mybest
Headphones, earphones & accessoriesHelping You Find the Best
mybest
Headphones, earphones & accessoriesHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Budget Over Ear Headphones UK 2024 1
  • 10 Best Budget Over Ear Headphones UK 2024 2
  • 10 Best Budget Over Ear Headphones UK 2024 3
  • 10 Best Budget Over Ear Headphones UK 2024 4
  • 10 Best Budget Over Ear Headphones UK 2024 5

10 Best Budget Over Ear Headphones UK 2024

Headphones have maintained a steady position in the market over the past couple of decades, even while trends have tended to favour the smaller and inconspicuous. Many still prefer the over-ear options as they're more comfortable and produce more accurate audio across the frequency spectrum. This greater frequency range is vital for a clear and complete listening experience, the question is – can you get all of this in the budget market?


In this article, we’ll be sticking to a maximum budget of around £100 and seeing what excellent features you can expect from even some of the bigger players in sound like Sony. From wired to wireless and noise-cancelling to frequency range, we’ll have products that cover it all whether you want them for the daily commute or when you're out running.

Last updated 28/03/2024

Quick List - Top Budget Over Ear Headphones

1

Plantronics

Backbeat Go 810
Backbeat Go 810

All the Gear and Every Idea

2

Vankyo

Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling HeadphonesC751
Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

When It's All About Cancelling the Noise

3

Mixcder

E9 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones
E9 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones

Ideal for Those Who Plan on Wearing Them to the Gym

4

Sony

Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth HeadphonesWH-CH700N
Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

A Budget Option From a Big Electronic Powerhouse

5

Anker

Soundcore Noise Cancelling HeadphonesQ30
Soundcore Noise Cancelling Headphones

Connect to Two Devices Simultaneously

mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

How to Choose the Best Budget Over Ear Headphones in the UK – Buying Guide

Before we jump in, let’s consider what’s available on budget headphones. While a few years back the technology for features such as noise-cancellation were too expensive, nowadays you can get a lot more for your money.   

1

Wired vs. Wireless - Think About Your Usage Time and Freedom of Movement

The first contemplation is wired vs wireless. While you might already have a preference in mind, it’s worth having a read about them each independently and considering their advantages and disadvantages. 

Wireless Technology Is Now Much More Reliable

Wireless Technology Is Now Much More Reliable

A few years ago, we may have tried to dissuade you from going the wireless route due to technical issues, such as being troublesome to pair and frequently dropping out. However, the advances in Bluetooth technology see that these problems rarely arise anymore. Therefore, you can expect high-quality sound without bothersome wires.

 
They do have one main drawback that wired headphones don’t, though. They will require charging. Most headphones last between 20 – 50 hours from one full charge, so depending on how frequently you use them will depend on how often you need to charge them. 

Wired Still Offer Superior Sound Quality

Wired Still Offer Superior Sound Quality

Wired headphones have been around for a long time and are thought of as providing superior sound. This is because they receive an analogue signal which can handle more data than Bluetooth. Furthermore, they’re often ubiquitous and can connect to any audio source with a 3.5 mm input, and they never require charging.

 
That said, the biggest problem with wired headphones is the wire itself. If you plan on listening and sitting in one spot, such as at your desk or commuting, you should be okay. However, if you want to listen whilst exercising or cleaning the house, for example, cords can get in the way. Plus, they always seem to get tangled in a bag, even if you neatly wrap them up. 

2

Find Your Frequency Range to Get the Perfect Bass or Crisp Trebles

Find Your Frequency Range to Get the Perfect Bass or Crisp Trebles

We suspect you’re getting some new headphones to listen to music primarily. Therefore, you’re going to want a pair that can perform how you wish them to, such as delivering the hard-hitting bassy lows or the high-fidelity trebles that are ultra-crisp.

 
For this reason, it’s important to check out the frequency range of the headphones. The industry standard is 20 Hz – 20 kHz. With this, you should find that your headphones have ample response to any frequency.

 
That said, if you want it to be higher or lower on either end, then some options cater towards that, even in the budget range. Sure, they’re fewer a further between, but it’s not impossible. 

3

Comfortable Padding Will Ensure You Enjoy Wearing Your Headphones No Matter the Session Length

Comfortable Padding Will Ensure You Enjoy Wearing Your Headphones No Matter the Session Length

At the end of the day, if your headphones aren’t comfy, then you aren’t going to wear them. So, finding a pair that have padding will ensure that you haven’t wasted your money.


You can expect to find padding on the ear cups, however, finding headphones that offer additional padding on the headband can make all the difference. This all-around foam will see you capable of wearing them for hours before they begin to irritate you (if at all), which is extremely handy if you spend a lot of time travelling regularly or vigorously working out. 

4

Consider if You Need a Built-in Microphone and Controls

Consider if You Need a Built-in Microphone and Controls

Another modern feature that might not have been available until recently is whether the headphones have an in-built microphone or controls. These will allow you to access features such as volume, skip track, without the need to take your phone out of your pocket every time.

 
Furthermore, having access to a microphone will enable you to make and receive phone calls, in addition to having access to Siri. While this may not be too important if you’re buying headphones for, say, producing music at home or gaming, for many, they can make their life much easier.

5

Noise-Cancelling Is Ideal for Good Sound Quality Without Excessive Volume

Noise-Cancelling Is Ideal for Good Sound Quality Without Excessive Volume

Noise cancelling is a super handy feature as it will allow you to listen to audio content without the need to turn up the volume excessively. The technology works by having microphones that pick up low-frequency noise. These then invert said noise 180-degrees, which in turn neutralises it before it reaches the ear.

 
As you’d expect, this can be a pretty handy feature; especially when travelling on public transport like trains and planes that have a constant rattle or buzz. Luckily, the price of the technology has come down drastically recently, and it is now found in many budget headphones.

 
So, if you plan to use your headphones when you’re out and about, this is a great way to ensure you get the best sound without interference.   

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Budget Over Ear Headphones in the UK

Hopefully, now you’re a little bit more confident with what you can expect from your budget over the ear headphones. So, without further ado, here are our favourites that are available for around £100 or under. We have options from Sony to Samsung, and some new companies you might not have heard of yet!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Plantronics

Backbeat Go 810

Plantronics Backbeat Go 810 1

All the Gear and Every Idea

2

Vankyo

Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling HeadphonesC751

Vankyo Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 1

When It's All About Cancelling the Noise

3

Mixcder

E9 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones

Mixcder E9 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones 1

Ideal for Those Who Plan on Wearing Them to the Gym

4

Sony

Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth HeadphonesWH-CH700N

Sony Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 1

A Budget Option From a Big Electronic Powerhouse

5

Anker

Soundcore Noise Cancelling HeadphonesQ30

Anker Soundcore Noise Cancelling Headphones 1

Connect to Two Devices Simultaneously

6

Samsung

AKG High Performance Closed-Back Monitoring HeadphonesK72

Samsung  AKG High Performance Closed-Back Monitoring Headphones 1

Substance Over Style for the Practical Folks

7

Samsung

AKG Wireless HeadphonesY500

Samsung AKG Wireless Headphones 1

Sleek and Sophisticated With a Fast Charge Feature

8

Jabra

Elite 45h

Jabra Elite 45h 1

Headphones With a Mammoth Battery Life

9

Edifier

Audiophile HeadphonesH840

Edifier Audiophile Headphones 1

No Bells or Whistles, Just Solid Sound

10

Philips

Hi-Fi Stereo HeadphonesSHP9500/00

Philips Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones 1

A Well-Balanced Mix Similar to More Expensive Models

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Plantronics
Backbeat Go 810

Backbeat Go 810 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Backbeat Go 810 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Backbeat Go 810 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£59.95
Mid
Reference price
£59.95
Mid

All the Gear and Every Idea

We had to do a double-take when we found the Plantronics Backbeat Go 810. They provide outstanding quality for the price. These headphones have the biggest frequency range of any in our ranking, which is sure to delight bass heads who want their bellies to rumble when the low-end hits. 


Not only that, but they provide padding where one would like it and comes with a wide array of controls, features and a handy app. They are a little on the fragile side due to being made of plastic, but for all the features packed inside, it's hard to complain. If you're truly looking to stick to a budget, then these are our number one choice!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Vankyo
Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling HeadphonesC751

Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£49.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£49.99
Low Mid

When It's All About Cancelling the Noise

The standout feature of these headphones is their noise cancellation, which the company claims can keep out up to 90% of surrounding sounds. This makes these headphones ideal for commuting, working from home, zoom meetings or online classes. Not to mention when you want to find the nuances in the track. 


Vankyo uses two 40 mm driver units to produce rich and powerful soundscapes that have everything from pounding bass to cutting trebles. These have a respectable 30 hours playtime, but again they utilise fast charging, but this time providing a whopping two hours from a ten-minute zap. 

No.3

Mixcder
E9 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones

E9 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
E9 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£69.99
Mid
Reference price
£69.99
Mid

Ideal for Those Who Plan on Wearing Them to the Gym

While these Mixcder E9's have many favourable features, there is something a little different about these that we want to bring up - the fact that there's hardly any audio leakage. This means that you won't have to feel as conscious about the volume you have on your headphones in public. 


In addition to this, many users found that these headphones do a great job of staying in place when moving your head around, making them ideal for those that are looking for a set that they are going to use frequently at the gym. 

No.4

Sony
Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth HeadphonesWH-CH700N

Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£94.95
High Mid
Reference price
£94.95
High Mid

A Budget Option From a Big Electronic Powerhouse

Sony is a Japanese company known for creating a whole range of quality electronics, and we're grateful they cater towards the budget market too. Here, we have their WH-CH700N headphones that come in just under £100, so they're at the top end of our budget. However, they do seem to have it all. 


For instance, they have a respectable frequency range that is perfect for all kinds of music and a built-in mic allows you to make phone calls and connect with your phone's assistant. Not only that, but you'll get 35 hours from one charge, and these too have a fast charge option which gives you 60 minutes from a ten-minute charge. 

No.5

Anker
Soundcore Noise Cancelling HeadphonesQ30

Soundcore Noise Cancelling Headphones 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Soundcore Noise Cancelling Headphones 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Soundcore Noise Cancelling Headphones 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£79.99
Mid
Reference price
£79.99
Mid

Connect to Two Devices Simultaneously

Anker has recently come on the scene producing many different mobile peripherals, however, it's their work with speakers, and now headphones that have many people talking. These are well-built, over-ear, wireless headphones that are equipped with noise-cancelling technology, allowing you to filter out any of the sounds you'd prefer not to be hearing.


Not only that, they provide 44 hours of playtime when they've been fully charged. There's also one unique feature that isn't often found in this price range, the headphones can pair with two devices simultaneously, which is handy if you often jump between devices. 

No.6

Samsung
AKG High Performance Closed-Back Monitoring HeadphonesK72

AKG High Performance Closed-Back Monitoring Headphones 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
AKG High Performance Closed-Back Monitoring Headphones 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£33.00
Low
Reference price
£33.00
Low

Substance Over Style for the Practical Folks

While these headphones might be from the same company as the previous ranking, they look like they're from two completely different brands. Although they might not be as pleasing aesthetically, they have some great features, such as a padded headband for additional comfort


Moreover, they have a better frequency range and a noise-cancelling function that should see you get a cleaner sound, even at lower volumes. They're also wired, so this will no doubt be an advantage or disadvantage depending on what you want from your headphones. That said, we believe these are excellent value for money considering the company and the quality. 

No.7

Samsung
AKG Wireless HeadphonesY500

AKG Wireless Headphones 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
AKG Wireless Headphones 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
AKG Wireless Headphones 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£102.99
High Mid
Reference price
£102.99
High Mid

Sleek and Sophisticated With a Fast Charge Feature

The first point we'd like to mention about the wireless Y500's is that they have a super sleek and sophisticated look, unlike other options that can sometimes come across as a bit clunky and mechanical. With these, you'll get around 3 hours from a full charge which may or may not work for your listening preferences. 


However, they also have a fast-charging system that will give you a good hour of playtime from only five minutes of charge, this is ideal for those that might need just a little top-up for their commute. They do have a smaller frequency range at the lower end, but nothing too drastic that should see the music become tinny. 

No.8

Jabra
Elite 45h

Elite 45h 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Elite 45h 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£66.39
Mid
Reference price
£66.39
Mid

Headphones With a Mammoth Battery Life

Here we have the Jabra Elite 45h. These wireless headphones come with plenty of different controls found as physical push buttons on the ear cups. However, that's not all. Thanks to the microphone, you can also access virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.


The muffs are covered with memory foam and faux leather for maximum comfort, and the battery power lasts an impressive 50 hours when fully charged. Sadly, we were unable to find the full frequency range, but if you're more of a casual listener and want a set that will last without the constant worry of running out of battery, then these are a wise choice. 

No.9

Edifier
Audiophile HeadphonesH840

Audiophile Headphones 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Audiophile Headphones 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£48.95
Low Mid
Reference price
£48.95
Low Mid

No Bells or Whistles, Just Solid Sound

With two 40 mm driver units fitted to either ear, you can expect the industry-standard frequency range from the Edifier H840's. These provide professional-like sound quality, as well as being fitted with leather earmuffs for comfortable extended use. Plus, you get a two-years free warranty, which is always nice if you're a little clumsy.


Unfortunately, the headphones don't come with any bells or whistles, so no additional controls or microphone, plus no noise cancelling. However, they're right at the bottom end price-wise, so could be a solid option if you're not looking to splash too much cash.  

No.10

Philips
Hi-Fi Stereo HeadphonesSHP9500/00

Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£100.00
High Mid
Reference price
£100.00
High Mid

A Well-Balanced Mix Similar to More Expensive Models

Just about managing to sneak into our budget headphone article, we have the Philips SHP9500/00. These have a perfectly balanced mix which very similar to that of more expensive alternatives. Furthermore, they're supremely comfortable, so you've no worries about wearing them for hours at a time.


Unfortunately, we were unable to learn the exact frequency range, but some users have found they lack a little at the lower end, so if you're a fan of bass-heavy music, such as EDM hip-hop, these might not be for you

Top 5 Budget Over Ear Headphones

No. 1: PlantronicsBackbeat Go 810

No. 2: VankyoHybrid Active Noise Cancelling HeadphonesC751

No. 3: MixcderE9 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones

No. 4: SonyNoise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth HeadphonesWH-CH700N

No. 5: AnkerSoundcore Noise Cancelling HeadphonesQ30

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

Most Viewed
Featured Rankings Similar to Headphones, earphones & accessories

Budget Wireless Earbuds

8 Best

New Arrivals
Featured Rankings Similar to Headphones, earphones & accessories

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.