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
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT ATH-S300BTBG
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Apple RORSOU C6 Active Noise Cancelling
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 60-hour battery life and effective active noise cancellation make it a strong choice for long commutes or flights. The lightweight, foldable design with soft protein leather ear cups prioritizes all-day comfort and portability. These headphones are best for travelers and commuters who need long-lasting, comfortable ANC for blocking out engine and environmental noise.
JLab JBuds Lux JBuds Lux ANC Wireless
Why we recommend this ▼
Its hybrid active noise canceling and Be Aware mode provide versatile isolation for commutes and travel. The foldable design and plush cloud foam earcups enhance portability and long-term comfort. This is best for budget-conscious commuters seeking functional ANC and situational awareness in a single, affordable package.
Soundcore Life Q30 by Anker
Why we recommend this ▼
Its hybrid active noise cancellation with three customizable modes effectively filters out low-frequency ambient sound for focused listening. The 50-hour battery life in ANC mode and ultra-soft memory foam earcups provide exceptional endurance and comfort for long sessions. This headphone is best for commuters and office workers who need reliable noise isolation and all-day wearability without frequent charging.
EarFun K4 Kids
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 74/85/94dBA volume-limiting technology and BPA-free build prioritize child safety and hearing protection. The 90-hour battery life and colorful LED lighting modes add significant practical and playful value. This headphone is best for parents seeking a durable, long-lasting audio solution for children's entertainment and school use.
NOUUI Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling
Why we recommend this ▼
Its hybrid ANC system blocks up to 42dB of noise and offers 70 hours of battery life with ANC off, making it a strong contender for long-haul travel. The headphones are designed for all-day comfort with memory foam ear cups and a foldable, travel-ready build. This product is best for frequent commuters and travelers who prioritize extended battery life and effective noise isolation over top-tier call quality.
Skullcandy Icon Icon ANC Over-the-Ear Noise Canceling Wireless
Why we recommend this ▼
Its IPX4 sweat resistance and durable metal headband make it a rugged choice for active use, featuring active noise canceling with a useful Stay-Aware mode. The 60-hour battery life and rapid charging provide exceptional convenience for long days on the move. These headphones are best for athletes and commuters who need durable, all-day audio with situational awareness during workouts or travel.
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Wireless Hybrid Noise Canceling Over-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its hybrid active noise canceling effectively reduces ambient noise by up to 90%, making it a strong performer for noisy environments. The 40-hour battery life with ANC on provides exceptional longevity for travel and daily commutes. These headphones are best for budget-conscious commuters and travelers who prioritize long battery life and effective noise reduction over premium audio fidelity.
JLab JBuds JBuds Lux ANC Wireless
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the 70+ hour battery life with ANC off, supported by 40mm drivers and hybrid active noise cancellation that adapts to your environment. The 1-inch cloud foam earcups and foldable design prioritize long-wearing comfort and portability for travel. These headphones are best for budget-conscious users who prioritize marathon listening sessions and customizable sound via the JLab app over absolute audiophile-grade detail.
JLab JBuds Lux ANC JBuds Lux ANC Wireless
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 70+ hour battery life and 35 dB of adaptive ANC make it a practical choice for long listening sessions. The foldable design and 1-inch cloud foam earcups prioritize portability and all-day comfort. This headphone is best for budget-conscious travelers and commuters who need extended battery life and customizable sound via its companion app.
TSYUCXH Over Ear Headphones Wireless
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 60-hour battery life with ANC off and effective noise cancellation make it a durable wireless option for long commutes. The adjustable design with ultra-soft earcups prioritizes all-day comfort for extended wear. This headset is best for budget-conscious travelers and students who need long listening sessions and clear calls for online classes.
Apple Kids Headphones Kids
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is a volume-limiting 40mm driver that keeps sound below 94dB for safe listening, paired with a durable, tangle-free nylon cord. The lightweight 113g build with memory foam cushions ensures comfort for extended wear, and the foldable design enhances portability. This product is best for parents seeking durable, hearing-safe wired headphones for children aged 3 and up for school, travel, or tablet use.
Blue Microphones iClever Kids
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 43-hour battery life and built-in volume limiters (74/85 dBA) make it a safe and durable choice for young listeners. The combination of fun LED lights, a foldable design, and tough, BPA-free materials prioritizes both entertainment and resilience for active use. This headphone is best for parents seeking a long-lasting, volume-limited wireless option for children's travel, school, or tablet use.
Belkin SoundForm SoundForm Adapt Wireless Over-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 65-hour battery life and Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection provide exceptional wireless longevity and convenience for multi-device users. The practical flip-to-mute boom mic and environmental noise cancellation offer clear communication, though its call performance is a noted weakness. This headset is best for budget-conscious users needing a single, long-lasting pair for all-day work calls and casual media consumption.
Best Headphones under £200 for music
Sennheiser Momentum Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Marshall Major V On-Ear Wireless
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is an extraordinary 100+ hours of wireless playback, powered by Bluetooth 5.3 and 40mm drivers tuned for the brand's signature sound. The rugged, foldable design enhances its portability for daily commutes and travel. This headphone is best for listeners who prioritize marathon battery life and durable build quality over premium call performance.
Soundcore Space by Anker One Wireless Noise Canceling Over-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the adaptive noise canceling with extrastrong voice reduction, effectively blocking out crowd chatter during commutes. The headphones offer a long 40-hour battery life with ANC active, ensuring extended listening sessions. This model is best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize blocking out human voices and need all-day battery life.
JBL Tune 670NC Wireless Noise-Cancelling On-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 70-hour battery life and adaptive noise cancelling make it a durable companion for extended use. The lightweight, foldable design and Smart Ambient mode enhance its practicality for on-the-go listening. This headphone is best for budget-conscious commuters and travelers who prioritize long battery life and basic noise cancellation over premium audio fidelity.
Sennheiser HD 560S Wired Over-the-Ear Audiophile
Why we recommend this ▼
Its angled transducers and open-back design deliver a natural, reference-grade soundstage with exceptional detail retrieval from 6 Hz to 38 kHz. The 240-gram weight and velour earpads provide genuine all-day comfort for extended listening sessions. This model is best for audio engineers and critical listeners who prioritize analytical sound accuracy over features like noise isolation or a microphone.
Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 Wireless On-Ear Closed-Back
Why we recommend this ▼
Its powerful 45mm dynamic drivers and adaptive noise canceling provide clear audio for commutes and office environments. The award-winning design uses premium aluminum and textile materials for a durable, comfortable fit. These headphones are best for professionals who need reliable, stylish wireless audio for mixed-use commuting and work scenarios.
Soundcore Space One Pro by Anker
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 4-stage noise-canceling system and up to 60-hour battery life make it a durable companion for travel. The FlexiCurve foldable structure and pressure-relieving headband prioritize exceptional portability and long-term comfort. These headphones are best for commuters and office workers who need reliable noise isolation and all-day wearability.
Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen 980 Cisco 980 Wireless Over-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its six-microphone array and adaptive active noise canceling are engineered specifically for professional-grade call clarity in home office environments. The inclusion of a transparency mode provides situational awareness, making it practical for hybrid work settings. This headset is best for remote workers and professionals who prioritize exceptional voice communication during video conferences and calls over pure music listening.
Jabra Evolve2 65 Stereo Wireless On-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 37-hour battery life and UC certification make it a reliable, all-day headset for professional calls. The angled earcups with memory foam prioritize passive noise isolation for a focused office environment. This headset is best for remote workers and office professionals who need a dedicated, certified device for long video conferences and calls.
Best Headphones under £400 for music
Sony WH-1000XM6 Best Wireless Noise Cancelling
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 Wireless Over-Ear Closed-Back
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the powerful 45mm Stellar.45 drivers, which deliver studio-quality audio alongside adaptive noise canceling and transparency mode. The headphones also offer a unique spatial audio experience with Dolby Atmos and head tracking for immersive listening. This product is best for commuters and home users seeking premium wireless sound with high-end driver technology and immersive audio features.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7S2 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Over Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its redesigned angled drive units and powerful motor system deliver exceptionally detailed audio with increased clarity. The headphones combine 30-hour battery life with a comfortable, lightweight build using technical fabrics for all-day wear. This model is best for frequent commuters and travelers who prioritize premium sound quality and effective noise cancellation during long journeys.
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Active Noise-Canceling
Why we recommend this ▼
Its hybrid noise-canceling technology is highly effective, complemented by plush earcups designed for all-day comfort. The headphones offer versatile, customizable listening modes, including a dedicated Wind Block feature. This model is best for frequent travelers and commuters seeking reliable noise isolation and long-term wearability over strong call performance.
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 40mm custom carbon cone drivers deliver exceptionally accurate and nuanced audio, paired with effective 4-microphone active noise cancellation and up to 30 hours of playback. The headphones are distinguished by their luxurious build quality, featuring premium Nappa leather for all-day comfort. This product is best for audiophiles and commuters who prioritize high-fidelity sound and premium materials in their daily listening.
Marshall Monitor III A.N.C Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Canceling
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is a rugged, foldable design paired with a marathon 70-hour battery life with ANC enabled. The inclusion of Dynamic Loudness, which automatically adjusts volume and EQ based on your environment, provides a uniquely adaptive listening experience. These headphones are best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize durability and all-day battery life over top-tier call quality.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Noise-Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 40mm custom-angled drivers and retuned acoustics deliver a notably detailed and balanced sound signature for critical listening. The headphones offer strong active noise cancellation with six microphones and a comfortable design that minimizes pressure on the ears. This model is best for audiophiles and commuters who prioritize nuanced audio quality and long-term wearability over top-tier call performance.
Skullcandy Aviator Aviator 900 ANC Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is a 6-microphone adaptive noise-canceling system, complemented by THX Spatial Audio with head tracking for an immersive experience. The adjustable Stay-Aware mode provides excellent environmental control, making them versatile for different settings. These headphones are best for commuters and travelers who prioritize situational awareness and high-fidelity spatial audio during daily use.
JBL Live 770NC Wireless Over-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient mode, allowing you to block out distractions or stay aware of your surroundings. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio ensures high-quality, efficient wireless streaming, and the 65-hour battery life is exceptional for long listening sessions. These headphones are best for commuters and home listeners who prioritize long battery life and adaptive noise control over absolute audiophile sound quality.
Cisco 730 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headset 730 Wireless Noise-Canceling
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is deep integration with Cisco applications and devices, making it a seamless extension of a Cisco-based office infrastructure. The headset also offers 22-hour battery life and adaptive active noise cancellation using four microphones for clear calls. This product is best for enterprise users and remote workers who rely heavily on Cisco Webex and other Cisco collaboration tools for daily communication.
Bose QuietComfort headphones QuietComfort Wireless Active Noise Cancelling
Why we recommend this ▼
Its hybrid noise-canceling technology and customizable listening modes offer precise control over your audio environment. The plush earcups and up to 24-hour playback support extended, comfortable listening sessions. These headphones are best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize effective noise isolation and all-day wearability.
JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx Over-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the Universal Auracast Audio Transmitter, enabling seamless audio sharing alongside its 8-mic True Adaptive Noise Cancelling system. The headphones also offer exceptional versatility, functioning as both wired and wireless devices with up to 70 hours of battery life. This product is best for frequent travelers and commuters who need reliable, high-fidelity audio and powerful noise cancellation across various environments.
Shure AONIC AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Over-Ear ANC
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 40-hour battery life and new proprietary DSP mode for personalized audio are backed by Shure's studio-grade 50mm drivers. The improved Environmental Mode offers excellent spatial awareness, a key feature for situational listening. These are best for audiophiles and musicians who prioritize long-lasting, customizable sound over top-tier call quality.
HiFiMan Ananda Over-Ear Full-Size Open-Back Planar Magnetic
Best Headphones under £800 for music
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Sony WH-1000XM6 Best Wireless Noise Cancelling
Why we recommend this ▼
Its HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 and 12 microphones deliver class-leading active noise cancellation, while the 30-hour battery life and 254g weight ensure all-day comfort. The headphones also support LDAC for high-resolution audio and feature a foldable, portable design. This model is best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize effective noise isolation and reliable call quality in a wireless package.
Bowers & Wilkins PX8S2 Over-Ear Wireless
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 40mm carbon cone drivers and dedicated DAC deliver high-resolution audio with exceptional clarity, while the Nappa leather and memory foam earpads provide a premium, comfortable fit. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless support ensures high-quality wireless streaming for compatible devices. These headphones are best for audiophiles seeking a luxurious, over-ear listening experience with top-tier build quality and sound fidelity.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII Premium Tesla Studio Headphones for Mixing
Why we recommend this ▼
Its open-back design and powerful Tesla.45 drivers provide exceptional detail and a wide soundstage for critical listening. The 376g build features industry-leading German craftsmanship and superb comfort for long sessions. These headphones are best for audio engineers and producers who require precise monitoring for mixing and mastering tasks.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Wireless
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is Bose's advanced hybrid noise-canceling technology, paired with CustomTune that adapts the audio profile to your unique ear shape. The headphones also offer an immersive spatial audio mode that works with any content, enhancing movies and music. This model is best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize best-in-class noise isolation and personalized sound quality over absolute audiophile-grade music performance.
Sennheiser Refurbished Excellent HD 660S2 Wired Over-the-Ear
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 300-ohm impedance and ultra-light aluminum voice coil deliver a natural, intimate sound with excellent impulse response and enhanced sub-bass. As a refurbished model, it offers significant value for a high-fidelity wired headphone. This is best for budget-conscious audiophiles seeking a neutral, detailed sound signature for critical home listening.
Fosi Audio i5 Open-Back Planar Magnetic
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 97mm planar magnetic drivers and 44 neodymium magnets deliver a fast, detailed soundstage with studio-grade accuracy. The handcrafted walnut wood chambers and CNC-milled aluminum frame provide a durable, luxurious build that prioritizes acoustic integrity. This headphone is best for critical listening and studio monitoring where an expansive, holographic soundstage is required.
Neumann NDH Neumann NDH 30 Open Back Studio Reference
Why we recommend this ▼
Its open-back design with 38mm dynamic drivers delivers exceptional clarity and a wide 12Hz-34kHz frequency range for precise, uncolored audio. The robust, foldable build using spring steel and aluminum, combined with replaceable earpads and a detachable cable, ensures long-term durability and comfort. This headphone is best for audio engineers and producers who require accurate stereo imaging and transient response for critical mixing and mastering tasks.
Moondrop para 2 Full-Size Planar Headphone 100mm Patented Planar Driver Over-Ear Open
Jamo VWS X1 Wireless Over Ear
Meze Audio | Strada | Wired Over-Ear Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones for Audiophiles |
Technics Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear
Bang & Olufsen HX Comfortable Wireless ANC Over-Ear