As Labor Day approaches, the end-of-summer buzz isn’t just about backyard barbecues and one last dip in the pool. For shoppers across the United States, it’s also a golden opportunity to snag deals on some of the year’s hottest tech and audio gadgets. This year, both Lifehacker and Engadget have rolled out comprehensive guides to the best Labor Day sales, spotlighting everything from headphones and earbuds to laptops, smartphones, and even robot vacuums. If you’ve been waiting for that perfect moment to upgrade your gear or gift a student heading back to campus, now’s the time to act.
On August 22, 2025, Lifehacker published a detailed rundown of the best discounts on headphones and earbuds, with a focus on products that have earned high marks in reviews and price comparisons. The Nothing Headphones, for example, are catching attention for their unique design and high-quality features—hybrid active noise cancelling, six microphones, personalized spatial audio, and tuning by KEF. Normally priced at $299, these headphones are now available for $269, offering a rare chance to experience premium sound without breaking the bank. PCMag’s review praised their solid ANC and companion app, making them a strong contender for anyone seeking value and performance.
For those looking to spend less, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds have dropped to $56.99 from $99.99—a whopping 43% discount. According to Lifehacker, these budget-friendly earbuds stand out with features like 98.5% noise reduction, adaptive noise cancelling, Hi-Res sound, a 50-hour battery life, wireless charging, and Bluetooth 5.3. The Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones are another wallet-friendly option, now just $38 (down from $69.99). They boast a long battery life, customizable sound, and a comfortable cushioned swivel design, making them a solid pick for everyday use.
Stepping up into the premium category, the Sonos Ace headphones are enticing for those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, but they’re also compatible with both Android and Apple devices. Priced at $299 instead of their original $399, these headphones have been described as "excellent" by PCMag, making them a tempting option for audiophiles seeking a blend of style and substance. JBL’s Live Beam 3 earbuds, now $139.95 after a 30% discount, bring unique features to the table—a touchscreen charging case, effective noise cancellation, 48 hours of playback, six microphones, multi-point connection, and an IP55 waterproof rating. PCMag called them "excellent" as well, highlighting their audio quality and versatility.
Fans of Sony’s 1000X series will find all three of the latest models on sale. The WH-1000XM6, hailed by Lifehacker as the best headphones money can buy, are available for $428 (down from $449.99). The previous generation WH-1000XM5 has seen a substantial discount—now $274, down from $399.99—while the WH-1000XM4 starts at $198, a significant drop from its original $349.99 price tag. According to PCMag’s reviews, each of these models delivers exceptional performance, with the XM6 leading the pack but the XM4 and XM5 still offering plenty of power for most users.
For those who prefer earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is another standout. Currently priced at $213 (originally $329.99), these earbuds allow for full customization of sound via the app, support high-end LC3 and LDAC Bluetooth codecs, and feature top-tier active noise cancellation. What’s especially notable, as Lifehacker points out, is that their audio quality remains uncompromised even when ANC is engaged—a rarity in the world of wireless earbuds.
But the Labor Day savings don’t end with audio gear. Engadget’s August 22, 2025, guide brings a broader range of tech deals into focus, emphasizing that while Labor Day may not rival Black Friday or Prime Day for sheer volume, there are still plenty of gems to be found—especially for students and young professionals. The Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) is a prime example, currently available for $799, a $200 discount. Praised for its thin, light design, stellar battery life, and upgraded M4 chipset, it’s a top pick for anyone needing a reliable, portable laptop.
Apple fans can also grab the AirPods Pro 2 for $169 (32% off), which Engadget calls the best wireless earbuds for iPhone owners, thanks to strong ANC, onboard volume controls, and a comfortable fit. The entry-level Apple iPad (11-inch, A16) is down to $299 ($50 off), offering solid performance and ample storage for budget-conscious shoppers. Those in need of a desktop solution can look to the Apple Mac mini M4, now $499 ($100 off), featuring a faster chip, 16GB RAM, and multiple USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Android users aren’t left out, either. The Google Pixel 10 smartphone is bundled with a $100 Amazon gift card for $799—a smart pre-order deal for those looking to upgrade. Security-conscious shoppers can find Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras (three-camera system) for $100 (47% off), with features like 1080p video, two-way talk, motion alerts, and night vision. Their wireless, battery-powered design means easy installation indoors or out, and the batteries can last up to two years.
Home automation enthusiasts will appreciate the Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum, now $150 (46% off), known for its slim design and powerful suction. The Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum is half off at $298, and comes with an auto-empty base that can hold up to 60 days of debris. For the kitchen, the Cosori 9-in-1 air fryer is $90 (25% off), offering a spacious six-quart basket and nine prep modes, making meal prep a breeze.
Gamers and streamers aren’t left out of the fun either. The HORI Piranha Plant camera for Switch 2 is $40 (33% off), providing a playful way to engage with the Switch 2’s video and group chat features. Meanwhile, streaming fans can take advantage of a new ESPN Unlimited bundle—$30/month (a $6 monthly savings) nets subscribers ESPN Unlimited, Disney+, and Hulu (with ads) for a year. As Engadget notes, this effectively brings the cost of each service down to $10 a month.
Other noteworthy deals include up to 77% off NordVPN’s two-year plans (with the Prime tier at $189 for 27 months and the Plus tier at $108 for 27 months) and a 50% discount on MasterClass one-year subscriptions, available for as little as $5 per month through September 1, 2025. Whether you’re brushing up on cooking, writing, or sports, MasterClass offers hundreds of video classes led by industry experts.
While Labor Day might not have the same reputation for blowout tech sales as other holidays, both Lifehacker and Engadget make it clear: there are real savings to be had for savvy shoppers. From high-end headphones to essential home gadgets and streaming services, the 2025 Labor Day sales offer something for just about everyone—no student ID required.
