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10 Best Wired Headphones 2025 in the UK

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

OneOdio Over Ear Headphone Studio Wired Bass Headsets with 50mm Driver, Foldable Lightweight Headphones with Shareport and Mic for DJ Recording Monitoring Mixing Podcast Guitar PC TV

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,269
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Durability
Sound Quality
Sound quality exceeds expectations for the price, delivering rich and balanced audio with a powerful bass.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable for extended use, even over long hours, making them ideal for gaming or music sessions.
Durability
Physical build may appear flimsy, but with careful handling, they offer satisfactory durability.
Noise Isolation
Noise isolation is good but not perfect, as some faint background noise remains audible.

The OneOdio Over Ear Studio Wired Headphones feature a robust 50mm driver, delivering a rich and balanced sound characterized by a powerful bass, clear vocals, and crisp highs. This ensures a high-quality audio experience suited for activities such as DJ recording, monitoring, mixing, and even casual listening. Comfort is a priority with these headphones, boasting soft padded ear cushions and an adjustable headband that can accommodate prolonged use without discomfort. This makes them an excellent choice for users who need to wear headphones for extended periods.

In terms of design, these headphones are foldable, lending them a degree of portability which is useful for professionals on the go. They include a DJ-style coiled cord that stretches up to 9.8 feet, providing ample length for movement and flexibility. Having both a 6.35mm and 3.5mm plug that are detachable adds versatility and convenience, eliminating the need for additional adapters.

The headphones offer noise isolation, which is a valuable feature for users who require focus in noisy environments. However, while they provide sound isolation, they may not excel in complete noise cancellation, which might be a consideration for users seeking total ambient noise reduction. With an impedance of 32 Ohm, these headphones are well-suited for use with most consumer devices without requiring an external amplifier, ensuring broad compatibility across various equipment. The ability to perform single-side monitoring with swiveling ear cups is another useful feature, especially for DJs and audio professionals.

In terms of durability, while the headphones are lightweight, the plastic components could raise concerns about their longevity under rough usage. They present a strong option for users looking for an affordable set of wired headphones with a good balance of sound quality, comfort, and practical features.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,269
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Durability
Sound Quality
Sound quality exceeds expectations for the price, delivering rich and balanced audio with a powerful bass.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable for extended use, even over long hours, making them ideal for gaming or music sessions.
Durability
Physical build may appear flimsy, but with careful handling, they offer satisfactory durability.
Noise Isolation
Noise isolation is good but not perfect, as some faint background noise remains audible.
#2

Audio-Technica M50x Professional Monitor Headphones Black

Rating
9.6
Sound Quality
Impedance
Durability
Sound Quality
The frequency range and stability are out of this world; you can push them to maximum volume with zero distortion.
Impedance
To unlock their full potential, use them with an audio interface; otherwise, you might think they’re underwhelming.
Durability
Build quality is a mixed bag with decent metal parts next to fairly sturdy plastic parts.
Cable Length and Type
The M50x adds more bass and comes with 3 detachable cables, making it more user-friendly than previous models.

The Audio-Technica M50x Professional Monitor Headphones are highly praised for their excellent sound quality, making them a top choice among audio engineers and reviewers. These headphones feature proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, which contribute to their impressive sonic performance. With a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, they cover a wide spectrum of sound, ensuring detailed audio reproduction. The sensitivity rating of 99 dB means they can produce high volume levels without much power, which can be beneficial for professional monitoring purposes. The impedance of 38 ohms strikes a good balance, making them compatible with various devices, including smartphones and professional audio equipment.

The comfort and fit are also commendable, thanks to the professional-grade earpad and headband material that offers durability and extended use without discomfort. The circumaural design helps with sound isolation, making them suitable for use in noisy environments. However, they are not entirely noise-canceling, which might be a drawback if complete isolation is needed. The detachable cable design adds convenience and flexibility, with two cables included to suit different needs. While the build is primarily plastic, it is still robust and durable. At 290 grams, they are lightweight and portable, though some may find them slightly bulky for on-the-go use.

The inclusion of a 3.5 mm jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. These wired headphones are particularly well-suited for professional settings, studio use, and critical listening. While they may be overkill for casual listeners, their performance justifies the investment for those seeking high-quality audio reproduction.

Rating
9.6
Sound Quality
Impedance
Durability
Sound Quality
The frequency range and stability are out of this world; you can push them to maximum volume with zero distortion.
Impedance
To unlock their full potential, use them with an audio interface; otherwise, you might think they’re underwhelming.
Durability
Build quality is a mixed bag with decent metal parts next to fairly sturdy plastic parts.
Cable Length and Type
The M50x adds more bass and comes with 3 detachable cables, making it more user-friendly than previous models.
#3

beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones - Open-Back Stereo Construction, Wired (80 Ohm, Black (Limited Edition))

Rating
9.4
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Isolation
Sound Quality
The open-back design of these headphones offers a balanced and accurate sound profile, ideal for critical listening tasks like mixing and mastering.
Comfort and Fit
Impressive build quality, with durable materials and a comfortable fit, makes them suitable for extended sessions without discomfort.
Noise Isolation
Despite the excellent sound quality, the lack of noise isolation makes them less suitable for noisy environments or commuting.

The beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones are well-suited for professional mixing, mastering, and general listening, whether at home or in the studio. These headphones are known for their high sound quality, offering transparent and spacious audio with strong bass and treble, which is excellent for detailed and critical listening tasks. The open-back design contributes to a more natural and wide sound stage, though it might not be ideal if you need noise isolation, as it allows external sounds to mix into your audio experience.

Comfort is a significant strength due to the soft, replaceable velour ear pads that provide a pleasant fit during long sessions. The build quality is robust, with a durable plastic and aluminum construction that promises longevity. However, the open-back design can be a drawback for users requiring better noise isolation. The 80 Ohm impedance means they can be driven by most audio interfaces, though higher quality sources may be needed to fully realize their potential. The cable is not detachable, which might limit convenience and flexibility.

At 96 dB sensitivity, they deliver adequate volume levels without needing extremely high power sources. These headphones are not ideal for use in noisy environments due to their passive noise cancellation. With a weight of 340g, they are reasonably lightweight, adding to their comfort for extended use. In summary, the DT 990 Pro headphones excel in sound quality, comfort, and durability, making them a great choice for studio use, though they may fall short in environments where noise isolation is critical.

Rating
9.4
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Isolation
Sound Quality
The open-back design of these headphones offers a balanced and accurate sound profile, ideal for critical listening tasks like mixing and mastering.
Comfort and Fit
Impressive build quality, with durable materials and a comfortable fit, makes them suitable for extended sessions without discomfort.
Noise Isolation
Despite the excellent sound quality, the lack of noise isolation makes them less suitable for noisy environments or commuting.

Buying Guide for the Best Wired Headphones

Choosing the right wired headphones can significantly enhance your listening experience, whether you're using them for music, gaming, or professional work. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting wired headphones and how to navigate them.
Sound QualitySound quality is crucial as it determines how well you can hear the details in your audio. This is often influenced by the frequency response, which indicates the range of sounds the headphones can produce. A wider frequency range (e.g., 20 Hz to 20 kHz) generally means better sound quality. If you enjoy bass-heavy music, look for headphones with a good low-frequency response. For classical or vocal music, a balanced frequency response is ideal.
Comfort and FitComfort is essential, especially if you plan to use the headphones for extended periods. This includes the design of the ear cups and the headband. Over-ear headphones are generally more comfortable for long use, while on-ear headphones are more portable. Look for adjustable headbands and cushioned ear cups. If you wear glasses, consider how the headphones fit over them.
ImpedanceImpedance is a measure of electrical resistance and affects how much power is needed to drive the headphones. Lower impedance headphones (below 50 ohms) are easier to drive and work well with portable devices like smartphones. Higher impedance headphones (above 50 ohms) often require a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance and are typically used in professional settings.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the headphones can withstand wear and tear. This is important if you plan to use them frequently or take them on the go. Look for headphones made with high-quality materials like metal or reinforced plastic. Detachable cables can also add to the longevity, as they can be replaced if they get damaged.
Noise IsolationNoise isolation is the ability of the headphones to block out external sounds. This is achieved through the design of the ear cups and the materials used. Closed-back headphones offer better noise isolation, making them ideal for noisy environments. Open-back headphones provide a more natural sound but less isolation, suitable for quiet settings.
Cable Length and TypeThe length and type of the cable can affect your convenience and mobility. A longer cable (e.g., 3 meters) is useful for studio work or home use, while a shorter cable (e.g., 1.2 meters) is better for portable use. Some headphones come with detachable cables, which can be replaced or swapped for different lengths. Additionally, consider the type of plug (straight or angled) based on your usage.
SensitivitySensitivity measures how loud the headphones can get with a given power level. It is usually expressed in decibels (dB). Higher sensitivity (above 100 dB) means the headphones can produce louder sound with less power, which is good for portable devices. Lower sensitivity (below 100 dB) may require more power and is often found in professional-grade headphones.