I test headphones for a living — these are the 5 best Prime Day deals I would go for

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / Amazon)

With Prime Day deals going strong, I've been keeping an eye on the best headphones price drops to see if I can bag a bargain on one of my favorite models.

I've tested hundreds of headphones over my career, from the best noise-canceling headphones that shut the world out to the best audiophile headphones that use luxury materials and plush over-ear cushions. I have a pretty good sense of what to look for when it comes to choosing headphones that are worth their price, but everyone likes a deal, right? With that in mind I've tracked down the best discounts on 5 of my favorite noise-canceling headphones, making them even better value.

Below are some of the best deals I've seen so far, including the Sony WH-1000XM4 priced at $248 @ Amazon. Having listened to these headphones extensively myself to compare them to the next-gen Sony WH-1000XM5 flagship version that replaced them in June 2022, it's easy to understand why the older version continue to be so popular given their great sound and ANC performance, build and practical foldable design. If you're not into the new styling sported by the WH-1000XM5, the XM4s really are a great buy at the price.

Read on for my top 5 picks, and be sure to check all of our Prime Day deals for sales on everything from TVs to AirPods!

Bose QuietComfort 45: was $329 now $199 @ Best Buy
Save $130 These are the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now. Stylish and comfortable to wear, in our Bose QuietComfort 45 review we said these 'phones are a must for Bose fans who want to swap out their older QC headphones for something more modern or shoppers who want first-class Bose noise cancelation for a cheaper price than the Bose 700. This is the lowest price we've seen for the Bose QC 45.
Check other retailers: $229 @ Amazon | $199 at B&H

Sony WH-1000XM4: was $349 now $248 @ Amazon
Save $101 As the predecessor to the XM5, these headphones offer great performance, superior comfort, and have impressive battery life of up to 38 hours playback. Despite being superseded by the WH-1000XM5, they continue to rank as one of the most popular over-ear ANC designs on the market. Although we have seen them fall to as low as $228, this is still a great price for one of Sony's best-ever headphones.
Check other retailers: $249 @ Best Buy| $248 @ Walmart

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: was $379 now $288 @ Amazon
The Momentum 4 Wireless have been completely revamped, replacing the eye-catching classic design of the Momentum 3 Wireless with a more mainstream look and feel. Build quality is still high and they have the best battery life of any ANC headphones I've tested. They last up to 60 hours of playtime with ANC enabled, which is incredible. They also offer excellent sound quality, effective ANC and a robust design. ANC is effective and doesn't affect the overall sound quality or frequency balance so listeners stay utterly absorbed in whatever music they're listening to.
Check other retailers: $294 @ Walmart | $379 @ Best Buy

Sony WH-CH720N: was $149 now $98 @ Amazon
Another Sony model I know, but few brands span the noise-canceling headphones market as comprehensively as Japanese tech giant. As the follow-up to the WH-CH710N, the WH-CH720N bring improved noise canceling, 35-hour battery life with noise canceling enabled, and full Sony Headphone Connect app support. I'm not suggesting they're up to the standards of Sony's flagship headphones, but they really are a great value option and deliver a big-brand experience at an attainable price.
Check other retailers: $99 @ Best Buy | $98 @ Walmart | $98 @ B&H

As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.