and this one is already close to the Sennheiser Momentum 4 in price, which has a bigger markdown. If Black Friday pushes it under about $200, it becomes a good deal.
Pros- USB-C lossless audio support
- ANC plus Transparency mode
- Up to 40 hours of battery per the listing
Cons- Only 17% under list, so not a standout deal yet
- Older 2023 model
- Costs more than the discounted Sennheiser
- 6. Skip at Full Price
Soundcore Space One Pro
BeastScore 80 / 100Typically $190–$210 on Amazon (checked October 19, 2026)Soundcore usually means a bargain, but this pair does not show one today. The listing is sold by AnkerDirect at full price with no markdown shown. On paper it offers 4-stage adaptive ANC, Hi-Res audio with LDAC and 40 hours of battery with ANC on, and those are good specs. The problem is the price: at about $200 it sits right next to the Sennheiser Momentum 4, which carries a clear markdown and a bigger name. Skip it now. If a Black Friday cut takes it well under $150, it becomes a real value pick.
Pros- LDAC and Hi-Res audio on paper
- 40 hours of battery with ANC on
- Foldable design that packs small
Cons- No markdown shown on the listing
- Costs about as much as the discounted Sennheiser
- Sold by AnkerDirect, not Amazon.com
All 6 compared, in one look
See every pick on one chart, or tap one to put it head to head with Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. Ratings out of 10 are our estimates from published specs and Amazon owner reviews, not hands-on tests. Bigger shape = better.
- Deal valueSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless · 9.5/10
- Noise cancelling (on paper)Sony WH-1000XM6 · 9.8/10
- Sound (on paper)Sony WH-1000XM6 · 9.4/10
- BatterySennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless · 9.8/10
- Buy-now confidenceSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless · 9.2/10
Which one should you buy?
Find your situation below. That's your pick.
BuyClear markdown from Amazon.com on a pair that is already priced under Sony and Bose. A Black Friday cut is likely to be small, so buy now.
- You want ANC and the longest battery for the money
- You want a safe buy with a clear markdown
- You do not need the newest flagship
BuyAlready 25% under list, sold by Amazon.com. Skip it only if you need noise cancelling.
- You want a light on-ear pair under $150
- You do not need noise cancelling
- You use an iPhone or Android phone
WaitThe percent-off badge looks big but the price is still high. Wait for the sale, and buy now only if you need the best ANC for a trip.
- Best-in-class ANC matters most
- You fly or commute every week
- The sale price lands near Bose
WaitA new model with only a modest markdown. Wait for the sale and avoid third-party first-gen listings.
- You want spatial audio for movies
- Comfort on long trips is your top priority
- Bose cuts the price below Sony
WaitAn older model with a small markdown. Wait for a deeper Black Friday cut, or buy the Sennheiser now instead.
- You want USB-C lossless audio
- You like Beats styling
- The price falls under $200
SkipFull price, no markdown, and the Sennheiser costs about the same with a clear discount. Skip unless it falls under $150.
- You want LDAC on a budget
- The price falls under $150
- You do not mind a third-party seller
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
A well-regarded over-ear ANC pair at 29% under list, sold by Amazon.com. If you buy one pair before Black Friday, make it this one.
- 29% under list price
- Up to 60 hours of battery
- Sold by Amazon.com
Quick tips before you buy
Noise cancelling is the feature that costs the most. If you mostly listen at home or at a desk, a cheaper pair or the Solo 4 may be all you need.
The listing’s battery number is usually with noise cancelling off or at a set volume. Look for the “with ANC on” figure, as Soundcore and Bose state it.
Over-ear cups sit around your ears and feel better on long flights. On-ear pads rest on your ears, pack smaller and can feel tight after a few hours.
Buy from Amazon.com or the brand’s own store. Avoid third-party listings that sell older or “international” versions at a lower price.
Quick answers
When do Black Friday headphone deals start on Amazon in 2026?+
Black Friday is Friday, November 27, 2026, and Cyber Monday is Monday, November 30. Amazon has not announced its 2026 sale dates (checked October 19). In past years its Black Friday deals started about a week before Black Friday. If it repeats that, early headphone deals could start around November 20. That is a guess, not an announcement.
Will the Sony WH-1000XM6 go on sale for Black Friday?+
Nobody knows before the sale. The listing already shows a markdown badge, but the pair still costs about $100 more than the Sennheiser Momentum 4. Sony flagships do not always get deep cuts, so we suggest waiting unless you need the best noise cancelling right now.
Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones cheaper on Black Friday?+
They may be. The 2nd Gen listing shows 23% off its list price on Amazon.com as of October 19. Older first-gen listings cost less, but we saw them from third-party sellers, which we do not recommend. Wait for the sale if you can.
Is it better to buy headphones now or wait for Black Friday?+
Buy now if the pair is already well under its list price and sold by Amazon.com, like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 or Beats Solo 4. Wait if the model is new and the discount is small, like the Sony XM6 and Bose QC Ultra. If you buy now and the price drops later, do not count on a refund. Check the return details on the listing first.
Are Beats headphones on sale for Black Friday 2026?+
The Beats Solo 4 and Studio Pro already show markdowns on Amazon.com (25% and 17% off list when we checked). Beats often cuts older models more, so the Studio Pro is the one to wait on. The Solo 4 is a fair buy now.
Are Black Friday headphone deals real or just inflated “was” prices?+
Some are real, some are not. A big percent-off badge can come from a high list price, so compare the pair with similar headphones in the same tier, not with its own crossed-out price. The Sony XM6 is a good example: the badge looks large, but the price is still high.
What are the best noise cancelling headphones to buy on Black Friday?+
On paper, the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra lead on noise cancelling, but both cost about $450. For better value, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 has adaptive ANC and a clear discount. See our best noise cancelling headphones guide for full picks.
Keep comparing
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones: Top 5 on AmazonBlock out the world, from $50 to premium.
Best Headphones Under $100: Noise cancelling on a budgetReal noise cancelling without the $400 price tag.
Black Friday 2026: AirPods deals to buy now, wait for or skipAirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 are already under Apple’s list price. Wait on AirPods 5. Skip AirPods 4 and the older Max.