I've worn these headphones every day for three years, and they're as low as $13 for Black Friday

Sony ZX wired on-ear headphones sitting atop a keyboard with the wire curled around the headphones.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Audio nerds have plenty of Black Friday headphones deals to tempt them, with hundreds off the fanciest Sony or Bose ANC headphones — but they'll still cost you $200 and up. For mere mortals like you and me, a simple pair of affordable, reliable headphones is much better.

My genuine recommendation? The Sony ZX Wired On-Ear Headphones, which are just $12.99 (48% off) at Best Buy, or the upgraded Sony ZX with mic for $19.99 (43% off) at Amazon if you plan to use these for Google Meet or Discord.

I've been using my Sony ZXs every workday since February 2022, plus most weekends, wired into my Sony DualSense or Xbox Wireless Controllers for long gaming sessions. My fiancée also uses hers regularly, though her pair is in much better shape and should last a couple more years. In my case, I don't mind having to buy a new pair after nearly four years, considering the great price.

✅Recommended if: You want reliable audio quality for your workday playlist, a lightweight fit that won't feel uncomfortable by 5 p.m. or press into your glasses arms, and a low price that saves your tech budget for wireless earbuds instead.

❌Skip this deal if: You need either active or passive noise cancellation, or you're the kind of audiophile who needs more advanced drivers from flagship headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

Two pairs of Sony ZX wired on-ear headphones sitting on a blanket, the closer pair notably worn down compared to the other. — My pair has seen some wear-and-tear (Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

I'm not an expert on the best wireless headphones; most of my colleagues' picks are on sale for Black Friday if you're willing to spend hundreds more. For me, I care more about spending money on workout earbuds, like my fantastic Shokz OpenFit 2 or OpenFit 2+ earbuds, when something like the Sony ZX costs so little.

In particular, I appreciate that the ZX series only weighs 119g or 0.26 pounds, when your typical high-end wireless headphones weigh 250g. It makes a difference!

The Sony ZX series is quite popular, with hundreds of thousands of solid reviews on Amazon and Best Buy combined, because of its simple quality and affordability paired with a household name. This Black Friday deal price isn't the lowest ever; it's fallen as low as $9.99 before. But don't fall into the Black Friday deal trap trying to "save" as much money as possible; $13 for headphones that'll last for years is great.

Personally, I prefer the ZXs with the mic, which captures perfectly clear sound for my colleagues on remote calls or teammates during multiplayer Baldur's Gate sessions. But it's up to you whether you want to save a few more bucks or not! Either way, I'm off to buy a new pair for myself.

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