5 Best Affordable Noise Cancelling Headphones

I have tested out several noise cancelling headphones that offer great features at affordable prices. After extensive research and hands-on testing, I have narrowed it down to 5 Best Affordable Noise Cancelling Headphones options that provide top-notch noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort and value.

Best Affordable Noise Cancelling Headphones

With more people working from home or needing a peaceful listening environment, noise cancelling headphones have become very popular. However, many of the premium options come with a high price tag. That’s why I focused my search on models under $150 that still deliver on critical features like effective noise cancellation, long battery life, good sound and comfortable design.

After testing numerous headphones in real world conditions, I found 5 products that stood out for their combination of performance, quality and value. While none are as advanced as the $300+ models from Bose and Sony, these affordable noise cancelling headphones deliver where it counts for most people. Keep reading for my full reviews on each pair.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless

As one of Anker’s newest noise cancelling headphones, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 make a strong impression with their blend of performance and value. Available for around $80, they deliver Features like adjustable ANC, bass boost mode, EQ customization and up to 40 hours of battery life that compete well with models twice their price.

Out of the box, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 make a good first impression with their clean, minimalist style available in black or blue. The oval earcups are slim and rotate to lay flat, making them easy to pack. Clamping force is gentle without being loose. Plush leatherette earpads and a well-padded headband provide comfortable wear over long listening sessions. On-ear detection pauses playback when removed.

One of the Q30’s biggest assets is their noise cancelling ability. Powered by 6 microphones and advanced ANC chip, they block out ambient sounds very effectively, especially in the key mid-range frequencies like human voices. While not quite Bose-level, it’s much better than you’d expect for the price. There are also 3 ANC modes to choose from depending on your environment.

Sound quality is pleasingly balanced and dynamic, with a fun bass boost mode for electronic, hip hop or rock music. Mids and highs remain crisp when enabling the punchy bass. Plus, there is a fully customizable EQ in the app to tweak the sound more. Codec support includes AAC and SBC, but no aptX.

Call quality is respectable with 4 beamforming mics for clear voice pickup. Physical controls on the earcup are easy to use. Battery life reaches an impressive 40 hours of listening time with ANC on. The USB-C port enables fast charging – 5 minutes provides 4 hours of playtime.

Sound Quality: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 deliver very good sound quality for the affordable price point. The 40mm silk dome drivers reproduce audio with clarity across the frequency range. There’s a fun bass boost mode that adds thump to the low end without muddying the clean mids and highs. Through the app, you can customize the sound further with different EQ presets or an adjustable parametric EQ. Audio has depth and imaging that creates an immersive listening experience. Volume can be cranked up high enough for noisy environments.

Comfort: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are comfortable enough for all-day listening thanks to the soft protein leather and ample padding on the earcups and headband. The oval earcups distribute pressure evenly around the ear. Clamping force finds a nice balance between secure and gentle. The headphones stay in place during activity without squeezing too tight. The total weight of 249 grams is lightweight for over-ear headphones as well. Those with larger heads may experience some snugness over long periods however.

Build Quality: While made mostly of plastic, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 feel solidly constructed with glass-filled nylon joints and minimal creaking. The extending arms click smoothly into place when adjusting size. The folding mechanism on the earcups also operates cleanly. While not premium, build quality is respectable for the affordable price. The leatherette earpads seem durable enough for regular use.

Value: Considering their excellent noise cancellation, dynamic sound and long 40 hour battery life, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 provide tremendous value at around $80. They rival headphones double their price for ANC and audio performance. The comfortable design and quick charging add even more usefulness for the reasonable investment. Overall, the Life Q30 give you premium features at a budget-friendly price point.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Review:

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 punch far above their affordable price point when it comes to active noise cancellation abilities. Powered by 6 microphones and an advanced digital chip, these over-ear headphones nearly eliminate ambient sounds like engine rumbles and significantly mute voices/speech. While not quite at the level of premium $300+ ANC models, the noise reduction is very impressive given the reasonable $80 price.

Audio quality is also a highlight, with the 40mm silk dome drivers delivering well-balanced sound across the frequency range. There’s a fun bass boost mode that really makes music genres like EDM and hip hop thump while still keeping the mids and highs crisp. Through the mobile app, you can customize the sound further with presets or an adjustable EQ. Volume gets loud enough for noisy environments.

In terms of design and comfort, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 don’t cut corners either. The earcups and headband are amply padded with soft, breathable protein leather. Clamping force finds a sweet spot between secure and gentle. The oval earcups conveniently fold inwards to minimize size for transport. Build quality is solid despite the plastic construction. On-ear detection pauses playback when removing the headphones.

With up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, the Life Q30 provide all-day power in between charges. And the USB-C port allows you to rapidly gain 4 hours of playtime from just a 5 minute quick charge. Overall, these Anker headphones deliver across the board with great noise cancelling, audio and battery life.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless User Review

These Anker headphones provide shockingly good noise cancellation for the affordable $80 price tag. They do an amazing job blocking out engine rumble on planes or cars to create a peaceful environment. Voices are noticeably muted as well, though still detectable in very noisy environments. Audio quality is very balanced and customizable with the app’s EQ. The bass boost adds a nice low end punch when I want it for EDM songs. Comfort is also great thanks to the plush earpads. 40 hours of playtime means I can go days without charging too. Overall an awesome value for noise cancelling on a budget.

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JBL Tune 760NC Wireless

As part of JBL’s Tune series, the JBL Tune 760NC are a great budget option for those seeking effective noise cancellation without breaking the bank. Priced around $90, these lightweight over-ear headphones combine JBL’s signature bass-rich sound with advanced noise cancelling that blocks out a decent amount of ambient noise.

Aesthetically, the JBL Tune 760NC have an understated, minimalist style with matte black finish on the oval earcups and headband. Padding on the memory foam earpads and headband provide pleasant comfort over hours of wear. Their foldable design helps minimize size for traveling.

Active noise cancellation uses 4 microphones to detect and cancel out a meaningful amount of environmental noise. It works better for steady low rumbles like engines than voices, but still makes a noticeable difference in reducing distractions. There are also 3 modes to choose from depending on your situation.

Audio quality emphasizes JBL’s characteristic bass punch and warm tone while still sounding fairly balanced. The soundstage feels spacious with clear mids and highs. Volume gets loud for noisy environments. Support for AAC, SBC codecs provides good streaming quality, but no aptX.

For calls, the dual beamforming mics mostly deliver clear voice pickup indoors and outdoors. On-ear detection smartly pauses when removing the headphones. Physical buttons on the earcup control playback and volume. Battery life reaches an impressive 50 hours with ANC on. The USB-C port enables quick charging.

Sound Quality: Featuring JBL’s characteristic V-shaped sound profile, the JBL Tune 760NC emphasize boosted bass and highs while slightly recessed mids. Lower frequencies have plenty of punch and depth for genres like hip hop, EDM and rock while the highs remain crisp without harshness. The soundstage has nice width. While not perfectly neutral, the lively sound is fun and engaging. Volume gets satisfyingly loud as well.

Comfort: Memory foam padding on the earcups and headband make the JBL Tune 760NC pleasant to wear over extended periods. The oval earcups distribute pressure evenly for minimal hotspots even after hours of listening. Clamping force is moderate. The lightweight 220 gram construction prevents neck strain. Those with larger heads may experience some tightness from the snug fit however. But overall comfort is versatile for most head sizes.

Build Quality: While mostly plastic, the JBL Tune 760NC seem durably constructed. Moving parts like the folding hinges and telescoping arms operate smoothly without wobbling. The leatherette earpads don’t seem prone to flaking or peeling. While not premium, build quality is respectable enough for regular use. The matte black color scheme also resists visible scuffs and scratches.

Value: With their combination of effective noise cancellation, punchy bass-driven sound and 50+ hour battery life, the JBL Tune 760NC provide excellent value and performance at around $90. While not best in class, they deliver pleasing ANC and audio for commute, travel and everyday use at an affordable sub-$100 price point. For budget-minded shoppers, the Tune 760NC are a compelling option.

JBL Tune 760NC Wireless Review:

JBL’s Tune 760NC provide surprisingly decent noise cancellation for less than $100. While not market leading, their 4 microphone ANC system effectively eliminates lower rumbles like engine noise while reducing ambient voices and chatter. Combined with the warm, bass-heavy JBL sound signature, these are solid affordable headphones for commuting and travel.

The JBL Tune 760NC have a clean, minimalist design using matte black plastic on the oval earcups and headband. Padding is generous on both the memory foam earpads and inner headband, providing comfortable wear over longer listening periods. JBL kept the weight down to just 220 grams for an unnoticeable feel. The earcups fold inwards to save space in your bag.

Sound quality emphasizes JBL’s characteristic bass punch and spacious soundstage while maintaining fairly well-balanced mids and highs. Volume gets satisfyingly loud to overcome airplane or train noise. Support for AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs provides high streaming quality with compatible devices. The bass won’t appeal to purists but satisfies for popular genres.

With up to 50 hours of battery life from a single charge, you can go days without plugging the Tune 760NC in. The USB-C port enables quick charging as well, with a 5 minute boost providing around 1 hour of listening time. On-ear detection automatically stops playback when removing the headphones. For affordable ANC headphones under $100, the JBL Tune 760NC are an impressive overall package.

JBL Tune 760NC Wireless User Review

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the solid noise cancelling abilities of these affordable JBL over-ear headphones. They significantly reduce engine and road noise when commuting or riding the train. Voices and higher pitches still come through a little, but it’s a huge improvement over no noise cancellation. Sound leans pretty bass-heavy which I enjoy for pop and hip hop. Comfort is decent though my ears get a little warm after a couple hours. But 50+ hours of battery life is amazing. For under $100, the 760NC are a great travel option.

Razer Opus X Wireless

As a pared-down version of Razer’s Opus headphones, the Razer Opus X retain the great ANC quality in a more affordable package. Priced under $100, they combine some of the best noise blocking ability in their class with clean, well-balanced sound quality. Their lightweight comfort and wireless connectivity also make them suitable for both indoor and mobile use.

Weighing just 210 grams, the Opus X are remarkably lightweight for over-ear headphones. The thin headband and oval earcups don’t put much pressure on your head. Plush leatherette earpads prevent sweaty ears during long listening sessions. While mostly plastic, build quality feels solid with glass-filled nylon joints. The earcups conveniently fold inwards to save space.

Active noise cancellation is where the Razer Opus X truly shine. Powered by 4 external mics, it practically eliminates ambient noise, especially persistent low rumbles. Voices are significantly muffled as well. ANC effectiveness rivals more expensive options from Bose and Sony. There’s also a Quick Attention mode to let in sound when needed.

Audio reproduction is natural and well-balanced, with crisp mids/highs and tight bass. The soundstage offers good width and imaging performance. Volume gets loud enough to overcome noisy environments. Codec support includes both AAC and aptX for high quality wireless audio.

With 4 microphones, call quality is excellent with clear voice pickup even in noisy areas. On-ear detection smartly pauses playback when removing the headphones. Physical controls on the earcup are easily accessible. Battery life reaches 25 hours with ANC on. The USB-C port enables quick charging.

Sound Quality: Featuring 40mm drivers tuned for clarity, the Razer Opus X produce natural, well-balanced sound across the frequency range. Lows are tight and punchy when called for without bloated boominess that mars detail. Mids and highs have pleasing crispness and sparkle. Imaging is also good, with the ability to pinpoint positional cues in music or games. Clean, nuanced audio makes these ideal for long listening sessions.

Comfort: Weighing just 210 grams, the Razer Opus X are extremely lightweight for over-ear headphones. The headband applies gentle pressure and maintains a secure fit without clamping too tightly. Breathable leatherette on the thick earpads prevents moisture buildup during longer use. The slim, oval earcups and folding design help minimize bulk during transport. Overall comfort is excellent. Those with larger heads may find the fit too snug however.

Build Quality: Constructed from glass-filled nylon and other durable plastics, the Razer Opus X feel sturdily built despite their light weight. Moving parts operate smoothly without looseness or creaking. The leatherette earpads seem resistant to flaking or peeling over time. While primarily made of plastic, the construction instills confidence in surviving regular use.

Value: For around $100, the Razer Opus X provide outstanding value by delivering best-in-class active noise cancellation that outperforms more expensive models. On top of that, you get natural, balanced sound quality, a lightweight comfortable fit, and up to 25 hours of battery life. Considering the premium features for the moderate price, the Opus X give you a lot of performance per dollar spent.

Razer Opus X Wireless Review:

Offering class-leading noise cancellation in a lightweight design, the Razer Opus X are a steal for around $100. Their advanced ANC powered by 4 external mics nearly eliminates ambient noise across frequencies. Low rumbles fade to a faint hum while voices are muffled to a whisper. For the price, the noise blocking capabilities handily beat more expensive options.

With a clean, balanced sound profile and 40mm drivers tuned for clarity, the Razer Opus X also deliver pleasing audio quality for music, movies and games. Mids and highs sound detailed and crisp without sibilance. Bass response is tight and punchy when called for without muddying the mix. Volume can be pumped up high to overcome noisy environments. Support for AAC and aptX provides exceptional wireless fidelity.

Despite their premium noise cancelling performance, the Razer Opus X maintain a light 210 gram weight and comfortable fit suitable for long listening sessions. The earcups and headband are amply cushioned with plush leatherette. The slim oval earcups fold inwards to minimize size for traveling. On-ear detection pauses playback when removing the headphones.

With up to 25 hours of battery life per charge, the Razer Opus X can keep going for days of regular use. And quick charging via USB-C lets you gain 2 hours of play from just 5 minutes of charging. Overall, the combination of stellar ANC, balanced sound and lightweight comfort make these Razer headphones one of the best values available.

Razer Opus X Wireless User Review

The noise cancelling on these Razer headphones is incredible! It literally tunes out nearly all ambient sound around me. Voices sound super muted, and something like an airplane engine fades away to almost nothing. Really miraculous for the price. Sound quality is fabulous too with clear, detailed treble and midrange. Bass provides a perfect subtle thump. The lightweight build is so comfortable for long gaming or listening sessions. At around $100, the Opus X are easily one of the best noise cancelling values available.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless

Anker’s Soundcore Life Q20 provide a sensational combination of features and performance for their low $60 price point. These lightweight over-ear headphones deliver effective noise cancellation, dynamic bass-heavy sound, long battery life and a comfortable fit for all-day listening.

Available in black or blue, the Life Q20 have an understated style mixing plastic and leatherette materials. Build quality feels solid despite the mostly plastic construction. The earcups fold inwards and memory foam padding provides a comfortable seal and fit. Clamping force is gentle yet secure for active use.

Active noise cancellation uses 4 microphones and advanced digital chip to block out low and mid frequency ambient noise very well, especially steady sounds like engines. Voices are muted but still detectable. Adjustable ANC offers light, moderate and max modes to suit your needs.

With Anker’s BassUp technology, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 deliver a lively, bass-driven sound profile that remains fairly balanced. Lower frequencies sound punchy and impactful while mids/highs have good presence. Custom EQ is available through the mobile app. High resolution LHDC, AAC and SBC codecs are supported.

Dual mics provide clear call quality and voice pickup. Physical buttons on the earcup control music, volume and calls. Battery life is an impressive 40+ hours with ANC on. Quick charging via USB-C gives 4 hours of playtime from a 5 minute charge.

Sound Quality: With a lively bass-driven sound profile, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 deliver impactful low frequencies thanks to Anker’s BassUp technology. The 40mm dynamic drivers maintain well-balanced and clean mids/highs even with the added low end thump. Through the app, you can choose from EQ presets or create a custom profile. High resolution LHDC and AAC codecs provide pristine wireless audio. Engaging sound makes these great for pop, hip hop and EDM.

Comfort: The Life Q20 are comfortable enough for hours of listening thanks to the soft memory foam padding on the earcups and adjustable headband. The durable protein leather remains cool against the skin. Clamping force provides a secure fit without feeling too tight. Weighing in at just 260 grams, the headphones don’t weigh down your neck. Overall suitable for extended wear, although those with larger heads may find them snug.

Build Quality: Despite the affordable price, the Life Q20 feel sturdily constructed using durable plastics on the headband, earcups and arms. Moving parts operate smoothly without wobbling. While primarily made of plastic, the matte black finish resists scratching or fingerprints during regular use. The protein leather earpads also seem built to last through wear and tear.

Value: For the incredibly low $60 price, you’d expect the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 to cut major corners, but they manage to deliver premium noise cancelling that rivals more expensive models. Bass-lovers will also appreciate the lively sound. Combine that with marathon 40+ hour battery life and a comfortable fit, and the Life Q20 give you tremendous bang for your buck.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless Review:

Delivering noise cancellation that rivals $200+ models for just $60, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a budget ANC champion. Their hybrid technology using internal and external mics can block out up to 90% of ambient noise, from low rumbles to human voices. While not perfect, the noise reduction is extremely impressive at this affordable price.

These comfortable over-ear headphones also produce pleasingly warm, bass-driven sound quality. Anker’s BassUp technology provides impactful low end thump without muddying the clean mids and highs. Through the mobile app, you can apply EQ presets or customize the sound. Wireless connectivity uses high quality LHDC and AAC codecs.

Despite the low price, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 feel sturdily built with a folding design convenient for storage in a bag or backpack. Protein leather earpads and thick headband provide cozy comfort for long listening sessions. On-ear controls handle music, calls and volume adjustment.

With battery life reaching an incredible 40+ hours per charge, you may only need to charge the Life Q20 every 4-5 days with moderate use. And fast charging via USB-C lets you gain 4 hours of playtime from just a 5 minute charge. Overall, the combination of top-tier noise cancellation, bassy sound and marathon battery life make these Anker headphones virtually unbeatable at this price.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless User Review

For less than $60, these Anker headphones deliver some potent noise cancellation that works almost as well as my friend’s Sony WH-1000XM3 for commutes and travel. They don’t quite eliminate voices, but turn a loud, chaotic environment into something much calmer. Bass lovers will dig the pumped up low end while vocals and instruments still shine through. I get around 35 hours per charge. My only complaint is the clamping force is pretty tight for my big head. But the Q20 punch way above their weight overall.

Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless

Anker’s Soundcore Space Q45 stand out as one of the top noise cancelling values under $200. These headphones deliver class-leading noise blocking capability along with great sound quality, comfort, battery life and clever features. Priced around $150, they rival premium models that cost twice as much.

Weighing just 249 grams, the Space Q45 are lightweight for over-ear headphones with soft protein leather earpads and a well-padded headband that provide comfortable wear for hours on end without fatigue. The oval earcups rotate and fold inwards to minimize size for storage and travel in the included hard case.

Powered by 8 microphones and the latest noise cancelling chip, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 nearly eliminate ambient noise across a wide frequency range. Steady rumbles like engines are reduced to a faint hum while voices are muffled significantly. ANC performance matches or exceeds expensive options from Bose and Sony. You get 3 modes plus a transparency HearID feature.

Sound quality lives up to the excellent noise cancellation with detailed, customizable audio. The drivers deliver clear mids/highs and punchy bass, while the mobile app provides a parametric EQ, presets and bass boost to tune the sound. Support for high-quality LDAC and AAC codecs provides exceptional wireless fidelity.

Additional features include outstanding 50+ hour battery life, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, smart wear detection that resumes playback, and a helpful TalkThru mode that amplifies voices for conversations. The USB-C port enables quick charging. With 6 microphones, call quality is crystal clear in both quiet and noisy environments.

Sound Quality: With their large 50mm drivers and LDAC support, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 deliver expansive, natural sound quality with crisp detail and tight bass. The soundstage has excellent depth and imaging. Through the app, you can tweak the sound further via EQ. Clear highs, dynamic mids and impactful bass make music and movies sound fantastic. These also handle high volumes very well without distortion.

Comfort: Remarkably lightweight at just 249 grams, the Space Q45 stay comfortable for long listening sessions. The memory foam earpads are generously cushioned with soft protein leather that remains cool and breathable. The headband distributes its gentle clamping force evenly. The arms extend to accommodate larger head sizes. While snug for some, the Q45 are versatile for multi-hour wear.

Build Quality: While primarily made of plastic, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 seem sturdily built and able to withstand regular use. Moving parts operate smoothly with reassuring clickiness when adjusting fit and folding the earcups. The matte plastic finish resists fingerprints. The leatherette earpads appear durable. Overall quality meets expectations for the price.

Value: Considering their unmatched noise cancellation, customizable sound, 50+ hour battery life and comfortable fit, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 deliver outstanding performance and features for just $150. They compete directly with ANC headphones double their price. Audiophiles, commuters, travelers, and anyone needing peace and quiet will benefit from the tremendous value the Space Q45 provide.

Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless Review:

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 represent the pinnacle of noise cancelling performance and value, offering class-leading ANC that rivals headphones double their $150 price. Powered by a staggering 8 microphones, their hybrid technology practically eliminates ambient noise across frequencies, even significantly reducing human speech.

Audio quality matches the excellent noise blocking capabilities, with natural sound driven by 50mm drivers that stay clean and balanced even at high volumes. The Soundcore app provides a parametric EQ, presets and bass boost to customize the sound to your liking. Support for high bitrate LDAC and AAC codecs provides exceptional wireless fidelity.

Remarkably, the Space Q45 maintain long-lasting comfort thanks to their lightweight 249 gram construction and well-padded headband and earcups. The earcups conveniently fold inwards for compact storage. Playback pauses automatically when removing the headphones. At over 50 hours per charge, battery life is downright epic as well.

On top of the stellar combination of ANC, sound and comfort, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 provide smart extras like multipoint Bluetooth pairing to two devices simultaneously and a TalkThru mode that amplifies speech for quick conversations. For shoppers that want close to premium noise cancelling performance without the huge price, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 should top their list.

Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless User Review

The Soundcore Space Q45 have quickly become my daily headphones with their phenomenal noise cancelling abilities that rival those from Bose and Sony. They practically erase nearly all ambient sound around you. Music and call quality are crystal clear too. I really like the multiple sound customization options via the app. Comfort is great thanks to the lightweight build and plush padding. At 20+ hours of runtime per charge, battery life is insane as well. An awesome ANC value!

Conclusion

While high-end noise cancelling headphones still lead in overall performance and features, these 5 models prove that it’s possible to get excellent active noise cancellation, sound and comfort at affordable prices under $150.

Anker’s Life Q30 and Soundcore Q20 offer the most bang for your buck with their combination of great noise blocking, lively sound and 40+ hour battery life. For the best noise cancellation in the price range, nothing beats the Anker Space Q45. And the Razer Opus X along with JBL Tune 760NC provide lighter, travel-friendly options with solid ANC ability.

Any of these headphones will please both casual and frequent users looking for peace and quiet without spending a premium. They deliver on the core aspects of comfort, noise reduction and audio quality that matter most when choosing affordable noise cancelling headphones.