The best earbuds of 2023 are on sale and frankly, if a better gift exists I've yet to see it

Technics EAH-AZ80 on red background with TR's Christmas gift list branding

(Image credit: Technics)

Now then: you've got your perfectly acceptable, note-worthy festive deals. And then you've got this deal on the best noise-canceling earbuds of 2023 – please do skim-read my considered thoughts on why these Technics earbuds are better than anything Bose, Sony, Apple or JBL released in 2023, should you need further convincing.

The point is that right now, you can get a pair Technics' flagship EAH-AZ80 true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, excellent in-app perks, great comfort, solid battery life, triple multipoint device connectivity and stunning sound quality for $252.99 rather than $299.99 – a saving of $47 (or 16%) on their May 2023 launch price.

OK? Now you know. Go ahead and check out our guides to the best Christmas sales in the US and Boxing Day sales in the UK, for even more great holiday and Christmas gift ideas. But you have to admit, it's a serious saving on a stone cold banger of a product.

Today's best Technics EAH-AZ80 earbuds deal

Technics EAH-AZ80: was $299.99 now $252.99 at Amazon
What's the most-asked question I get when I tell people I'm a senior audio writer at TechRadar? Easy: what are the best new earbuds with noise cancelling? And the answer is: you're looking at 'em. They're currently the only earbuds to offer multipoint connectivity to three devices, but that's just for starters (see our Technics EAH-AZ80 review for further details).
The discount isn't quite as low as we've ever seen – they briefly dropped $30 less than this over Black Friday – but these are the big cheese; the top dog of 2023! Any discount is welcome – and if you're buying a gift for the audiophile in your life, they come highly recommended.

Again, our Technics EAH-AZ80 review is the place to go for the full scoop.

In a nutshell though: the careful ergonomic shape, premium milled aluminium touch surface and compact case will make them smile. But it's the detailed, natural and neutral sound that'll make them grin from ear to ear this holiday season.

My honest advice as TR's audio specialist is this: any discount on a winning product is a winning saving. The EAH-AZ80 is a proposition I wholeheartedly recommend at full price. These earbuds will not disappoint.

I've got other suggestions too, of course. If you're looking for more a budget-friendly earbuds gift, the Tone Free FP9 are down to just $70 (from $200) and are a great shout for the frequent flyer on your gift list – but be quick because the deal ends today (December 6).

Considering a turntable for the fledgling vinyl collector in your family? Here are the three I recommend this year.

Prefer over-ears? I've got you: the Sony WH-1000XM5 are still at their lowest-seen Black Friday price. I hope all of this helps. Make sure you treat yourself too, after all this… I'm telling you, you deserve it.

More Holiday sales

Amazon: 70% off Kindle, TVs, tablets & clothing
Apple: AirPods, Apple Watch & iPads from $79
Adidas: 40% off running shoes & clothing
Beauty: 51% off makeup, skincare & hair tools
Best Buy: $800 off TVs, laptops & headphones
Cheap TVs: big-screen 4K TVs from $269.99
Christmas: 40% off decor, pajamas & trees
Dell: Inspiron and XPS laptops from $260
DreamCloud: 40% off all mattresses
Family pajamas: Christmas PJs from $12.99
Gaming: console bundles from $289.99
Lenovo: 76% off laptops, desktops & printers
Lowe's: up to $800 off major appliances
Nectar: mattress deals starting at $359
Nordstrom: 40% off Nike, Levi's & UGGs
Patagonia: pullovers starting at $64.99
Samsung: $2,000 of TVs, phones and appliances
Shopbop: 25% off sitewide with code Holiday
Target: 40% off Christmas decor, TVs & toys
Toys: Disney, Barbie & Lego from $14.99
Walmart: cheap TVs, air fryers, PS5 & toys

Becky became Audio Editor at TechRadar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.