Headphones

BIN THE BUNDLED BUDS AND INVEST IN BETTER SOUND

Beyerdynamic Byron £39

Best in-ears under £50, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

A spectacular return to the budget earphone arena for Beyerdynamic, the Byron sets the standard at this price with a peerless performance. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m

Soundmagic E11C £50

January 2019 ★★★★★

The latest version of Soundmagic’s budget in-ears continues to impress with a full-bodied, energetic and informative sound. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m

Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd £69

April 2019 ★★★★★

You’ll struggle to find a better pair of in-ear headphones costing less than £70 than these Beyerdynamics.

In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m

Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEI £70

Best in-ears £50-£100, Awards 2017 ★★★★★

You wouldn’t think anything so small could sound quite so good – not for just £80. But they are wonderfully smooth, expressive and balanced. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.3m

Klipsch R6i II £89

Best in-ears £50-£100, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

Our reigning Product of the Year in-ear headphones are as natural and transparent as they come at this price. Few can match their insight. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m

Bose Soundsport Pulse £179

February 2017 ★★★★★

The best-sounding pair of wireless in-ears we’ve heard so far. The modest battery life is a downside, but the sound is fun and enjoyable. In-line controls Yes Cable length n/a

Shure SE425 £185

Best in-ears £100-£200, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

If you’re serious about the quality of your in-ear headphones, we’d point you here. The energetic, immersive performance is irresistible. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.6m

Sony WI-1000X £206

February 2018 ★★★★★

The best of both worlds thanks to great sound and fine noise-cancelling capabilities. Absolutely worth your time and money.

In-line controls Yes Cable length 1m

AKG N40 £249

Best in-ears £300+, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

These sound great, but you’ll need a decent portable DAC and hi-res tracks to make the most of them, so they’re not for the casual user. In-line controls No Cable length 1.2m

Shure KSE1500 £2549

November 2016 ★★★★★

At this price they won’t be for everyone, but they are the finest in-ears we’ve heard and arguably one of the best headphones money can buy. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.3m

Koss Porta Pro £49

August 2018★★★★★

Headphones that stretch all the way back to 1984, these deliver decent punch and detail and, most of all, they’re a lot of fun to listen to.

Type Open Connection 3.5/6.3mm Weight 60g

AKG Y50 £75

Best portable on-ears under £100, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

Our Product of the Year cans for 2015 are portable on-ears, and deliver a rhythmic, clear, detailed, dynamic sound. At this price they’re amazing. Type Closed Connection 3.5mm Weight 190g

Grado SR80E £99

Best home on-ears under £100, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

These Grados aren’t the most relaxing listen, but the excellent treble and midrange make for an exceptional performer. Type Open Connection 3.5/6.3mm Weight 210g

Grado SR125E £135

December 2014 ★★★★★

These might look suited to the ears of a wartime radio operator, but they sound great. Best used in the home though, as they’re very leaky. Type Open Connection 3.5mm/6.5mm Weight 363g