Start with this: if you've been holding out for a real sale on premium noise-cancelling headphones, this week’s deals are the clearest sign you waited for the right moment. Amazon’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday window (running through December 1, 2025) has pushed several headline models to prices we’ve rarely seen — and a few bargains are actually worth the fuss.

The deals that matter

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: down to about $298 in many Black Friday listings — a drop that trims more than $100 off typical sale prices.
  • Bose QuietComfort (baseline over-ear model): around $199, a 40%-plus cut that moves a long-time ANC favorite into true budget-premium territory.
  • Sony WH-1000XM6: roughly $398, a smaller discount but still significant for Sony’s newest flagship.
  • Sony WH-1000XM5: about $248, a steep cut for a still-excellent generation.
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): seen between ~$216–$219 on Amazon and other retailers during the sale, well below the $299 launch price.

    • Numbers shift fast during holiday events, but the trend is clear: top-tier ANC from Bose and Sony is suddenly much easier to justify.

    Why these headphones still matter

    You’re not just buying noise cancellation — you’re buying a package of comfort, sound tuning and software tricks that actually shape daily listening.

    Bose’s recent Ultras (both over-ear and earbuds) lean hard on two strengths: comfort and spatial processing. Reviewers repeatedly praise the cushioning and long-wear design, and Bose’s Immersive Audio/head-tracking modes deliver convincing three-dimensional sound for music and movies. Bose’s ActiveSense AI for ANC dynamically adapts cancellation levels to changing environments — useful on trains, planes and crowded cafes.

    Sony hasn’t been idle. The WH-1000XM6 refines Sony’s already-strong ANC, improves call handling and returns a folding hinge for portability — a practical plus for travelers. Sony still scores highly for a neutral, detailed presentation for listeners who want fidelity as much as quiet.

    What reviewers flagged (the good and the irritating)

    Bose positives: outstanding comfort, effective ANC across a wide frequency range, and a strong immersive mode. The QuietComfort baseline over-ear remains a stunning value when it drops near $199.

    Bose caveats: earbuds and some headphone units have shown intermittent connectivity or firmware hiccups in testing — multipoint quirks, occasional failed updates and a bulky charging case on the earbuds that reviewers found less pocket-friendly. Battery life on the earbuds is decent (around six hours with ANC on, additional charges via the case), but not category-leading.

    Sony positives: class-leading call clarity, refined sound balance, excellent ANC and smart ergonomics like a quick hand-over-to-talk gesture on some models.

    Sony caveats: their premium models are still pricier in sale terms than some Bose options, so the value calculus depends on which features you prioritize.

    Who should buy what

  • If noise cancellation and long-wear comfort are your top priorities and you want the best sale price per performance: the Bose QuietComfort (over-ear) at ~$199 is hard to beat.
  • If you want the most immersive spatial experience in earbuds and don't mind dealing with a larger case or occasional firmware headaches: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) at ~$216–$219 are compelling.
  • If you want slightly more neutral fidelity, superior multipoint/connectivity polish and the best call quality: look at the Sony WH-1000XM6 (or the discounted XM5 if you can live with previous-gen features).

    • A few practical tips for buyers this week

  • Check battery expectations: many Bose over-ears advertise ~24 hours ANC-on battery, while newer second-gen units and Sony flag ~30 hours. Real-world use tends to be a little lower than spec sheets.
  • Watch for firmware updates: some reviewers reported needing to reset devices to complete updates. If you buy a discounted unit, install updates before long trips.
  • Consider fit and portability: earbuds with large, rugged cases are sturdier but less pocketable; over-ear folding designs matter for frequent flyers.
  • Don’t ignore mid-tier winners: TechRadar’s testing shows that older Bose Ultras and even some sub-$250 models can match or come close to the latest flagships in real-world ANC tests — value hunting here pays off.

Holiday sales have a way of turning aspirational gear into pragmatic purchases. This year's event did just that: the headline Bose and Sony models remain some of the best noise-cancelling options on the market, and for the next few days the price is finally on your side. Pick according to what you actually use most — commuting, long flights, calls, or movie nights — and you’ll likely end up happier than you expect with one of these contenders.

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