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Tech & Electronics

Headphones & Earbuds Worth Your Money

Sound is personal, so this is less about chasing the "best" pair and more about matching a decent set to how you actually listen. Commuters and gym-goers tend to want cheap, sweat-friendly earbuds they won't cry over if one goes missing. Anyone at a desk all day usually gets on better with comfy over-ears. We track what the big review counts keep landing on, from budget Blukar earphones to Sony and soundcore, and we lean on the ratings that have tens of thousands of buyers behind them rather than a shiny launch with fifty reviews.

Common questions

Are cheap earbuds any good?

Plenty are. A £7-£20 pair from the likes of Blukar or a well-rated no-name brand will handle podcasts, calls and everyday music fine. You lose out on active noise cancelling, longer battery and sturdier build, but for a spare set or a first pair they do the job.

Wired or wireless?

Wireless wins for convenience and is where most sales go now. Wired still has a loyal following because there is nothing to charge, no pairing faff, and the sound-per-pound is usually better. If you still have a headphone jack, a £15 wired pair can outperform pricier buds.

Do I need noise cancelling?

Only if you commute, fly or work somewhere noisy. ANC is brilliant on a train and pointless in a quiet room. It also costs more and eats battery, so do not pay for it out of habit.