There is a common trap that a lot of shoppers fall into – the (false) notion 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 quality can't be found at a more reasonable price point.
Switched-on 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. It's all about which brands to consider and where to find the best products. Headphones are a perfect example. You’ll find great-sounding, tech-savvy cans at low prices — and without comprising on the quality.
What are the best headphones brands?
There are plenty of brands out there — from household name manufacturers to lesser-known audio wizards — offering big sound, total comfort, and serious style. You already know the big-name players such as Philips, Sony, Bose, and Apple. And sticking to the top brands always has plus points — you know you’re getting quality.
There are however lots of other brands to consider. There’s great value and surprisingly good spec on offer from smaller brand names.
What are the most important headphones features?
Choosing a pair of affordable headphones doesn’t mean simply knowing where to get the lowest prices. It means knowing what the key features are and how to get the most value from the spec that best suits your lifestyle and listening habits.
Consider whether you prefer old school wired headphones or something that’s wireless and Bluetooth-equipped. Other features to research are whether the headphones have a built-in microphone for making calls, or whether there’s an app that will allow you to control the levels and other functions.
Also check out what kind of drivers the headphones offer. Drivers are the technology that converts electronic signals into sound. The best performing drivers within this price point are between 30mm-50mm. Look for reviews of performance across the full gamut of frequencies — the highs, the mids, and the lows.
What is noise cancellation?
This is another important feature in up-to-date headphones. It’s pretty much as it sounds — a feature built into headphones that keeps out environmental noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself into the music distraction-free. There are two basic kinds of noise cancellation — passive and active noise cancelling.
Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the design and build of the headphones, which physically block out noise. This might include large over-ear cups that create a seal which prevents external sound seeping through.
Active noise cancellation (usually referred to as ANC) uses a system of small microphones which pick up incoming sounds and create anti-noise sound waves to cancel them out. Advanced variations include noise cancelling which adapts to your surroundings — or can even be customised — and a transparency mode which allows certain sounds to breakthrough, so you can tune back in or have a conversation IRL.
Do closed-back or open-back headphones sound better?
"Closed-back" and "open-back" are other terms you may have come across. Closed-back headphones have hard shell ear cups which direct the sound towards your ears. This keeps out external noise and creating a more immersive listening experiences. They're best for listening-on-the move or in busy places. Open-back headphones have ventilation — usually with a mesh design on the ear cup — which allows sound to go both ways. This causes sound leakage both ways, but creating a more natural, realistic sound.
To the untrained ear, open-back sounds like a cheap alternative. But the open-back design is usually reserved for top, audiophile-friendly models because the sound is actually superior — closer to listening to a stereo or even a band playing live. At this price point, closed-back are more common — indeed, there’s only one open-back option in this list — but it’s a crucial feature to know about when you’re researching the best headphones.
What are the best headphones under £100?
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 absolute gluttons for punishment.
We’ve done the hard work for you and 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. There is something for everyone in this list, including popular sets from brands like Sony and Apple.
These are the best headphones for under £100 in 2021.
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