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Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and with it comes a major online shopping event. If you’re looking for a new pair of headphones, now is the best time to buy, as early deals are already rolling out across major retailers. I’ve spotted impressive discounts on premium models like the Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5, just to name a few.
Also: The best headphones and earbuds of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
There are countless great options out there. So much so that shopping for headphones can quickly become overwhelming. Should you get a pair of flagship noise-canceling headphones or something more affordable? Don’t worry because I’m here to help.
Here at ZDNET, we review the latest releases and closely track discounts year-round. To help narrow things down, I sifted through many Memorial Day promotions and rounded up the best headphone deals I think are worth your full attention.
Best early Memorial Day headphones deals 2026
- Current price: $450 (18% off)
- Original price: $550
The AirPods Max remain one of the best premium over-ear headphones, combining a durable build with powerful noise canceling and seamless integration across Apple’s ecosystem. Audio performance is a major highlight, delivering crisp, detailed sound perfect for multimedia, while features like Spatial Audio create an immersive experience.
This deal applies specifically to the newer USB-C model, which launched in 2024. This version introduces support for 24-bit lossless audio as well as low-latency wired playback.
Also: Should you buy AirPods Max? A long-awaited upgrade will entice professionals
- Current price: $170 (15% off)
- Original price: $200
Soundcore’s Space One Pro is one of my favorite pairs of headphones and a model I still use regularly. This midrange pair delivers a surprisingly premium experience. Its active noise cancellation (ANC) is excellent, effectively muting outside traffic, conversations, and other background noise. Its unique FlexiCurve folding design allows the Space One pro to collapse inward for easier storage. Soft cushioning on the earcups and headband provides long-term comfort. Also, battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours with ANC enabled.
Review: Soundcore Space One Pro
- Current price: $299 (9% off)
- Original price: $329
Bose’s QuietComfort 45 headphones are a great option for people who prioritize comfort. Designed for long listening sessions, the QC45 features soft over-ear cushions and a lightweight fit that make them comfortable enough to wear all day. Audio quality is rich and immersive, with the Bose Music app letting users customize the sound profile for a more personalized experience. Just like the previous entry, the QuietComfort 45 boasts strong ANC (active noise canceling) that is especially effective against annoying background noise, such as airplane engines and mechanical keyboards.
Review: Bose QuietComfort 45
- Current price: $250 (38% off)
- Original price: $400
The Sony WH-1000XM5 continues to set the standard for premium wireless audio.
Sony refined nearly every aspect of the previous generation, introducing softer ear cushions, a lighter design, and strong active noise cancellation. What’s interesting about this model’s ANC feature is that it implements white noise to more effectively block out background noise. Its touch controls are intuitive and reliable. The companion app offers extensive customization options, which include EQ adjustments and the ability to enable 360 Reality Audio. Add in good microphone clarity and Bluetooth Multipoint, and the WH-1000XM5 stands tall as one of the best headphones today.
Review: Sony WH-1000XM5
- Current price: $148 (40% off)
- Original price: $248
You can consider the Sony ULT WEAR headphones an alternative to the WH-1000XM5, offering many of the same features at a lower cost. Seemingly inspired by the company’s flagship series, the ULT WEAR delivers warm, energetic sound with clear vocals and deep low-end performance. Hip-hop, EDM, and other bass-centric genres positively shine on these headphones. The standout feature is Ult Power Sound mode. This boosts the bass even further with the press of a button for greater immersion.
Sony also equipped the headphones with its V1 chip for better active noise cancellation, letting them compete with pricier rivals in the midrange market.
Review: Sony ULT WEAR
FAQs
When is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day always takes place on the last Monday of May, and in 2026, the holiday falls on May 25. However, the sales event typically spans the entire weekend. You’ll likely start seeing smartphone discounts appear on Friday, May 22, with deals continuing through Memorial Day weekend and into Monday.
How did we choose these Memorial Day deals?
ZDNET only writes about deals that capture our own interest — devices and products we want, need, or would recommend not only to our readers, but to friends and family. Our experts look for deals at least 20% off (or hardly ever on sale), using established price-comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually worth your time.
We also examine customer reviews and rely on our own hands-on experience with new tech to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products we’re recommending. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice and to make you aware of price drops so you can shop smarter.
