Looking for some cracking Bluetooth headphones that won’t empty your wallet? It can feel like a bit of a minefield out there, especially when you’re on a budget, with so many premium models dominating the headlines. But trust me, you absolutely can find some best Bluetooth headphones under £100 that offer impressive specs and features without costing the earth.
As a tech reviewer, I’ve seen plenty of headphones come and go, and while the top-tier stuff is great, you don’t always need to spend a fortune to get decent sound and useful features. The key is knowing what to look for and where to compromise based on your needs.
What to Look For in Budget Bluetooth Headphones
Finding the right pair of wireless headphones involves weighing up a few key factors. For under £100, you’ll need to prioritise what matters most to you, as you might not get everything.
Sound Quality
This is subjective, but sources highlight models that offer good sound for the price. The sound quality on Bluetooth headphones depends heavily on the audio codec they use. Look for reviews that mention clarity, bass, and overall balance. While budget pairs won’t match high-end audiophile gear, many are perfectly good for everyday listening to music, podcasts, or videos.
Battery Life
A major benefit of wireless headphones is cutting the cord, but they need charging. Battery life can vary significantly. For over-ear headphones, aiming for at least 20 hours is a good baseline, while earbuds should ideally offer over six hours on a single charge, plus extra charges from their case. Quick charging is also a handy feature to look out for.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
This feature, once exclusive to premium models, is now available on many budget headphones. ANC uses microphones to detect external noise and create opposing soundwaves to cancel it out. While budget ANC might not be as effective as on pricier models, it can still do a pleasing job of dampening distractions like background chatter or engine noise. Some headphones also offer a Transparency or Ambient mode to let outside sound in when needed.
Comfort and Fit
How headphones feel over or in your ears for extended periods is crucial. Over-ear headphones typically enclose the ear completely, offering better sound isolation and potentially more effective noise-cancelling, though they can be bulkier. In-ear headphones or earbuds are smaller and more portable, often preferred for exercise, but fit can be less secure for some. On-ear headphones rest on the ears. Reviews often mention comfort levels.
Features and Connectivity
Useful features include multipoint connectivity to connect to two devices at once, built-in microphones for calls, and companion apps for customisation. Bluetooth version (e.g., 5.2) can affect connection stability and efficiency.
Build Quality and Durability
While premium feel might be lacking on budget models, decent build quality is important for longevity. If you need headphones for the gym or outdoors, look for an IP rating for water or sweat resistance.
Top Picks for Best Bluetooth Headphones Under £100
Drawing on the sources, here are some excellent Bluetooth headphones available for under £100 in the UK, catering to different needs:
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones
Price: £78.99 – £98
These are frequently highlighted as a top choice for their impressive noise cancellation for the price. They use the same Processor V1 found in Sony’s much more expensive headphones, and reviews suggest they do a pleasing job of dampening outside noise.
They offer a good battery life of up to 35 hours with ANC and a quick charge feature. Sound quality is described as lively, detailed, and robust, though sometimes a little bass-heavy. They are generally found to be lightweight and comfortable for hours of wear.
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Price: £32.99
If you’re looking for the absolute best budget option, the Anker Q20i are hard to beat. They boast an incredible battery life of 40 hours with ANC (60 hours without) and effective hybrid ANC technology that uses multiple microphones to reduce up to 90% of external noise.
Reviewers felt the noise cancelling matched up with some bigger names. Sound quality is good for the price, especially for podcasts and most music, and can be customised via an app. They are also comfortable and fold for portability.
JBL Tune 770NC Wireless Headphones
Price: £78.99
These headphones stand out primarily for their massive 70-hour battery life with ANC on. If you need headphones that will last for ages between charges, these are a top contender. They offer JBL’s Pure Bass Technology for a punchy sound and are reported to be very comfortable thanks to their over-ear design.
Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
Price: £79.99
A step up in Anker’s lineup, these offer adaptive ANC which adjusts the noise cancellation level based on your environment. They provide an impressive 50 hours of playtime with ANC and support the LDAC audio codec for higher-resolution audio over Bluetooth.
Reviewers found them to be great value with good noise cancellation and quality sound. Occasional connectivity issues were noted as a potential drawback.
Sony WF-C710N / WF-C700N Wireless Earbuds
Price: £78 – £119.99
If you prefer the in-ear form factor with ANC, these Sony earbuds are a strong option, often found around the £100 mark. The WF-C700N won an award for their exceptional comfort, ANC, and detailed, musical sound quality.
They offer about 15 hours of total battery life with the case and have features like transparency mode. The newer WF-C710N maintains a five-star performance and adds a unique transparent design. Note that the WF-C700N’s battery life is considered ordinary compared to some other budget wireless options.
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones
Price: £38 – £49.99
While these do not have ANC, they are an incredibly affordable pair of on-ear Bluetooth headphones with a fantastic battery life of over 50 hours. They offer a balanced and engaging sound quality for their price and support useful features like multipoint connectivity and app customisation.
They are lightweight and portable. If you don’t need active noise cancellation but want long-lasting wireless headphones, these are a superb budget pick.
Other notable mentions
These include JBL Live Pro 2 TWS earbuds, praised for sound quality, features, and solid battery life, and the YMOO headphones specifically recommended for travel due to their long playtime and aeroplane adapter.
If waterproofing is a key concern, especially for swimming, options like the Cyboris or Naenka bone conduction headphones exist, although some may lack standard Bluetooth streaming underwater or have shorter battery life compared to over-ear headphones.
Finding the best Bluetooth headphones under £100 doesn’t mean you have to settle for poor quality. There are genuinely good options available that excel in different areas, whether that’s noise cancellation, battery life, portability, or pure value for money. Consider what features are most important for your daily use, check out some reviews like the ones we’ve drawn from here, and you’ll be sure to find a pair that fits your needs and your budget.
