Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $100

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones used to mean shelling out $300+ for premium brands — but not anymore. There are budget-friendly models under $100 that deliver impressive sound quality, real noise reduction, and comfort for long listening sessions. We’ve tested and compared the best, ranking them by Best Price, Best Value, or Best Performing so you can pick what matters most.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $100

• Best Price: Anker Soundcore Life Q20+ — Active noise cancellation, 40-hour battery, under $60.
• Best Value: 1MORE SonoFlow — Hi-Res Audio certified, 70-hour battery, adjustable ANC, just under $100.
• Best Performing: Sony WH-CH720N — Sony’s ANC tech and comfort, unmatched performance in the sub-$100 category.

Comparison Table

Best Price — Anker Soundcore Life Q20+

Why we picked it:
At under $60, the Q20+ delivers surprisingly good active noise cancellation, deep bass with BassUp tech, and a comfortable over-ear fit. Perfect for commuters and casual listeners who don’t want to overspend.

Positive comments:

• “Battery life is insane — I only charge it once every couple weeks.”
• “ANC is better than I expected at this price.”

Negative comments:

• “Bass can be overpowering on some tracks.”
• “No advanced app EQ controls like pricier models.”

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want genuine ANC for everyday use.

Best Value — 1MORE SonoFlow

Why we picked it:
For under $100, the SonoFlow packs Hi-Res Audio certification, LDAC codec support for high-quality Bluetooth streaming, and adjustable ANC that works well in both office and travel settings.

Positive comments:

• “Sound quality is crystal clear, even wirelessly.”
• “The battery life feels endless — I got over two months of use between charges.”

Negative comments:

• “ANC isn’t quite as strong as Sony or Bose.”
• “Controls take a little getting used to.”

Best for: Listeners who want top-tier sound quality and battery life without crossing the $100 mark.

Best Performing — Sony WH-CH720N

Why we picked it:
Sony’s WH-CH720N is the trickle-down tech from their flagship WH-1000XM series, offering excellent ANC, comfortable lightweight design, and DSEE upscaling to improve compressed audio.

Positive comments:

• “Feels like wearing nothing — super light.”
• “ANC blocks out subway noise almost entirely.”

Negative comments:

• “Battery life is shorter than some budget models.”
• “Plastic build feels less premium.”

Best for: Travelers and commuters who want the best ANC performance under $100.

How We Tested

We evaluated each headphone on:

• Noise Cancellation (40%) — Performance in office noise, travel, and outdoor environments.
• Sound Quality (30%) — Clarity, bass accuracy, and codec support.
• Comfort & Build (15%) — Weight, padding, adjustability.
• Battery Life (10%) — Real-world hours with ANC on.
• Value (5%) — Price vs. feature set.

Alternatives and Upgrades

• Budget Alternative: OneOdio A70 — Under $50, decent ANC, 72-hour battery.
• Premium Upgrade: Sony WH-1000XM4 — The gold standard in ANC (but well above $100).

Seasonal Timing Tip

Best months to buy: July–August (back-to-school sales) and November (Black Friday/Cyber Monday). See our Seasonal Buying Calendar for more timing strategies.

FAQs

Is ANC on budget headphones really effective?
Yes — while not as strong as flagship models, the top budget picks can noticeably reduce low-frequency noise.

Do I lose sound quality with wireless under $100?
Not necessarily. Models like the 1MORE SonoFlow with LDAC support deliver excellent fidelity.

Which is best for travel?
The Sony WH-CH720N offers the best ANC performance and comfort for long flights.