Best Headphones Under £400 in 2026
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jabra Evolve2 85
Why we recommend this ▼
With 37-hour battery life, 10 integrated microphones, and Microsoft Teams certification, this wireless headset delivers clear call capture and ANC isolation. Its cushioned memory foam earcups and hideaway boom mic with auto mute add practical office ergonomics, though music playback scores just 57.4/100. Best for remote workers or gamers needing extended calls and distraction-free work sessions.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro 61526
Why we recommend this ▼
Combining neodymium magnetic drivers with active noise cancellation, this headset delivers clear 10Hz-22kHz audio while blocking distractions across PlayStation, PC, and Switch. Its wireless design and onboard audio profiles offer convenient, platform-specific sound tuning without tethering you to a desk. This is best for multi-platform gamers who prioritize wireless freedom and noise isolation over critical studio monitoring.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 890101-0200
Why we recommend this ▼
With CustomTune personalized sound, Bose’s most advanced noise cancellation, and spatial audio Cinema Mode, the premium metal headphones deliver 30 hours of immersive listening. Its 15-minute quick charge provides 2.5 hours of playback, while folding flat, multipoint Bluetooth 5.4, and wear-detection controls streamline daily use. Best for commuters and frequent flyers who require effective noise cancellation and cinematic movie audio, though its low 42.3/100 studio score limits critical mixing.
Poly Voyager Surround 220116-01
Why we recommend this ▼
The 40mm dual dynamic drivers deliver Hi-Res audio with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and a 20Hz-20kHz range, while six mics and adaptive ANC handle noisy environments. The 24-hour battery with a 15-minute quick charge for 6 hours of playback, plus IPX4 and multipoint BT 5.3, makes it a practical travel companion. Best for professionals who prioritize clear calls and immersive music on the go, though its 630g weight and closed-back design may not suit all-day wear.
Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022
Why we recommend this ▼
Its Perfect Tune technology calibrates sound to each ear, delivering a personalized audio experience with 45-hour battery life even with active noise cancellation. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3, two ANC levels, and an included 6.35mm wired connection add flexibility, while the custom-molded silicone case protects without bulk. Best for drummers and active listeners who need personalized, all-day wireless sound, though its 14.1 studio score makes it unsuitable for critical mixing.
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.
Beyerdynamic MMX 230 1001973
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 60-hour replaceable battery life, active noise cancellation, and Bluetooth 6.0 with a low-latency USB-C dongle provide uninterrupted wireless audio, while 40mm dynamic drivers deliver precise, detailed sound for tracking in-game cues. The over-ear design stays comfortable through marathon sessions with plush earcups and a secure clamp, and the ENC microphone with flip-to-mute ensures clear team communication even in noisy environments. Competitive gamers needing lag-free audio and reliable voice clarity will find this headset well-suited, though its studio performance is limited.
Dyson OnTrac 759557-01
Why we recommend this ▼
Eight Active Noise Cancelling microphones reduce up to 40dB of ambient noise, and the 55-hour battery life (even with ANC on) supports weeks of listening. You can swap outer caps and ear cushions for a personalized look, while the 6Hz–21kHz frequency range and DSP reveal sub-bass and high-end detail. Best for commuters and travelers who want all-day comfort from 449g weight and microfiber cushions, 55-hour battery, and personalized style, though studio fidelity is weak.
Sony Monitor MDRMV1
Why we recommend this ▼
The 40mm dynamic drivers deliver an ultra-wide 5Hz-80kHz frequency response for precise spatial and stereo mastering. The open-back design and lightweight 54g aluminum alloy housing provide accurate 360-degree sound object positioning and all-day comfort for long studio sessions. These reference monitors are best for mixing and mastering engineers who require neutral, high-resolution acoustic reproduction without ear fatigue.
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO 700286
Why we recommend this ▼
The open-back design and 5Hz-36kHz frequency response create an ultra-wide 3D sound stage with precise positioning for critical mixing decisions. Two pairs of washable earpads reduce ear fatigue and help pinpoint frequencies, while the patented cable coil blocks transmission noise. Best for studio engineers and producers who need accurate sound reproduction for mixing and mastering tasks.