Surrounding noise can be very distracting when all you want is to enjoy your favorite song or watch a movie. Because most people are often exposed to some kind of noise, it becomes difficult to enjoy such content without interruption. Noise-canceling headphones are a good fix for this issue. They are designed to eliminate environmental disturbances, allowing you to enjoy video and audio content interruption-free.

High-end noise-canceling headphones are designed with some of the best components and features. They are not only functional but also aesthetically appealing. Unfortunately, these tend to cost way more than most buyers are ready to part with.

The good news is, different brands are dedicated to producing some of the best noise-canceling headphones under $100. Many lower-tier models are equipped with the right combination of features and provide users with everything they need in a good pair of headphones.

With the right knowledge of features, terms, and a good understanding of your listening needs, anyone can find the perfect headphones. If you are interested in finding a great budget pair, here is a practical guide to some of the best noise-canceling headphones under $100. Review the pros and cons of each product on this list and weigh them against your preferences. When you're done, you'll be ready to pick one of the best noise-canceling headphones under $100!

Editors choice

1. Anker SoundCore Life Q20

9.65 / 10
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The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones use impressive technologies to block out external noise. The Soundcore Life Q20 headphones take on decent construction. The cups are soft and comfy. Since they do not weigh much, you can enjoy listening to audio files for extended periods without experiencing discomfort. Moreover, these headphones are adjustable and can be folded to fit in your travel bag or backpack.

Relying on the dual 40mm drivers, the Soundcore Life Q20 headphones produce quality sound. Bass, treble, and mids are defined quite well as they lead to a gratifying listening experience. Additional bass-up technology on the Q20s allows for intuitive sound adjustments to intensify the bass depending on your playlist.

To cancel out ambient noise, these headphones rely on internal and external microphones. With such hybrid technologies behind this cancellation, you can expect complete silence on Active Noise Cancellation Mode. When operating on noise-canceling mode and a fully charged battery, the Q20s offer up to 40 hours of playtime. If you do not have the time to charge these fully, a five-minute charging session should give you a solid four-hour playtime.

The Q20 comes with an integrated microphone for sound output on your end. With this feature, making calls becomes more convenient. The recording quality on this mic is good, and the resulting vocals are quite clear.

Key Features
  • 40 hours playtime on Noise cancelling mode
  • Hi-Res Audio certified
  • Hybrid noise cancellation tech
  • Bluetooth 5.0
Pros
  • Good battery life
  • High quality Sound experience
  • Quick charging time
  • Bluetooth reach is quite impressive
Cons
  • Noise cancelling for louder sounds like engine rumbles is not the best
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Anker SoundCore Life Q20
Premium pick

2. Paww WaveSound 3

9.60 / 10
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The Paww WaveSound Active Noise Canceling Headphones offer comfort, durability, and excellent sound performance at an affordable price. Besides featuring well-cushioned earpieces, the retractable headband allows people with different head sizes to find their perfect fit.

The two 40 mm neodymium drivers enable you to listen to authentic gaming sounds. You can quickly hear enemies crawling from behind, prompting you to react faster. These drivers deliver a punchy bass for an immersive listening experience.

Blocking out ambient noise for maximum concentration is possible with the Active Noise Cancellation technology. It reduces noise up to 23dB, enabling you to listen to dialogues on your favorite talk shows without distraction. You can also watch in-flight movies without interference from cabin chatters.

The headphones are built to stand up to the rigors of daily usage without compromising the headphone's portability. Weighing 12.8 ounces, you can place the headphones around the neck as they are comfortable. Carrying the headphones when traveling is easy with the included zippered travel case. This ensures the 3.5mm cord doesn't tangle around other items when not in use.

Enjoy a seamless connection to different Bluetooth-enabled devices with Bluetooth 5.0 technology. With the ShareMe feature, two users don't need to use a cable splitter to listen to music or a podcast from the same device. The built-in microphone allows you to make and receive calls.

Key Features
  • Built-in microphone
  • Powerful CSR chipset
  • Includes a ShareMe function
  • Bluetooth 5.0
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Lightweight design
  • Highly portable
Cons
  • Battery life could be better
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Paww WaveSound 3
Best value

3. OneOdio

8.00 / 10
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The OneOdio is a stunning Hi-Fi headset with excellent sound quality and amazing noise cancellation technology. Inside the ear cups are 50mm Neodymium drivers, which play a key role in delivering a great sound output.

This budget-friendly headset is made for maximum comfort. The head strap and earmuffs are all padded, meaning you can enjoy long musical sessions with maximum comfort. Unlike most headphones under this category, the OneOdio is padded with soft leather making it more long-lasting. With the help of the adjustable headband, the earmuffs fit perfectly on your ears for that comfortable listening experience.

The OneOdio has a frequency response of up to 20KHz, which translates to a wide range of connectivity. Unfortunately, it only works in wired connections, but the quality of its sound output makes it hard for you to ignore this headset. Interestingly, it is compatible with 3.5mm and 6.35mm stereo plugs, something you will hardly see in low-budget headphones.

Although this headset does not incorporate the noise cancellation technology in its systems, its design and structure play that important function. With the perfectly fitting earmuffs, noise is isolated, and anything else other than the intended audio will never interrupt your listening sessions.

The OneOdio is powerful to the extent of being used in a guitar amplifier to monitor the quality of your music melodies. This headset is also known for its revolutionary share-port technology, which allows you to simultaneously pair your device through the 3.5mm audio cable while still sharing and transferring your audio tunes via the coiled audio cable.

Key Features
  • 20 Hz-20 KHz frequency response
  • Share-port technology
  • Sleek design
  • Full-range audio output
Pros
  • Outstanding response frequencies
  • Rich in audio dynamics
  • Stunning sound at any volume
  • Fits nicely over your ears
Cons
  • Lacks the wireless mode of connection
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Anyone looking for a versatile and convenient workout companion will love the TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Headphones. The Active Noise Canceling (ANC) technology reduces loud grunts from other gym members to allow for maximum concentration.

The IPX4 rating makes these headphones great for intense workouts. You can sweat it all out when running on the treadmill or lifting heavy weights without worrying about damaging your headphones.

The high-performing neodymium 40mm speakers ensure you listen to authentic sounds in all music genres. Such audio performances allow you to push a little longer when performing intense workouts, making it easy to hit your goals.

Working out for an extended period is a breeze as the TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Headphones delivers unmatched comfort. Their lightweight design, weighing 8.9 ounces, puts less pressure on the ears, so you'll have a productive workout experience. The ultra-soft materials on the ear cups don't cause irritation, reducing the chances of breaking out around the ears.

The Bluetooth 5.0 makes connecting the headphones to your tablet or phone straightforward. You can leave the connected device in your living room and walk around the bedroom or kitchen without experiencing signal dropouts.

Thanks to the CVC 6.0 technology and built-in mic, you can make calls even in noisy places. The support for voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant makes controlling the headphones seamlessly. You can enjoy music all day since the battery runs for up to 35 hours.

Key Features
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • 35 hours battery life
  • IPX4 water-resistance rating
  • Supports voice commands
Pros
  • Excellent battery life
  • Comfortable
  • Great for working out
  • Lightweight design
Cons
  • ANC capability isn't the best in extremely noisy places
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TREBLAB Z2

The Avantree Aria 90B is a sleek modern pair of headphones that performs well in multiple areas. The headphone is ideal if you are an audiophile as it features the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Latency and dropped connections will be a thing of the past. In addition, you get to listen to music or make calls up to 800 feet from your phone, thanks to the wider connection range.

Unlike most headphones, the Avantree Aria 90B comes with a USB plug for easy connection with computers. You don't have to go through the annoying process of opening the computer settings to establish a connection. Simply plugging the USB dongle instructs the computer to route all the audio signals to the headset.

The accessories that come with the Avantree Aria 90B cover casual gamers and streamers as well. You get a free detachable microphone piece that can be plugged in when needed. Such a design makes the headphones more ergonomic to use. For instance, you don't have to carry the microphone piece when going to the library or class.

Noise-canceling is one of the most impressive features of modern headphones. The noise-canceling technology on the Avantree Aria filters out about 90dB of sound. The functionality makes the headphones ideal for use in noisy streets, subways, and airports.

Most people don't want headphones that last a few hours on a charge since they already have other accessories to worry about, such as smartwatches, laptops, and smartphones. The Avantree Aria 90B stays juiced up for an impressive 35 hours on a single charge.

Key Features
  • Multiplatform support
  • Lightweight design
  • Plug and go features
Pros
  • Clear bass
  • Crisp sound
  • Modular design
Cons
  • USB dongle can't be plugged into phones
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Avantree Aria

The Silensys E7 is an elegant pair of headphones designed with fashion and comfort in mind. The most striking features on the set are a built-in microphone and the NFC chip. With these technologies, pairing the headphone to a smartphone, computer, or other device is as easy as making a single tap. The simplicity means that there's no need to open other settings to pair or unpair any past connections.

The built-in microphone is tuned to deliver crisp sound in noisy environments, allowing for hands-free calls. Such a feature is ideal if you don't like flashing out your expensive smartphone in the streets, especially at night.

Active noise-canceling adds another touch of finesse to the headphone. Aviation, construction, and crowd noise won’t bother you any more since the Silensys E7 will drown out most external sounds. You no longer have to be selective about where you enjoy audiobooks or movies due to distraction.

The Silensys E7 comes equipped with 45mm aperture drivers for excellent sound dynamics. Music, phone conversations, and TV shows will sound great without the need for adjusting the equalizer. In addition, you can tune the headphones to boost the bass when listening to certain music genres.

Wearing the headphones all day is convenient since they're light. The natural protein earpads ensure that the headphones don't irritate the skin or exert too much pressure on your earlobes. Despite these ergonomic features, you should remove the headphones from your ears every two hours for relaxation.

The 750mAh battery installed in the Silensys E7 will last you about 30 hours on a full charge. You don't have to carry the charging gear every morning.

Key Features
  • 90° rotating earcups
  • Hi-fi sound
  • USB connectivity
Pros
  • Deep bass
  • Polished design
  • Soft earpads
Cons
  • May be big for some users
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Silensys E7

The Tranya H10 Hybrid Digital is a powerful noise-canceling pair of headphones with many modern audio features. The headphone's ability to block noise when listening to music or taking calls is impressive. The feature is rated to block up to 30dB of sound. You can also switch on the ambient mode for a more transparent listening experience.

The headset's advanced apt-X HD codec delivers clean music at all volume levels. You'll hardly notice any distortions regardless of your audio source. The Tranya H10 Hybrid Digital will deliver excellent instrument separation for a better listening experience if you have high-quality lossless music downloaded on your phone or laptop.

The headphone has an adaptive four-mic module with two microphones on each side. The additions block out background noise and make it comfortable for phone calls.

Battery life is a key factor to consider when buying wireless headphones. You want a pair that lets you enjoy the convenience that comes with leaving charging cables at home. The battery of the Tranya H10 headphones runs for up to 24 hours on a single charge.

The headphones have high-quality synthetic earpads for a comfortable fit. You can listen to music or watch movies all day long without experiencing any form of irritation.

Key Features
  • Foldable design
  • Noise-cancelling modes
  • Quick charge technology
Pros
  • HD sound output
  • Powerful bass
  • Matte finish
Cons
  • No cable option
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Tranya H10

The Srhythm Noise Cancelling Headphones prove that you don't have to break the bank to enjoy high-quality audio. They have dual 40mm HD speaker unit drivers that produce crystal-clear audio with little to no distortion.

For anyone who loves traveling, reducing the background noise is the difference between enjoying a trip and enduring it. Well, the Srhythm Noise Cancelling Headphones reduces ambient noise up to 20-25dB, allowing you to have an excellent isolated soundstage.

Battery performance is spectacular with the 800mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It gives you up to 40 plus hours of playtime, making the headphones a suitable pick for long-haul flights. You don't need to worry that you'll run out of juice hours before reaching your destination. A full charge takes about one to two hours, but the lighting charge for ten minutes gives you three hours of playtime.

Connecting the headphones to any Bluetooth-enabled device is quick and easy with the powerful Bluetooth V5.0 CSR chipset.

The Srhythm Noise Canceling Headphones provide you with all-day comfort with soft ear cushions. The swiveling earcups make it easy to find your ideal position. Communicating with friends and family is enjoyable with the built-in (Clear Voice Capture) CVC 8.0 microphone.

Key Features
  • Extra Charging Protection
  • 40 plus hours playtime
  • Dual noise reduction sensor
  • Bluetooth 5.0
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Uninterrupted Bluetooth connection
  • Incredible battery life
  • Delivers impressive sound quality
Cons
  • No waterproof rating
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Srhythm NC35

Affordable noise-canceling headphones are transforming how people listen to their favorite music at home or on-the-go. The VANKYO C751 is a reliable audio solution for anyone looking to improve their music consumption. The headphones have premium features that make them perfect for audiophiles and casual music listeners.

The VANKYO C751 comes with active noise cancellation microphones, making them perfect for working at home, taking online classes, or commuting. With such a feature, you do not have to tuck the caps tightly around your ears to block out noise. The noise-canceling mechanism will let you block out noise regardless of the environment.

The headphone is specially designed to accommodate different aspects of your music consumption profile. The VANKYO C751 analyzes your characteristics, including the head size, glasses, ears, and hair, before optimizing the sound for you. These features ensure that the feed forward and feedback ANC lowers ambient noise by nearly 100 percent.

The nature of wireless connection can significantly affect the quality of the audio you experience on noise-canceling headphones. That is why the IVANKYO C751 has the latest Bluetooth technology to keep up with the rest of the flagship features. Bluetooth 5.0 delivers an ultra-fast and stable connection, which is handy if you like leaving your device in one room while taking care of your chores around the house.

You will not deal with dropped connections or lags as long as you remain within the Bluetooth range of your device. The comfortable design of the IVANKYO C751 is yet another reason to get the headphones since you don't want an audio set that hurts your earlobes after a few hours of listening to music.

Key Features
  • Foldable design
  • Pressure-relieving caps
  • CVC 8.0 hands-free calls
Pros
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Clear bass
  • Comfortable design
Cons
  • They must be handled with care.
Buy This Product
IVANKYO C751

The SuperEQ S2 Bluetooth Active Noise Cancelling Headphones is for anyone who's strapped for cash but wants to enjoy flagship specs.

The ANC and CVC 8.0 noise reduction technology keeps you engaged in whatever you're listening to when in a noisy environment. They both block ambient noise up to 75 percent, so you can hear your tunes with incredible clarity.

With these headphones, you don't have to complain about discomfort and hotness around the ears. The build quality gives you access to breathable protein leather earcups for maximum comfort. The headband also retracts to adapt to any head size, making these headphones great for different users.

The CVC 8.0 noise suppression microphone reduces background noise, allowing you to have crystal-clear calls. You'll have a smooth listening and talking experience when communicating online with clients or workmates. The IPX4 rating makes the headphones ideal for training as they can withstand sweat during intense workouts.

The SuperEQ S2 Bluetooth Active Noise Cancelling Headphones excels in terms of sound performance. Each earcup has high-performing 40mm neodymium magnet drivers, which deliver excellent Hi-Fi sound quality.

You don't have to worry about frequent recharging when in places without power outlets since it features a 3.5mm audio cable. Just plug it into compatible devices and continue enjoying music for extended sessions.

Key Features
  • IPX4 rating
  • Includes a 3.5mm audio cable
  • 25 hours of playback time
  • 3 built-in microphones
Pros
  • Immersive sound performance
  • Great call quality
  • Stable Bluetooth performance
  • Durable
Cons
  • Earcups may be small for people with big ears
Buy This Product
SuperEQ S2

Before you dive into the reviews, there are some critical aspects of noise-canceling headphones all buyers should understand. With such information, finding the right headphones will become easy. Here are must-know things about noise-canceling headphones.

Behind Noise-Canceling Tech

There is some interesting physics behind the noise-canceling feature. Once you comprehend the basics and the terminologies used to describe these headsets, their features become easier to understand.

Noise-canceling tech is founded on the nature of sound. The fact that sound moves in waves, these technologies create precise opposites of received sound waves, which effectively cancel each other out. This creation is known as an anti-phase.

Of all the different types of noise-canceling technologies, Active Noise cancellation tech is by far the most popular. Using tiny microphones embedded on the device, these headphones pick up the noise around you and convey it to your headphones. The headphones then create an exact opposite of these sounds, canceling them out.

Aside from canceling out ambient noise, these headphones still function like regular headphones relaying sound from a selected device to your ears. At the core of their operation are drivers that transform electrical signals from the source into sound pressure.

Usually, headphones with good frequency response have access to a broader audio spectrum or range. 20Hz to 20,000Hz is an acceptable range for most headphones.

Pay Attention To These Features

From the section above, the science behind noise-canceling headphones is not that complex. However, it is not enough to simply focus on the noise-canceling technology used. Here some of the features worth paying attention to when purchasing noise-canceling headphones.

Build quality is critical for headphone purchases because it affects both durability and comfort levels. Well-designed pieces should feature a quality exterior that will not fall apart from a slight fall or after use. Additionally, they must offer decent cushioning and finishing material at the cups. Remember, the more comfort they offer, the longer you can use them.

Sound quality is essential when it comes to selecting any headphones. Attributes such as the frequency response, the depth of bass, and the quality of treble/mids heavily influence the sound quality produced.

Noise-canceling headphones require power to run. Choosing options with decent charge time and corresponding playtime is essential. Good headphones offer at least 24hrs worth of playtime on a full charge.

Now that you've finished this guide, you can revisit our list of the best noise-canceling headphones under $100 and find the perfect one for you!

FAQ

Q: Are closed-back headphones better than open?

Closed-back headphones have a complete seal around the back, offering better isolation. They isolate listeners from surrounding noise to varying degrees since it depends on how big or small the headphones are. The design is a suitable pick for people recording music or students who need maximum concentration when studying.

However, since they aren’t breathable, they make the ears sweaty and hot after extended use. Open-back headphones allow some leakage, making them great for individuals who want to hear what’s happening around them. Such headphones produce more natural and clear sounds when in a less noisy environment.

While open-back headphones are suitable for long sessions since they are breathable, surrounding moisture and dust may easily damage sensitive components.

Q: Can I sleep with noise-canceling headphones?

As long as the headphones are comfortable, you don’t have to worry about them posing any risks to your health. The best noise-canceling headphones under $100 are a much-needed relief for anyone living close to a busy road. They also come in handy for people who love listening to soothing music before sleeping.

Most noise-canceling headphones have flexible silicone that molds perfectly to your head and ears. They ensure you don’t experience any discomfort when sleeping on your back for long hours. However, it’s advisable that you sleep with wireless headphones since they have no tangling wires. People with weird sleeping positions won’t worry that the cables will twist around their neck or hands.

Q: What are the various types of noise-canceling headphones?

The most popular noise-canceling headphones block noise in four ways, making it easy to pick one that suits your listening environment. Active noise cancelation uses the headphone’s microphone to reduce the surrounding noise. This technology is popular among over-ear headphones.

Passive noise cancelation naturally blocks the outside noise by using earbuds that conform to the exact shape of your ears. You may have difficulties listening to authentic sounds if the earbuds are too big or small for your ears.

Adjustable noise cancelation allows listeners to tweak how much noise they want to hear. They have different listening levels, so you can choose one that’s suitable for traveling or studying. Adaptive active noise-canceling technology is somewhat similar to active. It also uses the headphone’s speaker and microphone to adjust to the listeners surrounding automatically.

Q: What should I consider when choosing noise-canceling headphones under $100?

The best noise-canceling headphones under $100 should offer a comfortable fit even after hours of use. One with a retractable headband, less weight, rotating cup, and soft foam will provide great comfort. If you can, try wearing them and listen closely to how they feel in your ears and around your head. Headphones are either wireless or wired. Wireless headphones allow you to move around freely. On the other hand, wired headphones save you from the inconvenience caused by frequent charging.

If you travel a lot, check how portable the headphones are. Pick one with sturdy and foldable hinges as it takes less space in your bag. The ability to tweak noise-canceling performance according to your needs will take your experience to another level.

Q: Will noise-canceling headphones under $100 affect my hearing?

No, they won’t. The great thing is that the best noise-canceling headphones under $100 protect your hearing from surrounding noisy environments and help you concentrate. You’ll only hear a hissing sound, and it doesn’t pose any risks to your ears. While noise-canceling headphones are safe, remember to moderate your volume since anything above 85 decibels will impact your hearing.

However, people who feel dizzy and disoriented can switch off the canceling capabilities when in less noisy places. In addition, unlike phones, noise-canceling headphones don’t emit radiations. Simply put, all you need to do is adjust the volume to what suits you best.