If you’re the type of person who can never leave the house without your AirPods being at full charge, or you’re always looking for a new home sound system, you need to read this article. 

Yes, you can get audio gear from your favorite brands at a discount – as long as you know when to shop. Here’s when to buy headphones and other audio gear throughout the year.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

No, the weekend that kicks off the holiday shopping season is not just for savings on TVs and gaming consoles. Like many electronic gadgets and appliances, the number-one time of year to buy your headphones and other audio gear at a discount is on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Look up sales from your favorite brands before the weekend hits so you can grab the best deals before they sell out. You’ll find slashed prices on audio equipment at big-box stores like Walmart, Target and Best Buy, as well as on Amazon and nearly any other site that sells it. 

The new year

If you missed Black Friday, you can still pick up a great deal on your audio gear by shopping right after the start of the new year. Typical headphone sets will last 1-2 years, and manufacturers will start designing their new models between January and March of each year. This makes these few months the perfect time to pick up an older model at a reduced price. Of course, the closer to the new year you shop, the better selection you’ll have.

Springtime

If you must have a late-model pair of headphones, and you want to pick them up at a discount, shop in the spring. This is when manufacturers will roll out new products and may actually slash prices in an effort to attract customers. You can find older models on sale at this time as well.

Amazon Prime days

Another great time of year to get your audio gear at a steal is on Amazon’s Prime Days. These mega sale events, available for Prime Members only, feature slashed prices on all kinds of products, including headphones and audio gear. 

Holiday weekends

You can also find headphones and audio gear sold at a discount during holiday weekends throughout the year, including President’s Day, Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day weekends. Don’t expect bargain prices, but you likely won’t pay full price either when you shop on holiday weekends.

What to look for in a pair of headphones

Whenever you choose to shop for a new pair of headphones, you’ll want to ensure you’re truly getting the biggest bang for your buck. Here’s what to look for in a pair of headphones:

• Balance. In a studio setting, headphones aim for a flat frequency response, which lets all frequencies and tones come through the headphones equally. Modern-day music consumption, however, often involves pure bass tones. If this is something you like, you may want to go with a brand like Beats, which offers a very heavy bass response. Other brands, like Sony, allow you to adjust the frequency using their app, giving you the perfect balance. 
• Style and comfort. Over-the-ear, on-the-ear or earbuds? Colored, black or chrome? Choose carefully! Earbuds are the most portable of options, but they are also more easily misplaced. You’ll also want to make sure your new headphones are comfortable enough for heavy use. 
• Brand. Research your brand well before plunking down your money. Sony offers a wide range of choices and has its own app that allows you to remotely control your headphones. Apple offers headphones with a decent frequency response and battery life. Of course, AirPods will also give you an excellent product, but at a premium price that rarely drops. JBL features an affordable array of headphones that are comfortable while providing decent sound quality. 

Are you in the market for new gear to upgrade your music? Use our guide to learn how to score a fabulous deal on your headphones and audio gear.