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Best headphones for under £100: Cheap devices for 2020

Published

5 years ago

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There is no need to spend hundreds of pounds on a new set of headphones when there are plenty of cheap options that offer excellent sound quality, comfort, and style.

By Joseph Green

There is a common trap that a lot of shoppers fall into and it’s that you need to spend big to get the best technology. Sure, you probably have a better guarantee with the most expensive devices from the biggest brands, but that doesn’t mean value can’t be found elsewhere.

Savvy shoppers can find great deals on a wide range of leading technology, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, and more, with just a small dose of know-how. You just need to know which brands to consider and where to find the best products. It’s as simple as that.

Headphones are a perfect example of a product that can be found at low prices, without the need to compromise on any of the things that are important. There are absolutely loads of top quality headphones out there from a bunch of different brands that offer great sound, total comfort, and serious style. 

You could go and hunt down the best value headphones that the internet has to offer, but this is probably going to take some serious research, and nobody wants to waste precious time and energy on that sort of thing. Fortunately for you, we’re gluttons for punishment and have done all the hard work for you. 

We’ve tracked down the best headphones that go easy on your bank balance, taking into consideration everything from battery life to how good they’ll look on your head. We’ve found trendy wireless headphones, noise-cancelling devices, and something for lovers of all things Apple.

These are the best headphones for under £100.


Long battery life • Wireless • Quick charging • Built-in microphone

Bland design • Lack of padding

A great set of headphones that delivers where it counts, especially when it comes to battery and charging.

Sony Wh-CH510

With a battery life of up to 35 hours, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice while on the move.

  • Weight:
    132 grams
  • Battery life:
    35 hours
  • Colours:
    White, Black, and Blue
The first thing that strikes you about the Sony Wh-CH510 headphones is the battery life, and then you notice how fast this cheap set charges.
You get a massive 35 hours of power on a single charge, which is more than enough juice to keep you going on the commute or wherever it is you’re going whithout the need to worry. If your headphones are running low, a quick 10 minute quick charge will give you up to 90 minutes of play time. So you’re covered.
There is plenty more to like besides the battery, such as the swivel fold design, high quality built-in microphone, and the handy buttons that let you connect to your smartphone’s voice assistant to get directions, play music, and communicate with contacts.
They aren’t the most jazzy looking headphones on the market, and some reviewers have commented on the lack of padding, but overall this set represents great value for money with a lengthy list of impressive features and specifications. 

3D-axis folding mechanism • Comfortable • Detachable cable

Earphone cups reported to detach

A great set if you commute or travel a lot, as they can fit snugly just about anywhere thanks to the folding mechanism.

AKG Y50

3D-axis folding mechanism allows for easy storage and safe transportation.

  • Weight:
    191 grams
  • Battery life:
    20 hours
  • Colours:
    Black, Red, Teal, Yellow, Silver, and Blue
Sound should always be your first priority when it comes to headphones, and whilst the AKG Y50 headphones definitely deliver on that front, it’s not this set’s best feature.
The 3D-axis folding mechanism is what sets these headphones apart from some of the competition, making them the ideal option if you travel and often need to stuff your tech into the nearest available space. These fold away with ease for safe storage and transportation.
The AKG Y50 headphones also produce high quality sound with enriched bass performance, and even include a one button remote/microphone for complete hands-free accessibility.
They fit comfortably with a rugged and lightweight design, with closed ear-cups for reduced ambient noise. Be warned that these have been reported to detach by a few reviewers, but most users seem satisfied.

Wireless • Decent battery life • Soft ear cushions • Powerful bass

Expensive (for this category)

Stylish and comfortable headphones that also deliver powerful bass and high quality sound when it matters most.

JBL LIVE 400BT

Deliver deep and powerful bass everywhere you go.

  • Weight:
    186 grams
  • Battery life:
    24 hours
  • Colours:
    Black, Blue, White, and Red
If there is one thing that often lets down cheaper headphones, it’s the bass.
It’s relatively easy for a cheap set of headphones to deliver on comfort and style, but bass is much more difficult to deliver. This is why the JBL LIVE 400BT headphones are so impressive.
You get a deep and powerful bass in a wireless package. The AmbientAware system improves sound immersion by increasing ambient noise, and TalkThru technology lowers your music and amplifies the voices of people around you when you need it. These headphones are packed full of clever features to improve the sound quality.
The stylish and comfortable fabric headband makes sure they fit nicely, and you get up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge. You will have to pay a little more for this model, but you get a lot for your money.

Noise-cancelling • Bass • Wireless • Battery life • Portable

It’s difficult to find much wrong with these headphones besides a simple design that may be preferable for some.

Taotronics TT-BH060

Improved Active Noise Cancellation drowns out the noise of whatever is going on around you.

  • Weight:
    254 grams
  • Battery life:
    30 hours
  • Colours:
    Black, Silver, Coral Orange, and Fresh Mint
Anyone who regularly listens to music on the tube, bus, or train will know all too well the value of noise-cancelling technology. 
Taotronics TT-BH060 headphones make use of active noise cancelling technology to drown out the noise around you, so you can fully immerse yourself in your favourite tunes in incredible detail, without interference or disruption.
There are plenty of other reasons to opt for these headphones, including the impressive bass, portable design, and decent battery life. It’s rare to get cheap wireless headphones that deliver on so many fronts, but that’s why these made the cut.
They do look a little basic, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. An understated design may be exactly what you’re looking for and if that’s the case, these could be the headphones for you.

Stylish • Sound quality • Very comfortable fit

Fragile • Reviews are mixed

There are questions raised by the mixed reviews but this is a cheap entry point into the world of Apple and Beats.

Beats EP

Beats headphones always look great and this set is no exception.

  • Weight:
    200 grams
  • Battery life:
    N/A
  • Colours:
    Black, Blue, White, and Red
There are a lot of people out there who are totally obsessed with Apple, and only Apple products will do. The problem with this is that the popular brand normally comes with a large price tag.
It’s not always the case though, and the Beats EP headphones prove it. They combine high quality sound with heaps of style, with a battery-free design that offers unlimited playback so you can focus on the music.
It’s not all good unfortunately, because some reviewers have commented on the fragile nature of these headphones, which is a worry. Most of the reviews are positive though, so maybe it’s worth the small risk. We are talking about Apple after all.

Sound quality • Bass • Lightweight • Comfortable

Dated design • Limited colour options

They might not look the most stylish but they deliver unbeatable sound quality and that’s what matters most.

Grado SR80e Prestige

Delivers a wider and dynamic soundstage, which will make sense if you’re into audio.

  • Weight:
    231 grams
  • Battery life:
    N/A
  • Colours:
    Black
The Grado SR80e Prestige headphones will not have the look that some users are looking for, and that’s OK because the sound quality is outstanding.
Audiophiles on a budget need not look any further because this set of headphones utilises a four-conductor connecting cable and driver diaphragms are put through a special de-stressing process in order to enhance inner detail. 
That might not make a whole lot of sense, but the result is a headset which delivers a wider, more open, and dynamic soundstage, which is also smoother in the treble and deeper in the bass. 
You don’t get any colour options and they definitely look a little dated, but they are lightweight, comfortable, and very popular with reviewers.

Cushioning • Build quality • General sound quality • Understated design

Popular headphones that more than make up for a lack of bass with a long list of fantastic features.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X

Modern design and high-quality materials combine to deliver a comfortable listening experience.

  • Weight:
    191 grams
  • Battery life:
    N/A
  • Colours:
    Black
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x headphones combine modern design and high-quality materials to deliver a comfortable listening experience, which is something everyone wants.
These are the perfect option for long sessions in the studio and on the go, with contoured earcups that seal tight for excellent sound isolation, with minimal bleed. They manage to find that sweet spot between durability and comfort, which isn’t easy.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x headphones are tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance, and the sound quality is generally very good. The bass could be better, but that is a common problem when it comes to headphones in this price range.

Lightweight • Deep bass • Two-way foldable • Very cheap

Cable is short • Not the most comfortable

You will struggle to find anything better at this low price point.

JVC HA-S180

Lightweight design ensures that these headphones remain comfortable for long periods of use.

  • Weight:
    109 grams
  • Battery life:
    N/A
  • Colours:
    Black, Blue, and White
The JVC HA-S180 headphones are not perfect, but they come in at under £20, which is pretty incredible for a set that still offers lots to like.
High quality sound is ensured by the neodymium drive unit with a large 30 mm diaphragm and powerful bass reproduction through large bass ports. This is not something you would expect to see with such cheap headphones.
The two-way foldable design gives you the freedom to pack the headphones flat or compact, and they are seriously light, meaning you won’t notice them when you’re commuting or travelling.
There are a couple of negative things to consider, like the short cable and lack of cushioning, but at this price it’s hard to complain.

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