These best wired headphones are still the answer to fuss-free listening

Audio-Technica's ATH-M20x are favourites among budding audio engineers on a budget. They're affordable at under £50, and have a comfortable and lightweight design. Unsurprisingly, the balanced sound profile is one of the big benefits here.

It makes them good for studio monitoring and casual listening, and you should be able to wear them for hours at a time without getting tired of them. Aesthetically, they're a little utilitarian and plasticky, but durable enough if well cared for. I could come up with some downsides, including that the cable isn't detachable. But, overall, you won't be disappointed if you're taking a first step into wired sound.

Honestly, the Moondrop Chu II in-ear monitors (IEMs) are pretty remarkable for anyone venturing into the audiophile world on a budget. They're priced at under £20 and you might find they're all you need for high-quality sound. I'm a fan of the sturdy metal build and detachable cable (great for keeping them functional if you need to replace the cord), which are features usually reserved for pricier pairs.

They're tuned for a neutral sound signature and deliver a lot of detail and clarity. It's worth knowing that you need to twist the cord behind your ear to wear them properly, but once you get the hang of it, it's second nature. As an ultra-affordable entry point for those after the high-fidelity sound, these are always my first recommendation.

The Sennheiser HD560S is one of my go-to pairs of wired headphones when I want to listen to a brand-new album in high-resolution quality. They have a clear and natural sound, so you’ll hear music without too much overpowering bass or treble. The open-back design adds a nice sense of space to the experience, making everything feel more immersive and lifelike.

They’re also incredibly comfortable. The lightweight design and soft velour earpads make them easy to wear for hours. These days, it’s quite common to find them at under £100, rather than the original price of £169. So, if you’re looking for an affordable way to experience high-quality audio, the HD560S is one of the first pairs I’d recommend.

There's a lot of hype around the FiiO FT1 wired headphones, after they seemingly took the audio world by storm in 2024. They pack in exceptional value to challenge higher-priced competitors, offering a premium experience for under £140. I particularly love the natural solid wood earcups, plush earpads, and large 60mm dynamic drivers. These deliver an engaging and energetic sound that brings the best out of all music genres.

FiiO is generous with accessories too, providing both 3.5mm and 4.4mm cables, along with a hard storage case. These may look a little bit enormous on most people's heads and they're far from portable, but I reach for them over almost all other options when I'm listening to music at home.

Activo is the sub-brand of the highly premium Astell & Kern, a much-loved hi-fi audio player manufacturer. Its new “Volcano” in-ears are a terrific option for rich, deep bass, all while maintaining a full mid-range and crisp high notes that make them ideal for a wide range of music genres.

They feel much more high-end than the £99 price tag suggests, and I’m a big fan of the wide selection of comfortable ear tips (with silicone and memory‑foam in three sizes), along with three different plug connectors – 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm, or USB‑C – which makes them really versatile for all your devices. The thick cable is well made, too. Overall, they're a top pick for big, immersive sound and portability.

They may feel like a pricier option, but it's worth mentioning that high-end wired headphones can cost thousands of pounds. This list isn't going to scratch the surface for those deep in the hobby! For what you pay, though, there's a lot to like about the Meze 99 Classics and their old-school design. The build features hand-finished wooden ear cups and a self-adjusting headband, with no plastic or glue in sight. The premium materials and use of screws mean these are designed for longevity, with repairable parts.

The 99 Classics are excellent for all-day comfort, so they won't let you down if you want to listen to your favourite albums back-to-back for hours. The sound isn't what I'd call clinical, leaning more towards a warm and engaging experience, with some slightly pronounced bass frequencies. They provide a detailed and musical sound, and I'm a fan of the throwback style. I'd advise making sure you put them on carefully – nobody's going to want to get their hair caught in the steel frames!

Want a pair of go-to earphones you can rely on every day? Soundmagic's E11C also features on Good Housekeeping's list of the best headphones under £50 for good reason. They're a versatile and affordable choice for music lovers, and I really like the durable cable with its built-in microphone and three-button controls. I find this makes it easy to handle playback and volume without digging my phone out of my pocket, and it's not always a feature you'll find on other IEMs.

These also have a straightforward fit that doesn't require you to twist a cable behind your ear. And the sound they deliver is impressive, well-balanced, energetic and detailed. It matches the experience of much more expensive models, and is a much more sensible option than Apple’s EarPods (which get constantly tangled, in my experience). Another pair I’d recommend at the sub-£50 price point is the Final E3000. They’ve got a lovely stainless steel chassis, can be bought with a built-in microphone and deliver a fantastic sound quality without a high cost.

Apple’s adapter is great for the basics. It’s simple and affordable, and works seamlessly with USB-C devices. On test, it delivered clear and reliable audio and it’s well-regarded for its compatibility and value. If I have any downsides, they’re that it feels a bit flimsy and only comes in white. But, at this low price, it’s the go-to pick for a no-fuss solution.

This is a definite upgrade on budget dongles, offering some clear benefits when it comes to getting the most out of your music. To my ears, it delivers a notable improvement in richness, depth and detail, but these differences are also quite subtle and hard to notice without comparing it to the cheaper options side-by-side and really listening for differences. However, it does also have a better build quality and is just as portable.