Sometimes, smaller is better. Discreet, comfortable, lightweight and convenient, earbuds are an excellent piece of diminutive tech that all should take advantage of - whether for commuting, working out or just handing out at home. The big Black Friday sale is over for many - but some retailers still have deals available right now. So, it's still the perfect time to grab a serious bargain on the best headphones around. In this article, we will round up the best earbud deals you can’t afford to miss. The day may have passed but the sales are still going on.

Are you new to earbuds and wondering what all the fuss is about? At the end of this article, we will explore earbuds, their excellent sound capabilities and other features that make them a worthy purchase in 2023. If you’re already up to speed, scroll down and feast your eyes on the best savings from retailers including Amazon, Currys and John Lewis.

The best retailers for last chance Black Friday deals and bargains on earbuds:

• Amazon: Deals on products from JBL, B&O, Sennheiser, Bose and more

• Currys: Black Friday smart tech and audio deals

• John Lewis: Headphone Black Friday deals

And yes, Black Friday is the sales event that just keeps on giving - even after it's officially over. Now is still a great time to pick up a bargain on some new earbuds. Below, we highlight the best deals available today and will update it as frequently as possible as more prices drop. Our selection will be tip-top, with recommendations still requiring us to value the product - we’re about bargains on quality, not getting ripped off with rubbish. You’ll only find reputable brands, including Beats by Dre, Sony, and Samsung.

The best Black Friday earbuds deals 2023

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Deals are subject to change at short notice.

The rise of earbuds

Earbuds have gained a considerable amount of popularity in recent years. Head anywhere in the UK, and you will be sure to see swathes of people with little tech in their ears, nodding along to favourite tracks as they aim for a new gym PR, chatting away on calls at the back of the bus or ponderously musing their true crime podcast of choice over a coffee. From these scenes alone, one of the best things about them is clear: wireless tech offers excellent freedom, allowing you to get on with your day without tangling up in wires. The lightness and compactness of the designs also help compound the benefit, as do impressive day-long batteries and quick charging cases.

But wirelessness means nothing without quality sound - this was one area that earbuds struggled with initially, but the electronics packed inside have improved tenfold, and they’ve never sounded better. They can even challenge the best over-ear headphones by producing full, rich bass, clear mids and delicate highs. Whether you are into dance and hip-hop or punk and death metal, earbuds can now deliver the best for your music.

Additional features of merit include noise-cancellation actively silencing the outside world, touch controls making pausing, answering calls or changing volume a breeze and many other magical features. Many are also compatible with smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, and fitness trackers, adding more utility.

FAQs:

When does the Black Friday Sale end?

The Black Friday sale officially began on Friday 24th November, and is over now for some retailers - but the deals haven't stopped there. Lots of retailers are continuing the sale well beyond Cyber Monday (27th November). With Christmas right around the corner, there's no end to the mind-blowing deals in this year's Black Friday event.

How do I buy good earbuds?

Plenty of good earbuds are available in 2023, but each has its own characteristics that make them better suited to some than others. For example, some earbuds - like those from Beats by Dre - prioritise bass frequencies, perfect for pairing with hip-hop or dance. Meanwhile, Marshall has a tone best suited to guitar music, making them a clear choice for rock and metal listeners.

Additionally, different features - battery length, noise-cancelling, voice assistant compatibility - will take precedence for some people and not others. Below, we consider a few points you should consider before buying your new earbuds this Black Friday.

Connectivity: Ensure the earbuds have reliable and seamless connectivity through Bluetooth or other wireless technologies. Look for earbuds with stable connections to prevent audio dropouts or interruptions during use.

Charging case: Evaluate the charging case’s capacity and design. A compact and efficient charging case can provide additional battery life and enhance portability.

Compatibility: Confirm that the earbuds are compatible with your devices, whether a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Check for compatibility with Android and iOS platforms.

Build quality: Assess the earbuds’ durability, their construction materials, and any waterproof ratings. Opt for earbuds with sturdy build quality to ensure longevity, especially if you plan to use them in various environments.

Microphone quality: If you frequently make calls or participate in virtual meetings, consider earbuds with a high-quality microphone to ensure clear communication.

Customisation options: Some earbuds have companion apps that allow you to customise settings, adjust EQ levels, and update firmware. Explore these options for a more personalised audio experience.

Price: Set a budget based on your preferences and needs. While premium earbuds offer advanced features, there are also budget-friendly options with excellent performance. Find the right balance between elements and cost for your requirements.

Is it okay to buy cheap earbuds?

Cheap earbuds can be tempting but often compromise sound quality, fit, and durability. Other affordable earbuds may offer decent sound but could miss features like ANC or extended battery life.

Also, cheap earbuds may be more prone to breakage and provide a different comfort or longevity than higher-priced options.

If you’re a casual listener who doesn’t prioritise high-end audio or extensive features, affordable earbuds might be a suitable choice. However, if you’re an audiophile or require earbuds for specific activities like workouts or travel, investing in a higher-quality pair will provide a more satisfying and rewarding listening and use experience.

What is better than earbuds?

Over-ear headphones are often considered an alternative to earbuds, offering several advantages:

Superior sound quality: Over-ear headphones generally provide richer, more immersive sound due to their more significant drivers and earcups. They can better reproduce bass and offer a more detailed audio experience. However, earbuds have closed this gap recently - particularly those from Samsung and Sony.

Passive noise isolation: Over-ear headphones naturally block out ambient noise by physically covering your ears. This passive noise isolation can be effective in quiet environments, though it may not be as effective as ANC in louder settings.

Comfort: Over-ear headphones distribute weight more evenly across the head, reducing pressure and discomfort during extended listening sessions.

However, over-ear headphones also have some drawbacks:

Bulk and portability: Over-ear headphones are generally bulkier and less portable than earbuds, making them less convenient for travel or on-the-go listening.

Heat: Over-ear headphones can trap heat and moisture around the ears, causing discomfort in warm environments.

William Lobley is the Deputy Tech & Fitness Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.

He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.

When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.

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