If you’re looking for a good pair of affordable headphones, you’ve probably found that there’s so much waffle out there online. Everyone has an opinion: “headphones must have X, Y, and Z”, “open-backed is better than closed-back”, “you must ignore earbuds if you want quality audio while commuting” – there’s so much to sift through.
Well, we’ve chosen what we think are the best headphones under £200, taking a step back to focus on what genuinely stands out at this price point. You’ll find all kinds of options here, including earbuds, that have been included on merit.
In a hurry?
Here are our top three picks.
| Sennheiser HD 560S Headphones | These are one of the most accurate headphones you can buy under £200. | Check the current price |
| Edifier WH950NB Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones | Marrying wireless technology with high-quality audio reproductions make these a force to be reckoned with. | Check the current price |
| Sennheiser IE 100 Pro In-Ear Monitors | No-nonsense wired in-ear headphones that do more than you’d ever expect. A wireless option is also available. | Check the current price |
Why we’ve chosen these headphones
The best headphones under £200
1. Sennheiser HD 560S Headphones
Key features
- Open-back design
- 120Ω makes them easy to drive
- Angled drivers for optimal audio reproductions
Pros
- Regarded as the best in class for sound accuracy
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- You would usually expect to pay more for this level of performance
Cons
- Some suggest the bass is a little thin
The Sennheiser HD 560S Headphones are ideal for anyone looking for accurate and neutral musical reproductions. They excel in the higher frequencies and are brilliantly accurate in their response.
Some reviewers suggest the open-back design limits ultra-low-frequency bass notes and that Sennheiser’s claim that the headphones can achieve 10Hz is unrealistic. I don’t think this is the case, as the soundstage feels far wider than their closed-back counterparts at the same budget, adding a level of accuracy without using fake bass reproductions that can mask mid-range. It’s just more subtle.
They’re perfect for a huge variety of genres, from classical to pop and rock, and they’re even capable as gaming headphones when a microphone isn’t required.
Plus, they’re comfortable, weighing 240g, which is light for an open-back pair of headphones. The clamping force is firm, creating a snug fit thanks to the large velour earcups.
They’ll also work well with a wide range of electronics, whether you want to connect them to a smartphone or a dedicated headphone amp, thanks to their 120Ω rating. The 3-metre cable, 6.35mm jack plug, and 3.5mm adapter cover all the connections you need for a true analogue experience.
2. FiiO FT1 Pro Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
Key features
- Large 95x86mm planar magnetic drivers design
- Open-backed metal meshed grills
- Comfortable and lightweight
Pros
- Neutral and musically engaging headphones
- Impressive cable options
- Wide open soundstage
Cons
- Not the lightest open-backed headphones
The FiiO FT1 Pro Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones are regarded as one of the most balanced headphones you can buy under £200, delivering a smooth and quite natural sound.
That energetic signature brings pace and tightness to these headphones, covering a wide range of frequencies across the highs, mids, and lows, and they’re capable of creating a vivid sense of space thanks to their imaging ability.
Vocals are another strong point for these over-ear headphones, as their open-back design creates a sense of spaciousness that allows for excellent separation of instruments, resulting in a very wide soundstage.
These are another pair of headphones like the Sennheisers that are more capable than their budget price should allow, which we are thankful for.
3. Grado SR80x Prestige Series Stereo Headphones
Key features
- 44mm, 4th generation Grado drivers
- 4-conductor cable design
- Lightweight design
Pros
- Best in class for mids and highs
- Tight, punchy bass control
- Budget-friendly performer
Cons
- Earpads can be a little itchy when new
I must have a soft spot for open-back headphones because we have another pair here! The Grado SR80x Prestige Series Stereo Headphones are among the best headphones you can buy under £200.
With these headphones, Grado has taken an evolutionary step forward from previous versions, arriving at the SR80x, with improvements that help them stand out sonically from both the SR80 and SR80e.
Aesthetics-wise, Grado headphones are some of the most recognisable on the market. In terms of design and sound, they blend elements from the two headphones above.
First, there’s Grado’s energetic, forward sound, which gives the headphones a tight and engaging presentation for both vocals and instrumental sections. The level of control they bring is top-notch across genres like jazz, rock, and pop. I almost picked them as my first choice, but the other two just edged ahead in a few areas.
They’re also very light, partly thanks to their retro styling, which dates back to the 1990s. Plus, they’re the only headphones in this group that can be modified if you feel brave enough.
4. Edifier WH950NB Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
Key features
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation System
- Up to 55 hours of battery life
- EQ and sound modes
Pros
- Comfort is one of the best, thanks to the soft padding
- EQ app adjustability enables fine-tuning audio
- Ideal for commuting
Cons
- They don’t pause when you’ve finished wearing them
The Edifier WH950NB Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones are the first noise-cancelling headphones on the list. If you’ve been looking at Sony or Bose, Edifier is a must-hear alternative.
These closed-back headphones are also wireless, with Bluetooth 5.3, and claim up to 55 hours of battery life on a single charge. What makes them special, though, is the ambient mode, which delivers a natural-sounding presentation that’s balanced and rich in bass without overpowering the mid-range. From the available presets, it would be our pick.
As powered headphones, you also get EQ control, meaning you can customise the soundstage via the Edifier smartphone app. And, as they’re ANC headphones with an array of microphones, they can also be used for calls alongside your smartphone.
Plus, for those times when you need to use them in passive mode, you can, thanks to the supplied analogue cable, which can also be used with the included aeroplane adapter when flying.
Comfort-wise, the clamping force feels well judged, and even though these headphones use a more complex foldable design than the other over-ear models in this list, they remain comfortable. The leather earpads also provide a good level of passive noise isolation, meaning you can enjoy them without ANC activated where ambient noise levels allow.
For us, if you need a good pair of multifunctional headphones without sacrificing too much in performance, these should be on your shortlist.
5. Audio Technica ATH-M50x Headphones
Key features
- 45mm drivers with neodymium magnets drivers
- 90-degree swivelling earcups for one-ear monitoring
- Foldable design makes them easy to transport
Pros
- One of the most durable headphones you can buy
- Detachable cables bring upgradability
- Punchy bass with clear mids and highs
Cons
- Poor sound isolation
The Audio Technica ATH-M50x Headphones have many fans and are loved for their energetic sound stage.
As closed-back headphones, they bring a bit more bass than their open-back counterparts, while also offering a degree of passive noise isolation – though this isn’t as strong as it could be.
What makes them so popular, though, is their versatility. If you’re a record producer or DJ looking for a reliable workhorse, you’ll likely already own a pair, but they’re just as capable for listening at home or on a walk, as they handle pretty much everything well.
Three types of cables are included with the ATH-M50x, catering to whatever your requirements may be that day, plus a screw-on adaptor for 6.35mm inputs. You also get a simple carry pouch that keeps them safe once folded in on themselves for travelling.
Out of all the headphones here, if you need a versatile pair that’s accurate while still adding a bit of fun to the sound, you really don’t need to look elsewhere. They haven’t taken the top spot overall, but they might have done so if it just came down to build and versatility.
6. JBL Tune Flex 2 Earbuds
Key features
- JBL Pure Bass and Spatial Sound
- Six-microphone setup for clear, reliable calls
- Up to 48 hours of battery life with fast charging
Pros
- Customisable EQ via JBL headphone app
- IP54-rated water and dust resistant
- Good seal in-ear fit
Cons
- Touch controls can seem a little oversensitive at times
The JBL Tune Flex 2 Earbuds are some of the best pocket-friendly headphones you can buy today. They’re renowned for their bass performance, thanks to JBL’s Pure Bass Sound with Spatial Sound system built in.
To keep that rich, deep bass sealed in your ears, JBL includes three ear tip sizes, ensuring a snug fit if the unique transparent design doesn’t sit perfectly.
The earbuds have an ANC system with switchable modes that help reduce unwanted environmental noise, particularly when communicating in busy environments. This allows for uninterrupted playback while the surrounding noise is kept to a minimum.
Wireless streaming is handled by Bluetooth 5.3, and connectivity couldn’t be easier thanks to multi-point support and Google Fast Pair, making them ideal for smartphone use.
The carry case feels compact and solid, fitting neatly into your pocket while keeping the earbuds safe and charged. They also offer up to 48 hours of playback, or slightly less with all features enabled.
Another important and sometimes overlooked area is the earbuds’ IP rating. Fortunately, these carry an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. There are also six microphones, which not only work alongside the ANC system but also handle calls, so you don’t need to disconnect the earbuds when one comes in.
7. Sennheiser IE 100 Pro In-Ear Monitors
Key features
- Dynamic 10-mm transducer for precise monitoring
- Excellent noise isolation with optimal earpiece positioning
- 20 – 18,000 Hz frequency response
Pros
- Brings accuracy with tight bass reproductions
- Durable design, even as a pair of headphones for working environments
- Punch above their price point
Cons
- No microphone, unlike many other in-ear wired headphones
If wires don’t bother you, the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro In-Ear Monitors are a very capable pair of in-ear earphones, offering an accurate sound with a touch of warmth and a strong bass presence.
They deliver strong mid-range and vocal performance, easily exceeding expectations and helping them stand out from the competition. As wired earphones, they’re very light and offer a level of comfort that many active earbuds don’t match, thanks to their ergonomic in-ear design that makes them feel almost unnoticeable when worn.
With less to go wrong, they’re more durable, and even when the cable snags, they never feel like they’re going to fall apart – the build quality is that solid.
What’s surprising is how well they deal with environmental noise. These Sennheiser earphones don’t include ANC, instead relying on good engineering to maximise passive noise isolation. While they won’t match a dedicated ANC system, they’re still very capable.
If you want a wireless option, there’s also the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro Wireless. It’s not a completely different pair of earbuds, and like the wired version, it offers excellent sound quality, reinforcing Sennheiser as one of the standouts for earphone musicality.
8. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO II Closed Back Headphones
Key features
- Superior noise attenuation in loud environments
- Comfortable fit with soft earpads
- Durable single-sided cable
Pros
- Ideal for professional use
- Neutral and accurate monitor speaker reproduction
- They have a long lifespan
Cons
- Clamping force is tighter than others
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro II Closed Back Headphones are a no-nonsense industry standard pair of headphones at a friendly price point.
Musically, they’re honest in their reproduction, delivering an accurate sound signature that may not feel as energetic as some of the other headphones in this line-up. For us, though, you’ll struggle to find a similarly accomplished pair at this level, especially considering they’re one of the most affordable options here.
So, if you want accuracy, you needn’t look any further. If you’re after something with a bit more energy, though, it’s worth looking at their bigger sibling, the HD 560S above.
Like most Sennheiser headphones, the HD 280 Pro II is built to last, feeling solid and robust enough for years of use. They also offer a good level of passive noise isolation, thanks in part to the firm clamping force, which keeps the soft fabric earcups snug against your ears.
So, you can use them for commuting, but their real strength is in the studio, where that honest sound signature helps paint a clear picture of the music being produced. That says a lot, as they’re essentially studio monitors in headphone form.
9. JBL Tune Beam 2 Ghost Edition Earbuds
Key features
- JBL Pure Bass and Spatial Sound
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling for focused listening
- Up to 48 hours of wireless playtime
Pros
- JBL headphone app allows for customisable sound settings
- Rich bass reproduction
- Cool case which doubles as a charging hub
Cons
- Cannot play hi-res codecs
The JBL Tune Beam 2 Ghost Edition Earbuds use slightly smaller drivers than the Flex 2’s: 10mm compared to 12mm.
That smaller driver makes them slightly more efficient, with a 16Ω impedance and a sensitivity of 100dB SPL at 1kHz. In most other respects, they’re very similar feature-wise to the Flex 2, although they’re a little heavier and make use of JBL’s Pure Bass with Spatial Sound EQ system.
The bass is rich, and there’s good separation thanks to the Spatial Sound system. It can feel slightly stronger in some areas but a little weaker in the lower bass, likely due to the smaller driver.
The upside is slightly better control in the mids, although the differences are minor and, in our view, not enough to outweigh the changes in bass.
They meet the same IP54 standard and include Bluetooth 5.3, along with JBL’s ANC system, which uses six microphones to monitor surrounding noise. You can also use them for calls.
So, why choose them over the Flex 2? It’s a fair question, but if bass isn’t your priority and you prefer a slightly more efficient pair with a bit more mid-range control, they make sense.
10. JBL Tune Buds 2 Earbuds
Key features
- JBL Pure Bass
- 10 hours of use from earbuds alone
- IP54-rated water and dust resistant
Pros
- 36-hour charge capacity from the case
- Lightweight design
- Effective ANC for ambient noise
Cons
- Fit isn’t as good as other JBL earbuds
As one of the most budget-friendly pairs of headphones in this list, the JBL Tune Buds 2 Earbuds certainly excel in what they do. Their main focus is bass, and they deliver more than you might expect, making them ideal for dance, hip-hop, and modern R&B.
Like the other JBL wireless earbuds on our list, these come with a charging case and support Bluetooth 5.3 for reliable audio streaming.
We can’t complain about the ANC, as it does a solid job when commuting on the train, blocking out the background noise of fellow passengers. Given the fit isn’t as snug as some other JBL earbuds, this becomes more important.
Battery life is excellent and matches the other JBL wireless earbuds here, with up to 48 hours of playback. With six microphones helping manage the ANC, they’re also great for taking calls.
The earbuds are lightweight, and although they don’t fit as snugly as the Flex 2 or Tune Beam 2, they’re significantly cheaper, so it’s a fair trade-off.
If you want a budget-friendly pair of earbuds for travel, these tick most of the key boxes. However, if you’re more focused on sound quality, it’s worth considering their bigger siblings.
11. Sennheiser RS 120-W Wireless On-Ear TV Headphones
Key features
- Three sound modes: Neutral, Speech, and Music
- 5mm headphone jack connection to Bluetooth transmitter
- 20-hour battery life
Pros
- Brings speech into focus
- High volume output
- Broadcast transmission allows for multiple RS-120-W connections
Cons
- Can be a little weak in its bass reproduction
Going by their name, the Sennheiser RS 120-W Wireless On-Ear TV Headphones are pretty self-explanatory. These headphones offer something very different to the rest of this lineup: they’re perfect for TV use, meaning you can enjoy your show in peace without disturbing others.
No other headphones deliver quite what the RS 120-Ws do, especially when it comes to range. With up to 60 metres available, they stand out for home use. They’re also clear and precise, making them easy to hear and understand, which is why those with hearing difficulties often favour them for TV use.
You can use them for music too. The clarity they’re known for carries through into the mids and highs, although, due to their design, they can be a little weak in the lower frequencies.
They’re very comfortable for long listening sessions, and even with the enhanced speech mode activated, there’s no harshness to the sound. The clamping force is intentionally light, so they may not feel as snug as more traditional on-ear headphones, but this is done for comfort so you can forget you’re wearing them.
If you’re concerned about lip-sync, don’t be – these headphones use a specific wireless standard that avoids these issues. Battery life is around 20 hours, which is lower than some wireless headphones, but as they’re designed for home use, you’ll rarely be far from placing them back on the transmitter dock.
12. FiiO Snowsky Wind Over-Ear Headphones
Key features
- 1980s retro on-ear earphone design
- Removable and replaceable earpads
- 40mm dynamic driver design
Pros
- Fun and engaging sound
- Lightweight build
- Surprisingly good soundstage for the price
Cons
- Everyone else around hears that 1980s tinny sound too
If you’re looking for a pair of retro headphones, the FiiO Snowsky Wind Over-Ear Headphones are for you.
They look like something straight out of the 1980s, right down to the lightweight orange foam earpads if you go for the silver option – though there are also black and pink versions available.
What’s surprising is the performance at this price point. They have an unmistakably 1980s look and price, yet outperform many of their predecessors when it comes to musical ability. They offer a real sense of width and airiness in the soundstage. For the price, you can’t expect them to match the Sennheiser HD 560S, but are they five times worse? Definitely not.
Yes, more complex tracks can become a challenge at higher volumes, but that’s to be expected. And honestly, when was the last time you saw a pair of headphones that looked this cool in 2026?
So, if you’re after a bit of nostalgia in both design and sound, and can accept a few limitations compared to others on this list, these are a fun option that perform better than you might expect. They’re also suitable for everyday use, which isn’t always something you can say at this price point.
13. FiiO EH11 Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones
Key features
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- 1980s retro design
- 30 hours of battery life
Pros
- Lightweight design
- The FiiO app allows for a customisable soundstage
- Fun and engaging sound which exceeds expectations
Cons
- No ANC, but what can you expect for the price?
Yes, there’s another pair of retro-styled headphones! The FiiO EH11 Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones come in five colour options, each with its own distinct look.
So, what sets them apart from the Snowsky Wind? These are wireless, offering a more modern experience with Bluetooth connectivity. Battery life is solid too, with around 30 hours from a full charge. They manage to look both modern and retro at the same time, losing the traditional cable while keeping that classic styling.
Performance has also been improved over the Snowsky Wind, delivering a surprisingly punchy bass, although the upper frequencies (up to 40kHz) can be a bit much for the 40mm drivers.
That said, it doesn’t really come across as a major drawback. Like the others, these are a fun, budget-friendly pair where you can overlook a few limitations.
In terms of sound, they lean towards a warm and musical signature, with some emphasis on the higher frequencies, even if there’s a slight lack of refinement at the very top end.
Weighing just 92 grams, you’ll quickly forget you’re wearing them if it weren’t for the music playing. An ANC version would be a welcome addition, as it would round them off nicely.
How to choose the best headphones for you
The right headphones for you all come down to cost, performance, and features.
The most important question to ask is how you’re going to use them. Without that, it’s difficult to find the right pair for your needs.
If you plan to use your headphones equally for commuting and at home, it’s worth looking at models that support both wired and Bluetooth use.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) can also be useful, although not all headphones include it. Some rely on passive noise isolation instead, which can be enough depending on your environment, but if you’re commuting in busier areas, ANC is often more effective. Battery life is another factor to keep in mind.
When it comes to pricing, there’s always some level of compromise, so it’s important to decide what matters most to you.
Your choice might come down to design or how enjoyable they are to use, or it could be driven by a specific need, such as the TV-focused headphones mentioned earlier.
The type of headphones also matters. You might prefer compact earbuds over traditional on-ear designs. Earbuds typically come with a charging case, and like the best option in our list, can be recharged easily when not in use.
What features can you get for £200?
For £200, you can find technologies like Bluetooth and ANC. Some headphones also include EQ settings with selectable modes, allowing you to adapt the sound depending on whether you’re commuting or exercising.
More specialised headphones can focus on specific use cases, such as allowing multiple pairs to connect to a single transmitter. They may also include tailored EQ settings to suit individual listeners, helping to make vocals clearer. These models often have extended range as well, as standard Bluetooth has its limitations – particularly with lip-sync – so these features can be more important than ANC in certain situations.
With headphones that use Active Noise Cancellation, you’ll often find they double as a hands-free option for calls. They typically include multiple microphones, which can help improve call clarity and, in some cases, even optimise sound based on how they sit in your ears, while also cancelling external noise by generating opposing sound waves.
If you choose a wireless pair, whether on-ear or earbuds, they’ll include compact batteries and increasingly advanced internal components, yet many are still light enough that you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.
Preset modes and smartphone apps are also common, letting you adjust and fine-tune the sound to your preference. The level of control varies between models, but many offer useful tools for shaping the listening experience.
Finally, many wireless headphones include touch or gesture controls, allowing you to skip tracks, pause playback, or mute audio without reaching for your device. Some even let you answer calls with a simple tap or gesture.
FAQs
What is the best headphone brand?
Sennheiser and JBL are recognised as some of the biggest names in headphones, so choosing either of these brands or their partnering brand names would be half the battle to getting a good pair of headphones.
Are expensive headphones really better?
More expensive headphones tend to include better components than cheaper headphones – but you can still get a good pair of budget-friendly headphones that perform well. If you have a bigger budget, we recommend doing your research well and choosing a reputable brand, as once you get past a certain price point, you’ll find it’s a case of diminishing returns.
What can I use to listen to TV without disturbing others?
Specialised TV headphones are great for listening to TV without disturbing others. These direct the TV audio to you, so you can enjoy it in your own bubble.
Final thoughts
With so many options available, we’re confident you won’t struggle to find a pair of the best headphones under £200 that suit you!
We’ve made sure there’s something here for everyone, whether you’re a DJ, a music lover, a commuter, or someone with more specialised needs.
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