Find the best headphones for music in 2026
What music lovers need:
- Balanced Sound - Accurate frequency response that reveals every detail
- Wide Soundstage - Spatial presentation that brings recordings to life
- High-Resolution Support - LDAC, aptX HD, or wired hi-res for lossless audio
- Comfort - Plush padding for long listening sessions
Best Headphones under £80 for music
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
JBL Tune 670NC
Why we recommend this ▼
A 70-hour battery life and a 5-minute quick charge yielding 3 hours of playback give these on-ear headphones exceptional longevity for their price. The lightweight 174-gram, foldable design pairs adaptive noise cancelling with Ambient Aware modes for portable, tuneable sound isolation. They suit budget-conscious commuters and students who need all-day audio and basic noise control without premium cost.
SoundPEATS Cove Pro
Why we recommend this ▼
A 95-hour total battery life and 56dB adaptive ANC powered by a 7-mic hybrid system make these headphones a standout for endurance and noise isolation. The 250g foldable design with memory foam cushions and IPX4 water resistance prioritizes all-day comfort and portability for travel. These are best for frequent flyers and commuters who need marathon battery life and strong noise cancellation over critical call quality.
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BTBK
Why we recommend this ▼
With a 90-hour battery life and a quick 3-minute charge restoring 2.5 hours of playback, its digital hybrid ANC and 40mm dynamic drivers deliver clear, full-spectrum sound without frequent recharging. The foldable, lightweight design and plush earpads prioritize portability and comfort for extended wear, while multipoint Bluetooth 5.1 smoothly switches between devices. Ideal for budget-minded commuters and office workers who need ANC and marathon playback, though call quality is its weakest link.
Havit Space S1 H670BT
Why we recommend this ▼
The Soundguys Breakthrough Award-winning audio uses 40mm drivers and LHDC Hi-Res codec, backed by hybrid ANC with -45dB noise reduction and a 100-hour battery life in a lightweight 280g frame with durable metal hinges. A 360° spatial audio engine and multipoint dual-device connection pair with tactile metal lever controls for added convenience. Best for commuters and gamers who need prolonged wireless endurance, adaptive noise cancellation, and an immersive soundstage.
FIO MOTUS FM20-purple
Why we recommend this ▼
Exceptional 130-hour battery life in standard mode (75 hours with ANC) and a 10-minute quick charge providing 12 hours of playback set these apart, supported by 40mm Hi-Res drivers and hybrid ANC. Personalized spatial audio and ultra-soft protein leather earcups with automatic angle adjustment provide immersive sound and all-day comfort. Best for home office workers and movie buffs who value marathon battery life and plush comfort for long sessions over portability.
Edifier W820NB Plus W820NBPLUS 2025
Why we recommend this ▼
With 40mm titanium-coated drivers and LDAC support, these headphones deliver 96kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio and -43dB active noise cancellation, backed by up to 49 hours of playback with ANC off. The EDIFIER Connect App offers preset EQ adjustments, and dual wired USB-C and wireless Bluetooth connectivity add flexibility at a budget-friendly price. Best for cost-conscious commuters who prioritize music fidelity and battery endurance over call quality.
Y8+
Why we recommend this ▼
The 100-hour battery life and hybrid ANC powered by four microphones make the 1Mii Y8+ a standout for extended travel, while LDAC and 40mm drivers deliver Hi-Res Audio with deep bass. Its lightweight 246g foldable design and Bluetooth 6.0 with AI translation tools add practical versatility beyond typical budget headphones. These are best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize marathon battery life and functional noise cancellation over studio-grade accuracy.
Sennheiser HD 599 508697
Why we recommend this ▼
Its open-back 38mm dynamic drivers and Ergonomic Acoustic Refining deliver a wide, natural soundstage with 106dB SPL, directing audio precisely to the ear. The lightweight 255g build, plush replaceable ear pads, and water-resistant design provide pressure-free comfort during extended listening. Best for home music enthusiasts and studio monitoring where open-back clarity and spaciousness are priorities, not for call quality reliant on the weak microphone.
EarFun Wave Pro HP200
Why we recommend this ▼
With an 80-hour battery life, 45dB hybrid active noise cancellation, and LDAC high-resolution wireless audio, the 40mm dynamic drivers deliver detailed, high-bitrate sound. The lightweight 266g foldable design, plush memory foam earpads, and 10-minute quick charge for 10 hours of playback add all-day comfort and convenience. This headset is ideal for Android users and frequent travelers who need marathon battery life, effective ANC, and hi-res codec support in a portable package.
Edifier W80
Why we recommend this ▼
The 40mm titanium-coated dynamic driver with LDAC support delivers Hi-Res audio, while hybrid ANC reduces noise up to -49dB, all backed by a substantial 65-hour battery life. The foldable design uses memory foam pads and a silent hinge for all-day comfort without vibration, and a 15-minute fast charge yields 10 extra hours of use. These headphones suit commuters and remote workers who need marathon battery life and effective noise cancellation for focused, uninterrupted listening.
ILOCKZONE ILZ-OH-LC
Why we recommend this ▼
With 100-hour battery life and hybrid ANC that cancels up to 95% of ambient noise, its 40mm drivers and Bluetooth 5.4 deliver dependable wireless audio. A foldable, memory foam-padded build and multipoint connection make it a practical travel companion that switches easily between two devices. It’s ideal for budget-minded commuters and travelers who need marathon battery life and effective noise canceling, though call quality is only adequate.
QCY H3
Why we recommend this ▼
A 60-hour battery and 43 dB adaptive ANC with bimodal ear-canal detection tailor noise cancellation via 40mm dynamic drivers and Bluetooth 5.4. A foldable 260g chassis, memory foam earpads, and multipoint connectivity add everyday flexibility and comfort. These are best for budget-conscious gamers and commuters who need all-day active noise cancellation without frequent charging.
Soundcore Q20i
Why we recommend this ▼
Hybrid active noise cancellation cuts ambient sound by up to 90%, while 40mm dynamic drivers deliver Hi-Res audio and deep bass with 40 hours of ANC playtime. A budget-friendly renewed price, multipoint Bluetooth, and a foldable design add everyday convenience. Best for commuters and travelers seeking effective noise reduction and long battery life at a low cost.
OneOdio Focus A10
Why we recommend this ▼
Hybrid ANC filters up to 95% of low-frequency noise, while 40mm dynamic drivers deliver Hi-Res Audio for detailed sound and stronger bass. The 50-hour battery life and foldable, 280g design with plush protein leather cushions prioritize all-day comfort and portability. These headphones are best for commuters and remote workers who need reliable noise cancellation and marathon battery life on a tight budget.
UGREEN HiTune Max5c HP203
Why we recommend this ▼
Featuring 40mm dynamic drivers and LDAC codec for Hi-Res wireless audio, its 43dB adaptive ANC is backed by a 75-hour battery life when noise cancellation is off. The 264g foldable design and app with eight EQ presets add convenience, while USB-C wired audio and dual-device connectivity expand its versatility. It’s best for budget-minded commuters and casual gamers who prioritize all-day battery life and effective noise reduction over call quality.
Best Headphones under £200 for music
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Beyerdynamic Aventho 1001609
Why we recommend this ▼
With up to 60 hours of battery life, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and LL, and 45mm dynamic drivers, it delivers high-resolution wireless audio in a lightweight 181-gram foldable frame. Its Red Dot Award-winning design pairs premium aluminum and textile materials with multipoint and Google Fast Pair for seamless daily use. Best for mobile gamers and frequent travelers who prioritize iconic on-ear style, ANC, and all-day endurance over call clarity.
Audio-Technica ATH-R50X
Why we recommend this ▼
Fully open-back 45mm drivers produce a wide, realistic soundstage with extended bass and accurate midrange, all in a 207g lightweight design for lasting comfort. Its durable construction includes two detachable cables with twist-lock connectors and a 6.3mm adapter, ideal for critical listening. Best suited for studio engineers mixing or mastering stereo and immersive formats.
Soundcore Space One A3035Z11
Why we recommend this ▼
The 40mm custom dynamic drivers with LDAC support deliver Hi-Res wireless audio, while adaptive noise canceling and a 40-hour battery life anchor its long-haul utility. Its 263g foldable design and 5-minute quick charge for 4 hours of playback emphasize portability and convenience at an aggressive price point. This headphone is best for budget-conscious commuters who prioritize all-day ANC performance and battery endurance over call clarity.
Sennheiser Momentum 509267
Why we recommend this ▼
The 42mm drivers deliver an expansive 6Hz to 22kHz frequency response, while the 60-hour battery life and adaptive noise cancellation provide extended, uninterrupted listening. The lightweight 293g folding design and aptX Adaptive codec support combine portability with high-resolution wireless audio. These headphones are best for travelers and commuters who prioritize marathon battery life and customizable ANC over call quality.
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M20xBT
Why we recommend this ▼
The 40mm drivers with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils deliver full-range audio, while the 60-hour battery life and 10-minute quick charge for 3 hours of use provide exceptional endurance. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and a low-latency mode add practical flexibility for switching between devices and watching video. These headphones are best for budget-conscious music listeners and aspiring producers who need reliable wireless monitoring for extended sessions.
Mackie MC Series MC-60BT
Why we recommend this ▼
The Mackie MC-60BT stands out with its MIS wide-band active noise cancellation, 24-bit aptX HD codec support, and 35-hour battery life. The included wireless charging pad and protective hard case add practical value, while IPX4 water resistance and a foldable 300g design ensure portable durability. This headphone is best for studio monitoring and music enthusiasts prioritizing ANC and high-fidelity 24-bit audio, but its weak call score of 56.5 makes it less suitable for frequent hands-free use.
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
Why we recommend this ▼
The adjustable sensory bass and 60-hour battery life define these headphones, delivering a physical, vibrating low-end through 40mm drivers that no other model replicates. Customizable active noise cancellation and a foldable 332g design add practical portability for a budget-friendly price. These are best for bass-obsessed listeners and mobile gamers who prioritize visceral impact and marathon battery life over studio accuracy.
Marshall Milton 1008039
Why we recommend this ▼
An 80-hour battery life without ANC and support for LDAC and LC3 codecs over Bluetooth 6.0 set these headphones apart for marathon listening sessions. The foldable, durable design and adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts in real time make them a practical choice for daily commutes and constant travel. These are best for commuters and travelers who prioritize multi-day battery endurance over call quality.
Audio-Technica R-Series ATH-R30x
Why we recommend this ▼
The 40mm drivers and open-back design deliver a wide, detailed soundstage with minimal distortion, making the ATH-R30X a strong entry-level reference headphone. Its 210-gram weight and velour earpads provide lasting comfort for extended mixing sessions, while the simple, tuning-light transducer design offers natural clarity. This headphone is best for emerging audio engineers and home studio users who need accurate monitoring without a high price tag.
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 S6CAW-R740
Why we recommend this ▼
Its adjustable sensory bass, controlled by a physical wheel, delivers a haptic, bone-rattling low-end that no other headphone in its class replicates. The 50-hour battery life and Skull-iQ platform provide long-term comfort and future-proof features like custom ANC levels and a personal hearing profile. These headphones are best for bass enthusiasts and casual listeners who prioritize a fun, physically impactful sound signature over studio accuracy.
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
Why we recommend this ▼
Equipped with 40mm drivers, LDAC Hi-Res certification, and adaptive noise cancellation reaching 40dB, these over-ears deliver up to 135 hours of listening (ANC off) and a plush memory foam fit. Unique productivity features like a remote camera shutter and tactile roller-and-paddle controls, plus a dedicated low-lag mode for gaming, set them apart. They suit budget-conscious gamers and marathon listeners who need extreme battery life and everyday convenience rather than critical studio sound.
Soundcore Space One Pro
Why we recommend this ▼
The 4-stage adaptive ANC and 60-hour battery life with an 8-hour quick charge from just 5 minutes define its endurance and noise-blocking capability. Its FlexiCurve structure folds down to half the size for exceptional portability, while the LDAC support and customizable EQ deliver Hi-Res audio through 40mm triple-composite drivers. These headphones are best for frequent travelers and hybrid workers who need all-day comfort, seamless multipoint switching, and adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to airports and open offices.
Turtle Beach Atlas Air TBS-5101-05
Why we recommend this ▼
An open-back design paired with a world-first floating earcup and 40mm drivers delivering 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res audio, plus a 50-hour battery life, sets this headset apart for immersive PC gaming. Its 301g weight and glasses-friendly memory foam cushions make it comfortable for long sessions, while low-latency wireless with Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint offers flexible connectivity. Best suited for competitive and single-player PC gamers who prioritize natural soundstage and all-day wear over noise isolation.
Baseus Bowie MH1
Why we recommend this ▼
An 80-hour battery life (55 hours with ANC) and -48 dB adaptive hybrid noise cancellation combine with LDAC Hi-Res audio from 36mm dynamic drivers to set these apart. SoundFit hearing personalization and a 5-mic AI voice system add tailored listening and sharp call clarity. These are best for frequent travelers and remote workers who need all-day endurance, strong noise blockage, and dependable voice pickup for long meetings or commutes.
JLab HBELUXLABBLK5WEB
Why we recommend this ▼
The 90-hour battery life and 42 dB adaptive ANC set this apart for endurance-focused users, while LDAC and AAC support ensures Hi-Res Audio across Android and iOS. LabShare mode for wireless audio sharing and Cloud Foam cushions add practical, comfort-driven features rarely found at this price. These headphones are best for commuters and travelers who need all-day noise cancellation and battery life that outlasts a work week.
Best Headphones under £400 for music
Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Sony WH-1000XM6
Why we recommend this ▼
The 907g weight is unusually heavy for wireless ANC over-ears, making its 12.2 commute score surprising and a potential standout for stationary use. The bundled gSport accessory kit suggests a focus on durability and utility beyond typical headphones. These are best for desk-bound listeners who prioritize noise canceling and a robust accessory set over portability.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
Why we recommend this ▼
40mm bio-cellulose drivers paired with 24-bit DSP and aptX Lossless support deliver precise hi-res audio, backed by 30-hour battery life and 8-mic active noise cancellation. Plush memory foam ear cushions, a refined lightweight headband, and a 300g weight provide all-day comfort, while a 15-minute quick charge yields 7 hours of playback. Best for music enthusiasts and gamers who want low-latency wireless detail and rich sound, though commute noise isolation scores a modest 67.5.
Skullcandy Aviator S6AVW-T740
Why we recommend this ▼
The 60-hour battery life and THX Spatial Audio with head tracking deliver immersive soundscapes, while adaptive 6-mic ANC silences distractions. Its aviator-inspired design with premium materials and foldable build, plus multipoint pairing and rapid charging, offer style and convenience at a budget-friendly price. Ideal for price-conscious listeners who want all-day endurance and spatial audio for music and movies, though call quality is weaker.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 700383
Why we recommend this ▼
A 60-hour battery life with rapid charging that delivers 6 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge sets these headphones apart for endurance. The 42mm transducers and aptX Adaptive codec deliver Sennheiser's signature audiophile-inspired sound, while the Smart Control Plus app provides deep EQ customization and a touchpad off switch for a refined user experience. These are best for frequent travelers and commuters who need marathon battery life and adaptive noise cancellation in a lightweight, foldable design.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Why we recommend this ▼
The 24-bit DSP with angled 40mm drivers and aptX Adaptive delivers hi-res wireless audio, backed by 30-hour battery life and quick-charge support. The 307g build pairs plush foam earpads with metal detailing for extended comfort, though the 6-mic array scores only 60.9/100 for call quality. Best for music-focused listeners who prioritize detailed sound and all-day battery over phone-call performance.
Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA
Why we recommend this ▼
The custom 45mm drivers deliver a pure, uncolored sound directly from the transducer with a 5-40,000 Hz frequency response, avoiding acoustic resonance for minimized distortion. At just 199 grams, the redesigned headband and breathable open-back earcups provide a featherlight fit that virtually disappears during long sessions. This headphone is best for mixing and mastering engineers who require an accurate, spacious soundstage for critical, detail-oriented work.
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless 800145
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 50-hour battery life with ANC active and in-house engineered transducer system deliver consistent, long-lasting Sennheiser sound without daily recharging. The hybrid ANC, transparency mode, and lightweight ergonomic design with plush earpads provide comfortable, all-day wear and situational awareness. This is ideal for commuters and frequent travelers needing reliable wireless noise control and multi-day battery endurance, not critical studio monitoring.
Marshall Monitor III A.N.C.
Why we recommend this ▼
A 70-hour battery life with ANC active and a rugged, foldable design make these headphones a standout for extended, portable listening. Dynamic Loudness automatically adjusts EQ in real time, while Soundstage Spatial Audio and a customizable M-button add practical, user-focused flexibility. These are best for commuters and travelers who prioritize marathon battery life and durable build quality over call performance.
Sennheiser HD 650
Why we recommend this ▼
Its hand-selected 42mm drivers achieve <0.05% harmonic distortion and 1 dB channel matching, delivering an expansive 10Hz–41kHz soundstage from open-back earcups. The 260-gram weight and velour pads provide hours of fatigue-free comfort, while detachable reinforced cables maintain signal integrity. This headphone is best for critical listeners and mixing engineers who need precise stereo imaging and a natural, non-fatiguing response for extended sessions.
Sennheiser HD 660S2 700240
Why we recommend this ▼
The 300-ohm ultra-light aluminum voice coil delivers an intimate, natural timbre with notably enhanced sub-bass extension compared to its predecessor. The open-back design provides a relaxed, high-fidelity soundstage with excellent impulse response, though the high impedance demands a dedicated amplifier. These headphones are best for critical listeners and mixing engineers who prioritize natural tonality and bass texture over portable convenience.
JBL Live 680NC
Why we recommend this ▼
The 40mm drivers deliver JBL Signature Sound with Hi-Res Audio support, while Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 uses four microphones to calibrate in real time. A 50-hour battery life with speed charging and a lightweight, foldable design with a metal hinge provide all-day portability. This is best for commuters and travelers who prioritize long battery life and effective noise cancellation in a compact on-ear form.
Bose QuietComfort 884367-1100
Why we recommend this ▼
With 24-hour battery life and a 15-minute boost delivering 2.5 hours of playback, these closed-back over-ears pair custom ANC and Transparency modes with a lightweight 238g design. Plush protein-leather ear cushions and steel-reinforced headband ensure comfort during long sessions, while the Bose app offers adjustable EQ and SimpleSync for pairing with Bose soundbars. Best for commuters and travelers who prioritize extended battery life, adaptive noise control, and portability in a wired or wireless package.
Nothing Headphone (1) B170
Why we recommend this ▼
The K 80-hour battery life andEF-tuned 40mm dynamic drivers with LDAC support set these apart, delivering Hi-Res audio endurance that outlasts most competitors. The adaptive ANC with up to 42dB depth and a customizable 8-band EQ via the Nothing X app provide precise control over a spacious soundstage. These headphones are best for commuters and remote workers who need marathon battery life and effective noise cancellation for all-day calls and music.
Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH
Why we recommend this ▼
The 45mm dynamic drivers and Hi-Res Audio certified 5Hz-40kHz response deliver studio-accurate sound, backed by a 38-hour battery life on a single charge. Its lightweight 185g on-ear design and closed-back isolation provide a comfortable, travel-friendly fit, with multipoint Bluetooth and NFC for seamless switching. They’re best for critical listeners and studio users who need long battery and noise isolation over call performance.
Jabra Evolve3 75 37599-989-899
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 110-hour battery and 22-hour talk time pair with adaptive ANC and a six-mic ClearVoice system that uses deep learning to isolate speech in noisy offices. The headset folds flat at just 180g, adds a 360-degree busy light, and connects to two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth 5.3. It’s ideal for hybrid workers and call center agents who need all-day call reliability without frequent charging.
Best Headphones under £800 for music
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX 1224002
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 301165-06-00-308
Why we recommend this ▼
With aptX Lossless codec support, custom 40mm drive units, and 30-hour battery life, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition delivers high-resolution wireless audio and effective noise cancellation via eight microphones. Its Nappa leather memory foam earpads and aluminum arms with exposed Papaya cable detailing offer a comfortable, motorsport-inspired luxury fit, while the companion app provides a five-band EQ for precise sound tailoring. These headphones best suit audiophiles who value meticulous British design and lossless wireless performance over studio neutrality or gaming features.
Jabra Evolve3 85
Why we recommend this ▼
Exceptional 120-hour music battery life and adaptive ANC set this headset apart for all-day endurance, while the 6-mic system with ClearVoice AI ensures call clarity in noisy environments. Its lightweight 220g foldable design and Microsoft Teams certification add practical portability and seamless integration for hybrid workflows. This headset is best for office professionals and remote workers who need reliable, long-lasting wireless performance for calls and focus time.
ausounds AU-XT ANC AUXTANC101
Why we recommend this ▼
The 40mm graphene drivers support Hi-Res Audio via aptX HD, delivering 30 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation. IPX4 water resistance and a quick charge that yields 1.5 hours of playback in 15 minutes pair with protein leather ear cups and a headband refined through a 45-step quality control process for extended comfort. It’s best for home or office listeners who prioritize detailed sound and effective ANC over call quality or on-the-go performance.
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 McLaren Edition
Why we recommend this ▼
The precisely angled 40mm Carbon Cone drivers deliver reduced distortion and improved stereo imaging for unparalleled accuracy. This McLaren Edition pairs that reference sound with 30-hour battery life and a luxurious, lightweight build featuring Nappa leather and aluminum arms for all-day comfort. It’s best for discerning listeners who prioritize detailed, high-resolution audio and premium materials during long listening sessions at home or in the office.
Shure SRH1540-BK-EFS
Why we recommend this ▼
A wide 5Hz–25kHz frequency range from 40mm neodymium drivers and a sturdy 286g aluminum alloy/carbon fiber construction define the SRH1540’s audio and build quality. The closed-back design with Alcantara ear pads offers effective noise isolation and all-day comfort, while detachable cables and a hard case add portability. These headphones are best for audio engineers and musicians who need accurate, isolated monitoring in the studio.
HiFiMan Arya Organic
Why we recommend this ▼
The nanometer-thickness diaphragm and acoustically invisible Stealth Magnets deliver a remarkably pure, full-range 8Hz-65kHz response with minimal distortion. The open-back design with asymmetrical earcups and a 440g CNC-milled metal frame provides long-term comfort and a premium, durable build. These wired planar magnetic headphones are best for detail-oriented home listeners and studio monitors who prioritize accurate, uncolored sound reproduction over portability or isolation.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII 1000303
Why we recommend this ▼
The newly developed TESLA.45 drivers deliver a 5Hz-40kHz frequency response for precise, spatial sound critical for analytical work. Handmade in Germany with replaceable components, these 376g open-back headphones combine long-term durability with enhanced comfort for extended sessions. These are best for mixing and mastering engineers who need a reference-grade, wired headphone to scrutinize every detail of a track.
Silent UHF9
Why we recommend this ▼
The 40mm drivers deliver balanced sound for a silent disco, while the beat-synced LED lights and channel-indicator display create an engaging visual experience. The system scales effortlessly with unlimited headphone expansion and support for up to three transmitters, all managed from a single 500-meter range base station. This 10-headphone bundle is best for event organizers hosting multi-channel silent discos who need a durable, rechargeable fleet with instant setup.