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The Best Headphones We've Tested for Every Budget

We've tested dozens of options to bring you our top headphone picks for 2026.

The Best Headphones We've Tested for Every Budget

We've tested dozens of options to bring you our top headphone picks for 2026.

What to Look For

  • Noise Cancellation: Look for adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment
  • Sound Quality: Consider your preferred sound signature — warm, neutral, or bass-heavy
  • Battery Life: 30+ hours is standard for over-ears
  • Comfort: Weight and clamp force matter for long sessions
  • Codec Support: LDAC and aptX Adaptive offer higher quality than AAC alone

Our Top Picks

Sony WH-1000XM5 — £299

Rating: 9.2/10 | Battery: 30h | ANC: Excellent

Best for Apple users. Purpose-built for active use with IP rating and secure fit.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones — £299

Rating: 8.5/10 | Battery: 24h | ANC: Very Good

Best for runners and gym-goers. Punches well above its price point.

Sony WH-CH720N — £89

Rating: 7.8/10 | Battery: 35h | ANC: Good

Best for audiophiles. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.

JBL Tune 770NC — £69

Rating: 7.2/10 | Battery: 44h | ANC: Basic

Best noise cancellation. A brilliant all-rounder that excels in every category.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 — £299

Rating: 8.8/10 | Battery: 60h | ANC: Very Good

Best for audiophiles. You get 90% of the flagship experience at a fraction of the cost.

How We Test

We use every product for at least two weeks in real-world conditions before making our recommendations.