Top 10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 100 in 2018
The more socialization sounds its trumpets online, the more we want to recede into a private space with our favorite
music. And what better way to close out the noise of traffic and incessant public prattle than a pair of noise-cancelling headphones? These headphones erase the ad-lib from the peace time with our favorite music. Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology like that of Bose is costly and most people go without the benefits of these. But there are other brands in the market that run a valuable compromise between price and noise-cancelling. Here we selected 10 best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 that allow you to enjoy the benefits of this technology. These all bring excellent value for money.
Are affordable noise-cancelling headphones worth it?
The market has been flooded with headphones with Active Noise Cancellation(ANC) in their spec recently. Not all of them may show any significant decrease in the ambient noise levels. For ANC, the headphones must pick up the ambient noise with a mic and then run an exactly reverse wave to cancel it. Doing so takes a Digital Processing circuit. And the operation of this circuit makes a small hissing noise. The trick is not to let this noise drown the actual audio. So affordable noise-cancelling headphones are good if they satisfy the following conditions:
- The lower and moderate frequencies of external noise must be at least 50-70% suppressed. A cap on some high frequencies will also be appreciated.
- The level of noise from the DSP circuit must not be high enough to disrupt listening.
The high-end noise-cancelling headphones like Bose quash the low and moderate frequencies up to 80-95%. The higher frequencies are transient and harder to suppress. In a way, this is good because it allows you to hear high-pitched sounds from people who are trying to talk to you.
What are the advantages of affordable noise-cancelling headphones?
Noise-cancelling headphones have a number of perks. The budget constraints we placed allow you to use them in many scenarios with these advantages:
- Travel:During airplane travel, noise could be a big problem while rocking to your favorite tunes. Not all of us can afford Bose, neither is their unnatural background silence necessary. If you travel intermittently but prefer normal headphones for everyday use, these noise-cancelling headphones under $100 can be your spare pair.
- Music volume: In loud places like during commute, we tend to pump up the volume. This can be severely degrading for the ears in the longer run. With noise-cancelling dumbing down the external noise, you can listen to your music on safer volumes.
- Focus: When you are at work or studying, the audio from headphone and chatter around you can mingle and disturb you. Noise-cancelling headphones can cancel the small noise of the conversation around you and afford you some quiet time.
- Bluetooth: Most of the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 have Bluetooth connectivity. The freedom from wires grants you more moving room and allows you to get away from your desk.
Which are the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100?
We went through a number of dud ANC headphones before landing on our list of the 10 best noise-cancelling headphones under $100. They were selected based on:
Audio Quality:At the $100 price-point we expect optimal cancellation of low and moderate frequencies up to 50-70%. And we expect the DSP circuit to behave. The overall sound quality has to be pleasant and as detailed as possible. But we would not expect the same audio clarity as normal headphones under $100 like the Audio-Technica M40x or Sony MDR7506.
Comfort: A noise-cancelling headphone brings you solitude so you might want to use them for long hours continuously. We checked the headband and earcups of these headphones to see how they fared over persistent use. Plush ear pads with single-sided cables contribute to comfort.
Features:Apart from active noise cancellation, we also checked for other convenience feature like Bluetooth connectivity, onboard controls, detachable cable etc..
Budget: We selected the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100. These are picked based on their value for their value for money.
Top 10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 100 in 2018 - CHART
1. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC27X Quiet Point Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC27 QuietPoint noise-cancelling headphones may look utilitarian but A-T has worked
wonders on the sound. For the price they could have compromised either sound quality or the ANC quality. But they have gone middle-of-the-road on both, thus acing the list of the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100.
Design and Features
The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC27 noise-cancelling headphones have sturdy but a dull architecture. They are done in charcoal gray. The branding is done of the earcups in black and white. The headband is slim and has light padding in the cranial arch region. The earcups are racetrack oval with medium-sized earcups. For large ears, these will sit on the edges of the ears. They have plush earpads sheathed in pleather. These are hoisted on fork arm and can swivel forward to adapt to your head shape.
The left earcup carries the ANC on/off button and the battery compartment. A single AAA battery is required to operate the ANC. You require a cable to listen to music on these noise-cancelling headphones. A detachable cable connects to the left earcup for this. The cable can be of better quality. But since it’s replaceable, you can get a better cable in exchange. The cord locks into the earcup with a twisting mechanism to avoid yanking off accidentally.
They can also be used as a sound suppressor for when you just want silence. In this case, cable doesn’t need to be connected. This is perfect when you want to sleep during a flight without music on. They come with a carrying bag, an airline adapter and an ¼ “ adapter. They also come with a boom mic which can be clipped on using a shirt clip.
Audio
The Audio Technica ATH-ANC27 noise-cancelling headphones managed to dull the rumble of airplane to a level that no longer bothered us. It easily drowned out the chatter around us but important sounds like seat belt alert could be heard. ANC does improve the overall listening experience too. The clean background brings forth the balanced audio that A-T is known for.
The ANC27 has a full range of audio from sub-bass to treble. The lower-frequencies get a step-up from the ANC. In the quiet, you can hear the sub-bass in play. The midrange is clean and detailed. The treble is smooth without any sibilance. The hiss from the electronic is minimal in these cans.
Pros:
- Punchy, balanced audio
- Appreciable ANC
- Detachable cable
- Good haul of accessories
Cons:
- Looks dull
2. BÖHM B66 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Inline Microphone
BÖHM is not a well-known brand yet but they have captured the imagination of conservative buyers with their B76
and B66 noise-cancelling headphones. Not only is the B66 wireless, it is also a beautiful headgear for everyday use. The users have lauded it for its comfort and versatile audio quality. Its all-round performance at an unbeatable price bought it the top place in our best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 list.
Design and Features
The BÖHM B66 noise-cancelling headphone is an on-ear design. The headband is slim and optimally padded. The earpieces are round. The earpads are moderately thick and are draped in protein leather that feels skin-like to your ears. The arms of the headband the outer side of the earcups have a muted chrome finish. The buttons adorn the earcups like jewels. The multifunctional button that controls Play/Pause/Call/Answer is on the left earcup with volume buttons. The ANC button is on the right earcup. We like that ANC can be switched off here when not required.
These noise-cancelling headphones use Bluetooth 4.0 for seamless Bluetooth connection. The Bluetooth range extends up to 33 feet. The battery lasts through 18 hours talktime per charge of 3 hours. These come with a cable too. In case they run out of battery life, they can be used in wired mode. The cord has an inline mid for gaming. The playtime ranges up to 16 hours. These are available in black/silver and tan/silver combination. They come with zippered semi-hard case with mesh pocket to hold the accessory.
Audio
The BÖHM B66 noise-cancelling headphone has impressed majority of the user in terms of ANC. The low-intensity hum is effectively subdued to about 60%. The airplane engine noise will be dulled but not completely cancelled. The Bluetooth pairing holds well at least under a 20feet range. You don’t get any unnatural crackle.
The audio response of these headphones has a mature touch. The bass is punchy but not boosted into boominess. The midrange is clear. Bass does not bleed into the midrange obscuring details. The treble detail is easily heard over the ambient noise.
Pros:
- Gorgeous design
- Comfortable on-ear design
- Bluetooth 4.0 enabled
- 18-hour battery life
- Zippered case
- Can be used in wired mode
Cons:
- On-ear design may not be for everyone
3. Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Sony MDRZX110NC noise-cancelling headphones come at an amazing price. Being the “It brand”, Sony has
packed a usable ANC functionality into such a small price. The audio is also natural and free of any distorting elements. The design is stylish. They deserve much more credit than their price. What more can we ask of best noise-cancelling headphones under $100?
Design and Features
The Sony MDRZX110NC noise-cancelling headphones are supra-aural cans. Their earpads rest on the ears rather than around them. They have round earcups with similar plus earpads. The earcups do not make the ears hot with continuous usage. The clamp pressure is comfortable so your ears don’t get steamy. The headband is broad but sleek. It easily supports the earcups and fit over large heads. One of the earcups carry an on/off button for the ANC. A single AAA battery powers the ANC function. Sony claims that the battery lasts through 80 hours of ANC. The MDRZX100NC can work in the passive noise cancelling mode when the battery dies.
The cable of these noise-cancelling headphones is attached to both the earpieces. The cord ends in an L-shaped plug. The earpieces fold flat when you simply want to wear these headphones around your neck. The arms of the headband also fold inwards for compact traveling package. The design is completely plastic so we will recommend proper handling for a long life. We found them to be comfortable even for those who wear spectacles.
Audio
The Sony MDRZX110NC noise-cancelling headphones have proven to be excellent for working or studying. These beat the low-frequency noise from people within a 5 feet distance. Airplane travel might be made bearable with these on but they cannot completely drown that noise. The noise from the commute is also reduced but you get to hear important sounds like shouted warnings or bus horns etc..
Like any affordable headphones, these have bumped up midbass. This provides a solid base for the midrange and highs to play on. They don’t sound boomy or sibilant. The midrange is clean and detailed for the price. You hear the voices on the calls better when you switch the ANC on.
Pros:
- Sleek on-ear looks
- Earcups fold up and fold flat
- Lightweight
- Warm sound with good bass
- 80 hour battery life
Cons:
- Plastic build might not hold up
4. Philips SHB8750NC/27 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
The Philips SHB8750 noise-cancelling headphones come from the home of quiet understated innovation. These are
wireless headphones that support the latest technology in connectivity. The noise cancellation passes the litmus test we introduced for this price range. That and Philip’s quality audio propel them into the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 list.
Design and Features
The Philips SHB8750 noise-cancelling headphones do not invest heavily in the looks. They are a type of glossy black. The headband is broad but not padded. The round earcups sit on the ears, not around them. They are amply padded and sheathed in pleather. The left earcup has a multifunctional button which allows you to regulate Play/Pause/Call/Answer etc.. The other earcup has volume and Bluetooth pairing buttons.
These noise-cancelling headphones use Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity. You can also pair with a single tap using the NFC pairing option. You can enable Siri or Google Now with a single button press and speak the voice commands. The rechargeable battery in the kit lasts for 16 hours per charge. An audio cable is provided if you run out of charge. You can use it in the wired non-ANC mode. ANC can also be switched off.
The SHB8750 headphones allows multipairing to keep track of two Bluetooth-enabled devices. They also fold and fit into a compact carry bag.
Audio
The Philips SHB8750 noise-cancelling headphones offer decent noise cancellation. They successfully drown out the hum of AC and inane chatter that you don’t want to be part of. With the music they successfully mask the airplane engine noise too. These Philips headphones are inclined towards the bass overall. The low-end is punchy and adds a warm flavor to the audio.
Even at this price-point with ANC and Bluetooth, these headphones have phenomenal mids. There’s a transparency and clarity of expression to the vocals and guitars. The highs are smooth and play without any sibilance. The detailing exceeds expectation from the price. Only with the most complicated music does these Philips headphones miss a step.
Pros:
- Punchy bass and clear mids
- Bluetooth and NFC-enabled
- Detailed audio
- Multipairing allowed
Cons:
- Tacky black color
5. Naztech i9BT Over-Ear Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Naztech i9BT noise-cancelling headphones are over-ear cans. These work so well as wireless headphones that
ANC almost seems like an extra perk. These are cool-looking and done in quality materials. The latest Bluetooth technology saves battery life as well. This well thought-out design deserves a place in the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 list.
Design and Features
The Naztech i9BT noise-cancelling headphones look uber-cool with their white and tan design. The headband is moderately wide with optimal padding. The earcups are rectangular oval. They are loaded with plush padding draped in genuine leather. The earcups have metallic finish on the backplate. The earcups are large enough to sit on normal ears. Larger ears may not completely sit inside them. The ear pieces are hoisted on swivel mounts. They can swivel forward and hug your ears based on the shape of your head.
One earcup of these noise-cancelling headphones have a volume wheel and an ANC button. The other earcups has volume/track navigation and Play/Pause button. They use Apt-X-enabled Bluetooth v4.1. It is enabled in a 33 feet range. The battery lasts through 15 hours on Bluetooth alone and 12 hours on ANC and Bluetooth. They can also be operated on wired mode using the accompanying cable. In wired mode they will allow 30 hours of ANC. The braided cable is tangle-free. These headphones come with a handsome semi-hard carry case with a mesh pocket. A studio adapter and an airline adapter are part of the pack.
Audio
The ANC function of the Naztech i9BT noise-cancelling headphones is very effective. We went into a shell of our own where people had to tap and wake us from our audio dream. These can be used during flights with good results. They will dumb down the sounds of babies crying and other conversation noise.
These headphones sport a rich and dynamic audio with slightly boosted bass. The midbass bump is carefully introduced such that the lower-end doesn’t sound boomy or distorted. The vocals and guitar get a good representation. They are seated on enhanced bass which gives them a more voluminous body. The high are clear and do not display any sibilance. These can also be used to cancel noise and provide silence with no music playback.
Pros:
- Stylish and comfortable design
- Bluetooth enabled
- 30 hours battery life on ANC
- Apt-X support
- Hassle-free design and operation
Cons:
- Audio bleeds out
6. Monoprice Hi-Fi Active Noise Cancelling Headphone
If Bluetooth is not your speed, you need not invest in it unnecessarily. The Monoprice Hi-fi noise-cancelling
headphones are a nice option. These are lightweight headphones with an efficient system to diminish noise. The fit is comfortable for hours of continuous use. With their complete package, they win a well-deserved place in the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 list.
Design and Features
The Monoprice Hi-Fi noise-cancelling headphones are unabashedly plastic in its construction with metal reinforcements. But it feels like a solid piece of work. The headband is moderately broad with light padding. The earcups are racetrack oval. They are padded opulently with foam and draped in a soft material. The earcup swivel forward a bit to adapt to your ears. They weigh a measly 6.3 ounces.
One earcup of these noise-cancelling headphones carry the ANC on/off button. The AAA battery that powers the ANC also goes into an earcup. The ANC can work up to 50 hours on one battery. These have detachable cable. They are shipped with a 55 inch cable with inline remote and a 58-inch simple audio cable. Both end in L-shaped plugs. The inline remote also has mic and can be used to make calls and video call. They come in a semi-hard zippered case. A studio adapter and an airline adapter are part of the pack.
Audio
The Monoprice Hi-Fi noise-cancelling headphones drown out the low-frequency drone like AC hum, motor noise, engine noise etc.. These have proven themselves useful in flights for uninterrupted work/study. The large earpads provide sufficient passive noise isolation to go with the ANC.
These headphones play the bass with some oomph. The effect gets clearer with the ANC on. This makes movie watching a distinctly exciting experience with action sounding life-like. The audio is colored but not offensively so. Those who like the warm laidback audio signature will like the Hi-Fi.
Pros:
- 50 hours ANC per battery
- Two detachable cables
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Punchy bass and warm audio
Cons:
- Without careful use, foam earpads will tear within 2 years
7. COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone
The Cowin E7 noise-cancelling headphones have an impressive spec on the paper. It delivers to most of its
promises truthfully. Some depend on your luck and the mood of the electronics inside. Jokes apart, these wireless ANC headphones have a lot to offer at a low price, hence their place in the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 list.
Design and Features
The Cowin E7 noise-cancelling headphones have posted grandiose pictures. In fact, their design is averagely comfortable which is expected at this price. The headband is broad and lightly padded. They have round earcups with plush padding. They will go around medium-sized ears but will sit on the edges of large ears. The cushions are draped in protein leather which feels soft to the ears. The arms of the headband twist to fold the ear pieces flat. The arms have a chrome highlight.
A chrome triangle appears on the left earcup. This embossed part holds the controls of these noise-cancelling headphones. Apart from the multifunctional button, there are volume navigation buttons which also double as track navigation. Long tap changes volume and short tap changes track. The E7 has both NFC and Bluetooth 4.0 capability. With NFC, you can simply tap the headphone with the source and get connected. The ANC works on a rechargeable battery for 30 hours per charge. Do note that these cans need battery to work in wired or wireless mode. They have a cable provided for wired listening and for charging. They do operate while they are charging. The E7 pack a mic for phone calls.
Audio
Audio-wise we won’t beat around the bush. The Cowin E7 noise-cancelling headphones pander to the bass-centric crowd in the normal mode. Bass has a beefy power over the other frequency regions. The midrange is clean and has a good tone. The treble sizzles but isn’t as forward as the bass. The audio is neither distorted nor sibilant. A casual listener or a bass-head will like these at the price.
In the ANC mode, surprisingly the bass gains more control in its movement and backs off from the bullying over mids. In the ANC mode, midrange is more forward. People who are into classical, jazz and rock genres might like them. The upper mids and treble have a good presence here.
Pros:
- Bluetooth and NFC-enabled
- Two audio signature in ANC and non-ANC mode
- 30-hour battery life
- Modern design with chrome highlights
Cons:
- Needs battery to work even in wired mode
8. EFOSHM Active Battery Noise Canceling Headphones Over-ear Headsets
The EFOSHM noise-cancelling headphones are lightweight option for everyday use. They also have a dousing
effect on airplane noise so they make an excellent travelling accessory. They are a wired option for those who don’t want to deal with the inconsistency of Bluetooth at this price. These raced right into the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 list.
Design and Features
The EFOSHM noise-cancelling headphones are light yet comfortable headphone. They have a moderately broad headband with cranial padding. The earcups are oval. They are amply padded and sheathed in pleather. The earcups can swivel forward a bit and adapt to the shape of your head.
These noise-cancelling headphones come with a 1.5m detachable cable. The ANC function is powered by 2 AAA batteries. The weight does not translate to unusual clamp or pressure on your head. They come with a zippered flat case. It has a mesh pocket for the adapters and the wires.
Audio
The ANC of EFOSHM noise-cancelling headphones help you sleep through the din during flights. They are no Bose but they will do at the price. They are excellent for the commute. The audio is devoid of any distortion or sibilance. The audio has enhanced bass that lends body to the audio. The highs are smooth without any bite.
Pros:
- Balanced audio
- Comfortable design
- Detachable cable
Cons:
- Do not comes with a pair of batteries
9. Golzer BANC-50 Bluetooth 4.1 High Fidelity Active Noise Cancelling
Golzer BANC-50 Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are a comfortable pair for regular use. These Bluetooth
headphones also offer a good battery life and a choice to be used in the wired mode. These are a budget option for the time you want to work in silence or commute by public transport. These get a safe place in the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 list.
Design and Features
The Golzer BANC-50 Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones might have been modeled on the Bose headphones because they sure look that way. There’s the slim headband with optimal padding is reminiscent of Bose. The earcups are oval too. They have plush padding draped in a soft material. They are swivel mounted so they can lean forward and hug your ears.
These noise-cancelling headphones have a volume wheel and the ANC power on one earcup and the playback controls on the other earcup. These carry a rechargeable battery. These offer 30 hours of ANC, 15 hours of Bluetooth connection and 12 hours of Bluetooth-ANC combo. They also come with an audio cable to be used in wired mode. They come with a flat semi-hard zippered case with mesh pockets.
Audio
The Golzer BANC-50 Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones have enough chops to make your work hour peaceful. Airplane travelling might be only partially satisfying with these on. They can’t completely reduce the engine noise. The audio is balanced. There’s no overplay of bass here like other affordable headphones. They don’t show any distortion or sibilance.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Can be used in wired mode
- Balanced audio
Cons:
- ANC is mild
10. Bluedio T4 (Turbine) Active Noise Cancelling Over-ear Swiveling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Bluedio always brings fresh style and latest technology to the market at a sane price. Their T4 noise-cancelling
headphones again fall in a customer-friendly budget with a decent ability to reduce noise. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to shed the wires. These snazzy headphones seal the best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 list.
Design and Features
The Bluedio T4 noise-cancelling headphones are ubercool headgear. The arms of the headband and the back of the earcups have a metallic finish. They feel sturdy yet lightweight. The earcups are swivel mounted. So they can lean forward to meet the shape of your head. The headband is moderately broad and padded. The earcups have cushy padding which sits on the ear rather than around it.
These noise-cancelling headphones connect via Bluetooth 4.2. They last 16 hours of ANC alone or 16 hours on Bluetooth alone. When the battery runs out you can plug a cord to either earcup. All their controls are on the rim of one earcups. This includes the multifunctional button, ANC on/off volume controls and indicator LEDs. These are available in black, white and red colors.
Audio
The ANC function of the Bluedio T4 noise-cancelling headphones works well for moderate noise scenarios like while working or studying. On flights, these can dull down about 50% of the noise not more. If ambient noise really annoys you, we won’t recommend them for airplane travel.
These headphones rely on the familiar mildly bass-boosted audio signature. You get a healthy helping of lower-end frequencies. The vocals are clean and the highs are easy to swallow.
Pros:
- Stylish and comfort
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Pleasant audio
Cons:
- Buttons may be too close for comfort
