Imagine this: You’re trying to focus on your favorite podcast, but the city noise outside just won’t quit. Or maybe you just want a moment of peace on a busy commute. Noise-canceling headphones promise quiet, but the best ones often come with a sky-high price tag. It feels like you have to choose between silence and your savings account.
Finding great noise-canceling technology under $200 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You worry about sacrificing sound quality or battery life just to save money. Which brands are actually worth your hard-earned cash? We understand the struggle to balance performance and price.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We have tested the top contenders in this budget range. You will learn exactly which headphones deliver the best quiet for your dollar, helping you finally find that sweet spot of peace and great audio.
Top Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $200 Recommendations
No. 1
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth, 40H Long ANC Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Big Bass, Customize via an App, Transparency Mode
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling: 2 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise and effectively reduce up to 90% of it, no matter in airplanes, trains or offices.
- Immerse Yourself in Detailed Audio: The noise cancelling headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce detailed sound and thumping beats with BassUp technology for your every travel, commuting and gaming. Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable for more detail.
- 40-Hour Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, you can commute in peace with your Bluetooth headphones without thinking about recharging. Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of music listening for daily users.
- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
No. 2
Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth 6.0 Headphones 120H Playtime 6 ENC Clear Call Mic, Over Ear Headphones Wireless with Hi-Res Audio Comfort Earcup Low Latency ANC Headphone for Travel Workout
- Crystal-Clear Calls with Advanced 6-Mic ENC: Featuring a six-microphone array with smart Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), TAGRY A18 bluetooth headphones accurately capture your voice while minimizing background noise such as wind, traffic, and crowd sounds. Enjoy clear, stable conversations for work calls, virtual meetings, online classes, and everyday chats—even in noisy environments
- 120H Playtime & Wired Mode Backup: Powered by a high-capacity 570mAh battery, A18 headphones deliver up to 120 hours of listening time on a single full charge, eliminating the need for frequent recharging. Whether you're working long hours, traveling across multiple days, or enjoying daily entertainment, one charge keeps you powered for days. When the battery runs low, simply switch to wired mode using the included 3.5mm AUX cable and continue listening without interruption
- Bluetooth 6.0 with Fast, Stable Pairing: With advanced Bluetooth 6.0, the A18 ANC bluetooth headphones wireless offer fast pairing, ultra-low latency, and a reliable connection with smartphones, tablets, and computers. Experience smooth audio streaming and responsive performance for gaming, video watching, and daily use
- All-Day Comfort with Foldable Over-Ear Design: Designed with soft, cushioned over-ear ear cups and an adjustable, foldable headband, the A18 ENC headphones provide a secure, pressure-free fit for all-day comfort. The collapsible design makes them easy to store and carry for commuting, travel, or everyday use. Plus, Transparency Mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones, keeping you safe and connected while enjoying your audio anywhere
- Built for Work, Travel, and Everyday Life: Designed for modern, on-the-go lifestyles, the A18 over ear headphones combine premium sound, long battery life, and reliable wireless performance in one versatile design. Whether you’re working from home, commuting, traveling, or relaxing, they deliver a seamless listening experience you can rely on every day
No. 3
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth, 40H Long ANC Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Big Bass, Customize via an App, Transparency Mode (White)
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling: 2 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise and effectively reduce up to 90% of it, no matter in airplanes, trains, or offices.
- Immerse Yourself in Detailed Audio: The noise cancelling headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce detailed sound and thumping beats with BassUp technology for your every travel, commuting and gaming. Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable for more detail.
- 40-Hour Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, you can commute in peace with your Bluetooth headphones without thinking about recharging. Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of music listening for daily users.
- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
No. 4
TAGRY Bluetooth Earphones Headsets Dark
- Noise Cancelling
- Puchy Bass
- Wireless
- Light Weight
- Portable
No. 5
JBL Tune 770NC - Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 5.3, Up to 70H Battery Life with Speed Charge, Lightweight, Comfortable & Foldable Design (Black)
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Adaptive Noise Cancelling means zero distractions whether you’re studying or getting lost in the music. If you want to hear the world around you, activate Ambient Aware and TalkThru in the JBL Headphones app.
- Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio: Wirelessly stream high-quality JBL Pure Bass Sound. In the JBL Headphones app select Audio mode for the best sound quality or Video Mode to ensure the sound and visuals of your movie/game are in sync. Available via OTA update
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: JBL Tune 770NC headphones feature renowned JBL Pure Bass sound—the same that powers the most famous music venues all around the world.
- Customize your listening experience: Download the free JBL Headphones App to tailor the sound to your taste by choosing one of the pre-set EQ modes or adjusting the EQ curve according to your content, your style, your taste.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: Easily control your sound and manage your calls from your headphones with the convenient buttons on the ear-cup. Hear your voice while you're talking, with the help of VoiceAware.
No. 6
RUNOLIM Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, 70H Playtime, Foldable Headphone with HiFi Audio, Deep Bass for Home Travel Office
- ADVANCED ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: RUNOLIM noise canceling headphones for adults have been proven to effectively reduce external ambient noise by 95% in over 10,000 experimental results, allowing you to enjoy true pure music and focus on your own business, no matter on a noisy street or coffee shop.
- Hi-Fi Audio & HD MICROPHONES: For immersive music performances, RUNOLIM wireless headphones adopted updated sound processing technology, can easily handle bass and mid-range sound details, built-in high-definition microphone, can clearly capture your real voice when using voice assistant, video conference, or online class.
- 70 HOURS PLAYTIME & BACKUP AUDIO CABLE: Low power consumption technology allows our Bluetooth ANC headphones can continuously play up to 70 hours in standard music mode, up to 45 hours in ANC mode. By included 3.5mm audio cable, you can also change it to wired mode when powers off, no power shortage problem anymore.
- SEAMLESS BLUETOOTH 5.3 CONNECTION: Foldable and adjustable design makes our wireless headphones suitable for different head sizes people. Bluetooth 5.3 connection technology enables ultra-fast and stable connections within a range of 33 feet (10 meters). Compatible with All Devices with Bluetooth Enabled or 3.5mm Audio Jack.❗ ❗ Notice: There is no active noise cancelling function with 3.5mm audio cable, you should use bluetooth mode for ANC function instead.
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE DESIGN: The Ear muffs of the over-ear headphones are made of protein leather which mimics the texture of human skin, perfectly fits over your ears without any pressure.
No. 7
ProCase Noise Reduction Ear Muffs, Sound Proof Ear Protection, NRR 28dB Noise Cancelling Headphones for Adults Kids Autism, Hearing Protection for Shooting Gun Range Mowing -Red
- Constructed by solid ABS shell and thickened foam, the ear muffs achieve NRR 28 dB (SNR 34 dB) rating, ANSI S3.19 (US) certified, and effectively reduce the damage of high decibel noise while ensuring comfy wearing
- The flexible and ergonomic headband and 360 degree rotatable ear cups can be adjusted by pulling the metal rack to fit most sizes from kids to adults and various occasions. Kindly Note: For more efficient sound isolation, the earmuffs are snug and a little tight before using. If you feel tight, we recommend putting it on a box or other objects for 1-2 days to stretch the headband and get it looser
- Ideal for lawn mowing, shooting, flight, construction, sports events, studying, factory, and woodworking, extremely suitable for operating heavy machinery or landscaping business, and for kids enjoying fireworks, monster jam. Also a good choice for the autism
- Soft padded headband reduces the pressure on your head for superior comfort. The generous space inside the ear cups ensures breathability and causes no pain in your ears
- Compact folding design is for easy storage and convenient portability, fits well in most bags or backpacks while takes only a small space, enabling you to bring them to any noisy scenes
No. 8
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth, 40H Long ANC Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Big Bass, Customize via an App, Transparency Mode (Pink)
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling: 2 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise and effectively reduce up to 90% of it, no matter in airplanes, trains, or offices.
- Immerse Yourself in Detailed Audio: The noise cancelling headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce detailed sound and thumping beats with BassUp technology for your every travel, commuting and gaming. Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable for more detail.
- 40-Hour Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, you can commute in peace with your Bluetooth headphones without thinking about recharging. Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of music listening for daily users.
- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $200
Finding great noise-cancelling headphones without spending a fortune is totally possible! This guide helps you pick the best pair under $200. We focus on what really matters so you can enjoy quiet listening.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check for these important features first. They make a big difference in how well your headphones work.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This is the main feature. Good ANC blocks out low, steady sounds like airplane engines or bus noise. Test how well it works in noisy places.
- Battery Life: Aim for at least 20 hours of playtime with ANC turned on. Longer life means less charging time.
- Comfort and Fit: Headphones should feel good for long periods. Look for soft earcups and a headband that isn’t too tight.
- Sound Quality: Even with ANC, music must sound clear. Check reviews for good bass (the low sounds) and crisp highs (the clear sounds).
- Bluetooth Version: Newer versions, like Bluetooth 5.0 or higher, give you a stronger, more stable connection to your phone or tablet.
2. Important Materials Matter
The materials used affect comfort and how long the headphones last.
- Earcup Padding: Soft, breathable materials like protein leather or memory foam are best. They keep your ears cool and comfortable.
- Headband Construction: A strong but flexible metal core inside the headband adds durability. Plastic is common, but make sure it feels sturdy, not flimsy.
- Portability: Folding hinges are great. They let you fold the headphones up small to fit in a travel case.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make ANC headphones better than others. Pay attention to these details.
What Improves Quality:
- Multiple ANC Modes: Some headphones let you choose different levels of noise cancellation.
- Transparency Mode (Hear-Through): This mode lets outside sounds in when you need to hear announcements or talk to someone without taking the headphones off.
- Easy Controls: Physical buttons are often easier to use than touch controls, especially when you are moving around.
What Reduces Quality:
- ANC Hiss: Some cheaper ANC systems create a faint, high-pitched noise (hiss) when ANC is on but no music is playing.
- Poor Build Quality: If the plastic creaks when you adjust them, they likely will not last long.
- High Latency: This means there is a delay between the video you are watching and the sound you hear. Good headphones fix this.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you will use your new headphones most often.
- Commuting: If you ride the subway or bus daily, strong ANC is your top priority. Comfort for long rides is also key.
- Working/Studying: For focus, look for headphones that block office chatter well. A good built-in microphone for calls is a bonus here.
- Travel: Battery life is crucial for long flights. Make sure they come with a carrying case.
Remember, under $200, you get great performance, but you might trade off the absolute best ANC performance found in $350 models. Read recent user reviews to see how they hold up in the real world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Budget ANC Headphones
Q: Can noise-cancelling headphones under $200 really block out airplane noise?
A: Yes, most modern pairs do a very good job. They handle low, constant noises like engine drone much better than sudden, loud sounds like a baby crying. They make travel much quieter.
Q: Is wired connection better than Bluetooth for sound quality?
A: For most people using these headphones, modern Bluetooth sounds excellent. You only need the wired option for when your headphone battery dies or if you connect to older devices.
Q: What is the difference between passive noise isolation and active noise cancellation (ANC)?
A: Passive isolation is just the tight seal of the earcup blocking sound physically. ANC uses microphones to create “anti-noise” waves that cancel out outside sound electronically.
Q: How long should I expect my headphones to last?
A: With regular care, a good pair should last two to three years. The battery life will slowly decrease over time, which is normal for any rechargeable device.
Q: Do I need a special app to use these headphones?
A: Many brands offer companion apps. These apps often let you adjust the EQ (sound profile) or update the headphones’ software, but they are usually not required for basic listening.
Q: Are these headphones too heavy for working out?
A: Most over-ear ANC headphones are not ideal for intense exercise. They can get hot, and sweat can damage the electronics. Look for sweat-resistant earbuds if you need ANC for the gym.
Q: What does “sound leakage” mean?
A: Sound leakage happens when the music you are listening to can be heard by people sitting very close to you, especially at high volumes. Good earcups help prevent this.
Q: Does ANC use up the battery faster?
A: Yes, the ANC technology requires power. You will always get more playtime when you turn the noise cancellation off.
Q: What is the best way to clean my earcups?
A: Gently wipe the earcups with a slightly damp cloth that has a tiny bit of mild soap. Make sure they are completely dry before you wear them again.
Q: Should I buy wired or wireless if I only use them at my desk?
A: If you stay at your desk, wireless offers freedom of movement. However, if you prioritize the absolute best sound quality possible, a wired connection bypasses any Bluetooth compression.