Back to school deals on top-rated earbuds and headphones: Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds and more

Headphones are a back-to-school essential. The versatile listening devices can come in handy whether you're studying, learning or relaxing. But top-of-the-line headphones and earbuds can cost a lot -- especially if you're on a student budget. That's why we've tracked down the most impressive back-to-school deals on headphones and earbuds.

Top products in this article:

Apple AirPods deal at Amazon: Apple AirPods Pro, $180 (reduced from $249)

$180 at Amazon

JBL headphones deal: JBL live 660NC wireless noise-canceling headphones, $150 (regularly $200)

$150 at Amazon

Save $50 on Beats earbuds: Beats Studio Buds, $100 (reduced from $150)

$100 at Amazon

Right now, back-to-school shoppers can get some top-quality headphones and earbuds at lower-than-usual prices. The latest Apple AirPods Pro, for example, are now down to $180 at Amazon.

Apple AirPods Pro, $180 (reduced from $249)

If you're in need of a new pair of ear buds or headphones, shop now before the deals disappear. Amazon has deals on AirPods, Beats headphones, Samsung earbuds, JBL headphones and more. Here are our picks for the most impressive back-to-school headphone deals.

Back-to-school Apple AirPods deals

Great news for shoppers looking to snag a pair of Apple-made headphones: The AirPods and AirPods Pro models are both on sale right now. The earbuds are great for catching up on recorded Zoom lectures or listening to music while studying.

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation): $100

The second-generation Apple AirPods may not be the latest model, but they're still one of the most sought-after earbuds on the market. Retailing for $129 at Apple, Amazon currently has them listed for $100. These earbuds boast more than 24 hours total listening time with the wireless charging case, a fool-proof one-tap setup for Apple device owners and a low-latency wireless connection for full immersion when consuming movies and music.

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation), $100 (reduced from $129)

$100 at Amazon

Apple AirPods Pro: $180

The Apple AirPods Pro have made headlines by fitting active noise-cancelation technology, water resistance and hearing health tracking into a more compact, better fitting design. It's also lauded for its great sound quality. But all that comes at a steep price -- specifically $250, which is why this deal on Amazon is a big one.

Now at $180, the Apple AirPods Pro are at a major discount on Amazon.

Apple AirPods Pro, $180 (reduced from $249)

$180 at Amazon

Amazon also has the latest generation of Apple AirPods in stock. These AirPods support 3D spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. You get more listening time, too -- up to 30 hours with the included MagSafe charging case.

These Apple AirPods models are currently not on sale. However, Amazon has been known to drop the price occasionally. Check back soon.

Apple AirPods (3rd generation): $198

$198 at Amazon

Apple AirPods Max: $479

Apple AirPods Max use active noise-cancellation technology to block unwanted noise and feature a transparency mode so you can hear what you need to. These headphones feature 20 hours of listening. They come in a variety of colors including blue, green, red and silver. They're also compatible with Siri.

Apple AirPods Max, $479 (regularly $549)

$479 at Amazon

Back-to-school Samsung earbuds deals

Complement your new Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone with a new pair of Samsung earbuds. The manufacturer's popular Galaxy earbuds are discounted now on Amazon.

Samsung Galaxy Buds2: $130

Samsung's highly coveted earbuds, the Galaxy Buds2, are having a sale moment. Featuring active noise cancelation and ambient sound passthrough, the lightweight Galaxy Buds2 are built for users with an active lifestyle.

Samsung Galaxy Buds2, $130 (reduced from $150)

$130 at Amazon

$130 at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Live: $100

Not to be beaten by the Samsung Galaxy Buds, the Samsung Galaxy Live earbuds are available at an even deeper discount. Samsung designed these earbuds with 12mm speakers and a form factor that allows them to deliver spacious sound quality, resulting in an immersive, concert-like experience. Fans of live shows may want a pair.

Samsung Galaxy Live, $100 and up (reduced from $170)

$100 at Amazon

$150 at Samsung

Back-to-school Beats headphone deals

Apple has made a few upgrades to Beats headphones since the brand acquisition, equipping them with a more powerful chip inside and, according to reviewers, better sound quality. Luckily, with the deals below, those upgrades may be had for less.

Beats Solo3: $130

The on-ear Beats Solo3 may be a good fit for music fans looking for a pair of bright-sounding headphones, especially those partial to rock, folk and country tunes. These headphones support spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience, soft ear foams for comfort, and up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Beats Solo3, $130 (reduced from $200)

$130 at Amazon

Beats Studio Buds: $100

These sweat-resistant earbuds are ideal for avid runners or gym enthusiasts. They offer two levels of noise-canceling; active noise canceling and transparency mode. Meanwhile, the IPX4 water resistance ensures they're protected even when you're sweating on them every day.

Beats Studio Buds, $100 (reduced from $150)

$100 at Amazon

Back-to-school JBL headphone deals

JBL has headphone and ear bud deals online right now on Amazon.

JBL Live 660NC wireless on-ear headphones: $150

These over-the-ear headphones promise up to 50 hours of battery life and feature noise-canceling and ambient-aware technology. Phone calls and virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can be managed with the buttons on the ear-cup.

JBL live 660NC wireless noise-canceling headphones, $150 (regularly $200)

$150 at Amazon

More earbuds and headphones you can buy now

These top-rated earbuds and headphones aren't on sale but they still have excellent customer reviews.

Beats Fit Pro

These noise-canceling earbuds come in four fun colors; stone purple (pictured), white, black and sage gray. The earbuds offer a secure, comfortable fit. The noise-canceling feature includes three listening modes. They are also compatible with spatial audio.

Beats Fit Pro, $200

$200 at Amazon

JBL Vibe 100 true wireless in-ear headphones

These Bluetooth earbuds promise to provide great sound quality with a deep bass. They offer up to 20 hours of battery life, including five hours in the earbuds themselves.

The ear buds come in three colors, though the purple earbuds were out of stock at last look.

JBL Vibe 100 true wireless in-ear headphones, $50

$50 at Amazon