Jaybird Vista 2
Photograph: JaybirdIf you’re hard on earbuds, these are some of the most rugged we’ve tried. They’re sweat- and dust-resistant, and they fit very well (and stay secure even during sweaty endeavors). At this steep discount, they’re a good buy for any Pigpens in your life.
Amazon (Prime Members Only), 1More
The ColorBuds (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are the third-generation of incredibly comfortable wirefree earbuds from the small audio brand 1More. They have a six-hour battery life, support for the AptX Bluetooth codec for higher-quality wireless audio, and an assortment of comfortable ear tips that all but guarantee a good fit. They’re also IPX5 rated, which means they can withstanding rainy walks and sweaty.
Headphone Deals
Be sure to check out our complete lists of the Best Wireless Headphones and Best Noise-Canceling Headphones.
Apple AirPods Max
Photograph: AppleThese are the best-sounding wireless headphones I’ve ever heard, and they’re absolutely magical with iOS devices and Macs. They sound fantastic, have excellent noise reduction, and boast one of my favorite volume knobs in the business. If you’re looking for the best headphones for work and travel, these are them. Note that only the Space Gray model is available at this price.
Sony’s flagship wireless headphones (9/10, WIRED Recommends) have ranked among the best on the market for nearly a decade. They have 30 hours of battery life, amazing noise reduction, and fantastic sound. They even detect ambient air pressure, so they can help reduce that weird feeling you get in your ears on flights.
These are the best-sounding wired headphones I’ve ever heard under $220, let alone $179. Be aware: They’re open-backed, which means you’ll be able to hear all sounds from the outside world, and we’ll be able to hear your music.
This is the newer version of the ever-popular QC-35 headphones that debuted over a decade ago. They now have better mics, better battery life, and the same great noise-canceling feature. At this price, they’re a great deal for those who are spending more time than ever on Zoom.