Best Headphones under £80 for music

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT

75.8 Music Score
over-earWirelessANC40mm90h
Why we recommend this

The 90-hour battery life with ANC off sets a new endurance standard, letting you go weeks between charges while hybrid noise-cancelling and a hear-through mode adapt to your environment. Its lightweight 460g build and quick-charge capability (3 minutes for 2.5 hours of playback) make it a practical daily companion despite modest call quality scores. These headphones are best for commuters and remote workers who prioritize marathon battery life and all-day comfort over critical listening or studio accuracy.

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Audio-Technica ATH-S220BTWH

59.1 Music Score
on-earWireless40mm60h
Why we recommend this ▼

The 40mm dynamic drivers deliver clear audio, while 60 hours of battery life and 10-minute quick charging for 3.5 hours of playback make it a long-lasting wireless option. Multipoint connectivity and a 3.5mm cable add flexibility, and the lightweight 380g on-ear design stays comfortable for all-day wear. Best for budget-conscious listeners who prioritize battery life and casual use over call quality.

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over-earWired40mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils deliver a flat, wideband response from 15Hz to 20kHz, tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance. The circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments, and the single-side cable exit keeps things tangle-free. Best for budget-conscious home studio users who need reliable tracking and mixing headphones without breaking the bank.

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Best Headphones under £200 for music

Best Pick
over-earWireless45mm50h
Why we recommend this

The 45mm dynamic drivers and AK4331 DAC deliver the same studio-grade sound as the wired M50x, now wirelessly with BT 5.0 and multipoint. A 50-hour battery with a 10-minute charge for 3 hours of playback, plus low-latency mode and dual beamforming mics, make it practical for calls and streaming. Best for studio and music listeners who want a reliable wireless version of a classic, though commuters may find the 454g weight heavy.

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Audio-Technica ATH-R50X

72.8 Music Score
over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45mm dynamic drivers deliver a 5Hz-40kHz frequency response and 1,600mW power handling, providing accurate, distortion-free sound for critical studio work. The open-back design creates a natural, spacious soundstage, while the 207g build and redesigned headband keep long mixing sessions comfortable. Best for studio engineers and producers who need reliable, neutral monitoring for mixing and mastering in professional or home studios.

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Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X

66.8 Music Score
over-earWired53mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 53 mm drivers and fully open-air design deliver a wide, natural soundstage with clear treble and midrange, free from any sense of ear pressure. Its lightweight aluminum honeycomb casing and self-adjusting 3D Wing Support provide a comfortable, barely-there fit for extended listening. This headphone is best for budget-conscious audiophiles who prioritize spacious, accurate sound for music over gaming performance.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

59.9 Music Score
over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils deliver deep, accurate bass and clarity across a 15Hz-28kHz range. The circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation, and the 90-degree swiveling earcups allow one-ear monitoring. Best for studio engineers and producers who need reliable, durable monitoring headphones for critical listening and mixing.

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on-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

With 45mm large-aperture drivers delivering a 15Hz–28kHz frequency response and 102dB sensitivity, this closed-back on-ear monitor provides accurate audio with minimal bleed. Its lightweight 200g build and memory foam earpads ensure all-day comfort, while three detachable cables (1.2-3.0m coiled, 3.0m straight, 1.2m straight) support varied studio setups. It’s best for audio engineers and musicians needing isolated, precise monitoring in recording and mixing sessions, not for calls or casual listening.

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Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3

58.3 Music Score
over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45mm drivers and open-back design deliver a 10Hz–35kHz response with an expansive sound field for precise spatial localization, all in a lightweight 220-gram frame. Detachable 3.0m and 1.2m cables ensure broad PC and console compatibility, while replaceable earpads and a flexible, directional boom mic add practical longevity and clear voice capture. Ideal for competitive gamers who prioritize pinpoint positional cues and all-day comfort, though its neutral tuning also suits casual studio monitoring.

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Best Headphones under £400 for music

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA

68.6 Music Score
over-earWired45mm
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.

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over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

Its proprietary 45mm drivers deliver a flat 5Hz-40kHz frequency response for precise studio monitoring. The fold-flat design and detachable, durable ear pads add genuine portability and long-wear comfort for critical listening sessions. These headphones are best for audio engineers and mixers who need an uncolored reference to dissect dense, multi-layered tracks.

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Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z

48 Music Score
over-earWired53mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 53 mm drivers with OFC bobbin-wound voice coils and a 5Hz-45kHz frequency range deliver Hi-Res Audio reproduction. Lightweight aluminum housings with the Double Air Damping System provide deep bass and reduced resonance, while the 3D wing support system ensures long-lasting comfort. Best for budget-conscious listeners who want closed-back headphones for detailed music listening at home.

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over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45mm large-aperture dynamic drivers with rare earth magnets deliver professional-grade clarity and deep bass, while the cardioid condenser capsule from the 20 series studio microphones ensures high-quality vocal articulation. The integrated A/D converter supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz for high-resolution digital audio, and the bundle includes a desktop stand for immediate use. This headset is best for gamers and streamers who need a complete, wired USB-C setup with studio-grade sound and microphone performance.

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Best Headphones under £800 for music

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-WP900

61.5 Music Score
over-earWired53mm
Why we recommend this

The 53mm DLC-coated drivers with a powerful magnetic circuit deliver detailed audio across the frequency range, while the handcrafted flame maple housings, made with Fujigen, offer refined acoustics and natural beauty that deepens over time. The angled baffle and top-mounted PCB improve airflow for precise bass and clear mids, and the foldable design with soft synthetic leather pads makes it easy to carry in the included pouch. Best for audiophiles who prioritize portable, high-fidelity wired listening and appreciate premium wood craftsmanship, though it is not suited for calls.

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