Best overall: Soundcore Space One (~$80) — strong noise cancelling, great battery life, and comfortable fit. Best budget: Soundcore Q20i (~$45). Best for commuting: Sony WH-CH720N (~$100) — lightweight and comfortable. Best for wireless versatility: JBL Tune 770NC (~$90).
Active noise cancelling used to cost $300 or more. Today, a well-tuned pair under $100 can quieten a train, an open-plan office, or a noisy flat surprisingly well. They won’t match top-tier flagships in the most demanding situations, but for everyday use the gap is smaller than the price difference suggests.
We chose four options that balance noise cancelling, comfort, battery life, and sound quality. Prices drop often on this class of headphones, so you may find them cheaper than listed.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $100
1. Soundcore Space One — ~$80 | Best Overall
The Space One punches above its price with strong adaptive noise cancelling, a comfortable over-ear design, and very long battery life, often 40 hours or more with ANC on. The sound is balanced and clear, and the companion app offers useful EQ options.
It’s mostly plastic and isn’t as refined as premium models, but in this bracket it’s one of the best all-rounders for travel and work.
2. Soundcore Q20i — ~$45 | Best Budget
The Q20i is one of the cheapest ways to get real noise cancelling. It reduces low-frequency noise such as engines and air conditioning well, has a strong bass-forward sound, and offers excellent battery life for the price.
Noise cancelling is less effective than on the Space One, and the fit is lightweight rather than plush. It’s a great pick for an inexpensive spare pair or a commuter set.
3. Sony WH-CH720N — ~$100 | Best for Commuting
Sony’s WH-CH720N is very light, which makes it comfortable for long journeys, and it offers effective noise cancelling and good call quality. It integrates with Sony’s app for EQ and features, and it supports multipoint connections.
It often sits around or slightly above $100, dipping below during sales. The sound is pleasant but tuned for comfort rather than detail.
4. JBL Tune 770NC — ~$90 | Best for Everyday Wireless Use
The Tune 770NC combines adaptive noise cancelling with JBL’s energetic sound signature and a long battery life. It folds compactly and supports multipoint Bluetooth, making it easy to switch between a phone and laptop.
The noise cancelling is good rather than class-leading, and the design is fairly plain. It’s an easy recommendation if you like punchy, bass-forward sound.
Compare the Options
| Headphones | Price | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundcore Space One | ~$80 | Strong ANC, long battery | All-round use |
| Soundcore Q20i | ~$45 | Lowest price | Tight budgets |
| Sony WH-CH720N | ~$100 | Lightweight comfort | Commuting |
| JBL Tune 770NC | ~$90 | Punchy sound, multipoint | Phone plus laptop |
How Good Is Budget Noise Cancelling?
Budget ANC excels at steady low-frequency noise: aircraft engines, train rumble, air conditioning, and traffic hum. It’s less effective on sudden sounds like voices and clattering, where good passive isolation from a snug fit matters more. If you’re comparing options, look at how well the ear cups seal around your ears as well as the ANC rating.
- Check battery life. Aim for 30 hours or more with ANC on.
- Look for multipoint. Connecting two devices at once is handy for work.
- Read comfort reviews. Clamp force and weight matter on long sessions.
- Test the return policy. Fit is personal, so buy from a retailer with easy returns.
Get More Out of Any Pair
Fit and seal matter as much as the ANC hardware. Make sure the ear cushions fully surround your ears, and if you wear glasses, check that the arms don’t break the seal. Use the companion app to switch between noise-cancelling and transparency modes, and update the firmware since manufacturers often improve ANC and battery performance over time. For the best sound, choose an EQ preset you like, and keep the volume moderate so you can hear traffic when walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is noise cancelling worth it under $100?
Yes, if you commute, travel, or work in a noisy space. Budget ANC reduces steady background noise noticeably, even if it doesn’t match premium models.
Do noise-cancelling headphones damage your ears?
No. ANC can actually let you listen at lower volumes in noisy places, which is better for your hearing. Any headphone played too loudly for too long can cause damage.
Over-ear or in-ear for noise cancelling?
Over-ears tend to isolate better and have longer battery life, while in-ears are more portable. If you mostly use them at a desk or on planes, over-ear is usually more comfortable.
Can I use these headphones for calls?
Yes, most have built-in microphones that work well for calls, though quality in noisy places varies. For frequent calls, check reviews of the microphone specifically.
Final Thoughts: The Soundcore Space One is the best all-rounder, the Q20i is the cheapest way to get ANC, the Sony WH-CH720N is the comfort pick, and the JBL Tune 770NC suits bass fans. Any of them beats a pair of non-ANC headphones in a noisy space.
Find Today’s Headphone Deals
Prices on headphones change often — check Amazon for current offers.
Prices are approximate and change often — always check current listings and reviews before purchasing.
