While noise-canceling headphones have always been a necessary travel or commuter gear, with so many people now working remotely, they are now almost vital for sanity.
Fortunately, they are also more affordable than ever, so you don’t have to spend much money to enjoy a peaceful time at home or commuting.
If you have the coin, then of course I’d love to recommend the Bose QC45 or my older set of Bose QC35 but, they’re a little more than $100 and I’m not sure the price difference is worth it.
A dependable set of noise-canceling headphones can help you stay focused and distraction-free whether you’re on a crowded commute or at home working.
I am also aware of how challenging it can be to choose the best headphones for your needs, such as the ability to reduce noise. Fortunately, your search has come to an end. You don’t have to invest more time searching for headphones that will work for you.
You don’t have to do any legwork because I did it all. Not the most exciting work in the world, researching headphones that reduce ambient noise.
But someone has to convey this knowledge clearly and objectively, so I decided to take on the challenge myself.
The five best noise-canceling headphones under $100 that made my list may be cheap, but they can all help you reduce background noise, including buzzing from air purifiers, gadgets, and traffic.
They work wonderfully when you’re listening to music and are especially useful when you need to block out background noise when accepting calls or participating in a video conference.
1. Sony WH-CH710N ANC Headphones
Among the best on the market right now
TL:DR;
For many factors, the Sony WH-CH710N noise-canceling headphones are pretty outstanding. They have a reasonable price, wireless Bluetooth connectivity, a mic for phone calls, and sophisticated noise-canceling technology that removes unpleasant background noise, all of which are features I enjoy.
It’s challenging for me to choose just a few things I like best about these wireless headphones from Sony because there are so many. However, the 35-hour battery life is one of the critical features I enjoy the most. The fact that my headphones have a 35-hour battery life makes it less of an issue for me to forget to charge them whenever I’m on the go; I still get to play my favorite songs and podcasts anytime I want to listen to something while I’m strolling about town.
The noise-canceling qualities of these headphones also really excite me. Compared to other noise-canceling features I’ve heard of, these go a step further.
To generate a noise canceling performance unique to your location, it analyzes your surroundings, gathers data about the noise around you, and uses that data. I had no idea noise canceling could be this advanced, and it does work brilliantly.
Overall, these noise-canceling headphones from Sony are among the best on the market right now thanks to their incredible 35 hours of battery life, ten-minute quick charge capability that allows for an hour of uninterrupted playback, dual noise sensors, and ambient sound mode that elevates the sound quality, hands-free calling, and unbelievably potent noise canceling feature.
The Specs
- Product Dimensions: 7.84 x 2.09 x 9.02 in
- Item Weight: 7.8 oz
- Form Factor: Over Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Battery Life (Waiting Time): Max. 200 hrs
- Battery Life (continuous music playback time): Max 35 hrs
What’s in the Box?
- Headphones
- USB type-C charging cord
Stuff I like
- Incredible battery life
- Quick charge capability
- Compatible with smartphones and hands-free calling
Stuff I like less
- Plastic headphones may feel uncomfortable to some users
Where to get it
2. JBL Live 460NC Headphones
Most incredible on-ear option for noise-canceling headphones under $100
TL:DR;
With the JBL Live 460NC, JBL provides the most incredible on-ear option for noise-canceling headphones under $100.
The most appealing aspect is the on-ear design, which produces a cozy, lightweight (210 grams), and simple to fold flat and store away product. There are several volume control options on the ear cups. However, some users may find them to be too sensitive.
The Live 460NC’s fit is excellent despite being on-ear headphones; it is snug enough to stay in place without being uncomfortable. Particularly the headband has a pleasant texture and would be cozy even for bald people.
With these, active noise cancellation is merely an on or off-setting, but there are two options for changing how the ANC works. Ambient Aware headphones are helpful for city strolling when you still want to be able to hear what’s going on around you. They enable ambient noises to pass through while decreasing but not wholly eliminating noise. TalkThru increases speech quality while reducing music levels to enable discussions without taking off or unplugging the headphones or music.
These on-ear headphones may not be the ideal choice if you frequently use your headphones in a public or academic library or another setting where general silence is preferred because sound tends to seep out of the ear cups and into the surrounding environment (or enforced). Its battery life is positive, with a potential 50 hours of use (without noise cancellation). Although not nearly as rich as the other noise-canceling headphones under $100 I have reviewed above, the overall sound quality is good.
The Specs
- Product Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 2.2 in
- Item Weight: 7.4 oz
- Form Factor: On Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth 5.0
- Driver size: 40 mm
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Charging time: <2 hours
- Maximum music play time with ANC off: 50 hours
- Maximum music play time with ANC on: 40 hours
- Maximum play time: 50 hours
What’s in the Box?
- 1 x JBL Live 460NC
- 1 x Type-C Charging Cable
- 1 x Audio cable
- 1 x Quick Start Guide/Safety Sheet
- 1 x Warranty/Warning
Stuff I like
- Easy to wear and lightweight (assuming you like on-ear)
- Long-lasting battery
- The talkThru option amplifies voices while reducing music loudness
Stuff I like less
- Television audio delays could exist
- Compared to over-ear models, sound tends to leak out more
Where to get it
3. Sony MDRZX110NC ANC Headphones
These noise-canceling headphones under $100 perform admirably over the whole audio spectrum
TL:DR;
My non-ANC Sony ZX110NC headphones have been in my possession for so long that I can’t remember when exactly they entered my life, which, in my opinion, is about the ideal situation for a cheap pair of headphones. They continue to sound wonderful, I take them everywhere, and I never fear that I’ll lose them. These superb low-cost headphones are only made better by active noise cancellation (ANC).
These noise-canceling headphones under $100o perform admirably over the whole audio spectrum. They employ a reliable connected connection, so you won’t have to mess around with settings (even if an adapter is required to connect it to your phone). They fold well for storage in a jacket pocket or fanny pack and come with comfy earbuds.
Although they don’t eliminate noise, you can’t expect the optimum price. They do a respectable job, particularly regarding static sounds like engine hum. The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature on this device is another drawback, so if you want to save money over time, think about buying some rechargeable cells. Other than that, these are a terrific set of inexpensive noise-canceling headphones, affordable enough for you to take them everywhere.
The Specs
- Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.8 x 2 in
- Item Weight: 5.3 oz
- Form Factor: On Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Wired
- Driver Unit: 1.18 in dynamic – Dome type
- Frequency Response: 10–22,000 Hz
- Impedance (Ohm): Power ON 220 ohm, OFF 45 ohm
What’s in the Box?
- Headphones
- Plug adaptor for in-flight use
- Operating instructions
Stuff I like
- Excellent sound for the price
- Decent noise reduction
- Battery life of several days
Stuff I like less
- Battery-powered
- Less effective noise canceling than more expensive headphones
Where to get it
4. Treblab Z2 Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
Bass-heavy and is excellent for EDM, hip-hop, etc.
TL:DR;
When ANC is turned off, the sound profile of Treblab Z2 becomes very bass-heavy and is excellent for EDM, hip-hop, etc. Not everybody will enjoy the bass encompassing all the fine details, even though most people find it delightful.
The audio quality improves and becomes more focused when noise cancellation is turned on, but the bass almost completely disappears. Expect a battery life of about 35 hours (twenty hours with ANC), and a recharge takes three hours.
In addition to adequate passive seclusion, active noise reduction depth is good and ensures that you won’t have to put up with background noise. It performs a fair job of removing persistent noises like air conditioning.
Also, over average is fit. It has the same IPX4 water resistance as some top sports headphones. The construction is easily comparable to products that cost more money.
The Specs
- Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.2 x 8 in
- Item Weight: 8.5 oz
- Form Factor: Over Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Bluetooth
- Playtime: Up to 35 hours/ Up to 28 hours with ANC
- Charging Time: 3 hours
- Signal Range: 33 feet / 10 m
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Noise Cancelation: T-Quiet™ ANC technology
What’s in the Box?
- TREBLAB Z2 Headphones
- TREBLAB Z2 Carrying case
- AUX Cable USB/Micro USB
- Charging cable TREBLAB Z2
- TREBLAB Z2 User Manual
Stuff I like
- One of the only headphones in this price range that are both water-and-sweat-resistant
- Reasonable battery life
- Less latency is made possible with Bluetooth-enabled TVs using the aptX codec
Stuff I like less
- With ANC, sound can sound a little muted
- Hefty and space-hungry when traveling
Where to get it
5. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 ANC Headphones
With exceptional noise reduction.
TL:DR;
Anker’s commitment to low pricing has resulted in some excellent earbuds and headphone options from the Soundcore line. The most recent headphone under $100 to excel is the Soundcore Life Q30.
The Q30’s noise reduction is exceptional. Three presets for varying degrees of background noise are included with the ANC. It’s ideal when the noise level is modest (coffee shop noise, domestic sounds). While louder, higher-volume noises (such as those made during construction) will leak through more, sub-$100 headphones still perform best in this area. Unfortunately, the noise cancellation can only be adjusted between the three presets.
The Q30’s sound quality is another outstanding feature. The Treble is clean, and the bass is strong. Numerous EQ adjustment options are available from Anker’s iOS or Android app. Instead of utilizing any of the preset modes in the program, I advise starting with the bass presets and adjusting to your preferences.
The fit is the Q30’s primary flaw. These headphones can slide relatively quickly because the ear cups are a touch short for all heads, and the fitting isn’t exceptionally snug. For this reason, they are not advised for use as exercise headphones or if you are a gamer who moves about a lot when playing. However, there are no problems when listening to podcasts or music while gradually moving along a train or bus or, even better, when unwinding on the couch.
The Specs
- Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.35 x 7.4 in
- Item Weight: 9.6 oz
- Form Factor: Over Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Sound: Hi-Res, customized EQ, LDAC
- Playtime: 60H (ANC off), 40H (ANC on)
- Fast Charging: 5 mins = 4 hrs
What’s in the Box?
- Life Q35 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 3.5mm AUX Cable with Remote Control
- USB-C Cable
- Airplane Adapter
- Travel Case
Stuff I like
- Superb noise cancellation
- Extended battery life
- Extensive sound customization
Stuff I like less
- It doesn’t have a rapid bass
- Feels heavy on your head
Where to get it
Final Thoughts
I appreciate you reading and learning about the best noise-canceling headphones under $100 reviewed above.
I put a lot of effort into my research and writing of these evaluations because I want you to have a positive purchasing experience the next time you purchase headphones for personal or professional use.
I only evaluate headphones that have received a great deal of favorable feedback, have a stellar reputation, and are frequently highly recommended online.
It will ensure that you buy a high-quality product with all of the fantastic qualities you seek in a headset of this kind, such as long battery life, outstanding audio experience, quick charging, durability, comfort, etc. You can’t go wrong with my list of noise-canceling headphones—I am 100% confident about it.
A passion for writing and ongoing research projects gives Catherine an incredibly broad knowledge of all things. She has authored an incredible number of articles and can be found in the wilderness when not attached to technology or listening to podcasts.
This post was last updated on 2025-01-14 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.