For frequent travelers, a reliable pair of noise-canceling headphones is less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Whether it’s engine noise, a crying baby, or nearby passengers, a good set of headphones can make the difference between a stressful flight and a productive or restful one.
Bose has long been considered the gold standard in active noise cancellation, particularly for frequent flyers. And right now, one of Bose’s most popular models is seeing a rare and substantial price cut.
For a limited time, Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones are available for as low as $179, down from their usual retail price of $359. That’s roughly 50% off. At the same time, several Beats headphones are also discounted by up to 49%, offering Beats’ flagship over-the-ear headphones for just $180.
Here’s a closer look at the Bose QuietComfort deal and how it compares to other discounted options.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones: A Traveler Favorite 50% Off
Bose’s QuietComfort line has been a staple among frequent flyers for years thanks to its dependable noise cancellation and long battery life. While newer premium models like the QuietComfort Ultra push pricing well above $400, the standard QuietComfort headphones offer a better balance between performance and price.
Normally priced at $359, the QuietComfort headphones are currently up to 50%, off bringing the price down to around $179, depending on the retailer and color. Discounts this deep on Bose’s core noise-canceling lineup don’t appear often except for around the holidays.
Key features of the standard Bose QuietComfort headphones include:
- Active noise cancellation
- Lightweight design
- Up to 24 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled
- Bluetooth connectivity with multipoint pairing
- Adjustable EQ via the Bose Music app
- USB-C charging
For travelers who prioritize comfort and noise reduction over extra audio features, the QuietComfort remains one of the most flight-friendly options on the market.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Also Marked Down
Bose’s current flagship headphones, the QuietComfort Ultra 2, retail for well over $400 and add features like spatial audio and enhanced immersion modes. Even the first-generation QuietComfort Ultras retail for over $400 with similar upgraded features. While those upgrades are appealing, they also come at a significant premium.
While not as appealing as 50% off, these Bose headphones are also on sale. The first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultras are currently available for up to 35% off bringing the price down to just $279.
Here’s what you get with the first-gen QuietComfort Ultras:
- Active noise cancellation
- Spatial audio offering a more immersive listening experience
- Up to 24 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled
- Touch controls on each earcup
- Bluetooth connectivity with multipoint pairing
- Adjustable EQ via the Bose Music app
- USB-C charging
Still, at under $180, the standard QuietComfort headphones deliver the core Bose experience at roughly half the price of the Ultra model. And for most travelers, the standard QuietComfort headphones will be more than sufficient on even long-haul flights.
Read More: The Top 10 Airports for AvGeeks
Beats Headphones Also Discounted by Up to 49%
In addition to the Bose QuietComfort deal, Beats headphones are also available for up to 49% off. While Beats’ noise cancellation generally isn’t considered as strong as Bose’s, the brand offers solid performance and deep integration with Apple devices at lower price points.
For a limited time, you can grab a pair of Beats Studio Pro headphones for just $180 which is 49% off the retail price. Nearly every color is available at this discount as well.
Here’s what you get with the Beats Studio Pro headphones:
- Active noise cancellation and transparency modes
- Lossless audio when connected via USB-C
- Up to 40 hours of total battery life
- Bluetooth connectivity
- On device controls
- USB-C charging
The Beats Studio Pro, in particular, competes most directly with Bose’s lineup. While its original retail price matches Bose’s higher-end models, current discounts bring it below $200, making it an appealing alternative for travelers who value features of Apple’s ecosystem like Spatial Audio and fast pairing.
Where to Buy and How to Maximize Your Purchase
These discounts are available through several major retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Bose and Beats.
A few tips before purchasing:
- Check airline shopping portals before buying from retailers like Best Buy. You may be able to earn bonus points or miles on purchases through select retailers.
- Amazon Prime members benefit from faster and free delivery.
- Apple Card holders purchasing Beats through Apple can earn a Daily Cash back bonus, though pricing may be slightly higher than at other retailers.
Inventory and color availability can vary by retailer, and pricing may fluctuate as we get closer to the Christmas holiday.
The Bottom Line
Noise-canceling headphones are one of the best investments a traveler can make, and the current pricing on Bose QuietComfort headphones is one of the strongest deals we’ve seen this holiday shopping season. At around $179, they offer a compelling balance of performance and value for frequent flyers. You can even find Bose’s first-generation QuietComfort Ultras available for up to 35% off.
For travelers looking for a flagship model at a slightly lower price point, discounted Beats headphones provide a viable alternative, particularly for those already invested in Apple’s ecosystem.
These offers likely won’t last long, and availability may change quickly. If you’ve been considering an upgrade to your in-flight headphones, now is one of the better times to do it.
Did you stumble across an amazing travel deal? Be sure to let us know below so that we can share it right here on TravelUpdate.
