With headphones of all types, colours and styles flooding the market, it’s hard knowing which ones to pick – do you go for the premium model you’ve always wanted, or are you better off just grabbing a cheap set from the discount bin?

Well, it’s worth remembering that cheap headphones are cheap for a reason, so even if saving money is priority we can’t recommend those $2 discount-bin variety that you find all over the world. And, as you’ll find out below, you don’t always have spend a lot of dosh to snag a great set of headphones either.

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

Best over-ear headphones deals this week

Bose QuietComfort 35 noise-cancelling over-ear headphones ($357.60; usually $499): Bose have been leading the way with premium audio for quite some time now, and with the QuietComfort series they’ve done well to bring that high fidelity to the wireless headphone market. With top-notch noise cancellation, a 20-hour battery life, and luxurious padding, the QC35 over-ear headphones will make your listening experience a pleasant one. By applying the code PTECH20 at checkout, you can grab a pair of QC35s for a low $357.60 from eBay in either black or silver until August 21.

Bose QuietComfort 25 noise-cancelling over-ear headphones ($277.60; usually $399): If you’re after the Bose quality without the price tag of some of their higher-tier models, or just simply don’t mind having wires, the QC25 may be for you. We gave them a full five stars when we reviewed them, praising their stunning noise-cancellation, full sound, and their ability to operate without a battery. Using the code PTECH20 at checkout, the QC25 headphones are only $277.60 when you shop on eBay, saving you $121 off the retail price of $399. This offer ends August 21.

Sony MDR-1000X noise-cancelling wireless over-ear headphones ($489; usually $699): Shut the world out when you want to enjoy your favourite tunes, podcasts or audiobooks with Sony’s top-of-the-line noise-cancelling over-ear Bluetooth headphones. We think it can give the Bose QC35 plenty of competition. Featuring swivel earcups, digital noise cancelling and its own carry case, these premium cans are currently on sale at Harvey Norman with 30% off on the RRP of 699. So hurry and grab a set of the Sony MDR-1000X for just $489 until September 10.

Sony MDR-ZX770BN noise-cancelling wireless over-ear headphones ($216; usually $299.95): If you aren’t too keen on a premium set of noise-cancelling cans, Sony even has a mid-range set on offer. Also featuring digital noise cancellation, the Sony ZX7770BN sports a 40mm driver and offers premium sound quality and build, a comfortable fit and darn good battery life for a budget price. We gave the cans 4.5 stars in our review. There’s also a saving of nearly $84 to be had when purchasing a set of the Sony ZX7770BN direct from the company – where they’re currently $216, down from $299.95.

Marley Legend ANC noise-cancelling over-ear headphones ($244.30, usually $349): Active noise cancellation and style come together in the House of Marley Legend ANC over-ear headphones. These cans lend a touch of style with FSC-certified wood touches, comfortable leather ear cushions and a detachable tangle-free cable. It even comes with a built-in battery, if you want to go wireless. Better yet, you get to save over $104 on these cool-looking House of Marley cans. They’re on sale at JB Hi-Fi for just $244.30 until August 23 or until stocks last.

Best in-ear headphones deals this week

Bose SoundSport Pulse wireless headphones ($249, usually $299): Bose have been leaders in audio gear for decades, so it’s no wonder they’ve got one of a pair of sports headphones which can monitor your heart rate while you listen to your favourite workout beats with the company’s signature sound quality. Bose’s StayHear+ Pulse ear tips promises to keep the set firmly in place even during the most vigorous workout routine. They’re usually $299 a pop, but save $50 and get a the Bose SoundSport Pulse for $249 until August 23 from JB Hi-Fi. If the retailer is out of stock, Bose has the SoundSport Pulse for the same price for a limited time as well.

Bose QuietControl 30 noise-cancelling wireless headphones ($314.40; usually $449): For a pair of in-ear headphones, the QC 30 has a level of noise cancellation that matches any of Bose’s over-ear cans, and that’s very impressive given its size. In fact, the level of noise cancellation can be adjusted to suit your environment via the in-line remote. But the effective noise-cancelling comes at the cost of sound quality. But if you’re not an audio connoisseur, these are still a pretty good set of headphones to get, especially for those who don’t particularly enjoy the feel of cans on their ears. The QC30 headphones are available for just $314.40 on eBay by using the code PTECH20 at checkout until August 21. That’s a huge saving of over $134.

Bose QuietComfort 20 noise-cancelling headphones (from $256; usually $369): For a pair of tethered in-ear headphones that cost you $369, you’d expect only the best from Bose, and the QC 20 does not disappoint. If you have the spare change and want incredible noise-cancelling combined with comfort and amazing sound quality, you really ought to get the QuietComfort 20. You can even save some dosh on these amazing headphones by heading to eBay and getting them for 20% off by using the code PTECH20 at checkout. The Android version of the QC20 in white is available for $256, while you can get the iOS version in black for $278.40. This offer ends August 21.

JBL Under Armour Sport HR in-ear wireless headphones ($269, usually $369): JBL has been making bass sound better and better, and the Under Armour Sports HR Bluetooth headphones promise to deliver just that with the company’s Signature Sound with Pure Bass technologies. Get details on your heart rate via the touch sensor on the right earbud and don’t worry about sweating all over it, thanks to its IPX5 rating. And until August 23, you can save $100 on the JBL Under Armour Sport HR headphones at JB Hi-Fi – available for just $269.

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.

Bose QuietComfort 35

Bose has brought its fantastic noise-cancelling technology to a pair of wireless headphones and it’s done so without any of the traditional drawbacks of wireless headphones. They sound great, and their battery life is long enough for all but the longest of flights. They’re super comfortable, and despite the fact that they don’t use the AptX Bluetooth standard, the wireless doesn’t harm their sound quality one bit.

Priced at AU$499 a pop, the QC35s sit firmly at the premium end of the spectrum, but if you want the best noise-cancelling headphones available right now, then you can’t get any better. And they can be bought at a great price, too.

Read our review of the Bose QC 35.

Bose QuietControl 30

For a pair of in-ear headphones, the QC 30 has a level of noise cancellation that matches any of Bose’s over-ear cans, and that’s very impressive given its size. In fact, the level of noise cancellation can be adjusted to suit your environment via the in-line remote.

But the effective noise-cancelling comes at the cost of sound quality. The QC 30 isn’t the best-sounding headphones in the world, but if you’re not an audio connoisseur, these are still a pretty good set of headphones to get, especially for those who don’t particularly enjoy the feel of cans on their ears.

Read our review of the Bose QC 30.

Bose QuietComfort 25

The QC 25 are just as good as Bose’s premium cans, but without the premium price tag. They’re still expensive at $399 a piece, but they achieve top performance per dollar and definitely worth your hard-earned dosh.

With exemplary sound quality and equally excellent ambient noise cancellation, the QC 25 will suit the serious or the casual listener, providing a wonderfully immersive experience when watching movies or TV shows, playing games or just listening to your favourite beats.

Read our review of the Bose QC 25.

Bose QuietComfort 20

For a pair of tethered in-ear headphones that cost you $369, you’d expect only the best from Bose, and the QC 20 does not disappoint. If you have the spare change and want incredible noise-cancelling combined with comfort and amazing sound quality, you really ought to get the QuietComfort 20.

The silicone ear tips are designed for a perfect fit while sealing the ear canal and the power for noise-cancellation comes from a lithium-ion battery. This makes the battery pack a tad unwieldy, but you’ll figure out how best to stow it as you go along. But all in all, these are one of the best headphones we’ve put through the paces.

Read our review of the Bose QC 20.

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless on-ear headphones

These no-holds-barred wireless headphones are oozing with positive qualities, but the cans don’t come cheap. However, if you’re an audio lover that can spare the expense, do not hesitate on this comfortable, hard-working set of headphones that will likely last for years.

Stainless-steel arms and leather finishes gives the headphones a rugged look, while the ball-jointed swivelling earcups provide ample movement and comfort. Battery-savers will find the wired option to be convenient, but you can also turn the headphones on to activate active noise cancellation.

Read our review of the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless over-ear headphones.

Oppo PM-3

The Oppo PM-3 is a truly stunning pair of headphones. Make no mistake, we’ve reviewed a lot of headphones over the years but none have we become more fond of than the PM-3.

They’re equally comfortable being plugged into a headphone amp at home as they are commuting through the hustle and bustle of the big smoke, and they stand head and shoulders above rival products from bigger brands. We really can’t recommend them highly enough, they’re just amazing.

Read our review of the Oppo PM-3.

Sennheiser Momentum In-ear headphones

With the appealing candy apple detailing, Sennheiser gets you in the door. But once you’re in, you’ll stay for the killer sound quality that comes from the Momentum In-Ear earphones. And you won’t have a problem that it’s tethered.

Capable of providing booming, tight bass straight to your ear canal, the Momentum In-ear buds will have you foot-tapping to practically every tune you listen to.  And for a low-cost set of in-ears, they’re as fine as they come.

Read our review of the Sennheiser Momentum In-ear headphones.

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