10 Best Cheap Noise Canceling Headphones

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Are you searching for the best noise canceling headphones under $100, but can’t find ones that offer good value for money? In this buyer’s guide you’ll be introduced to some of the best choices that this particular type of headphone has to offer. We will evaluate the quality of the noise canceling feature to give you a good understanding of what to expect.

Furthermore, we will share the range of features that should be considered when buying cheap noise canceling headphones. Headphone technology has advanced considerably in the last decade and there are a number of features to consider. Check out the buying considerations section to learn about what you must be thinking about when evaluating headphones.

We hope that by the time you finish reading this buyer’s guide you’ll have a good idea of which cheap noise canceling headphones are best suited for your needs. The low price point doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of the audio, and you’ll see that in the headphones we have found. This guide will save you time and help you get the most value for your budget.

Budget
best-budget-cheap-noise-canceling-headphones
Mpow H5
4.7/5.0
Weight: 15.2 ounces
Battery life: 18 hours
Has good noise cancelation and 18 hour battery life.
Check Amazon
Best Value
best-value-cheap-noise-canceling-headphones
COWIN E7
4.7/5.0
Weight: 13.6 ounces
Battery life: 30 hours
Long 30 hour battery life, well-implemented button controls.
Check Amazon
Top Pick
top-value-cheap-noise-canceling-headphones
CB3 HUSH
4.8/5.0
Weight: 28.8 ounces
Battery life: 10-12 hours
Balanced audio experience and good noise cancelation.
Check Amazon

What are noise canceling headphones?

Music enthusiasts have to deal with ambient noises interfering with the quality of the experience – depending on where you are this can be a serious issue. However, noise canceling headphones, as the name suggests, attack the unwanted incoming ambient noise and eliminates the frequencies. Consequently, the only noise that you’ll hear within the earcups is that of what the audio drivers are producing.

However, in reality the quality of the noise canceling feature differs from one set of headphones to the next. Some provide an exceptionally high level of noise cancelation, while others are not capable of removing loud noises.

Keep in mind that there are two types of noise canceling headphones:

  1. Passive noise cancelation: the passive versions have a number of layers that block out ambient noise, but at the most only manage to block out 15-20 decibels. This is better than nothing, but doesn’t get the job done. The inclusion of the extra layers means there is extra bulk and weight to the overall design.
  2. Active noise cancelation (ANC): with active noise cancelation sound waves are created that are 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the incoming ambient noise. Consequently, the soundwaves of the ambient noise are eliminated. Active noise cancelation is considerably more effective, and the headphones featured in this guide make use of it.

Active noise cancelation allows you to enjoy much higher levels of clarity, but at the cost of battery life if you’re using wireless headphones. Therefore, you’ll have a shorter battery life and you need to keep that in mind when there is no power source around. However, many active noise canceling headphones have a button to switch noise cancelation off, or drastically reduce it to save battery life.







Cheap Noise Canceling Headphones Comparison Table

Make and ModelWeightBattery lifePrice
CB3 HUSH28.8 ounces10-12 hoursCheck Price
Mpow H515.2 ounces18 hoursCheck Price
COWIN E713.6 ounces30 hoursCheck Price
Audio Technica AUD ATH-ANC7B16.8 ouncesNot WirelessCheck Price
JVC HANC25016.8 ouncesNot WirelessCheck Price
Srhythm Active Noise Canceling Headphones22.4 ounces16 hoursCheck Price
TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones19.96 ounces25 hoursCheck Price
BÖHM B6631.2 ounces18 hoursCheck Price
Monoprice SonicSolace17.92 ounces16 (8 with ANC) hoursCheck Price
Golzer BANC-506.9 ounces12 hoursCheck Price

1. CB3 HUSH

CB3 HUSHView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The CB3 HUSH headphones come with active noise cancelation that is among the best at the budget end of the scale. The company behind the offering aren’t the most popular, but the implementation of the various features here is impressive. The design is practical and has all the features you need without doing anything too special.

The noise canceling features drastically reduces the audio of the low and mid frequencies, but the high frequencies are left untouched. Therefore, the feature is not as comprehensive as in premium priced headphones, but generally you’ll feel they do a good enough job in most noisy environments.

The headphones come with a microphone that allows you to take calls in a convenient hands-free manner. Simply use Bluetooth to connect with your smartphone and you’ll be notified when calls are incoming. However, if wireless connectivity is not your thing, then take advantage of the included AUX cable.

The headphones come with 40mm audio drivers that deliver a clean and crisp sound. You’ll also love the execution of the bass as there is some boosting, but it’s not so strong that you get overwhelmed. The overall balance across the frequency range of 20Hz-20Khz is excellent.

The headphones have around 10-12 hours of playing time with ANC on and the charging time is 2.5 hours. This length of battery life would have been amazing 10 years ago, but now with the fierce level of competition it’s average at best.

Furthermore, the overall design is rather bulky, but that can be expected from over-ear headphones. Also the use of materials could be improved to provide more durability for those who want many years of use. However, if you look after the CB3 HUSH, then the functionality won’t deteriorate.

To summarize, the CB3 HUSH is a solid performer in the noise cancelation headphones category for the budget buyer. The execution of the audio quality and good noise cancelation means you can be happy with your purchase.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 28.8 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 10-12 hours
Microphone: yes
The Pros
Good noise cancelation
Balanced audio experience
Decent value for money
The Cons
Bulky
Materials could be improved

2. Mpow H5

Mpow H5View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Mpow H5 is a well-balanced set of headphones that deliver a good overall level of performance for the price. They are ideal for the budget buyer that’s looking for a decent level of audio without butting a big dent in their wallet. It comes with an array of features that a few years ago would mostly be limited to premium headphones.

The active noise canceling doesn’t eliminate all the background noise, but it can drastically reduce them. You’re supposed to turn the ANC feature on before you turn the music on. The ANC feature does eat up battery life, but you can get 18 hours of running time.

Bluetooth 4.1 is used to provide connectivity that does a good job of minimizing audio distortion. You can also use them away up to 33 feet away from the audio emitting device. Furthermore, a cable is included that allows you to listen when the battery juice has run out.

They have a lightweight design that means you can get hours of use without feeling the need to take a break. Furthermore, the earpads are very durable, which means you can expect many years of use without worry of damage. An 18 month warranty deal is in place to cover a number of damage types and the 45 day money back guarantee allows you to get a refund if you don’t like them.

There are a few disadvantages that you must be aware of before making the purchase. The earcups are rather bulky, which means you’ll stand out when in public. Also the ANC drains the battery at a considerable rate. The microphone could also be improved to ensure that clarity is no big deal.

To conclude, the Mpow H5 is a great choice for buyers on a budget that want good quality noise cancelation. You can rely on a good level of audio performance and the durability will not let you down for a long time to come.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 15.2 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 18 hours
Microphone: yes
The Pros
Good noise cancelation
Durable build
18 hour battery life
The Cons
Bulky
ANC battery drain is strong

3. COWIN E7

COWIN E7View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The COWIN E7 is one of the best value for money options on this list due to the range of features you receive for around $60. We rated the COWIN E7 as the top budget pick in the “Headphones Under $100” guide and fully recommended it here too. These headphones show the high level of execution that’s available in the budget category if you’re willing to look for it.

The ANC feature does a great job of removing unwanted ambient noise whether you’re alongside a busy street or at the office. It helps you enjoy music, movies, or a gaming experience. Furthermore, the total battery time is up to 30 hours due to the 7500mAh battery, which means there is enough battery juice for the ANC feature to draw power from. The long battery life is great for individuals that like to travel and require a personal audio solution that’s not going to let them down.

There are a number of controls on the earcup to allow you to control the volume, accept calls, turn the ANC feature on/off and fine tune the audio. It’s one of the more comprehensive controls at the budget end of the spectrum.

The large 40mm speakers deliver a balanced level of audio that will amaze you when considering the asking price. The execution here is in no way comparable to audiophile headphones, but the majority of buyers may not be able to tell the difference.

The drawbacks include the bulky design, but that’s the cost of having a good quality ANC feature. Furthermore, the quality of the materials could be improved for longevity.

To summarize, the COWIN E7 provides plenty of functionality for the budget price point. The combination of the excellent button controls, clean design, 30 hours battery life, and excellent ANC features means you’re getting a comprehensive pair of headphones.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 13.6 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 30 hours
Microphone: yes
The Pros
Good noise cancelation
Long 30 hour battery life
Well-implemented button controls
The Cons
Bulky
Materials could be improved

4. Audio Technica AUD ATH-ANC7B

Audio Technica AUD ATH-ANC7BView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Audio Technica AUD ATH-ANC7B offer some of the best performance out there at under $100. If you want good noise cancelation, a reputable brand, awesome audio, and attention to detail, then you love these. Continue reading to find out if they have the features to justify a purchase for you.

The ANC features of these headphones can confidently block out 90% of ambient noise, which is better than what most others are capable on this list. The strong level of noise reduction means you you’ll be able to enjoy your music tracks while you are out in public.

The overall design is lightweight and foldable, which make them practical to take with you while traveling. However, they are wired, so walking around with them on might prove to be cumbersome. The large earcups provide many hours of comfort before the build-up of heat and moisture will become a problem. Furthermore, the headband is fully adjustable to provide a fit that’s secure and stable.

These Audio Technica headphones come with 40mm audio drivers that produce balance across the frequency range of 10 – 25,000 Hz. Expect great bass, accurate mids, and stable highs. The audio is clean for all types of genres, which means they are built for true music fans. One minute you could be enjoying a soothing jazz track and the next rocking your head to rap.

Before buying these Audio Technica headphones consider the various disadvantages that could potentially be a deal breaker for you. These are rather bulky, which makes walking around in them a bit of a cumbersome experience. Also, the use of some materials is a bit questionable, such as the headband that has a cheap plastic feel.

Overall, the Audio Technica AUD ATH-ANC7B headphones offer enough to justify the price point for the budget buyer. The mix of the wide frequency range, excellent noise cancelation feature, comfortable fit, and trusted brand means you’re getting a solid pair of headphones.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 16.8 ounces
Wireless: no
Microphone: no
The Pros
Wide frequency range
Good quality bass
Good ANC implementation
Comfortable fit
The Cons
Bulky

5. JVC HANC250

JVC HANC250View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

JVC is a reputable brand in the electronics industry, but they aren’t well-known for their headphones. Regardless, the quality of the JVC HANC250 headphones is a good choice that comes in at just under $100. You’ll appreciate the combination of the various factors that lead to a good quality audio experience.

The noise canceling feature of the JVC HANC250 headphones allows for 85% noise reduction – more than 18dB at 150Hz. This is not the best implementation of noise cancelation, but it gets the job done in the majority of noisy environments you’ll encounter. The housing on each earcup provides a sophisticated level of noise cancelation that helps keep out ambient sounds when the ANC feature is switched off.

The 40mm audio drivers deliver the great sounding audio and the maximum decibel level is at 102. The drivers provide a good level of accuracy across the wide frequency range of 8-24,000Hz. The low end of the frequency is particularly wide to allow a great depth of bass. You’ll enjoy the execution of bass in genres like hip hop and rock.

These are wired headphones and the noise canceling feature requires one AAA battery that provides 50 hours worth of running time. You’ll need to have a stockpile of AAA batteries around to own these headphones, or you can invest in some rechargeable AAA batteries to save money.

The drawback of the JVC HANC250 is the lack of wireless connectivity. Furthermore, the build has a plastic feel to it that doesn’t provide the most confidence in the durability department.

To conclude, the JVC HANC250 headphones have a good quality noise canceling feature, but it does require AAA batteries to run. The wide frequency range and quality of the bass is what allows these headphones to stand out in the marketplace.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 16.8 ounces
Wireless: no
Microphone: no
The Pros
Wide frequency range
Good quality bass
Decent ANC
The Cons
Build quality could be improved
Not wireless

6. Srhythm Active Noise Canceling Headphones

Srhythm Active Noise Canceling HeadphonesView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The ANC headphones from Srhythm offer a good amount of features for the budget price point of around $80. They don’t have a bunch of industry leading features, but there is enough quality here to fully justify the price point. Furthermore, the build quality is quite nice for a product that’s manufactured by an unknown brand.

The noise canceling feature does a good job of drastically reducing ambient noise and in most cases totally eliminating it. When the switch is flipped on it makes a huge difference to the overall audio quality, but it does drain the battery life at a faster rate.

You’ll achieve 16 hours of battery life with the Bluetooth 4.1 connection, which is above average and gives you the freedom to travel all day long without the need to recharge. An audio cord is included that can be used for a wired connection when the battery has run out of power.

The quality of the fit is another highlight here thanks to the ergonomic design. The combination of the soft earpads, snug headband, and swivel design means you’re going to be comfortable with these headphones on a daily basis.

The headphones come with a 12 month warranty deal that covers many types of damage. Furthermore, there is a 30 money back guarantee, which allows you to get a refund no questions asked if you do not like the headphones. This should give you the peace of mind that you can buy with confidence.

The major drawback of these headphones is the lack of audio clarity at loud volume levels and the durability of the components. However, if you can get over these factors then there is a lot to like here.

Overall, the Srhythm Active Noise Canceling Headphones do a great job of keeping out the ambient noise and delivering an audio experience that is competitive at the budget price point. Furthermore, the comfortable fit and 16 hour battery life means you’ll be traveling with these wherever you go.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 22.4 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 16 hours
Microphone: yes
The Pros
Good fit
92% noise cancelation
Good value for money
The Cons
Durability could be better

7. TaoTronics Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones

TaoTronics Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth HeadphonesView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

These headphones aren’t manufactured by one of the best audio brands in the world, but the overall quality here is hard to ignore. The TaoTronics Active Noise Canceling headphones are much appreciated by the marketplace and come in at an affordable price point. Check out the various features to see if they have what’s required to meet your requirements.

The ANC feature with these TaoTronics headphones is not the best on this list, but it does a good job of eliminating the majority of ambient sound in a noisy environment. The feature eliminates unwanted frequencies up to a certain decibel level that doesn’t include very loud noises.

A big highlight with these headphones is the comfort of the fit. The ergonomic headband is fully adjustable and the soft protein earpads are a joy to wear of multiple hours at a time. The over-ear fit provides a good level of breathability thanks to the clever use of materials.

25 hours worth of battery life is provided and there is a cable that allows you to have a wired music experience when the battery has run out of juice. Bluetooth 4.2 is offered here that is one of the best versions out right now. It allows for distortion-free audio that is reliable over a long period of time.

A notable feature with the TaoTronics headphones is the aggressive implementation of the bass. It has been boosted to provide an impactful audio experience, which is great for certain genres of music and watching movies.

A microphone is included for crystal clear hands-free calls. The built-in cVc 6.0 noise-canceling microphone is conveniently placed and adds a lot of value to the purchase. The call quality will be clear – even in noisy environments.

Overall, the TaoTronics Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth headphones are a good blend of performance and affordable cost. The features are by no means of an industry leading level, but good enough for a bass filled and clear audio experience.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 16.96 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 25 hours
Microphone: yes
The Pros
Good noise cancelation
Long 25 hour battery life
built-in cVc 6.0 noise-cancelling microphone
The Cons
The highs can sound a little unbalanced
Bass might be overwhelming for some

8. BÖHM B66

BÖHM B66View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The BÖHM B66 headphones offer a wider array of good features for the competitive price point of around $80. If you love over-ear headphones that have thumping bass, then you’ll love these. They are great for the budget buyer that’s not interested in sacrificing the quality of the audio experience.

The ANC feature allows you to block out the majority of the sounds, but it’s not 100%. You’ll find that the ANC feature works well until very high decibel sounds are encountered like police sirens or construction work.

The rechargeable battery provides up to 18 hours of continuous playback using the 290mAh battery that’s included. However, this battery life is based on usage at the 50% volume level. If you like to enjoy music near max setting, then you’ll receive a drastically lower amount of battery life.

The lightweight aluminum housing features zinc, which increases the durability of the headphones. Therefore, the headband is rigid, but provides a decent amount of adjustability and comfort at the same time. The over-ear earcups provide a lot of comfort, but they are on the bulky side, which means you’ll need to get used to them when out and about.

The 40mm audio drivers provide an impressive frequency range of 20-20KHz. You’ll get accurate mids and highs with lows that make the bass sound impactful. They sound great for a wide variety of music genres and versatility is one of the key strengths of these headphones. They are compatible with all Bluetooth smartphones, including any Apple device.

One of the big disadvantages of these headphones is the amount of pressure the earcups place on the head – it can be described as a clamp. However, once you get used to this setback the overall quality that’s available here for the price is competitive.

To summarize, the BÖHM B66 headphones offer a nice mixture of clever design and functionality. The ANC feature works at a good level and the audio drivers offer a decent frequency range with balanced audio. Furthermore, the battery life is above average for the industry, which allows you to travel without the hassle of wires.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 31.2 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 18 hours
Microphone: yes
The Pros
ANC feature works well
Solid 40mm audio drivers
Durable headband
The Cons
Bulky
Tight fit

9. Monoprice SonicSolace

Monoprice SonicSolaceView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

If you’re willing to take a risk on an unknown brand, then you’ll come to appreciate the level of quality that is available in the Monoprice SonicSolace headphones. They have a number of functional features that headphones buyers are looking for – even at the budget end of the scale. Delve deeper into the various features to figure out if they have sufficient value to justify the purchase.

The ANC feature cuts the battery life in half from 16 hours to 8 hours, but it’s worth it as the implementation of this feature is excellent. It does a very good job of blocking ambient noise so that you can enjoy the clarity of your personal audio experience.

Bluetooth 4.0 is available here, which is one of the better versions that allows for a decent connectivity range and solid audio performance. You can connect with your smartphone to play music, but there is no microphone to take advantage of hands-free calls.

The frequency range is 20-20Khz, which is more than enough for good quality audio. The 105 decibel sensitivity means loud audio is blasted from the 40mm audio drivers. This combination of features means you’re getting good value for the price.

Before buying the Monoprice SonicSolace consider some of the advantages to be aware of. They don’t’ have a microphone, which nowadays is expected in headphones of this type. Furthermore, the earcups could have a more breathable design to allow for better ventilation. Also with the ANC feature on the battery life is only 8 hours, which is below average nowadays.

To conclude, the Monoprice SonicSolace headphones offer enough value to justify the price. The combination of the excellent ANC feature, classy look, and stable 40mm neodymium magnets means you’re getting a well-executed pair of headphones.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 17.92 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 16 (8 with ANC) hours
Microphone: no
The Pros
ANC feature works well
Solid 40mm audio drivers
Classy look
The Cons
Battery life is only 8 hours with ANC
Earcup ventilation is lacking

10. Golzer BANC-50

Golzer BANC-50View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5

Goldzer is not a popular brand, but the Golzer BANC-50 provides enough value to give it some consideration. The combination of useful features here means you’ll love the functionality and comfortable fit for daily use. The visual design is rather simple and the earcups stand out due to the bulky design. Read on for some of the notable features buyers should know about before buying.

The active noise cancelation works at an 85% rate, which allows you to hear audio without distractions in the majority of noisy environments. However, it might struggle to keep out the loudest noises such as a jackhammer or police siren.

The built-in microphone allows you to enjoy a hands-free conversation with your friends and family. It’s convenient and the button controls are well positioned on the earcups. You can use the buttons to answer calls, skip tracks, and also change the volume levels.

The battery life allows for 12 hours of playing time when the ANC feature is enabled, which is about average in the marketplace. The rechargeable battery takes 2-3 hours to charge and there is no quick charge feature to give you a big boost in battery life. Additionally, a 3.5mm cable is added to provide wired connectivity when the battery has run out.

Furthermore, you get a carrying case that allows the Golzer BANC-50 to be conveniently transported while traveling. However, they cannot be folded down to reduce the amount of space they take up. However, the earcups can be swivelled sideways to reduce the bulkiness while carrying them.

One of the drawbacks is the lack of durability, but at this price point you cannot complain. As long as you look after the Golzer BANC-50 they will last you for multiple years without a problem.

To summarize, the Golzer BANC-50 is a good budget offering with an ANC feature that has an 85% efficiency rating. Furthermore, the overall audio is balanced across the frequency range. A lack of durability is the only downfall here that could be overcome by taking good care of them.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 6.9 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 12 hours
Microphone: yes
The Pros
Decent ANC feature
Good value for money
Microphone with decent controls
The Cons
Not durable
0/50 ratings