Active noise-canceling headphones are often considered a luxury. While it’s true that decent noise-canceling headphones often cost a pretty penny, that’s not always the case. There are active noise-canceling headphones that deliver exceptional sound quality while blocking out unwanted ambient noise that cost under $100.
Tip: if you plan to use your headphones at the gym, consider investing in these highly recommended workout-friendly headphones.
1. Best Overall: Anker Soundcore Q30
Price: $79
Over the years, Anker has positioned itself as the best manufacturer of mid- to low-budget audio products. The Soundcore Q30 ANC headphones are yet another example of excellent audio engineering. The Soundcore Q series has seen several models, and the Q30s are not the latest iteration of these headphones. However, the more recent Q45s command more than $100, so we opted to select the Q30s as the best overall budget noise-canceling headphones.
Coming in at only $80, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with these noise-canceling headphones. They feature an impressive sound profile, excellent low register response, and bright treble frequencies. The active noise-canceling performance is one of the best in this price range. The dual microphones pick up and filter out unwanted noise, such as airplane engines and similar ambient sound.
In addition to impressive performance, the Soundcore Q30 ANC headphones also boast phenomenal battery life. With noise canceling active, the Q30s can reach 40 hours of playback time before needing a recharge. In standard mode, you can extend your listening session to 60 hours.
Pros
- Quick charge capability
- Auto shutoff to conserve battery
- 40mm drivers with 40 kHz frequency response
- EQ customization via the app
- Supports multi-device pairing
- Impressive battery life
Cons
- Plastic build quality
Good to know: understanding active noise cancelation can help you further determine which headphones will work best for you.
2. Best for Built-In Smart Assistant: WYZE Hybrid
Price: $90
The WYZE Hybrid active noise-canceling headphones are well built and super comfy, thanks to the 20mm memory foam ear pads with elongated earcups. WYZE claims that their headphones are so comfortable, you can wear them virtually anywhere and for long periods without discomfort or fatigue.
The WYZE Hybrid ANC headphones also have Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant built in. Using your phone’s data, users can ask Alexa to set reminders, make inquiries, play music, and more with only their voice.
In addition to the comfort and built-in smart assistant functionality, the noise-canceling capabilities are excellent for this price range. The WYZE Hybrid headphones can easily cancel out most ambient noise, all while providing a well-rounded sound profile.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Quick charge capability
- Custom EQ via companion app
- Folding design for easy portability
Cons
- Call quality is weak and tinny
- Mediocre battery life
3. Best for Kids: JBL Jr460NC
Price: $60
Active noise-canceling technology should not be reserved solely for adults. Fortunately, JBL has not forgotten about the children with their Jr460NC headphones. These over-the-ear headphones are designed for kids, with a smaller physical size suitable for younger users. In addition, these headphones utilize the JBL Safe Sound feature. This caps the maximum volume output of the headphones at 85 dB, ensuring that the user’s listening experience is safe and doesn’t damage the ears.
The active noise-canceling performance is not as robust as more expensive models, yet they do an adequate job of neutralizing ambient noise, like car engines and conversations.
The JBL Jr460NC headphones feature a built-in mic. This allows for voice chat via a phone or a conferencing app, such as Zoom. In addition, the headphones have a 3.5mm AUX input, ensuring that kids can use them even if they forget to charge them.
Pros
- 2 hours to fully charge
- Equipped with JBL Safe Sound
- Child-friendly design
- Highly durable
- Colorful options
Cons
- Mediocre battery life
- Children will eventually grow out of them
- No EQ customization
Also helpful: we have a list of kids’ cell phone options and information to prevent kids from getting around parental controls.
4. Best Battery Life: 1More SonoFlow
Price: $99
The SonoFlow over-ear headphones by 1More offer excellent sound quality wrapped in a minimalist aesthetic. They feature a 40mm audio driver coupled with a frequency response of 40 kHz. Generally, a speaker is considered “good” when it can hit a frequency response of 20 kHz, so you can rest assured that the 1More SonoFlow produces accurate bass, middle, and treble frequencies.
Regarding noise cancelation, the SonoFlow does an excellent job of muffling most ambient noise but won’t be able to compete with high-end headphones from the likes of Bose or Sony. However, for a sub-$100 pair of headphones, the ANC performance is respectable.
Finally, the 1More SonoFlow headphones boast some premium features not commonly seen in budget models. First up is an awe-inspiring battery life. 1More claims that users can get up to 70 hours of playback on a single charge. Furthermore, the SonoFlow headphones support the LDAC codec for high-resolution Bluetooth streaming.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Companion app switches audio profiles between 12 presets tailored for different genres
- Wired option with included 3.5mm audio cable
- 70-hour battery life
- HD Bluetooth streaming
Cons
- Noise cancelation is not as good as others
- Noise cancelation only available in wireless mode
- Call quality is just okay
5. Best for Under $50: JLab Audio Studio
Price: $41
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider the JLab Audio Studio on-ear ANC headphones. They offer serviceable noise-canceling technology for a low price. However, be prepared to taper your expectations. For 40 bucks, you’re simply not getting the same performance as a pair of cans double or triple the price. If you’re looking to lower the obtrusiveness of chatty co-workers or the hum of an AC unit, these may fit the bill.
The JLab Audio Studio headphones are of the on-ear variety. This further diminishes the effectiveness of the ANC because the ear pads sit on top of your ears rather than enveloping them. As a result, the outside sound is not passively dampened.
Finally, the sound profile is what you would expect from a pair of headphones in this price range. What the JLab Audio Studio headphones do have going for them is decent battery life for the price, clocking in at over 30 hours with ANC turned on.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Foldable for portability
- Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
- No EQ customization
- Cheap build quality
Active noise-canceling technology is getting better and cheaper every day. With tons of options, there is something for every budget. Just make sure you read up on headphone technology and how it impacts your listening experience before you pull the trigger.
Want something that can cancel out noise but is a bit sleeker? Check out our favorite active noise-canceling earbuds.
Image credit: Pexels
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