Sound Advice: Top Black Friday Deals on Audio Equipment

The holidays are a great time to give the gift of music—to friends, family, or just yourself. And this year's Black Friday audio deals let you save money on headphones, wireless speakers, and even turntables.

Websites such as bfads.net offer previews of ads from retailers that feature the best deals on audio gear. But to get the best deal on Black Friday electronics shopping—whether it's buying a television or a computer—you need to know exactly what you want before you whip out your credit card.

Wireless speakers can range in price from $40 to more than $700, and they can be broken down into two major categories: portable speakers, which feature a rechargeable battery, and home wireless speakers, which need to be plugged in.

You'll also need to choose among Bluetooth models, which can be more versatile; WiFi models, which offer a more stable connection; and higher-end models that offer both. For more details, check out our wireless speakers buying guide.

More From Consumer Reports

We also test a number of types of headphones: stereo, noise-canceling, wireless, in-ear, over-the-ear, and on-ear at a wide range of prices. For more info, please refer to our headphones buying guide.

If you have a vinyl lover on your gift list, you'll also find a number of Black Friday sales for turntables.

Headphones

Here are some of the headphones you can find at some of the big retail outlets, as well as online. (Check our buying guide and ratings for headphones.)

Beats by Dre. If you have a Beats by Dre fan on your shopping list, you can save big on several of the company's models on Black Friday. The Beats by Dre Solo2 wireless in-ear headphones, usually $199, are marked down to $119 at Target. The Powerbeats2 wireless in-ear headphones have been reduced to $89 (usually $140) at Best Buy. You can pick up the $129 Tour2 in-ear headphones for less than half price: Target has them for $64; HHGregg has marked them down to $49.

Sony. You'll find the Sony XB950BT Bluetooth wireless headphones for $89 (usually $129) at Best Buy and Sony ZX310 headphones for $19 at Kohl's (usually $29).

Bose. Advertising its Black Friday deals on its own website, Bose has several headphones on sale, including the Bose QuietComfort 25 over-the-ear home/studio-style headphones for $249 (usually $299). You'll also find the Bose SoundSport in-ear portable headphones for $49 (usually $99), although they're even cheaper at Best Buy for $39.

Sennheiser. The Sennheiser CX 300-II Precision in-ear headphones, usually between $29 and $39, are $19 at Newegg.

Wireless Speakers

You can also take advantage of some great deals on wireless speakers on Black Friday. (Check our buying guide and ratings for wireless speakers.)

Amazon. The online retail giant has marked down its Alexa-enabled wireless speakers in honor of Black Friday. The Echo is $140, a savings of $40. The smaller Echo Dot is $40, $10 off its regular price. The portable Tap is also on sale for $90, a $40 savings. You can find some of these same deals at Best Buy, RadioShack, Staples, and even Lowe's.

Sonos. The highly rated Sonos Play:1 home wireless speaker, normally $199, is on sale for $149 at both Best Buy and Target.

JBL. The JBL Xtreme portable wireless speaker, usually $239, is $199 at Best Buy.

Altec Lansing. Target has the Altec Lansing Omni Jacket portable Bluetooth speaker for $99, half off its retail price.

Turntables

If you know someone looking to get into vinyl—or back into vinyl—check out a few of these Black Friday audio equipment deals. (Check our beginner's guide to turntables.)

Victrola. Although the name “Victrola” might conjure up an image of a bygone age, the brand is still around and Kohl’s is offering modest discounts on two models: A 7-in-1 Bluetooth wooden record player for $129 (usually $139) and a lower-priced Bluetooth turntable for $39 (usually $59).

Electrohome. You’ll find several retro-looking models at the Electrohome site, including the EANOS501 Winston 3-in-1 Retro Record Player for $109, $20 off its usual retail of $129, and the EANOS700 Signature Retro HiFi Record Player for $179, down from its regular price of $199.

Numark. For turntables that feature a more contemporary look, Sam Ash has two Numark models on Black Friday discounts: The $139 Numark TTUSB turntable for $99, and the $79 PT Touring turntable for $59.