The best wired headphones under 100 euros in the UK 2023

Headphone technology has evolved so much in recent years that Bluetooth-enabled headphones are becoming more and more common. However, wired headphones have not yet said their last words: reliable, affordable, durable, they are still as popular as ever despite the arrival of wireless models. Read our guide if you want to find the right wired headphones for your needs at less than 100 euros.

Philips SHP9600/00 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Philips SHP9600/00

The best wired headphones under 100 euros in 2021

What you have here are very capable circum-aural headphones. They offer a well-balanced and very neutral listening experience similar to more expensive alternatives, with an expansive passive soundstage that should allow you to immerse yourself in your music.

76,14 £ on Amazon

These open-back wired headphones use 50mm drivers with neodymium magnets to give you a frequency response of 12Hz to 35kHz. The headband offers dual-layer cushioning and is steel-reinforced, while breathable ear cushions provide comfort during long listening sessions. A detachable single-sided cable with a 3.5 mm gold-plated plug ensures a reliable connection. A 3.5 mm to 1/4" adapter is included. So you can connect to anything from your phone to a headphone amp, computer or even your TV.

For an open headset priced at less than 100 Euros, the Philips SHP9600/00 offers surprisingly good bass extension with a fairly good level of detail. The SHP9600/00 also offers very well textured and crisp imaging of tonal nuances. Finally, the Philips SHP9600/00 headphones have a fairly good dynamic range for a headphone under 100 Euros. They strike with authority and have a satisfying physical impact in the lower notes.

Panasonic RP-HT090 2
8/10

Best value for the money

Panasonic RP-HT090

The most practical wired headphones under 100 euros

Here you have an ultra-lightweight wired headset that offers incredible listening comfort. It doesn't hurt your ears, it sounds good, has a long enough connection wire and a very sweet price. In short, these wired headphones are super convenient and give satisfaction as described.

15,04 £ on Amazon

You have here a supra-aural headset for TV with a wire long enough (5 m) to allow you to sit comfortably in your chair while you watch your favorite movie. It offers a discreet sound that will not disturb your surroundings if you are not alone. Plus, these headphones have a volume control that lets you listen to your music as loud or as soft as you want. And you won't have to do without powerful stereo sound in action movies either, thanks to its XBS bass system and high-quality 30mm neodymium drivers.

Plus, to make the headphones more convenient, they come with a 3.5mm mini-phone stereo plug. Its audio output mode is stereo, of course, and it is one of the Supra-aural types of headphones. It is worth mentioning that this headset offers extra comfort with its cushions and you can wear it all day without getting tired.

Sony MDR-7506 3
9/10

Excellent performance

Sony MDR-7506

The most powerful wired headphones under 100 euros

Here you have a very affordable professional closed-back circum-aural headset. It was designed for a perfect marriage of comfort, functionality, and durability.

79,20 £ on Amazon

The MDR-7506 is a must-have for recording, film and live applications. Because of its low impedance and closed-back design, these headphones do a remarkable job of reducing background noise while providing plenty of volume in the studio or on location. Plus, the closed-back design provides excellent sound retention to prevent sound interference and overlapping in the studio.

These headphones are ideal for use with MIDI workstations, camcorders, or other equipment with less powerful headphone amplification. The headphones have a collapsible design, making them convenient to store or carry, and the coiled cable allows them to stretch and snap back into place whenever you need a little extra range. The MDR-7506 professional headset comes with a protective pouch and a gold-plated UnimatchTM 3.5mm/6.3mm adapter.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X 4
9/10

Best durability

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X

The most robust wired headphones under 100 euros

The ATH-M20x professional circum-aural headphones have a modern design. It has been manufactured with high quality materials that provide a comfortable listening experience with improved sound and effective isolation.

34,40 £ on Amazon

If you're looking for on-ear headphones that are rugged and offer incredible audio quality with powerful bass, the Technical ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor is for you. They have a trendy look and come with soft ear cushions that will give you a comfortable listening experience even during long hours. It's perfect for long studio sessions. But it will also be perfect for your outings: it offers excellent sound isolation in noisy environments.

It features 40mm drivers with rare-earth magnets and copper-coated aluminum wire voice coils. These headphones have also been optimized for improved low-frequency performance.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best wired headphones for less than 100 euros

Any specific needs?

The best wired headphones under 100 euros in 2021

The most practical wired headphones under 100 euros

The most powerful wired headphones under 100 euros

The most robust wired headphones under 100 euros

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best wired headphones under 100 euros

THE BEST THE MOST CONVENIENT THE MOST POWERFUL THE MOST ROBUST
Philips SHP9600/00 5
9/10
Panasonic RP-HT090 6
8/10
Sony MDR-7506 7
9/10
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Philips SHP9600/00
Panasonic RP-HT090
Sony MDR-7506
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X
What you have here are very capable circum-aural headphones. They offer a well-balanced and very neutral listening experience similar to more expensive alternatives, with an expansive passive soundstage that should allow you to immerse yourself in your music.
Here you have an ultra-lightweight wired headset that offers incredible listening comfort. It doesn't hurt your ears, it sounds good, has a long enough connection wire and a very sweet price. In short, these wired headphones are super convenient and give satisfaction as described.
Here you have a very affordable professional closed-back circum-aural headset. It was designed for a perfect marriage of comfort, functionality, and durability.
The ATH-M20x professional circum-aural headphones have a modern design. It has been manufactured with high quality materials that provide a comfortable listening experience with improved sound and effective isolation.
Headphone jack
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Speakers
50 mm
30 mm
50 mm
40 mm
Impedance
32 ohms
24 ohms
63 Ohms
47 Ohms
Sensitivity
101 dB
100 dB
106 dB
96 dB
Frequency response
12-35 000 Hz
16 - 22000 Hz
10Hz - 20000 Hz
15 - 20,000 Hz

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - wired headphones for less than 100 euros

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How to choose your wired headphones for less than 100 euros

Even if you don't consider yourself an audiophile, you know your ears and preferences best. It's good to look at the specifics of audio quality that influence the listening experience. Impedance, which describes the efficiency of amplification, is a number to consider if you're a music enthusiast or musician. So is sensitivity, which has to do with how loud the headphones are. Frequency is another important thing to keep in mind, as it has to do with the quality of the bass, midrange and high frequencies you'll hear. It might also be worth paying attention to the driver technology. More drivers doesn't always mean better sound, but it could play a crucial role in the audio output.

#1 - The acoustic system

In the headset specifications, "acoustic" represents the design of an earpiece. A closed acoustic system prevents noise from passing through your headphones to/from the outside. An open acoustic system, on the other hand, does not: other people around you can easily hear what you hear.

Note that closed-back acoustics is not the same as noise cancellation where your headphones are 100% soundproof and no one else will hear what you are listening to either. However, properly fitted closed-back headphones can reduce noise effectively.

#2 - The frequency response

Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies your headphones can cover. The wider the range, the better. A greater difference between the minimum and maximum values indicates greater range coverage: for example, some headphones can cover a wide frequency range of 4-24,000 Hz, while others can only cover 15-24,000 Hz.

#3 - The sensitivity

Sensitivity, usually measured in dB/mW, means the amount of sound (in decibels/dB) the headphones can produce for one milliwatt of electrical signal. The higher the sensitivity, the louder the sound you will get. Headphone sensitivity values typically range from 80 to 110 dB.

#4 - The impedance

Impedance is the resistance of the headphone circuit to the electrical signal. The higher the impedance, the less electrical signal gets through and the less sound level is produced. In most cases, it is best to have less impedance in headphones, ideally less than 25 Ohms. If you are using your headphones with a small portable device, such as a telephone, that does not have powerful built-in amplifiers, a low impedance is appropriate.

However, if you use your headphones with devices that have built-in amplifiers, such as a sound system or DJ equipment, it's best to choose one with a high impedance, preferably above 35 Ohms. High-impedance headphones work best with equipment that has robust amplifiers.

#5 - The ergonomics

It's important to find the best-fitting headphones to give you hours of comfort. Choose headphones with a headband that won't compress your head too much.

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How to preserve your hearing

  • Take regular breaks

When listening to music on your smartphone or walkman via your headphones, consider taking 10 min breaks every 45 min of listening. On the other hand, for a listening time of 2 h at 90 dB, it is strongly advised not to exceed 15 min of listening at 100 dB and limit to 20 h cumulated per week, listening at 90 dB.

  • Listen to your favorite music in a quiet environment

Listening in noisy environments unconsciously causes the headphone wearer to turn up the volume to better enjoy the musical experience. A behavior that contributes significantly to the development of tinnitus symptoms. In order to best protect your ears, favor listening in quiet places and not exposed to loud ambient noise.

The different types of wired headphones under 100 euros

Wired headphones under 100 euros are not all the same shape or size:

On-ear headphones

Supra-aural headphones are generally quite small in size, smaller than their circum-aural counterparts, and they stay on your head by pressing directly against your ears, like earmuffs. These headphones are also available in open and closed variants, but as a general rule, they will let more ambient sound through than a circum-aural headset.

They offer a great compromise between erasing the auditory world while still letting some sound in, making them ideal for the office or your home listening room.

Around-ear headphones

These are the most common headphones that have been around the longest. They have two large, cushioned drivers that cover both ears and are connected at the top by a plastic band. If you're a fan of the classic "can" headphones from the 1970s and 1980s, you'll love the modern versions of these.

They're usually available in two versions: closed and open. Closed-back headphones naturally keep your music inside, preventing others around you from hearing what you're listening to, while open-back headphones have openings that let in both outside and inside sounds.

5 good reasons to buy wireless headphones for less than 100 euros

  1. Clear sound: wired models are generally more powerful. In fact, most of them are extremely powerful with a frequency of 20,000 hz. The sound is more stable, which makes for a more interesting audio experience. A good wired headset plays world-class sound quality all the time. The latest technology of wired headphone port produces clear sound and one can enjoy every note of the music. These headphones have a better sound stage than the cheaper ones. So, before opting for headphones, make sure to check the sound as well.
  2. Comfortable to the skin: when buying wired headphones, the first thing that comes to your mind is its comfort to wear. Wired headphones fit comfortably on the ears and head. For example, if you're a gamer and like to hear the sound of the game, then comfortable wired headphones are essential. A headset is something personal and worn for long periods of time.
  3. Better productivity: Improve your productivity. We all want to be productive when we work, and having the right tools to help us maximize our efficiency is a plus. Wired headphones fall into the category of productivity tools. The productivity benefits become clear when you compare a corded headset to using a traditional desk phone with a handset.
  4. More freedom: a wired headset will free your hands and, to some extent, your inner mind as well. Normally, it is available in a comfortable and convenient version.
  5. No unwanted background noise: these wired headsets usually come standard with a noise cancelling system. This system helps filter out that unwanted noise. If you're like most people, you want your phone calls to be clear and loud. A wired headset is designed to combat noise.

The best brands of wired headphones under 100 euros

In our opinion, the best brands of wired headphones under 100 euros in 2022 are :

Phillips
Sony
Logitech
Sennheiser
OneOdio

To improve people's lives through meaningful innovations in healthcare, consumer products and lighting. To become a leader in these three fields in its home territory but also on the international stage. This is how the brand differentiates itself from its competitors and how it satisfies its customers.

The Japanese brand that has conquered customers all over the world with its quality, performance and robust products. In the comparisons, this brand is always among the best.

This Swiss brand is specialized in the production of computer peripherals. It offers keyboards, mice, trackballs, webcams, speakers, headsets, gaming headsets, etc. This brand is solid, reliable and trustworthy. It is starting to make its sound on the international scene.

Robust, high performance and premium quality, these are the qualifications given by consumers to this German brand. It offers comfort, design and aesthetics. The brand has its reputation and is starting to be appreciated by consumers around the world.

This Chinese brand is among the best brands in the field of entry-level technology. It is well appreciated for its performance and gets good survey by consumers.

Tips

Clean your headphones properly

To do this, use a cloth dampened with window cleaner to clean the roll bar. Make sure the cloth is well wrung out before each cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals and alcohol. It is better to use soapy water on a microfiber cloth to clean the rubber and plastic. Nooks and crannies can be cleaned with a moistened cotton swab, and the earpads can be cleaned with a cloth soaked in soapy water or absorbent cotton soaked in makeup remover.

Remember you need to protect your ears

Don't turn your volume up too high or listen to the music for too long, as this can damage your eardrums. The maximum sound power level of your music player should follow the 100 dB standards. If your ears are ringing or buzzing, take a break for a few days and turn down the volume the next time you listen.

Don't leave your headphones lying around

If you primarily use your headphones when you're at your desk, install a special headphone hook so you can safely store yours when you're not using it. Headphones can be quite fragile, so a headphone hook will allow you to store it properly, safe from dropping, dust and dirt, etc.

Replace your headphone pads when necessary

Simply pull the old cushion out until it comes off the outer edge of the earcup without removing the cover. Then insert the new cushion's mounting flange onto the outer edges of the earpiece. Make sure the flange goes on smoothly and evenly around the entire edge of the earcup, then use your fingers to gently press it into place.

Use apps for better sound

It's very easy to quickly and dramatically change the sound signature of your headphones with an app. Keep in mind that if you didn't like the sound your sub-$100 wired headphones produced out of the box, it's unlikely that using an app to change things up will suddenly make you love them. However, subtle use of the equalizer can achieve all sorts of useful results. It's a great way to tone down overly accentuated bass (a common feature of today's models) or tame some overly sibilant highs, for example.

FAQ

Do wired headphones offer good sound quality?

Many things go into the sound quality of a headset. It's true that wireless headphones will suffer some signal degradation due to the codecs involved. So, in simple terms, it's easy to say yes, the sound is better. But a Bluetooth 5.0 headset with three drivers will certainly sound better than a cheap wired headset.

What is the audio signature?

Audio signature is an audio quality specific to a headset model. Depending on the sound signature, the headphones will be able to provide more or less bass, midrange or treble. You can see models on the market with exaggerated bass levels compared to normal or also others that, on the contrary, have attenuated bass. Hip-hop fans prefer headphones with powerful bass. While classical music enthusiasts opt instead for models with more normal and balanced levels.

Can wired headphones under 100 euros damage my hearing?

Wired headphones can damage your hearing if used too frequently and for long periods of time. In addition, if we expose our ears to sounds that are too loud (above 100 decibels), it can damage our myelin, an essential coating to protect the nerve cells that allow the proper flow of nerve impulses.

What should I do with my worn out wired headphones?

Don't throw away your used wired headphones, instead take them back to Darty, Carrefour, etc. where they can be properly recycled.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. Which wired headphones to choose?, onedirect.fr
  3. How do I choose a gaming headset?, coolblue.nl
  4. Ultimate headphone buying guide, soundguys.com
  5. How to Choose the Right Pair of Headphones for You, worldwidestereo.com
  6. How To Choose the Best Headphones and Earphones, musiciansfriend.com
  7. Headsets 101: Ultimate Guide to Understanding Headsets, headsetsdirect.com
  8. How to Identify the Best Headphones: 10 Important Terms to Know, makeuseof.com
  9. How to protect and care for headphones or earphones?, son-video.com
  10. 3 reasons to buy wired headphones in 2020, androidauthority.com
  11. The best cheap headphones under 100 euros, frandroid.com
  12. Comparative : the best cheap headphones, lemonde.fr
  13. Comparative of headphones under 100 euros | SFR ACTUS, actus.sfr.fr
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  25. Best wired headphones : Comparison & Reviews ..., solfege.org
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  27. Comparative of the 10 best Audio Headphones Under 200 Euros, lemeilleuravis.com
  28. Best Audio Headphones 2021 - buying guide and comparison, bfmtv.com
  29. Best Bluetooth Audio Headphones Under 50 € - Guide, best-comparatif.fr
  30. Best Wired Audio Headphones 2021 [Comparison] Selectos, selectos.eu
  31. Top 10 : the best audio headphones under 200 euros ..., 01net.com
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  34. This professional quality audio headphone benefits from 10 ..., clubic.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Philips SHP9600/00 9
Philips SHP9600/00
Panasonic RP-HT090 10
Panasonic RP-HT090
Sony MDR-7506 11
Sony MDR-7506
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X 12
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X

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