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The best Labor Day headphone deals to shop this weekend
Amazon
Labor Day is officially here, and you know what that means: sales on everything from mattresses to headphones and in between. If you’re an audiophile who’s been thinking about some much-needed upgrades to your tech, you can save hundreds on popular Bluetooth headphones and wireless earbuds right now, all from well-known brands like Apple, Samsung and Bose.
Labor Day sales are live now. The shopping experts at CBS Essentials have scoured the best Labor Day sales at all your favorite retailers to bring you the best mattress deals, the best luggage deals, the best deals on major appliances, the best patio furniture clearance deals and even the best tire deals to shop this Labor Day.
Want more information about buying headphones? Arm yourself with advice from the experts here at CBS Essentials. Check out our roundups of the best headphones under $100 in 2024, the six best noise-canceling headphones of 2024, the five best headphones with spatial audio, the best bone conduction headphones in 2024, the six best wireless earbuds with spatial audio in 2024 and the six best wireless earbuds of 2024.
Best Labor Day headphone and earbud deals
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen (with USB-C): $199 (20% off)
Amazon
For all Apple users — whether you rely on an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac or any combination of Apple devices, if there’s just one accessory you need, it’s a pair of these Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen wireless earbuds.
These earbuds are the perfect audio companions. They offer superior noise cancellation, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, support for Apple’s Find My feature, a long battery life, a wireless charging case, a water-resistant design and so much more. They’re also comfortable to wear and instantly pair with whichever Apple device you’re currently using.
Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks, playing games or participating in a hands-free call, these Bluetooth earbuds offer the high-quality and clear audio you want. And they’ve just been updated with a new voice-clarifying feature.
In our coverage of the six best wireless earbuds of 2024, the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation were our top pick.
Apple AirPods Max: $399 (27% off)
Apple via Amazon
Looking to splurge on new AirPods? The third-generation AirPods Max are an excellent choice. They’re certainly the best of Apple’s entire lineup, and status symbols, to say the least.
Hardly understated, the Apple AirPods Max are all about big, booming sound, cushioned earcups, active noise-cancelation technology, and a special transparency mode so you can hear what you need to when you need to. All that, and they still manage to pack in 15 hours of listening, and they even come in a variety of different colors.
The AirPods Max usually go for $549, but they’re on sale for $399 right now at Amazon. That’s a discount of 27%, so it’s a good time to go ahead and get yours now.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: $140 (39% off)
Amazon
Just as Apple AirPods are perfect for Apple users, if you’re a proud user of a Samsung Galaxy device, including any of the company’s latest smartphones, tablets, smartwatches or smart TVs, these Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro wireless earbuds are reliable audio companions. You can expect a long battery life and the ability to enjoy high-quality audio, regardless of what you’re listening to.
These earbuds also work seamlessly with any Android mobile device and are compatible with Bluetooth devices that can stream audio. Noteworthy features include excellent noise cancellation, the ability to playback Hi-Fi audio, 360-degree audio support and IPX7 sweat/water resistance. Choose between graphite, purple or white.
Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones: $248 (29% off)
Amazon
If you want Sony-quality sound and superior noise cancelation for less than $300, we recommend the slightly older WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones. .
Sony’s WH-1000XM wireless headphones are among the best out there for the average consumer, but they typically come at a premium price. They offer up to a 30-hour battery life and a quick charge feature that gives you five extra hours of listening with just a 10-minute charge. You also get touch-sensitive controls on the ear cups and a handy speak-to-chat feature that reduces the volume of what you’re listening to when you need to communicate with people around you.
When you just want to focus on the audio you’re listening to, Sony’s noise-cancellation technology is top-notch. And we love the audio quality these headphones offer during hands-free calls, even when you’re in a noisy environment. One of the best features these headphones offer is DSEE Extreme, which automatically upscales compressed digitally music files in real-time, so streaming audio will sound even more robust and clear.
Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones: $248 (29% off)
Amazon
As you just read, the previous version of Sony’s WH-1000XM headphones are on sale, but these are another option you can choose from instead as the newest version of Sony’s noise-canceling headphone line.
They use two audio processors, eight microphones and Sony’s proprietary Processor V1 to deliver cutting-edge noise cancelation, combined with enhanced audio quality and better overall performance. These are the headphones you want when listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks, or the audio from TV shows and movies. Yes, they work seamlessly with iOS and Android mobile devices, Windows and MacOS computers, as well as with Sony smart TVs.
Compared to the WH-1000XM4 model, these are lighter weight. They also offer up to 30 hours of listening time per charge. But, if the battery starts to getting too low, just a three minute quick charge will provide an additional three hours of playback. These wireless headphones can also be used with the includes audio cable. They offer intuitive onboard controls, but you can also remotely control them using Sony’s mobile app.
Beats Solo 4: $150 (25% off)
Amazon
The newest model of Beats Solo headphones just debuted earlier in May 2024, and they’ve already been discounted. These stylish headphones come in four colors, including slate blue, cloud pink, silver and slate blue, and come with a bevy of new features.
They can be used both wired or wirelessly, and offer up to 50 hours of playback, with a 10-minute charge boosting them for an additional five hours in a pinch.
For audiophiles, they come with spatial audio support as well as dynamic head tracking with an ergonomic fit, plush ear cushions, and a slew of Apple-centric features like Find My, which means you can track them down if you happen to lose them.
While they don’t offer noise cancellation, they’re more than worth grabbing, especially since they’re brand new and at a discounted price. audio which provides a more immersive listening experience.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra noise-canceling headphones: $349 (19% off)
Amazon
Bose is a world leader when it comes to high-end audio and noise-cancellation technology. Inside the QuietComfort Ultra headphones, the company has bundled all of its latest technologies, so not only will you enjoy all-day comfort from these premium headphones, you also get superior noise cancelation and amazingly clear and robust audio — whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks, audio from games or participating in a hands-free phone call.
And for the first time, Bose has added the latest spatial audio technology into these headphones, so when you’re listening to compatible music or audio from a movie, for example, it’ll sound like sound is coming from different directions around your head. Spatial audio creates a far more immersive listening experience.
We love these headphones because they offer really impressive sound quality combined with up to a 24-hour battery life. They’re great for blocking out noise on an airplane or train. However, they’re also perfect for when working in a busy (and loud) office, since they do a great job making hands-free calls sound crystal-clear.
In our coverage of the five best headphones with spatial audio, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones were our number one pick.
Amazon Echo Buds (2023 edition): $35 (30% off)
Amazon
Wireless earbuds are the perfect audio companion for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other gear that supports Bluetooth audio streaming. We’re fans of these Amazon Echo Buds earbuds because they work nicely with iOS, Android, ChromeOS, Windows and MacOS devices. Plus, they’re extremely affordable.
You can expect up to six hours of playback per charge, but with the included charging case, you’ll get up to 20 hours of listening time before you need access to an external power source. These earbuds give you access to the Alexa digital assistant and can be used for hands-free calls, too.
At this price, however, you need to forfeit some often-sought-after features, like noise cancelation and spatial audio support. But if you’re looking for entry-level wireless earbuds that are affordable, the Amazon Echo Buds are worth considering.
Soundcore by Anker Space A40 earbuds: $59 (26% off)
Amazon
We’re fans of Soundcore by Anker headphones and earbuds because they offer advanced features and functions, and often for much less money than their competition. These Space A40 earbuds are the perfect example.
They offer adaptive noise cancelation, support for Hi-Res audio and that provide a battery life up to 10 hours per charge. And with the included charging case, this can be extended up to 50 hours before you need an external power source. And thanks to the quick charge feature, just a 10 minute charge provides an extra four hours of playback time.
The earbuds are available in black, white or blue. Since these earbuds offer adaptive noise cancelation, they automatically measure the ambient noise in your listening space and adjust the level of noise cancelation and playback volume. So, without having to tinker with the controls, whatever you’re listening to will remain at a consistent volume even if you travel between a loud environment and a quiet one. This applies to hands-free calls, too.
Whether you’re listening to streaming audio, participating in a hands-free call or gaming, these earbuds offer clear and consistent sound quality for a fraction of what you’d pay for competing earbuds with similar features.
Soundcore by Anker P20 earbuds: $20 (20% off)
Amazon
No, this isn’t a misprint. Now that the Soundcore by Anker P20 wireless earbuds are on sale, you can snag them for just $20. These are water-resistant (IPX5 rated) earbuds that offer 22 audio EQ presets via the Soundcore app. They’re also built using 10mm drivers to provide high-quality audio with a generous level of bass.
You get up to 10 hours of audio playback per charge, up to 30 hours of use with multiple in-case charges, and a quick charge feature that provides up to two hours of additional playback with a 10 minute charge. Easy to use tap controls are built into the stem of each earbud.
These earbuds lack features like noise cancelation and spatial audio support, but for just $20 (if you’re a Prime Member), they offer a great value for anyone who needs entry-level wireless earbuds that work with iOS, Android, Windows, ChromeOS or MacOS devices. Although for maximum control over the earbuds and your listening experience, you’ll want to use the P20s with an iOS or Android mobile device that’s running the Soundcore app.
Police arrested a man on murder charges this month, 14 years after he allegedly killed a man in Virginia, but the victim’s body has never been found.
Shane Ryan Donahue, a Virginia man, is presumed deceased, the Prince William County Police Department said Tuesday. He was last seen leaving his parents’ home in Nokesville, Virginia, on March 22, 2010. Donahue, 23, was headed to his house in Nokesville, but never made it there.
Donahue was added to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System after he vanished. According to records, Donahue did not have a car and regularly got rides from friends. He frequented Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Fauquier County, Virginia, and Northern Virginia.
The case stumped investigators, who followed a number of leads over the years. This spring, detectives reactivated the investigation and started looking at every detail of the case from scratch, officials said. They revisited people who had been interviewed during the initial investigation and reviewed “digital evidence in greater detail due to advances in analytical technology and modern police investigative practices,” according to a news release.
Officers said Donahue was last seen leaving his parents’ home with Timothy Sean Hickerson, now a 43-year-old Florida resident. Investigators connected Hickerson to a burglary at Donahue’s home that happened just days before the Virginia man disappeared.
Detectives got an arrest warrant this month and, with the help of Florida’s Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Hickerson was taken into custody in Palm Coast, Florida. Hickerson was charged with murder and burglary, is now set to be extradited to Virginia.
Former President Donald Trump, an avowed proponent of tax cuts, is floating the idea of reversing a measure passed during his tenure in the White House that effectively raised taxes for many U.S. homeowners.
In a post Tuesday on Truth Social, Trump suggested he would scrap a $10,000 cap on deducting state and local taxes (SALT) that was passed as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — a massive revamp that he has said boosted economic growth.
Now, in the run-up to the November election, Trump said in the post he would “get SALT back, lower your taxes, and so much more,” although he stopped short of offering details. Trump made the post ahead of a speech he’s giving Wednesday at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island.
Trump’s new proposal for getting rid of his $10,000 SALT deduction cap comes as the presidential hopeful is pitching several additional tax cuts that would, if enacted, reduce taxes for major groups of voters. He’s also vowed to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, a pledge that could get support from the nation’s senior citizens, as well as to end income taxes on tipped workers and on overtime pay, ideas that would help lower- and middle-income Americans.
Yet Trump’s reversal on the SALT deduction has sparked skepticism from lawmakers as well as economists and policy experts.
“So … now Trump is against the SALT tax cap which *checks notes* is a key part of the — only — major piece of legislation passed during his administration?” noted Chris Koski, a political science professor at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, on X.
Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from Nassau, Queens, said in a statement on Wednesday that he is “happy that the former president is saying that he has finally reversed his devastating decision in 2017 to cap the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction.” He also urged Trump to convince Republican lawmakers to vote to restore the full deduction “if he is truly serious.”
The SALT deduction cap “has been a body blow to my constituents for the past 7 years,” Suozzi added.
Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, wrote on X,”Donald Trump took away your SALT dedications and hurt so many Long Island families. Now, he’s coming to Long Island to pretend he supports SALT. It won’t work.”
Asked for details about Trump’s proposal to restore the SALT writeoff, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign told CBS MoneyWatch: “While his pro-growth, pro-energy policies will make life affordable again, President Trump is also going to quickly move tax relief for working people and seniors.”
Here’s what to know about the SALT deduction.
What is the SALT deduction?
The state and local tax deduction allows taxpayers who itemize to deduct property taxes, sales taxes and state or local income taxes from their federal income taxes. Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, there was no limit on how much people could deduct through the SALT deduction.
But the 2017 tax overhaul passed under Trump limited the deduction to $10,000 – a blow to many homeowners in states with high property taxes, many of which are Democratic leaning. At the time of the law’s passage, the Treasury Department estimated that almost 11 million taxpayers in high-tax states like New York and New Jersey would forfeit $323 billion in deductions.
Who benefits from the SALT deduction?
Homeowners with high property taxes, such as people in New York, New Jersey and California, were the biggest beneficiaries of the the full SALT deduction.
But some experts also noted that the SALT deduction primarily put more money in the pockets of higher-earning Americans. About 80% of the full SALT deduction had helped people earning more than $100,000 a year, according to the Tax Foundation.
What happened after Trump capped the SALT deduction at $10,000?
The limit has increasingly impacted middle-class homeowners across the U.S. because of rising property taxes and incomes. Some lawmakers have also sought to either repeal or increase the SALT cap, but none of those efforts have borne fruit.
Earlier this year, some lawmakers sought to double the SALT deduction cap to $20,000 for married couples, with the change retroactive for the 2023 tax year. But that bill was blocked in the House in February.
Won’t the SALT deduction cap expire anyway?
Yes, the SALT deduction cap is a provision that’s due to expire in 2025, as are many other parts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, such as a reduction of the individual tax brackets. But Trump has previously indicated he wants to extend the provisions in his signature tax law.
How much would it cost the U.S. to repeal the SALT deduction cap?
It won’t be cheap, according to the the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a think tank that focuses on budget and policy issues.
Eliminating the $10,000 deduction limit “would increase the cost of extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) by $1.2 trillion over a decade,” the group estimates, adding that such a measure would be a “costly mistake.”
Extending the TCJA’s tax cuts would increase the nation’s deficit by $3.9 trillion over the next decade, the group estimates. By adding in a expiration or repeal of the SALT deduction cap, that would grow to $5.1 trillion, it added.
“Lawmakers should not extend the TCJA without a plan to – at a minimum – offset the costs of extension, but ideally the plan would raise revenues relative to current law and help put the nation’s debt on a better trajectory,” the group said in a statement.
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