Headphones have flooded the market, and it’s difficult to know which ones to pick – especially if you’re a first time buyer. Here, we’ll help you weigh up whether you should buy top-of-the-line, or if a cheaper set will suffice.

While it’s tempting to buy a set of super cheap headphones, it’s worth remembering that they are inexpensive for a reason. But as you’ll see below, getting your hands on a decent pair of headphones doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Especially when you have us to do the digging for you.

To save you the time and effort, we’ve put together this dedicated guide to the best bargains on great-sounding headphones. We constantly monitor major Aussie retailers to bring you the most worthwhile deals on a variety of sets – from in-ear buds to noise-cancelling cans from the most popular brands – so check out our continually updated list below to discover the best current headphones deals in Australia.

  • Find great bargains and compare Australian prices on the latest tech at Getprice.

Over- & on-ear headphones

Sony WH-1000XM4 | AU$493.20 (RRP AU$549.95; save AU$56.75

Sony’s WH-1000XM3 long held the number one spot as our favourite headphones, but now, there’s a new kid on the block – the fantastic follow up WH-1000XM4. These brand-new headphones haven’t even been available for more than a week yet, and already a discount is available. So while 10% off isn’t much, we haven’t seen it this low anywhere else. Available exclusively to eBay Plus members with the code PIX10. Take advantage of a 30-day free trial if you’ve yet to sign up.View Deal

Bose QuietComfort 35 II | AU$349 (RRP AU$499; save AU$150)

If you’re a loyal fan of Bose, the always popular QuietComfort 35 II has seen a price drop on Amazon. These headphones have superb sound and top-notch noise cancellation – perfect for commuters or blocking out distraction at home. As the name suggests, they’re a dream to wear as well. If you fancy the black or silver pair, head to Amazon.View Deal

Beats Solo Pro | AU$299 (RRP AU$429.95; save AU$130.95)

These stylish on-ear headphones are the first in the Beats lineup to offer noise cancellation, while still keeping with Beats’ excellent battery life. A well-rounded audio profile and a hefty price cut now completes the package. Catch has discounted the Solo Pro headphones in a number of colours including black, grey, ivory and dark blue, so you’re sure to find the style to match your tastes. Available now with AU$130 slashed from the RRP.View Deal

Sony WH-CH710N | AU$199 (RRP AU$299; save AU$100)

Sony’s best known set of headphones are the stellar WH-1000XM3, but they come with a suitably premium price tag. This more affordable offering from Sony has good sound quality and noise-cancelling tech, though they aren’t quite up to scratch with Sony’s top tier offering. That said, if you don’t want to drop AU$350 on a set of headphones, these could make for a worthwhile alternative. Available from The Good Guys with AU$100 saved.View Deal

In-ear headphones

Apple AirPods Pro | AU$329 (RRP AU$399; save AU$70)

These are the earbuds to buy if you’re an Apple fan. They are the first from the brand to deliver noise cancellation, and the updated design offers a better fit than the original AirPods. These ‘buds are usually quite costly and rarely see a discount, so while this isn’t a big price drop, 17% off will please many who’ve been holding out, all things considered. Just head to Kogan to pick them up.View Deal

Sony WF-1000XM3 | from AU$265 (RRP AU$319; save up to AU$54)

These are Sony’s true wireless ‘buds and they’re just as exceptional as their over-ear siblings. Sony managed to squeeze active noise cancellation and a great battery into these earbuds – no small feat. If you’re ready to cut the cord, the silver set is discounted on Amazon.View Deal

The best deals on our favourite headphones

To help you decide which headphones work best for you, we’ve decided to put together a little buying guide with a list of our favourite recommendations. 

The headphones you’ll find here have tons of features to help you to get the most out of your music, or any other form of audio-visual entertainment you prefer, however you like to listen to it.

(Image credit: Sony)

Our favourite overall headphones (and noise-cancelling too): Sony WH-1000XM3

The cans that can do everything

Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: 254g | Cable length: 3.94 ft | Frequency response: 4Hz-40,000Hz | Drivers: 40mm | Driver type: Neodymium | Sensitivity: 104.5 dB / mW (1 kHz) | Impedance: 47 ohm | Battery life: 30 hours | Wireless range: 10m

Outstanding noise cancellation

Fantastic sound quality

30-hour battery life

Mediocre call quality

The Sony WH-1000XM3 noise-cancelling headphones are the best you can buy – for now, anyway. They’re very much in line with what we’ve seen from Sony in the past two years, and with this model the electronics giant has managed to improve on some already fantastic sets. The noise cancellation these headphones have can beat anything Bose has to offer with ease. That’s because Sony has dedicated time to perfecting audio playback and its noise-cancelling technology. However, their crown could soon be handed over, as rumours of a Sony WH-1000XM4 release date have been circling. We’ll see what 2020 brings.

Read the full review: Sony WH-1000XM3

jbl tune 750btnc

(Image credit: JBL)

Our favourite budget headphones: JBL Tune 750BTNC

Quality noise-cancelling over-ears for a pocket-friendly price

Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: 220g | Cable length: N/A | Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz | Drivers: 40mm | Driver type: N/A | Sensitivity: 95dB | Impedance: 32 ohms | Battery life: 15 – 22 hours | Wireless range: 30ft (10m) | NFC: No

Good sound quality

Strong active noise cancellation

No waterproofing

Average battery life

JBL is a name you’ve probably heard in the affordable audio space. The brand consistently puts out good quality speakers and headphones with an even better price tag to match. Our previous pick on this list was the JBL Live 650BTNC, but there’s now a worthy successor to take their place – the JBL Tune 750BTNC. These noise-cancelling headphones sound great, look great, and they’re comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Maybe some might miss waterproofing and a few minor features but, at this price, it might be foolish to complain.

Read the full review: JBL Tune 750BTNC

(Image credit: Steve May)

Our favourite true wireless earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM3

The true wireless headphone jungle has a new noise-cancelling king

Weight: 70g | Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz | Drivers: 6mm | Driver type: Dome Type | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Battery life (charging case): 18 hours | Wireless range: 30ft | NFC: Yes

Efficient noise cancellation

Inconspicuous looks

Great fun to listen to

Not suitable for sports

It’s still rather rare to get ANC in wired earbuds at all, yet Sony has managed to squeeze best-in-class noise cancellation tech into these ‘buds that have cut the cord – and that’s no small feat to achieve. And then there’s the battery life – Sony has even managed to pack above-average battery life in here, offering up to six hours of playback on a single charge of the ‘buds alone. And then there’s more to go in the charging case as well. While the WF-1000XM3 won’t offer the same level of noise cancellation that you’ll find in their over-ear counterparts mentioned above, they offer a sleek form factor, and an alternative for those who don’t enjoy carrying around full-sized cans.

Read the full review: Sony WF-1000XM3

(Image credit: Apple)

Our favourite workout earbuds: Beats Powerbeats Pro

Impressive-fitting workout ‘buds from Beats

Weight: N/A | Battery life: 9 hours | Heart rate monitor?: No | On-ear controls?: Yes

Good sound

Immaculate fit

Case is fairly bulky

Limited noise isolation

If you’re looking to amp up your fitness routine with an energetic soundtrack, our top pick would be the Beats Powerbeats Pro. These true wireless earbuds fit comfortably on and around the ear, thanks to their close-fitting hook design, and they don’t seem to ever fall out – important when you’re in the middle of a workout. They also have an IPX4 sweatproof rating, a long battery life of nine hours on a full charge and sound fantastic whether you’re in the gym or at home. What’s not to love?

Read the full review: Beats PowerBeats Pro

If you’re after more information on headphones in different form factors, take a look at some of our other dedicated audio articles: