Every November, millions of us sprint toward those big, red “Black Friday” banners, convinced we’re about to score the deal of a lifetime. And while there are plenty of great offers out there, the budget-friendly headphone aisle can be a minefield, full of inflated “before” prices, overhyped no-name brands, and shiny boxes hiding underwhelming sound.
So let’s cut through the noise (literally and figuratively) and highlight genuine bargains worth your money this Black Friday.
What Makes a Great Budget Headphone in 2025?
If you’ve ever bought the cheapest pair of headphones you could find and regretted it within a week, you already know: “budget” should never mean “bad.” In 2025, the trick is knowing which features actually make a difference and which are overhyped marketing spin.
Here’s what really matters:
- Audio quality. You want clear mids, decent bass, and balanced highs. Budget doesn’t mean tinny sound, look for headphones with driver sizes around 40mm for over-ears or well-tuned dynamic drivers for earbuds.
- Comfort. Lightweight builds, soft ear cups, and adjustable headbands make a huge difference. If your headphones pinch after 20 minutes, they’re not worth any discount.
- Essential features, not gimmicks. Good Bluetooth stability, reliable battery life, and passive or active noise cancellation (ANC) are worth prioritising. Touch controls that barely work or flashy LED lights? Probably not.
- Durability that survives daily life. Sturdy hinges, water resistance for earbuds (IPX4+), and replaceable ear pads can extend your investment well beyond this shopping season.
When you know what matters most, you can confidently separate a deal from a dud, no matter how tempting that “70% OFF” label looks.
How to Spot Genuine Black Friday Headphone Deals
Black Friday has a reputation for being the Olympics of bargain hunting… but some “deals” are about as real as a £299 “was” sticker slapped on a pair of headphones that have been quietly sitting at £149 for the last six months. Retailers know the psychology of urgency, and plenty of products see a price increase in October only to “drop” in November.
Here’s how to make sure you’re scoring the best budget headphones without falling for the hype:
- Check Price History Before You Buy. Use sites like CamelCamelCamel or browser extensions like Honey to see if the deal is truly the lowest in months, or if it’s all just smoke and mirrors.
- Beware of the No-Name Temptation. If you’ve never heard of the brand, search for third-party reviews on YouTube or Reddit. That 80% discount doesn’t mean much if the sound cracks like a vinyl record in a sandstorm.
- Look for Previous-Year Flagships. Last year’s premium models often drop into budget territory during Black Friday, giving you high-end performance for under £100.
- Compare Across Multiple Retailers. Don’t trust the first price you see. Amazon, Best Buy, Argos, and even the manufacturer’s own store can vary wildly on the same product.
- Stack Extra Discounts. Sign up for retailer newsletters or loyalty programs before Black Friday; many send members-only voucher codes on the day.
By prepping now and going in with a strategy, you can avoid the bait-and-switch discounts and land a genuinely solid pair of budget headphones.
Top Over-Ear Picks Under £100
Over-ear headphones are still the comfort kings. You get bigger drivers for richer bass, cushier padding for marathon listening, and if you choose wisely, noise isolation that rivals pricier cans. Here are my top budget headphones in the over-ear category this Black Friday.
1. Anker Soundcore Life Q35
- Why it’s a deal: Hybrid ANC, 40-hour battery life, and LDAC support for hi-res audio, which is often found on £200+ headphones.
- Black Friday watch price: Under £80.
- Who it’s for: Commuters who want long battery life and solid noise cancellation without draining their wallet.
2. Sony WH-CH720N
- Why it’s a deal: Lightweight, comfy fit with surprisingly capable ANC, trickled down from Sony’s flagship XM series.
- Black Friday watch price: Around £99.
- Who it’s for: Those who want Sony’s tuning and features without XM5 prices.
3. JBL Tune 770NC
- Why it’s a deal: Signature punchy JBL bass, multipoint connectivity, and a foldable design.
- Black Friday watch price: £75 or less.
- Who it’s for: Bass lovers who want a portable, travel-friendly set.
Pro Tip: Over-ear headphones often have the deepest discounts right after Black Friday during Cyber Monday, so if you miss a deal, don’t panic.
Best Budget In-Ear and Earbud Picks
If over-ears feel like wearing earmuffs in July, a good pair of in-ear headphones or wireless earbuds can give you portability without sacrificing sound quality. Black Friday 2025 is shaping up to have some killer discounts in this category, so here are my top budget headphones under £80 for in-ear fans.
1. Soundcore Space A40
- Why it’s a deal: Adaptive ANC, wireless charging, and a warm, balanced sound profile at a fraction of flagship earbud prices.
- Black Friday watch price: Around £60.
- Who it’s for: Anyone who wants premium features in a pocketable form.
2. EarFun Air Pro 3
- Why it’s a deal: Snapdragon Sound support, multipoint connectivity, and great mic quality for calls.
- Black Friday watch price: Under £70.
- Who it’s for: Hybrid work warriors who need solid call quality and good music performance.
3. JLab JBuds Air Pro
- Why it’s a deal: 43+ hours total battery life, IP55 water resistance, and a customizable EQ via the JLab app.
- Black Friday watch price: £40–£50.
- Who it’s for: Budget-conscious buyers who want reliable performance for workouts or daily commuting.
Pro Tip: Watch out for fake “Pro” versions from unknown brands on Amazon. Stick to well-reviewed models from reputable retailers to avoid disappointment.
Best Value ANC Headphones This Black Friday
Noise-cancelling used to be a luxury, but 2025’s Black Friday sales are making it mainstream. So if you’re ready to drown out the roar of a plane engine (or even just your neighbor’s endless DIY projects), these are the best budget headphones with ANC worth snapping up this year.
1. Anker Soundcore Life Q30
- Why it’s a deal: Multiple ANC modes (Transport, Indoor, Outdoor) and a 40-hour battery life with ANC on.
- Black Friday watch price: Often dips under £60.
- Why it’s a good value: You won’t find this level of customisation and battery life in most headphones under £100.
2. 1MORE SonoFlow
- Why it’s a deal: Hi-Res Audio certification, LDAC support, and a plush fit that competes with higher-end models.
- Black Friday watch price: Around £75.
- Why it’s a good value: Balanced sound that works well across genres and great comfort for binge-listening.
3. EarFun Wave Pro
- Why it’s a deal: Newly released in 2025 with adaptive ANC and 80 hours of playback in standard mode.
- Black Friday watch price: Likely around £70–£80.
- Why it’s a good value: Combines crazy-long battery life with surprisingly punchy bass for a budget-friendly price.
Pro Tip: ANC headphones drain more battery, so always check both “ANC on” and “ANC off” battery ratings before buying. And if you plan to use your headphones on long flights or commutes, it’s worth investing in a decent fast charger to keep your battery topped up.
Where to Find the Best Budget Headphones
Black Friday can be such a circus, but knowing where to hunt for the best bargain tech is half the battle.
1. Amazon UK & US
The usual heavy hitter for headphone discounts. Look for Lightning Deals and “Today’s Deals” refreshes, as they often hide big price drops on mid-tier and budget audio brands.
2. Manufacturer Websites
Brands like Anker (Soundcore), EarFun, and 1MORE sometimes undercut Amazon with direct-to-consumer offers, especially with bundled extras like carry cases or spare earpads.
3. Big Box Retailers
In the UK, Currys, John Lewis, and Argos have historically matched or even beaten Amazon on select models. In the US, Best Buy often adds gift cards or accessories to sweeten deals.
4. Warehouse & Refurb Deals
Amazon Warehouse, eBay certified refurb, and Back Market can slash prices further, especially on last year’s models that still perform brilliantly.
Final Buying Tips & Verdict
If there’s one takeaway from this year’s Black Friday sales, it’s that the term best budget headphones no longer means “compromise.” You can now get features like active noise cancellation, long battery life, and even Hi-Res audio without touching the £100 mark.
Here’s how to pick smart:
- Prioritise your use case. Commuters should focus on ANC, gym-goers need sweat resistance and a secure fit, and casual listeners can opt for comfort-first designs.
- Don’t ignore older models. Last year’s tech can often beat this year’s entry-level options at the same price.
- Check return policies. Audio is personal, so a 30-day return window is your safety net if the sound or fit isn’t right.
Verdict: Black Friday 2025 is shaping up to be one of the strongest years yet for budget audio deals. If you’re looking to upgrade or want to try something new, there’s a deal out there that’ll let you hear more for less!
