From listening to music, making hands-free phone calls or checking into the first video call of the workday, headphones have become one of our most essential tech items. But if your trusty old pair are starting to show their age, it may be time to invest in an upgrade.
Whether you need a powerful pair to block out external noise on your morning commute or some that can be used as you embark on your New Year exercise journey and can handle a little rain. Whatever your need or budget, we’ve found a host of headphones and earbud deals in the January sales that caught our eye.
There are discounts on all the big-name brands like Apple, Beats, Bose and Samsung, plus some lesser-known budget-friendly options from Amazon. There are also ways to spread the cost of the latest models and pay in instalments rather than forking out a hefty amount all at once, helping you watch your wallet after Christmas.
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So, read on for our favourite headphone deals in the January sales.
Beats Studio3 – £199 (was £349.95)
These Beats by Dre Studio3 wireless headphones are more than £150 off at Amazon, where they’re reduced to £199. They boast pure adaptive noise cancelling that users say can ‘block out aircraft noise’ and a battery can run for up to 22 hours.
The Studio 3 are compatible with both iOS and Android devices and come in matte black, grey or white. An impressed buyer said the headphones are ‘comfortable’ and deliver ‘excellent’ bass, adding: “The noise cancelling feature is impressive, particularly during a long-haul flight, where they effectively blocked out the aircraft noise.”
It’s worth noting, though, that the Studio3 uses the old micro-USB port to charge, rather than the newer USB-C.
Beats Studio3 – £199 at Amazon
Marshall Major IV – £64.99 (was £129.99)
The Major IV headphones from Marshall – perhaps better known as the iconic speaker and amplifier brand – are now half-price at Amazon and Argos. It’s no wonder these headphones are the go-to for many, as they deliver the full bass and rich treble expected from a brand like Marshall.
They also boast a powerful battery that can run for an epic 80 hours and can be charged wirelessly. The Major IV has racked up more than 12,000 five-star Amazon reviews, with shoppers saying they’re ‘fantastic’ for the price with ‘great sound, build quality and battery’, although some have found the ear cushions ‘too tight’.
Marshall Major IV – £64.99 at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE – £74 (was £99)
They may not be the most premium of Samsung’s earbuds, but the Galaxy Buds FE pack a punch for the price. Most ideal for shoppers with a Galaxy smartphone, they boast rich bass and crystal clear calls, plus powerful ANC, up to 30 hours of battery life and a compact, ergonomic design.
But perhaps what’s most impressive is the AI-powered translation feature, which, when paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, translates the audio in real-time in person or over the phone. The Buds FE have achieved a 4.6-star rating and almost 800 five-star reviews, with one buyer writing: “Noise cancelling works great, they’re comfortable, and I’m impressed with battery life.”
However, another shopper was disappointed they don’t offer wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE – £74 at Samsung
Spread the cost with Sky
If you’re in the market for a pair of the latest headphones from Apple or Samsung but don’t fancy handing over hundreds of pounds, Sky Mobile will let you spread the cost instead. Prices range from £4 for Apple’s AirPods 4, £7 for the AirPods Pro 2 and £16 for the AirPods Max.
Android users may prefer the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for £6 or the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro for £7. These plans usually run for 36 months, but there are shorter options available if you’re happy to pay more.
EarFun Wireless Earbuds – £24.99 (was £49.99)
Ideal for shoppers on a budget, these EarFun Wireless Earbuds are currently half-price and highlighted as an Amazon’s Choice product. Despite their low price, they’re said to deliver ‘deep, resonant bass’ and ‘authentic treble’, with four-mic Environmental Noise Cancelation to lock out external noise during calls.
They also have an IPX7 waterproof rating and can run for up to 35 hours, while a 10-minute charge can give enough power for two hours of playtime. The EarFun earbuds have achieved a 4.4-star rating after more than 7,000 reviews, with users saying they ‘exceeded expectations’ and offer ‘amazing sound for the price’.
However, despite coming with four earbud attachments, some shoppers have found the earbuds don’t fit well.
EarFun Wireless Earbuds – £24.99 at Amazon
Bose QuietComfort – £223.04 (was £349.95)
Bose has become one of the most revered audio brands, and their ever-popular QuietComfort are now more than £125 off. They offer top-of-the-range noise cancellation, they’re super comfortable and can run for 24 hours.
The QuietComfort already delivers stunning sound, but also allow you to fine tune audio with Adjustable EQ control. More than 5,900 Amazon shoppers have rated them five-stars, with many saying they’re ‘worth the investment’ thanks to their ‘premium audio and world-class noise cancellation’.
They may not suit every purpose, though, as one shopper found them unsuitable for ‘Teams or WhatsApp calls’.
Bose QuietComfort – £223.04 at Amazon
Apple AirPods 4 – £119 (was £129)
This may not be the biggest discount we’ve seen, but EE is selling Apple’s AirPods 4 cheaper than Apple, Amazon, Argos and Currys, which each offer them for £129. These are the latest versions of Apple’s AirPods range and have been redesigned for extra comfort and improved sound and call quality.
The AirPods 4 and the included charging case are also IP54 dust, sweat and water resistant. As well as the standard version, EE also offers the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for £169.
Apple AirPods 4 – £119 at EE
Sony WH-CH520 – £31.50 (was £45)
The Sony WH-CH520 are one of the most budget-friendly options available from the brand that doesn’t scrimp on quality. Even at this price, they boast up to 50 hours of battery life, a lightweight and comfortable design and ANC.
This model has a stellar 4.6-star rating after almost 25,000 reviews, with shoppers hailing them as the ‘best affordable headphones’. One review said: “The battery lasts ages, they are very comfortable, and the quality is very good. Best headphones I have ever purchased. Very happy.”
They may not be suitable for everyone, though, as one buyer found them ‘small and too tight’.
Sony WH-CH520 – £31.50 at Amazon
