Prime Day 2025: Expert Picks for the Best Early Headphone, Earbud, and Speaker Deals

Amazon Prime Day has become one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, offering significant discounts across a vast range of products. For audiophiles and casual listeners alike, it's a prime opportunity (pun intended) to upgrade their audio gear. While the official dates for Prime Day 2025 are set for July 8th through July 11th, the deals often start rolling out early, creating a window of opportunity to snag popular items before the main rush.

Navigating the sheer volume of discounts can be overwhelming. That's where expert insights become invaluable. The ZDNET team dedicates considerable time to testing and evaluating audio products, from the latest noise-canceling headphones to compact Bluetooth speakers. Their rigorous testing process ensures that the recommendations aren't just based on price drops but on actual performance, build quality, and user experience.

This year, the focus is on identifying those early deals that offer genuine value. We're tracking prices not just on Amazon but also at competing retailers like Walmart and Best Buy, as these stores often launch their own sales to rival Prime Day. The goal is to highlight discounts on products that have been thoroughly vetted and recommended by experts, ensuring you get quality audio without paying full price.

Below, we delve into some of the most compelling early Prime Day deals spotted so far, covering a range of categories and price points. These are the deals that stand out based on the depth of the discount and the quality of the product, according to ZDNET's hands-on experience.

Best Early Prime Day Headphone and Earbud Deals

Headphones and earbuds are perennial favorites during sales events, and Prime Day is no exception. Whether you prefer the immersive experience of over-ear headphones or the convenience of true wireless earbuds, there are early deals catering to various needs and budgets. Here are some top picks:

Soundcore Q20i Over-Ear Headphones

Current Price: $50 (Save $20)

For those seeking solid performance without breaking the bank, the Soundcore Q20i headphones present a compelling option. These budget-friendly over-ear headphones boast features typically found in more expensive models, including active noise cancellation (ANC) to help block out distractions. With a promised 40 hours of playtime on a single charge, they are well-suited for long commutes or extended listening sessions. The inclusion of hi-res audio support suggests a focus on sound quality, while customization options available through the Soundcore app add a layer of personalized control over your listening experience. At a $20 discount, they offer significant value for budget-conscious buyers.

Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

Current Price: $47 (Save $22)

Nothing's CMF brand aims to deliver stylish, functional tech at accessible prices, and the CMF Buds Pro 2 earbuds are a prime example. These true wireless earbuds stand out with their distinctive design and availability in fun color options. Beyond aesthetics, they offer great sound quality for their price point and an impressive total battery life of 43 hours (including the charging case). A unique feature is their integration with ChatGPT when paired with a Nothing phone, adding a layer of smart functionality. While the article notes their noise cancellation might not be the strongest compared to premium competitors, the overall package of sound, style, battery life, and features makes them a highly attractive option, especially with a $22 saving.

The Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 are available on Amazon at an early Prime Day discount, making them an even more appealing budget choice.

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC Wireless Earbuds

Current Price: $159 (Save $20)

For Apple users, AirPods remain the go-to choice for seamless integration and reliable performance. The Apple AirPods 4 with ANC offer a solid balance of features for those who want effective noise cancellation and great sound quality within the Apple ecosystem but don't necessarily need all the advanced features of the Pro models. Their compatibility with iOS devices ensures easy pairing and use. While the $20 saving might seem modest compared to other deals, discounts on Apple products, especially newer generations, are relatively rare outside major sales events. This makes the current price a good opportunity for Apple enthusiasts.

Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones

Current Price: $130 (Save $70)

Beats headphones are known for their distinctive style and bass-forward sound profile. The Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones continue this tradition while offering broad compatibility with both Apple and Android devices. A standout feature is their impressive battery life, described as 'marathon,' making them ideal for users who prioritize longevity between charges. ZDNET's testing highlighted their simple yet practical user experience, suggesting they are easy to use and reliable for everyday listening. The significant $70 discount makes these stylish and long-lasting headphones a very attractive early Prime Day pick.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Headphones

Current Price: $473 (Save $226)

Stepping into the premium audio realm, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones are designed for discerning listeners who prioritize exceptional sound quality and luxurious build. ZDNET's review praised these flagship headphones for their outstanding audio performance, high-quality materials, and elegant design. While their original price is substantial, the early Prime Day discount of $226 brings them down to a more accessible, though still premium, price point. This deal is particularly appealing for audiophiles looking to invest in top-tier over-ear headphones at a significant saving.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

Current Price: $199 (Save $50)

Widely regarded as some of the best true wireless earbuds available, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a favorite for their combination of excellent sound, industry-leading active noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices. Features like Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio enhance their versatility for various environments. As noted by the article's author, these are their personal everyday earbuds, underscoring their reliability and quality. The current $50 discount brings the price down to what is described as the lowest you'll find them, making now an optimal time to purchase these premium earbuds.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are available on Amazon and are a top recommendation for Apple users.

Beats Studio Pro Over-Ear Headphones

Current Price: $250 (Save $100)

Beats' flagship over-ear headphones, the Studio Pro, offer a blend of style, performance, and broad compatibility. They feature a comfortable design with 'pillowy' earpads, 40 hours of playback time, and personalized spatial audio. A key highlight is their unique compatibility features for both iOS and Android platforms, which isn't always standard for headphones under the Apple umbrella. ZDNET's testing confirmed their comfort and cross-platform functionality. With a substantial $100 discount, available in multiple colors, the Beats Studio Pro are a strong contender for those seeking premium over-ear headphones that work well with any smartphone.

You can find the Beats Studio Pro on Amazon, often with significant discounts.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Over-Ear Headphones

Current Price: $250 (Save $150)

Positioned in the midrange of Bowers & Wilkins' lineup, the Px7 S2e headphones offer a taste of premium audio quality in a slimmer, more portable design than the Px8. They feature effective active noise cancellation and are lauded for their incredible sound quality, maintaining the brand's reputation for audio fidelity. The $150 saving makes these headphones a very attractive option for those who appreciate high-quality sound and design but might find the Px8 too expensive. Available in Anthracite Black or Cloud Grey, they combine aesthetics with performance.

Marshall Major V On-Ear Headphones

Current Price: $100 (Save $50)

Marshall is iconic for its amplifiers, and their audio products carry that same rock-and-roll aesthetic. The Marshall Major V on-ear headphones boast a classic look and a dynamic sound profile that ZDNET found surprisingly good for their price. Like the Beats Solo 4, they offer marathon battery life, emphasizing longevity. Testing indicated these headphones are best suited for casual listening, providing a simple, practical experience tuned for enjoying music without overly complex features. The $50 discount makes these stylish and long-lasting headphones an excellent value for fans of Marshall's design and sound.

More Headphone, Earbud, and Speaker Deals from Other Retailers

While Amazon is the host of Prime Day, other major retailers often participate in the sales frenzy with their own competitive offers. Keeping an eye on sites like Walmart and Best Buy can uncover additional savings or bundles not available on Amazon. Here are a few notable deals found elsewhere:

Beats Pill (2024) Bluetooth Speaker

Current Price: $100 (in Navy Blue only) (Save $50)

Beats extended its product line into portable audio with the Beats Pill speaker. The 2024 model continues the brand's focus on stylish design and delivering a big, loud sound from a compact form factor. ZDNET considers it one of their favorites in the portable speaker category. The Navy Blue color, exclusive to Walmart, is currently available at a $50 discount, making it a great time to pick up this popular speaker if you're looking for portability and powerful audio.

The Beats Pill (2024) is available at Walmart in an exclusive color.

Beats Studio Pro Over-Ear Headphones + Free Apple Services

Current Price: $249 (Save $100)

Best Buy is offering the Beats Studio Pro headphones at the same $100 discount seen elsewhere, but they sweeten the deal for new subscribers by including three free months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness+. This bundle adds extra value for those looking to dive into Apple's subscription services alongside their new headphones. It's the same great product with 40 hours of playback and cross-platform compatibility, but with a valuable added incentive.

You can find this bundle deal for the Beats Studio Pro at Best Buy.

Apple AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones + Free Apple Services

Current Price: $529 (Save $20)

Apple's premium over-ear offering, the AirPods Max, are known for their exceptional build quality, comfortable design, and top-tier sound and noise cancellation. They integrate seamlessly with other Apple devices, making them the preferred choice for many Apple users seeking an over-ear experience. While the $20 discount is modest for headphones at this price point, any saving on AirPods Max is noteworthy. Best Buy's inclusion of three free months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ for new subscribers adds extra appeal to this high-end purchase.

The Apple AirPods Max are available at Best Buy with added Apple service benefits.

Sony Ult Field 3 Bluetooth Speaker + Free Apple Services

Current Price: $148 (Save $52)

Sony is a major player in the audio market, and their Ult Field 3 Bluetooth speaker is highlighted for its great sound and emphasis on big bass. This midrange portable speaker is designed to deliver powerful audio, suitable for outdoor gatherings or adding extra punch to your music indoors. Walmart is offering a bundle with this speaker that includes 3 to 4 free months of various Apple services for new subscribers, including Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade. This makes the $52 saving even more attractive, especially if you're interested in exploring Apple's digital content ecosystem.

You can find the Sony Ult Field 3 at Walmart with a bundle of free Apple services.

Prime Day FAQs

As Prime Day approaches and early deals emerge, potential buyers often have questions about the event and the deals themselves. Here are some common queries addressed:

When is Amazon Prime Day 2025?

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is scheduled to take place from July 8th to July 11th.

Are headphones really cheaper on Prime Day?

Generally, yes. Prime Day is a significant sales event where retailers, including Amazon and its competitors, offer substantial discounts on electronics, including headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers. The deals highlighted in this article, for instance, all represent a discount from the original or recent retail price. While prices can fluctuate, Prime Day typically offers some of the lowest prices of the year on many popular audio products.

It's worth noting that while most products see discounts, some newer or highly in-demand items might have smaller price drops or be excluded entirely. Price tracking over time, as done by experts, helps identify genuine savings versus minor fluctuations or inflated 'original' prices.

How were these Prime Day deals chosen?

The selection of deals in this list is based on rigorous testing and long-term use by the ZDNET team. The criteria include:

• Expert Testing: Only products that have been hands-on tested and recommended by ZDNET experts are included. This ensures the quality and performance of the product meet certain standards.
• Long-Term Evaluation: Products are often used beyond the initial review period to assess their durability and performance over time.
• Brand Popularity and Demand: Deals on products from popular and reputable brands are prioritized, as these are often items readers are actively seeking discounts on.
• Discount Depth: While any saving is good, the list focuses on products with meaningful discounts, ideally at least 20% off the original price, although exceptional deals with smaller percentages on high-value items might also be included.
• Price Tracking: Monitoring historical prices helps confirm that the current 'deal' price is genuinely lower than usual and not just a minor price adjustment.

This curated approach ensures that the recommended deals represent not just a lower price, but a good opportunity to purchase a high-quality, expert-vetted product.

Tips for Shopping Prime Day Audio Deals

To make the most of Prime Day and the early deals, consider these tips:

• Know What You Need: Before the sales hit, think about what features are most important to you. Do you need active noise cancellation for commuting? Long battery life for travel? Specific compatibility with your phone or other devices? Knowing your priorities will help you filter through the many options.
• Set a Budget: Prime Day deals can be tempting. Decide how much you're willing to spend beforehand to avoid overspending.
• Compare Prices: Don't assume the Amazon price is the lowest. Check other major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and the manufacturer's own website, as they often match or beat Prime Day prices, sometimes with added incentives like gift cards or service bundles.
• Read Reviews (from trusted sources): While the discount is important, the quality of the product matters most. Refer to reviews from reputable tech sites (like ZDNET's linked reviews) that have hands-on experience with the product.
• Check Return Policies: Understand the return policy for the retailer you buy from, just in case the product doesn't meet your expectations.
• Act Fast on Lightning Deals: Some of the best deals, especially on highly popular items, might be 'Lightning Deals' that only last for a few hours or until stock runs out. If a product you want appears as a Lightning Deal, be prepared to purchase quickly.

Beyond the Deals: Understanding Audio Technology

Choosing the right audio device involves understanding a few key concepts:

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This technology uses microphones to detect external sounds and generate opposing sound waves to cancel them out. It's particularly useful in noisy environments like airplanes, trains, or busy offices. The effectiveness of ANC varies significantly between models and brands.
• Sound Quality: This is subjective but influenced by factors like driver size, audio codecs supported (e.g., aptX, LDAC for higher fidelity), and the manufacturer's tuning. Some headphones have a neutral sound profile, while others emphasize bass or treble.
• Battery Life: Crucial for wireless devices. Pay attention to the stated battery life for the earbuds/headphones themselves and the total battery life including the charging case (for earbuds).
• Connectivity: Most wireless audio uses Bluetooth. Look for the latest Bluetooth versions (like 5.0 or higher) for better range, stability, and power efficiency. Features like multipoint pairing (connecting to two devices simultaneously) can also be convenient.
• Comfort and Fit: Especially important for headphones and earbuds that will be worn for extended periods. Over-ear headphones should have comfortable earpads and a well-padded headband. Earbuds often come with multiple tip sizes to ensure a secure and comfortable seal, which is also vital for effective ANC and sound quality.
• Platform Compatibility: While most Bluetooth devices work with any phone, some features (like spatial audio, quick pairing, or specific app controls) might be exclusive to certain operating systems (e.g., Apple's H1/W1/H2 chip features with iOS, or specific Android fast pair features).

Conclusion

Amazon Prime Day 2025 promises a wealth of opportunities to save on audio technology. By keeping an eye on early deals and focusing on expert-recommended products, you can secure great devices like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, Beats Studio Pro, or Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 at significantly reduced prices. Remember to compare offers across retailers and consider what features matter most for your listening habits. Happy deal hunting!