From Sony to Anker to Bose – there are some headphone bargains for Black Friday 2022. TECHBOOK has taken a close look at the headphone bargains from Amazon, Media Markt, Saturn and Co. and reveals the best deals.
In the week before Black Friday (November 25th), many retailers already have good headphone deals in their range. Whether in-ear, over-ear, with or without active noise canceling – there is something for everyone here.
The best headphone deals this Black Friday week
Sony WH-1000XM4 for 222 euros (-13%)
Behind the notoriously complicated designation WH-1000XM4 are Sony’s noise-cancelling headphones, which can even compete with the successor XM5 without any problems. Sony delivers excellent sound and perfect noise-cancelling that cuts out almost all background noise. Control is via touch gestures, and the headphones are charged via USB-C cable. The hangers can be folded up small and stowed away in the carrying bag provided.
For Black Friday, the Sony headphones are reduced to 222 euros. They had previously cost just under 256 euros.
Urbanista Los Angeles for 139 euros (-30%)
The headphone model “Los Angeles” from the Swedish manufacturer Urbanista sounds as if it comes from the future. A solar panel in the bracket should guarantee that you can use the headphones without ever having to connect them to the charging cable. This also works – as long as there is enough light available. The companion app has a handy graph that shows exactly how much the Los Angeles is using and how much electricity is being generated by the solar panel. If the light is not enough, you can also charge the headphones via USB-C. They are also otherwise well equipped, with solid, active noise canceling (ANC) and powerful bass.
The Urbanista Los Angeles are currently on sale at Amazon for 139 euros, which is a saving of a whopping 30 percent compared to the normal price of 200 euros.
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd generation) for 59.99 euros (-21%)
The first generation of Echo Buds did not come to Germany, but the successor to Black Friday week is on offer. The earbuds offer active noise cancellation and native integration of the Alexa voice assistant. Voice commands via Siri and Google Assistant are also possible. They are smaller and lighter than their predecessors, and are controlled via the small touch surfaces on the outside. Unfortunately, these are a bit sensitive, which is why they sometimes register incorrect entries if you accidentally hit them. The ANC isn’t as effective as on more expensive models like AirPods Pro (2) and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. After all, there are silicone attachments in four different sizes, so that everyone can find the right one for themselves.
Amazon currently offers the Echo Buds 2nd generation for a low price of 59.99 euros for the version without wireless charging.
JBL Live 660NC for 79 euros (-34%)
If you’re looking for an affordable pair of over-ear headphones with active noise-cancelling (ANC), check out the JBL Live 660NC. The brackets are connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth or cable and can simply disappear into the pocket when not in use thanks to the folding hinges. Two 40mm drivers provide the typical JBL sound. A special feature is the multipoint support, thanks to which the headphones can be connected to several devices. They also automatically pause playback when removed. Another extra: tapping the handset activates the language assistant. Either the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can be set via the JBL app. With ANC and Bluetooth switched on, the Live 660NC should last up to 40 hours. 10 minutes of charging should be enough for 4 hours of playback.
The JBL headphones are available for 79 euros at Saturn, Media Markt and Amazon. They usually cost around 120 euros.
Anker Soundcore Life P2 for 27.99 euros (-30%)
The small Liberty Air in-ear headphones from Anker’s Soundcore brand do not require any cables at all and can be charged in a practical carrying case. The earbuds are resistant to water and sweat according to IPX5 certification. The battery lasts up to 8 hours of music playback, another 32 hours with the charging case. Microphones for telephoning are also built into the small buds. The Life P2 may not have ANC, but they still come with four different sizes of silicone tips for passive noise isolation.
Amazon offers the headphones for Black Friday for 27.99 euros. The Soundcore Life P2 normally cost just under 40 euros.
Sony WF-1000XM4 for 165 euros (-13%)
Similar to the headband headphones, Sony’s premium earbuds with ANC are also on offer. The WF-1000XM4 can compete with Apple AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. They deliver excellent ANC and great sound quality. Users can choose from silicone or memory foam attachments in different sizes to find the optimal fit and seal. The earbuds are water-repellent according to IPX4 and can therefore also be used for sports. They last up to eight hours on one charge. The case charges via USB-C or wirelessly and delivers an additional 16 hours of charging.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are currently available from Otto and Amazon for a low price of 165 euros.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 for 55.99 euros (-30%)
With the Q30, Soundcore has improved the points that we had criticized in the TECHBOOK test on the predecessor Q20. The case now has a stable metal bracket and nothing creaks when you touch it. The headphones have now also received an extensive app. There are also updates, an equalizer, various noise canceling modes and more. Active noise canceling (ANC) is now on by default when you turn it on. Another plus point: The Q30 now has a USB-C port with quick charging function. That’s four hours of gameplay in just five minutes. We had already praised the sound of the Q20 and the Q30 also convinces with a full and bassy sound. Nevertheless, the highs and mids are well defined. And thanks to the equalizer, the sound can be adjusted to your own preferences. A compact hard case, a charging cable and a 3.5 mm cable are included in the scope of delivery.
Instead of 80 euros, the Soundcore Life Q30 currently only cost 55.99 euros on Amazon.
Headphones – between wearing comfort and sound quality
There are many different types of headphones on the market. There are the classic over-ears with brackets, the earpieces of which nestle around the ears and shield the listener well from outside noise. This type of headphones is often used in the professional audio field. An alternative to this are the on-ears, which are also a variant of the headband headphones. Here the ear piece rests on the ear, but does not cover it completely. This allows ambient noise to get through to the listener better – it is not completely sealed off. There are also different versions of the in-ears: with and without brackets for the ears, wired or completely wireless (Bluetooth or True Wireless), with and without silicone plugs. So if buyers are looking for new headphones, the decision for or against a specific shape is already very helpful and narrows the selection.
Active noise canceling for quiet music enjoyment
Active noise canceling, or ANC for short, is also very popular at the moment. Noise canceling is particularly good at filtering out continuous, relatively constant noise such as the hum of an engine or engine. Because to reduce background noise, an anti-noise is generated, which audibly minimizes the source of interference. But conversations around the music listener can also be reduced in this way. Especially when traveling by bus, train and plane, but also in the office, many users value good noise canceling. Headphones with ANC are available in all product classes, whether over-, on- or in-ear. However, models with ANC are usually more expensive than those without.
Note: In this article we use so-called affiliate links. That means we get a small commission when users click on it and make a purchase. However, this has no influence whatsoever on the selection and assessment of bargains by the editors. This also does not change the price for you as a potential customer.