There’s a pair of headphones out there for everyone no matter their budget or style preference. But with thousands of options to choose from, selecting the right ones can be a monumental task.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. This list features the best in-, on- and over-ear headphones in three price categories – under £50, under £200 and over £200 – along with some honourable mentions worth considering at each price point.
We’ve also put together a comprehensive buying guide detailing the most important things to look out for when shopping for headphones, which you’ll find at the bottom of the page or can skip to using the link below.
SKIP TO: How to choose the best headphones for you
Best headphones 2020: At a glance
Under £50
Under £200
Over £200
The best headphones under £50
1. SoundMagic E11: The best budget wired earphones
Price: £40 | Buy now from Amazon
The SoundMagic E11 is the successor to SoundMagic’s excellent E10 earphones. They’re slightly dearer, but are sonically and aesthetically superior. The earphones have a better soundstage, a more energetic treble and a tamer low-end, delivering a balanced sound signature throughout. Ultimately, these deliver superb value for money and should be top of your list if you’re looking for a well-rounded option for under £50.
Read our SoundMagic E11 review for more details
Key specs – Type: In-ear, wired; Connections: 3.5mm jack plug; Weight: Unknown; Cable length: 1.2m
2. One Odio A10: The best budget over-ear headphones
Price: £50 | Buy now from Amazon
These over-ear headphones provide decent noise cancellation at a very reasonable price. They sound good too, with solid sonic reproduction across the frequency spectrum. Bass can sound a little woolly when listening to certain genres, but audio perfection is not to be expected from a pair of sub-£50 cans. Also included in the price is a durable carrying case, USB-C to 3.5mm cable for wired listening and a handy aircraft adapter.
Read our OneOdio A10 review for more details
Key specs – Type: Over-ear, wireless; Connections: Bluetooth, USB-C to 3.5mm jack; Weight: 250g; Cable length: 1.2m
3. Tronsmart Spunky Beat: The best budget true wireless earbuds
Price: £31 | Buy now from Amazon
Tronsmart’s Spunky Beat may have a very odd name but they’re a top-notch pair of budget earbuds offering Bluetooth 5 connectivity, around 24 hours of audio playback, Google Assistant and Siri support and IPX5 sweat- and water-resistance. Their touch controls are a little on the over-sensitive side but work well on the whole, while the charging case houses an in-built USB-A charging cable, though it can also be charged via USB-C.
Key specs – Type: True wireless earbuds; Connections: Bluetooth 5.0; Weight: 3.7g per earbud, 40g charging case; Cable length: N/A
Honourable mentions:
- Creative Outlier One V2: Great wireless earphones for exercise | Buy now
- Tribit XFree Go: Over-ear sound that belies a budget price | Buy now
- Tribit FlyBuds 1: Feature-rich cheap earbuds | Buy now
READ NEXT: The best budget headphones
The best headphones under £200
4. Creative SXFI Trio: The best wired earphones under £200
Price: £125 | Buy now from Creative
The Creative SXFI Trio offer something rather special: a personalised, holographic audio experience. By using head- and ear-mapping technology, they construct a sound profile that feels like it’s coming from multiple speakers positioned around your head. You’ll need a smartphone with a USB-C port to make use of it but assuming you have one, setup is painless. Download the SXFI app, get a friend to take a few photos of your head and ears, wait a couple of minutes and voila, audio tuned specifically for you.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen this tech – it was implemented impressively by the Creative SXFI Air and works equally well here. When engaged, the Super X-Fi mode delivers exceptional, spacious audio through the headphone’s hybrid triple-driver system (hence the name TRIO). There’s detail and depth across the frequency spectrum and we found our immersion significantly enhanced while watching films, listening to music and gaming. Be warned though, if you plan on using the Trio with your PlayStation 4, you’ll have to sit extremely close to the console as the headphones need to be plugged into a USB-A port.
A choice of six noise isolation eartips ensures you can find a comfortable fit that keeps external sound to a minimum, while the in-line mic worked well during phone and Zoom calls. You also get a pocketable carrying case as part of the package, which is a nice inclusion. The only real drawback to the Trio is their lack of compatibility with iPhones and mic compatibility issues with some Samsung smartphones. This limits their widespread appeal but if your device is compatible, they offer an audio experience unlike any other.
Key specs – Type: In-ear, wired; Connections: USB-C, USB-A (via included adapter); Weight: 30g; Cable length: 1.25m
Buy now from Creative
5. Grado SR125e: The best wired over-ear headphones under £200
Price: £149 | Buy now from Amazon
The SR125e are designed to be used at home, as these open-back headphones have a thick 2m-long cable. Despite sitting on-the-ears, the soft foamy pads provide excellent comfort and won’t heat your ears after a few hours of use. The real star of the show, however, is the headphones’ audio quality: they excel in every genre as they provide a rich bodied sound signature and an open soundstage that works wonders on live recordings. In comparison to more expensive cans, the SR125e’s upper mids are a touch recessed and the sub-bass lacks a fluid extension.
Key specs – Type: On-ear, wired; Connections: 3.5mm headset jack plug; Weight: 272g; Cable length: 2m
6. Beats Solo 3: The best on-ear option under £200
Price: £180 | Buy now from Amazon
Light, comfortable and with a battery life of up to 40 hours, the Beats Solo 3 are a highly impressive pair of in-ear headphones. Their sound profile is well suited to mainstream music, with a focus on punchy bass and prominent highs, though they do lack a little when it comes to subtlety and detail.
The Beats Solo 3’s distinctly modern sound is complemented by simple yet sleek design, making them about as fashionable as headphones get. They’ve also dropped in price significantly from their £250 launch RRP, meaning there’s no better time to pick them up.
Read our Beats Solo 3 review for more details
Key specs – Type: On-ear, wireless; Connections: Bluetooth; Weight: 215g; Cable length: Unknown
7. Philip PH805: The best over-ear wireless headphones under £200
Price: £160 | Buy now from Amazon
The Philips PH805 are an exceptional pair of mid-range over-ear headphones offering effective active noise cancellation, high-quality audio and a clever mixture of touch and physical controls. They’re comfortable to wear for long periods, have solid battery life and sound great no matter what type of music you like to listen to.
Read our Philips PH805 review for more details
Key specs – Type: Over-ear, wireless; Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5mm headset jack plug; Weight: 280g; Cable length: 1.2m
8. NuraLoop: The best wireless earphones under £200
Price: £199 | Buy now from Amazon
To make it onto this list, a pair of headphones must be something special – and the NuraLoop are just that. These wireless headphones analyse your hearing and create a unique sound profile that takes into account your sensitivity to various frequencies. The result is personalised EQ that sounds sensational. The NuraLoop aren’t a one-trick pony, though. Active noise-cancellation is extremely effective, there’s a handy Social Mode for allowing in ambient sound, Immersion Mode for boosting bass, intuitive touch controls and sweat-resistance.
On top of all this, the NuraLoop offer a secure and comfortable fit and a massive 16 hours of battery life at half volume. Those of a more traditional disposition can rest easy: these earphones can be used wired with the analogue cable that’s included in the box. If you’re an audiophile that’s yet to experience Nura’s patented technology, you owe it to yourself to give the NuraLoop or their almost-as-impressive predecessors, the Nuraphone, a try!
Read our NuraLoop review for more details
Key specs – Type: In-ear, wireless/wired; Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5mm analogue cable; Weight: 27g; Cable length: 1.3m
9. Sony WF-1000XM3: The best true wireless earbuds under £200
Price: £169 | Buy now from Amazon
The Sony WF-1000XM3 are the best noise-cancelling earbuds we’ve ever tested. They have a fun sound, a stable wireless connection and have oodles of battery life – up to 32 hours to be precise. In fact, our only criticism is their lack of sweat- and water-resistance means they’re not best suited to runners and gym-goers. The omission of a higher-quality codec is also a little disappointing given what is a rather hefty price to pay for true-wireless earbuds.
Read our Sony WF-1000XM3 review for more details
Key specs – Headphone type: In-ear, true-wireless; Built-in microphone and music control buttons: Yes; Plug type: N/A; Weight: 16g; Cable length: N/A
10. AfterShokz Aeropex: The best bone conduction headphones under £200
Price: £150 | Buy now from Amazon
If in-, on- or over-ear headphones aren’t for you, it’s worth checking out AfterShokz’ range of bone conduction headphones. These deliver sound vibrations through your cheekbones so are great for those with ear issues or simply those wanting to leave their ears free while still enjoying music.
The Aeropex are lightweight, Bluetooth enabled and IP67-rated, meaning they’re fully sweat- and waterproof, so are an excellent choice for runners, particularly as you’re still able to hear everything going on around you. Despite the bone conduction design, they don’t leak too much sound and are sonically very impressive. Should you be after a pair of headphones for swimming, check out our review of the AfterShokz Xtrainerz, which are fully waterproof MP3 bone conduction headphones.
Key specs – Type: Bone conduction; Connections: Bluetooth; Weight: 26g; Cable length: N/A
Honourable mentions:
The best premium headphones
11. Sony WH-1000XM4: The best premium over-ear wireless headphones
Price: £350 | Buy now from Amazon
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 are the undisputed noise-cancelling kings of over-ear headphones. Sophisticated noise-cancelling technology adapts to your surroundings and actions, while also learning about the places you visit to provide noise cancellation best suited to your current environment. It’s extremely effective and when fully engaged, blocks out a truly impressive amount of external sound.
But the WH-1000XM4 have more than one string to their bow. Sound quality is excellent no matter what genres you like to listen to; the headphones are comfortable when worn for long periods and they provide a range of handy features to create a seamless user experience. There’s multipoint pairing, which allows you to connect to two devices via Bluetooth simultaneously; wear detection for automatically pausing your music when you take the headphones off and Speak-to-Chat, which halts your music when you’re speaking to someone.
It was always going to take something special to surpass the excellent WH-1000XM3. Sony’s WH-1000XM4 are just that and are the best ANC headphones money can buy.
Read our Sony WH-1000XM4 review for more details
Key specs – Type: Over-ear, wireless; Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack plug; Weight: 254; Cable length: 1.2m
12. Apple AirPods Pro: The best premium true wireless earbuds
Price: £218 | Buy now from Amazon
They may be eye-wateringly expensive, but there’s no doubt that Apple’s AirPods Pro are some of the best in-ear headphones available, especially if you own an iPhone. Sound quality is excellent, as is the earbuds’ ability for shutting out external sound. The addition of silicone eartips allows for a far better fit than the regular AirPods and there’s sweat- and water-resistance too so you can wear them risk-free in the gym.
Apple’s H1 chip provides hands-free Hey Siri support and you can have messages read out to you as soon as they’re received if you should so choose. The buds also feature Adaptive EQ, which automatically tunes low-end and mid-range frequencies depending on the shape of the listener’s ears, and audio sharing, so you can listen to the same tunes as your mate as long as they’ve got a pair of AirPods too.
Read our Apple AirPods review for more details
Key specs – Headphone type: In-ear, true-wireless; Built-in microphone and music control buttons: Yes; Plug type: N/A; Weight: 11g; Cable length: N/A
13. Sennheiser HD 800S: The best premium wired over-ear headphones
Price: £1,400 | Buy now from Sennheiser
The Sennheiser HD800 is legendary among the audiophile community and its successor, the HD800S, is more refined and less sibilant, making it a truly outstanding pair of headphones.
The HD800S provide unparalleled sound at the expense of isolation and sound leakage. Due to their open-back nature, these won’t block out external noise. Put these in a quiet room, however, and hook them up to the correct amplifier, such as the Sennheiser HDV820, and you’ll have an incredible experience.
With a wide soundstage, mind-blowing instrument separation, a controlled mid-bass, forward-sounding mids and flawless high-end extension; these are the epitome of sound.
Read our Sennheiser HD800S review for more details
Key specs – Type: Over-ear, wired; Connections: 6.3mm jack plug, XLR; Weight: 330g; Cable length: 3m
Buy now from Sennheiser
Honourable mentions
How to choose the best headphones for you
What style should I choose?
There are three main styles of headphones: over-ear, on-ear and in-ear, with a fourth – bone conduction – gradually gaining in popularity. Which is best for you is a matter of personal preference but each style has its own pros and cons.
Over-ear headphones completely envelop and create a seal over your ears, thus providing greater sound isolation. They tend to be rather bulky and sacrifice some portability because of this, though many newer pairs are foldable to increase ease of carrying.
On-ear headphones are typically smaller and more portable but don’t provide the same level of sound isolation. Because they don’t envelop your ears totally, you get a bit more breathing room, though a common complaint about them is that they feel like they’re squashing your ears.
Both over- and on-ear headphones can be open or closed back. Open-back headphones allow outside noise into the mix for a more natural sound – if you don’t mind sharing what you’re listening to with those around you or just plan on using them at home. Closed-back headphones, meanwhile, do the opposite, blocking out noise, making them a far better choice for use outside.
In-ear headphones are inserted into your ear and are either shaped to rest there without falling out or come with seals/eartips to help secure them in place. They take a number of forms and are the best choice for those looking for a more portable, lightweight audio solution.
Wired earphones have earpieces connected by a length of wire, which then plugs into your audio output. Neckband earphones typically operate wirelessly but the earpieces remain connected to one another via a wire that runs behind your neck. True wireless earphones or earbuds as they’re more commonly known, get rid of wiring altogether and rely solely on Bluetooth for connectivity.
Bone conduction headphones rest on your cheekbones and create mini vibrations that move through bones in your skull and into the inner ear. For those with damaged eardrums or those wanting to be more aware of environmental sound, bone conduction headphones are a fantastic choice, though they’re not recommended if you’re after total immersion in your audio.
Wired or wireless?
Wired headphones connect directly to your audio source via a physical connection, be that a 3.5mm jack, USB-A or USB-C cable. This physical connection means the headphones don’t ever need charging, which is a big advantage, and audio quality is typically better compared to a wireless connection.
Depending on the devices you wish to use your headphones with, you’ll want to choose wired headphones that offer a compatible connection. For example, Apple’s new iPhones use a proprietary Lightning port so headphones sporting a 3.5mm connection won’t work with them without an adapter.
As Bluetooth connectivity has developed, we’ve seen more and more headphones making the switch to wireless functionality. Connect your smartphone or laptop to your headphones over Bluetooth and you can enjoy audio without the need for any wiring connecting them. This means the headphones will need to be charged regularly but in the case of earbuds, you get a portable charging case to help boost battery life. If you’re specifically interested in Bluetooth headphones, check out our list of the best Bluetooth headphones available.
What other features should I consider?
Active noise cancellation (ANC): ANC technology is designed to drown out external noise. It’s an essential feature if you place importance on being able to zone out from the rest of the world when on a noisy commute or on an aeroplane. Read our list of the best ANC headphones for more details.
Integrated microphone: You’ll be hard-pressed to find a pair of headphones that don’t come with some kind of microphone built-in, but it’s well worth checking before you buy. Most modern mic attachments also include buttons for answering calls and navigating media (with play/pause/skip functions).
Touch controls: As you may have guessed, touch controls allow you to control your audio without needing to access the device playing it. Earbuds are the biggest proponents of touch controls but you’ll also find them implemented in over- and in-ear headphones, too. Over-complicated touch controls can be off-putting but you want to make sure the key commands, namely volume up/down and play/pause, are available.
Voice Assistant support: If you rely on Alexa to get from A to B, you’ll want a pair of headphones with voice assistant support. The ability to hail your voice assistant at the press of the button may not be an essential feature but certainly comes in handy from time to time.
Bluetooth codecs: Codecs determine how data is transmitted from your audio output to your headphones and not all of them are created equally. SBC is pretty much universal and works well enough but if you want an optimal wireless experience you should look out for codecs capable of transmitting high-resolution audio such as Qualcomm’s aptX HD. Bear in mind that not every device supports every codec so check for compatibility before buying.
Sport-specific features: Running with a pair of over-ear headphones on is a bad idea, take it from us. Most sports headphones are of the in-ear variety, and many are wireless. Most will come with some sort of sweat-proofing, so look out for an IP rating or certification. You can find our pick of the best running headphones here.
The post Best headphones 2020: The top in-, on- and over-ear, wired and wireless headphones for every budget appeared first on abangtech.
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