Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100
In the rapid pace of current times, noise-canceling headphones are a necessary tool for preserving concentration, increased productivity, and rich audio listening experiences.
For working in cafes, commuting to work, or just wanting peace from ambient background noise, headphones can make an enormous difference to your listening quality.
Although higher-end noise-canceling headphones tend to be very costly, alternatives under $100 provide great sound quality without exorbitant expenditure.
With improvements in technology, value for money headphones these days offer active noise cancellation, great audio clarity, and relaxed wearing options.
Here is our review guide that tells you what the top-performing noise-canceling headphones at an affordable budget of under $100 can provide.
II. Criteria for Selection
In selecting the best under $100 noise-canceling headphones, a few crucial aspects should be weighed in order to have the most for your money.
While affordable versions can't keep pace with more expensive versions in some aspects, they do present a high level of noise cancellation, quality audio, and handy features.
These are the important considerations we made to compare the top picks available at this price level:
1. Sound Quality
Excellent sound quality is a requirement in any headphones, no matter what the price tag.
The finest budget noise-cancelling headphones must provide equalized audio with crisp highs, warm mids, and well-defined bass.
Although cheaper units might not support high-end sound tuning, others provide extra-bass support as well as personalizable equalizers to enhance audio quality.
For music, podcast, or audiobook listeners, a good frequency response and low distortion are primary considerations in selecting a satisfying one.
2. Noise Cancellation Effectiveness
Noise cancellation technology aids in minimizing background noise, ensuring an immersive listening experience.
Budget headphones might not be able to compete with the industry-best noise cancellation of high-end brands, but some manage to provide stunning noise reduction nonetheless.
We evaluated both active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise isolation features.
ANC involves the use of built-in microphones to identify and counteract ambient sounds, whereas passive noise isolation depends on the ear cup design to minimize noise.
The top models under $100 reduce distractions like airplane hums, office chatter and street noise, making them ideal for travel and work environments.
3. Comfort and Design
Headphones need to be comfortable enough to use for hours, whether for work, school, or daily commuting. The following design features were considered:
Ear cup padding: Memory foam or cushioned ear pads improve comfort.
Headband adjustability: An adjustable, well-designed headband provides a good seal for various head sizes.
Weight and portability: Lighter and foldable headphones are more travel-friendly.
Over-ear and on-ear types do have their merits. Over-ear headphones are generally more comfortable and better for noise isolation, while on-ear headphones are smaller. The durability and material of the headphones were also considered to provide for long-term use.
4. Battery Life
For wireless noise-canceling headphones, battery life is paramount. The longer the battery life, the fewer interruptions and less charging.
We sought models that offer a minimum of 20 hours of playback on a single charge, even with ANC active.
We also considered headphones that support fast charging, so users can enjoy some hours of playtime with just a quick charge.
With regard to wired models, battery life is not a great issue as they only draw power when ANC is turned on.
5. Additional Features
While fundamental features such as sound quality and ANC performance are the central concern, added functionalities can augment the user experience.
Bluetooth support is necessary for wireless convenience, and newer versions tend to feature Bluetooth 5.0 or later for greater range and stability.
Some headphones include a supporting app that lets users adjust ANC settings, alter sound profiles, or activate transparency modes.
Integrated microphones for calls, voice assistant integration, and foldable designs for convenience are some other aspects that can contribute to making a pair of headphones more versatile.
Keeping these in mind, you can get a good pair of noise-canceling headphones for under $100 that suits your requirements without missing out on basic features.
III. Top Picks
A. Best Overall: Soundcore Space One by Anker
Soundcore Space One
Soundcore Space One: Premium noise-canceling headphones with high-resolution audio and deep bass for immersive listening.
The Anker Soundcore Space One is an impressive combination of active noise cancellation (ANC), great sound, and comfort and is one of the best value-for-money noise-canceling headphones.
With adaptive ANC, it automatically adjusts the background noise cancellation according to your surroundings, delivering a more engaging listening experience while commuting, working, or at home.
The 40mm dynamic drivers provide balanced sound with deep bass and clean mids, providing great audio performance for music, movies, and calls.
Built for extended listening sessions, the Space One features ultra-soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband, ensuring a comfortable fit without fatigue.
Battery life is also a winner, offering up to 40 hours of playtime with ANC on and fast-charge compatibility for instant convenience.
B. Best Value: EarFun Wave Pro
EarFun Wave Pro
EarFun Wave Pro is a premium over-ear headphone with hybrid ANC, Hi-Res audio, delivering immersive sound and all-day comfort.
The EarFun Wave Pro is an amazing affordable noise-canceling headphone, combining active noise cancellation (ANC), good sound quality, and extended battery life.
Equipped with Hybrid ANC technology, the Wave Pro achieves good noise reduction from surrounding noises, which makes it perfect for traveling, studying, or working in noisy places.
With 40mm titanium-coated drivers, it delivers rich bass, clear middles, and sharp highs, providing deep and balanced listening.
Comfort is also a standout, courtesy of ergonomic ear cups with soft padding and an adjustable headband that provides a secure yet ventilated fit for long periods of wear.
The Wave Pro's most impressive feature is its up to 80-hour battery life in normal mode, although ANC mode still manages 45 hours of playback.
With Bluetooth 5.3, fast charging, and multi-point connectivity, EarFun Wave Pro delivers an overall well-rounded package to those who look for premium features without having to spend much money.
C. Best On-Ear: JBL Tune 670 NC
JBL Tune 670 NC
JBL Tune 670NC offers powerful sound with active noise cancellation, a lightweight design—perfect for immersive listening on the go.
JBL Tune 670NC is an affordable option that promises good noise cancellation and good sound quality.
Coming with JBL's proprietary Pure Bass Sound, these earbuds give excellent deep punch bass, ensuring it's suitable for music fans looking for enhanced bass-heavy sounds.
The Active Noise Cancellation function does the trick to get rid of noise in the background while providing an excellent experience of immersing you with music in traffic, offices, or relaxing periods.
Made for everyday comfort, the Tune 670NC has a lightweight design, padded ear cushions, and an adjustable headband that provides a secure yet comfortable fit.
The up to 44-hour battery life (with ANC enabled) keeps listening going without interruption, and an ultra-fast 5-minute charge gives an additional 3 hours of playtime.
And with Bluetooth 5.3, it provides a secure connection, and multi-point technology enables effortless switching between devices.
With its stunning features and price, the JBL Tune 670NC is an excellent choice for anyone looking for good noise-canceling headphones at a budget of $100.
D. Most Affordable: Edifier WH700NB
Edifier WH700NB
Edifier WH700NB offers hybrid ANC, and immersive sound with a lightweight design for all-day comfort.
Edifier WH700NB are great headphones if one needs proper noise cancellation with well-balanced sound at the right price point.
Edifying Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation makes the headphones well-equipped to shut out external sound, suitable for working, long travel hours, or light-listening applications.
Clear mid-tone sound, well-defined high-sounding, deep bass produced from the 40mm dynamic driver will guarantee your balanced hearing whether it's heavy or light material, a call, podcasting, etc.
Comfort comes first with the WH700NB, through light build and soft ear cushions, making them ideal for extended use.
Bluetooth 5.2 guarantees strong wireless connection while multi-point linking facilitates smooth switching of devices.
With its great features at a reasonable price, the Edifier WH700NB is a formidable contender in the budget ANC headphone category.
IV. Additional Notable Mentions
A. JLab JBuds Lux ANC
JLab JBuds Lux ANC
JLab JBuds Lux ANC: Stylish over-ear headphones with powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), immersive sound, and all-day comfort.
The JLab JBuds Lux ANC provides a balanced audio experience with efficient active noise cancellation (ANC), adjustable sound, and extended battery life at an affordable price.
Its Hybrid ANC technology is efficient in noise reduction, and it is suitable for office, travel, or regular commutes.
The 40mm dynamic drivers provide balanced sound with deep bass, clear middle, and crisp highs, supporting all types of music as well as different audio tastes.
Engineered for comfort and all-day wear, the JBuds Lux ANC boasts soft memory foam ear cups and an adjustable headband for a snug yet ventilated fit.
With up to 40 hours of battery life (with ANC enabled) and a fast-charge feature that delivers several hours of playback in minutes, these headphones are designed for convenience.
Other perks such as Bluetooth multipoint pairing, equalizer settings accessible through the JLab app, and simple-to-use on-ear controls render the JBuds Lux ANC one of the more appealing options below $100.
V. Conclusion
It's easier than ever to find good quality noise-canceling headphones for less than $100, and they include the JBL Tune 670NC, Edifier WH700NB, Soundcore Space One, EarFun Wave Pro, and JLab JBuds Lux ANC.
They all provide great performance without breaking the bank. They each shine in unique ways, whether it's sound quality, battery life, or how comfortable they are to wear.
When selecting the perfect pair, think about your particular needs—commuters and travelers might value strong ANC and long battery life, while home users might care most about comfort and sound tuning.
Regardless of your preference, these affordable options provide an excellent listening experience without breaking the bank.
Why Trust Us
Having spent a half-decade testing electronics and tech equipment, I have gained an intimate knowledge of what constitutes a top-notch set of noise-canceling headphones.
I have spoken with sound engineers and casual consumers to learn about both the tech underpinning these products and actual user demands.
My ongoing research ensures that I stay abreast of the new developments and only suggest the best ones. Product testing and product evaluation is not only my job—it's a passion.
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