Even the best budget audiophile headphones don't come cheap. But to celebrate the end of 2025, we've rounded up the best deals out there right now. So whether you're a producer hunting for reference-grade monitoring, a sound designer needing pinpoint accuracy, or just want to rediscover your favourite albums, you'll find the best prices available today in the list below.
From planar magnetic bargains that redefine what's possible at the budget end to premium open-backs that deliver studio-quality sound, we're talking about models that earned their place through hands-on testing and real-world use that impressed our reviewers throughout the year.
Why these headphones and IEMs — and why now?
Every device featured above earned its place on our list through rigorous hands-on testing and real-world use by our reviewers throughout 2025. These aren't just spec-sheet winners or flavour-of-the-month releases. They're headphones and IEMs we've lived with, worked with, and genuinely recommended to colleagues and friends long before these sales arrived.
Sound quality comes first, naturally, but we've also prioritised comfort for extended sessions, build quality that justifies the investment, and crucially, value. Whether you're mixing audio, editing video or simply wanting to hear your favourite albums as they were meant to sound, these models deliver professional-grade performance without the professional-grade price tags.
At the entry level, the Fiio FT1 Pro represents the most accessible route into planar magnetic sound, delivering bass quality and detail that embarrasses headphones costing significantly more. The Sennheiser HD 550s sit in the sweet spot for critical listening, offering the neutral, spacious sound signature that makes familiar recordings feel new again.
For those wanting closed-back isolation without sacrificing sound quality, the Meze 99 Classics combine stunning aesthetics with genuine sonic chops and the versatility of tunable sound. The HEDDphone D1s, meanwhile, represent the pinnacle of balanced tuning at their price point, making them ideal for professionals who need accuracy without fatigue. On the IEM side, both the Kiwi Ears KE4 and Juzear Harrier deliver reference-quality monitoring in compact packages; perfect for mobile work or commutes where space and isolation matter as much as sound quality.
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