Black Friday is a great time to look closely at headphones deals. But before you settle on a pair, think about where you'll actually use them: on a run, on the commute, at your desk or at home on the sofa. A bargain price means little if your headphones start to pinch after an hour or keep slipping out of place mid-workout.
You might not need a replacement at all. If your current pair is brilliant for focused listening, a second pair with an open-ear design could be the perfect partner for exercise and everyday life. We'll walk you through how in-ear, over-ear and open-ear headphones differ, which features are worth paying for, and which Shokz models to keep an eye on in this year's headphones sale.
What makes a good Black Friday headphones deal?
Before you buy, check what your chosen model really costs on Black Friday. Compare the same model and variant, and if you can, look at how the price has moved over recent months. Extra discounts at checkout can bring the final price down even further.
How you plan to use your headphones matters just as much. For running, a secure fit and simple controls count for a lot, whereas at your desk, comfort and good microphones may matter more. Decide which features you'll use week in, week out, and what's genuinely worth paying extra for.
Also check how long the sale runs, plus the delivery and returns terms. Many retailers run their Black Friday offers right through to Cyber Monday, so it's worth checking the end date before you buy. That way you can take your time comparing models and decide within the sale period.
In-ear, over-ear or open-ear: which style suits you?
When you're buying new headphones, you can choose between several designs. The best one depends mostly on where you listen, how much you move around, and whether you want to stay aware of your surroundings.
On a packed Tube or a noisy train, closed headphones with ANC can be a real blessing. On a jog, a walk along the canal or a day at home, though, it's often handy to hear your music and your surroundings at the same time.
With open-ear headphones, your ear canal stays uncovered, so it's easier to hear traffic, cyclists or someone calling your name. How well this works depends on your volume and the environment. If you want to shut out the world as much as possible while you listen, a closed design is usually the better choice.
Buying new headphones: replace or add?
Before you swap your current headphones, ask yourself one simple question: what's actually missing from the pair you have?
If the battery barely lasts the day, the connection keeps dropping, or they become uncomfortable after a short while, a new pair could make a real difference. In that case, make sure the replacement tackles exactly those issues.
But perhaps you're perfectly happy with what you already own. Your noise-cancelling in-ears are dependable on the commute, and your over-ears give you peace at home. In that case, the question isn't whether they're good enough, but whether there are moments in your week when a different kind of headphones would suit you better.
A second style for different situations
Picture this: you wear ANC headphones on the way to work, then head out for a run after you finish for the day. You'd like to enjoy your music while staying aware of traffic, cyclists and other pedestrians. Open-ear headphones with a stable neckband could be a smart addition here, while your existing pair stays on duty for the moments when you appreciate their noise isolation.
A second style can also be handy when you're working from home. If you listen to podcasts during the day, chat with colleagues now and then, or want to hear the doorbell when a parcel arrives, open-ear earbuds offer an alternative to in-ears and bulky over-ears. Compact clip-on and ear-hook models in particular slot easily into everyday routines.
A second style is most worthwhile when you'll use it regularly for different activities. On Black Friday, you can look specifically for a model that complements the headphones you already own.
Which headphone features matter to you?
Even within one style, there are big differences in fit, controls, battery life and sound. The right spec depends on what you do most.
For sport and exercise, focus on stability. Headphones that feel comfortable on a gentle stroll can feel very different when you pick up the pace. Protection from sweat and rain matters too, so check each model's IP rating and think about whether you'd rather use physical buttons or touch controls during a workout.
For work and everyday use, other details come into play. If you make a lot of calls, look at the microphones and how clearly your voice comes through in different settings. Battery life, the charging case and a reliable connection can all make or break daily use. For long working days, it's also worth considering how the headphones sit with your ear shape and, if you wear them, your glasses.
For sound and everyday convenience, think about how you listen day to day. If you love a bit of bass in your playlists, pay attention to the sound tuning and driver design. Battery life and charging speed are worth weighing up too, especially if you're often dashing out of the door. And if you switch between a phone and a laptop during the day, check whether the headphones can connect to two devices at once.
So think about which features you'd use regularly. A longer feature list can be worth the money if it genuinely improves your day-to-day.
Which Shokz open-ear headphones are right for you?
Shokz offers open-ear headphones for all kinds of activities: neckband designs for regular running, ear-hook styles for sport and everyday wear, and compact clip-ons for work and downtime. Here are three models to look at more closely.
OpenRun Pro 2: for running and outdoor training
Already got great headphones for the commute or for listening at home, but want something more secure for running? Take a look at the OpenRun Pro 2.
Its flexible neckband keeps the headphones firmly in place even when you speed up, while your ear canal stays open. That means you can enjoy your music during a workout and still hear plenty of what's happening around you. DualPitch™ technology combines bone and air conduction for powerful sound.
If you run regularly or train outdoors, the OpenRun Pro 2 can be a well-chosen companion to your existing headphones. It also works as a replacement if your current sports pair has never quite delivered on fit or comfort.
OpenFit Air 2: for sport and lightweight everyday comfort
Want one pair for the gym, the commute and everything in between? The OpenFit Air 2 is worth a look if you'd like a light, secure ear-hook design that you can wear all day.
It's light enough that you'll barely notice it's there: at 7.2 g per earbud, it's 17.2% lighter than the previous generation, and the flexible ear hook moulds to your ear so it stays put whether you're at your desk or mid-workout. Despite the small size, the sound has real punch, with rich bass that makes your playlists feel full while you can still hear what's going on around you.
The battery is built for busy days, too. A full charge with the case gives you up to 36 hours of listening, and if you've forgotten to top up, a 10-minute quick charge buys you around 3 hours. The slimmer charging case slips easily into a jeans or jacket pocket, so it's no trouble to carry from the gym to the office and beyond.
If you want one open-ear pair that's light, comfortable and ready for the gym, the commute and everything in between, it's a strong candidate.
OpenDots 2: for the office and everyday comfort
Not everyone wants in-ear headphones in all day, whether at work or at home. If you're after something light and compact, the OpenDots 2 could suit you well.
These clip-on earbuds sit on the outer ear and don't need an ear hook. At just 6.4 g per earbud, they're pleasantly light. The flexible JointArc™ design adapts to different ear shapes, and three microphones per earbud plus AI-powered noise reduction help keep your voice clear on calls.
The OpenDots 2 are ideal if you like listening to music and podcasts while working, working from home or running errands, yet still want to be approachable. As a second style, they sit alongside your existing in-ears or over-ears, which you can keep for focused listening.
Conclusion: which Black Friday headphones are worth it for you?
A good Black Friday deal should fit your habits. If your current headphones already do the important jobs well, a different style for extra situations may be more rewarding than a straight upgrade.
With Shokz open-ear models you have plenty of choice: the OpenRun Pro 2 for regular running, the OpenFit Air 2 for a lightweight, all-day routine, and the OpenDots 2 for a compact, open-ear option at work and at leisure.
Not sure which model to choose? Check out our product comparison page to compare the models side by side. We’ll publish the Black Friday offers on Shokz UK before the sale begins, so keep an eye on the website and click the Subscribe button to get our email updates as soon as the deals go live.
Black Friday headphones: your questions answered
When is Black Friday 2026?
Shokz's Black Friday warm-up runs from 12 to 18 November 2026, when we'll reveal the offers and promotion details. The Black Friday sale runs from 19 to 30 November. Keep an eye on our official Black Friday page for the latest information.
Are Black Friday headphones deals really worth it?
They can be, but only if the deal suits the way you listen. Compare the same model and variant, look at how the price has moved over recent months, and factor in any extra discounts at checkout. A big saving on a pair that doesn't fit your routine isn't a bargain.
Should I replace my headphones or buy a second pair?
If your current pair has a clear problem, such as poor battery life, a dropping connection or an uncomfortable fit, a replacement makes sense. If you're happy with them, a second pair in a different style can be a better buy. Keep your noise-cancelling in-ears or over-ears for the commute and focused listening, and add open-ear headphones for running, working from home or everyday life.
What's the difference between in-ear, over-ear and open-ear headphones?
In-ear headphones sit inside the ear canal and are compact and portable. Over-ear headphones cover your ears and often offer excellent sound isolation. Open-ear headphones leave your ear canal free, so you can enjoy your music while still hearing what's happening around you. The right choice depends on where you listen and how much you move.
Which Shokz open-ear headphones should I look at in the headphones sale?
It depends on how you plan to use them:
OpenRun Pro 2: for regular running and outdoor training, with a stable neckband and DualPitch™ sound.
OpenFit Air 2: for sport and everyday wear, with a lightweight ear-hook design at 7.2 g per earbud and up to 36 hours of listening with the charging case.
OpenDots 2: for the office, working from home and downtime, with a clip-on design at 6.4 g per earbud and three microphones per earbud for calls.
