HeadphonesFinderJBL Tune 520BT
Light, foldable, very long battery life and multipoint for a very small price.
Compare pricesHow to choose cheap wireless headphones
Entry-level Bluetooth headphones have come on enormously: record battery life, decent noise cancelling, companion apps. The trick is knowing where the corners are cut. The selector is preset for a tight budget.
Updated 13 November 2026
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Our picks
Soundcore Q20i
Decent noise cancelling, huge battery life and an app with EQ at a rock-bottom price.
Compare pricesSony WH-CH720N
Sony's noise-cancelling know-how in light, affordable headphones.
Compare pricesExample models chosen for their reputation in this category. Prices and availability change: check them on the retailer's page.
What you get for your money
| Budget | What to expect | What's often missing |
|---|---|---|
| Under £50 | Stable Bluetooth, 30 to 60 hours of battery, decent sound | Effective noise cancelling, a good mic |
| £50 to £100 | Decent ANC, an app with EQ, multipoint | Premium finish, cutting-edge ANC |
| £100 to £150 | Very good ANC, good mics, advanced codecs | The very latest from the flagship models |
Where the savings are made
- Noise cancelling: available from around £50, it mainly reduces low frequencies and is a long way behind £300 models.
- Mics: fine in a quiet room, often weak out on the street.
- Materials: more plastic, less durable ear pads.
Paradoxically, battery life is often better on affordable models, which draw less power.
The tip: last year's flagship
When its successor comes out, the previous generation's high-end model often becomes a better buy than a new mid-range pair: noise cancelling, mics and build a notch above, for a similar price.
Traps to avoid
- Unknown brands with unverifiable spec sheets (“120 hours”, “HD hi-fi sound”).
- Models with no updates or app.
- Very tight on-ear headphones for long sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wireless headphones under £50 worth it?
Yes for everyday use if you don't need silence: battery life and sound are often good. For proper noise cancelling, budget more like £70 to £100.
Is the noise cancelling on cheap headphones any good?
It reduces low-frequency noise (engines, ventilation), but stays well behind high-end models, especially on voices.
Is an older flagship better than a new mid-range model?
Often the older flagship on offer: better noise cancelling, mics and build for a similar price.