0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Citi Strata℠ Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Buy Noise-Cancelling Headphones

How to · Tech

How to Buy Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Get a pair that blocks the world out for years, and use a zero-interest window to pay for them without the rush.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $300 before anything else
Across the 0% window $16.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $300 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A good pair of noise-cancelling over-ear headphones should last you five years of daily commutes and flights, so you want to buy the right ones once instead of replacing cheap pairs every year. When new models drop, last year's version usually gets the exact same firmware updates at a steep discount.

We can spread out that cost without paying a cent of interest if we time it right. Let's look at how to snag the right pair and pay for them on our own schedule.

That intro window is a deadline, not free money, and any balance left when it ends will get hit with standard interest.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check holiday weekend drops

    Major holiday weekends are prime time for audio gear price cuts. Wait for a holiday markdown before you pull the trigger so you don't pay full retail.

  2. 02

    Hunt for last year's model

    When a brand drops a new version, the previous year's flagship model often gets slashed by a hundred bucks. They sound almost identical, but your wallet feels the difference.

  3. 03

    Map out the math

    Take your target price and divide it by your payment timeline. At about $300 spread across the intro window, you are looking at roughly $16.67 per month.

  4. 04

    Use your card's intro window

    With the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That gives you plenty of breathing room to pay off the headphones slowly.

  5. 05

    Set up automatic payments

    Set your bank to push that monthly chunk automatically so you never miss a beat. Out of sight means out of mind until the balance hits zero.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy refurbished headphones?

Factory-certified refurbished pairs from the manufacturer usually come with a warranty and save you a chunk of change. Just make sure you are buying direct or from an authorized dealer so you aren't stuck with dead batteries.

Do I really need high-end noise cancellation?

If you work in loud spaces or travel often, premium active noise cancellation saves your sanity. If you only listen in quiet rooms, you can skip the top-tier price tag.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can trigger late fees and potentially void your promotional rate. Set up auto-pay to make sure you stay on track every single month.

Are leather or fabric ear cups better?

Leather seals in sound better for stronger noise cancellation, but fabric breathes more and won't get as sticky during long listening sessions. Pick based on where you wear them most.