Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $100
The best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 in 2026 deliver solid ANC, long battery life, and comfortable fits. We tested the top budget ANC headphones.
Best Budget ANC Headphones Worth Buying
The best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 in 2026 are the Anker Soundcore Q45 for overall performance and the JBL Tune 770NC for sound quality. Both deliver genuine ANC that blocks airplane engine hum, office chatter, and street noise -- capabilities that cost $300+ just a few years ago.
Budget ANC headphones have reached a tipping point. The noise cancellation won't match a Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra, but for daily commuting, open offices, and study sessions, these sub-$100 options are genuinely effective.
Top Picks Compared
| Model | Price (USD) | ANC Level | Battery Life | Weight | Bluetooth | Codec Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Soundcore Q45 | $90 | Strong | 50 hours | 264g | 5.3 | LDAC, AAC |
| JBL Tune 770NC | $80 | Moderate | 44 hours | 227g | 5.3 | AAC, SBC |
| Edifier W820NB Plus | $60 | Moderate | 49 hours | 220g | 5.2 | LDAC, AAC |
| 1MORE SonoFlow SE | $55 | Moderate | 38 hours | 234g | 5.0 | LDAC, AAC |
Best Overall: Anker Soundcore Q45 ($90)
The Soundcore Q45 is the budget ANC king. It reduces ambient noise by approximately 25 dB -- not Sony WH-1000XM5 territory (35 dB), but enough to turn a noisy coffee shop into a quiet library. LDAC codec support means hi-res audio streaming from Android devices, a rare feature under $100.
The 50-hour battery is absurd. You can go two full weeks of daily commute listening on a single charge. The Soundcore app offers detailed EQ customization, ANC intensity adjustment, and transparency mode tuning. Build quality feels solid with plush protein leather ear cushions.
Best Sound: JBL Tune 770NC ($80)
JBL's signature "fun" sound tuning -- boosted bass, crisp highs -- makes the Tune 770NC the most enjoyable listen under $100. ANC is moderate but handles low-frequency noise (airplane, train, HVAC) well. The 44-hour battery and foldable design make these excellent travel companions.
The JBL Headphones app adds EQ presets and ANC adjustment. At 227g, these are the lightest option on our list, which means more comfort during 4+ hour sessions. The multi-point connection lets you stay connected to your laptop and phone simultaneously.
Best Value: Edifier W820NB Plus ($60)
At $60, the Edifier W820NB Plus is remarkably capable. LDAC support, 49-hour battery, and effective (if not class-leading) ANC make it the value pick. The lightweight 220g build and soft ear pads are comfortable for extended wear. If your budget is truly tight, these punch well above their price.
What $100 ANC Headphones Can and Cannot Do
They can:
They cannot:
How to Choose
Prioritize ANC strength? Get the Anker Soundcore Q45. Its ANC outperforms the others measurably.
Prioritize sound quality? Get the JBL Tune 770NC. JBL's tuning is the most musical and engaging.
Prioritize price? Get the Edifier W820NB Plus. At $60, it offers 80% of the Q45's performance at 67% of the price.
Compare these with premium models in our [headphones category](/en/category/headphones).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap noise-cancelling headphones worth it?
Yes, budget ANC headphones under $100 have improved significantly. Models like the Anker Soundcore Q45 reduce ambient noise by approximately 25 dB, which effectively blocks airplane hum, office chatter, and street noise. They won't match $300+ flagships in challenging environments, but for daily use they are genuinely effective.
What is the best noise-cancelling headphone under $100?
The Anker Soundcore Q45 ($90) is the best overall noise-cancelling headphone under $100 in 2026. It offers the strongest ANC in its price range, 50 hours of battery life, LDAC hi-res audio support, and a comfortable design. The JBL Tune 770NC ($80) is a close second with better sound quality.
How much do you need to spend for good noise cancellation?
Effective noise cancellation starts at around $60-$90 in 2026. The Anker Soundcore Q45 ($90) and Edifier W820NB Plus ($60) both provide meaningful ANC for daily use. For the absolute best ANC, you need to spend $250-$400 for flagships like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
Do budget ANC headphones drain battery faster?
Actually, budget ANC headphones often have longer battery life than flagships. The Anker Soundcore Q45 lasts 50 hours, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 lasts 30 hours. Budget models use less power-hungry processors and simpler ANC algorithms, which extends battery life.
VersusMatrix Editorial
Product Research Team · VersusMatrix
The VersusMatrix editorial team evaluates products using our AI-powered scoring engine combined with hands-on research across specifications, user reviews, and expert benchmarks. Our goal is to provide objective, data-driven comparisons to help consumers make smarter buying decisions.