topsverseLet me be honest with you – finding great noise-cancelling headphones without spending a small fortune has never been easier. Whether you are commuting to work every day, working from home with noisy neighbors, studying in busy libraries, or just wanting some peace and quiet while listening to music, you do not need to drop $300 or more to get quality active noise cancellation.
The headphone market in 2025 has really stepped up its game. Many of the features that used to be exclusive to premium models are now available in headphones under $200. I have spent considerable time testing and researching the current landscape to bring you this comprehensive guide.
What makes this particularly exciting is how much the technology has improved. Modern budget noise-cancelling headphones now offer impressive battery life, comfortable designs that you can wear all day, and most importantly, noise cancellation that actually works. Gone are the days when cheap meant compromising on everything.
In this guide, I will walk you through ten outstanding options that have proven themselves in real-world testing. Each one balances performance, comfort, and price in its own unique way. I have also included practical advice about what to look for when shopping, so you can make the best choice for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Top 10 Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $200 (2025)
Here is a quick overview of my top recommendations. Each of these models offers something special, whether that is exceptional battery life, superior comfort, or outstanding sound quality for the price.
| Model & Brand | Price (USD) | Key Features | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-CH710N | $129 | Active noise cancelling, 35 hour battery, quick charge, clear calls | Amazon, Best Buy |
| Anker Soundcore Life Q35 | $129 | Hybrid noise cancelling, high-resolution audio, 40 hour battery, connects to multiple devices | Amazon |
| JBL Tune 750BTNC | $99 | Active noise cancelling, powerful bass, 15 hour battery, connects to multiple devices | Amazon, Best Buy |
| Audio-Technica ATH-ANC500BT | $69 | Active noise cancelling, 40mm drivers, 20 hour battery, lightweight | Amazon |
| TaoTronics SoundSurge 60 | $59 | Active noise cancelling, high-quality audio codec, 30 hour battery, adjustable fit | Amazon |
| Skullcandy Hesh ANC | $119 | Active noise cancelling, bass boost, built-in tracker, fast charging | Amazon, Best Buy |
| Creative Outlier ANC | $89 | Active noise cancelling, high-fidelity audio, 43 hour battery, foldable | Amazon |
| Cowin E7 Pro | $89 | Active noise cancelling, 30 hour battery, deep bass, soft ear cups | Amazon |
| OneOdio A70 | $49 | Works wired or wireless, 50 hour battery, very comfortable | Amazon |
| Avantree ANC031 | $69 | Active noise cancelling, low-latency audio, 28 hour battery, removable microphone | Amazon |
Now let me dive deeper into each of these options and explain what makes them worth your consideration.
1. Sony WH-CH710N
Price: Around $129
Available at: Amazon, Best Buy
What You Get:
- Active noise cancelling with Sony’s dual sensor technology
- Up to 35 hours of battery life, plus quick charging that gives you an hour of playback from just one hour of charging
- Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Built-in microphone that delivers clear phone calls
- Lightweight design with comfortable ear cups
What I Like:
Sony has really nailed the balance here. The noise cancellation adapts well to different environments, whether you are on a plane, in a coffee shop, or walking down a busy street. The battery life is genuinely impressive – I have gone weeks without needing to charge these during normal use. The sound quality works well across all music genres, and they stay comfortable even during long listening sessions.
What Could Be Better:
The noise cancellation, while good, does not quite match Sony’s flagship models. They also lack any water resistance, so you need to be careful in rain or during workouts. If you have larger ears, the ear cups might feel a bit snug.
Why I Recommend Them:
These have become my go-to recommendation for most people looking for reliable, everyday noise-cancelling headphones. Sony’s reputation for quality shows through in the consistent performance and thoughtful features like voice assistant support. The dual noise sensor technology really does make a difference in how well they handle different types of background noise.
2. Anker Soundcore Life Q35
Price: Around $129
Available at: Amazon
What You Get:
- Hybrid active noise cancelling with three different modes you can choose from
- Support for high-resolution wireless audio that makes your music sound incredibly detailed
- Up to 40 hours of battery life even with noise cancelling turned on
- Can connect to multiple Bluetooth devices at once
- Ultra-soft memory foam ear cups in a lightweight design
- Comes with a travel case and folds up nicely
What I Like:
The feature set here rivals headphones costing much more. The high-resolution audio support means your music streaming services will sound noticeably better, and the battery life is outstanding. I particularly appreciate the ability to connect to both my phone and laptop simultaneously – switching between music and work calls happens seamlessly. The companion app lets you customize the sound to your preferences.
What Could Be Better:
Wind noise can sometimes get through the noise cancelling more than I would like. The overall design is a bit bulkier than some competitors, though not uncomfortably so. The touch controls occasionally require more precision than I would prefer.
Why I Recommend Them:
If you want headphones that feel premium without the premium price, these deliver. The combination of excellent sound quality, long battery life, and genuine convenience features makes them perfect for remote workers or students who need to juggle multiple devices throughout the day.
3. JBL Tune 750BTNC
Price: Around $99
Available at: Amazon, Best Buy
What You Get:
- Active noise cancelling technology
- JBL’s signature bass-heavy sound
- Up to 15 hours of wireless playback with noise cancelling active
- Can connect to multiple devices simultaneously
- Lightweight and foldable for easy travel
What I Like:
The bass response on these headphones is genuinely fun. If you listen to pop, hip-hop, electronic music, or anything that benefits from strong low-end, these will make your music sound energetic and engaging. The noise cancelling works well for the price, especially for blocking out steady background noise like air conditioning or traffic. They fold up nicely and do not add much weight to your bag.
What Could Be Better:
The battery life is shorter than most others on this list. The microphone quality is decent but nothing special if you make a lot of calls. After several hours of wear, the ear pads can start to feel warm.
Why I Recommend Them:
These are perfect if you prioritize fun, energetic sound and want solid noise cancelling at a budget-friendly price. They excel at making music sound exciting, and the multi-device connectivity is genuinely useful for everyday life.
4. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC500BT
Price: Around $69
Available at: Amazon
What You Get:
- Audio-Technica’s QuietPoint active noise-cancelling technology
- 40mm drivers that deliver clear and detailed audio
- Up to 20 hours of battery life with both wireless and noise cancelling active
- Lightweight over-ear design that stays comfortable
- Simple, intuitive controls right on the ear cup
What I Like:
Audio-Technica has a well-deserved reputation for neutral, accurate sound, and these headphones maintain that tradition. They present music in a balanced way that works well for any genre. Despite the plastic construction, they feel solid and stay comfortable during extended listening. The noise cancelling creates a nice quiet environment for focus work.
What Could Be Better:
The all-plastic build feels less premium than some competitors. The noise cancelling struggles a bit with higher-frequency sounds. You cannot connect to multiple devices at once, which some people will miss.
Why I Recommend Them:
At under $70, these represent incredible value for anyone who wants clean, accurate sound with effective noise cancelling. They are particularly great for office work, studying, or any situation where you need to concentrate for long periods.
5. TaoTronics SoundSurge 60
Price: Around $59
Available at: Amazon
What You Get:
- Hybrid active noise cancelling that handles both low and mid-frequency noise
- Bluetooth 5.0 with high-quality audio codec support
- Up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancelling active
- Adjustable over-ear design that fits different head sizes
- Quick charging that gives you 2 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging
What I Like:
The noise cancelling performance here punches well above the price point. These headphones create a surprisingly quiet environment considering they cost under $60. The battery life is excellent, and the quick charging feature has saved me multiple times when I forgot to charge them overnight. They adjust well to fit comfortably on different head sizes.
What Could Be Better:
The midrange frequencies can sound a bit recessed, making vocals less prominent than they should be. The soundstage feels narrower compared to more expensive options. Since TaoTronics is a smaller brand, customer support and warranty service may not be as comprehensive as larger companies.
Why I Recommend Them:
For students or budget-conscious travelers who want effective noise cancelling without spending much, these are hard to beat. They deliver where it matters most – blocking out distractions and providing comfortable, long-lasting performance.
6. Skullcandy Hesh ANC
Price: Around $119
Available at: Amazon, Best Buy
What You Get:
- Active digital noise cancelling
- Powerful 40mm drivers with extra bass emphasis
- Up to 22 hours of battery life with quick charging capability
- Built-in Tile tracking so you can find them if they get lost
- Foldable design with fast charging via USB-C
What I Like:
The built-in Tile tracker is genuinely clever – I have used it several times to locate these headphones when they wandered off somewhere in my house. The bass response is substantial and makes music feel immersive and fun. The quick charging works well, and they come in several attractive color options. The controls are straightforward and easy to use.
What Could Be Better:
The noise cancelling is moderate rather than exceptional compared to class leaders. The ear cups can get warm during long listening sessions. The midrange detail is not as refined as some competitors.
Why I Recommend Them:
If you frequently misplace your headphones or want that extra bass punch in your music, these offer unique practical benefits. The Tile integration alone makes them worth considering for forgetful people like myself.
7. Creative Outlier ANC
Price: Around $89
Available at: Amazon
What You Get:
- Hybrid active noise cancelling technology
- Incredible 43 hours of playback without noise cancelling, around 27 hours with it active
- High-fidelity audio with advanced codec support
- Foldable, lightweight frame for portability
- Comfortable protein leather ear cushions
What I Like:
The battery life here is simply outstanding – you can literally go for days without needing to charge. The noise cancelling works well for everyday situations like offices and public transportation. The sound isolation is effective even when the active cancelling is not engaged. They fold up nicely for travel and stay comfortable during long sessions.
What Could Be Better:
The design feels a bit bulky compared to more modern competitors. The touch controls require precise finger placement to work reliably. Creative is less well-known in the United States, which might matter for warranty support.
Why I Recommend Them:
For people who need headphones that will last through long trips, extended work sessions, or just want to charge as infrequently as possible, these are perfect. The combination of marathon battery life and solid noise cancelling makes them ideal for frequent travelers.
8. Cowin E7 Pro
Price: Around $89
Available at: Amazon
What You Get:
- Active noise cancelling technology
- Up to 30 hours of battery life
- Powerful, deep bass response
- Comfortable protein leather ear pads
- Built-in microphone for phone calls
What I Like:
These have built up a loyal following over the years because they simply work well and last a long time. The bass response is rich and satisfying for music that benefits from strong low-end. The comfort level is genuinely good for all-day wear, and the simple control scheme means you do not need to learn complicated gestures.
What Could Be Better:
The noise cancelling works best on constant, low-frequency sounds but struggles more with sudden noises or higher frequencies. The bass-heavy sound signature will not appeal to everyone, especially if you prefer neutral audio reproduction. They are bulkier than newer designs.
Why I Recommend Them:
The Cowin E7 Pro represents a proven, reliable choice that has satisfied thousands of users over several years. If you want something straightforward that emphasizes comfort and bass-heavy fun, these deliver consistent performance.
9. OneOdio A70
Price: Around $49
Available at: Amazon
What You Get:
- Works both wired and wirelessly with Bluetooth 5.2
- Up to 50 hours of wireless battery life
- SharePort feature that lets someone else plug their headphones into yours
- 40mm drivers tuned for strong bass response
- Comfortable oval-shaped ear cups
What I Like:
The versatility here is remarkable for under $50. You can use them wirelessly for convenience or plug them in when you want to connect to audio equipment or save battery. The SharePort feature is actually pretty cool for sharing music with friends. The battery life is exceptional, and they stay comfortable even during very long listening sessions.
What Could Be Better:
There is no active noise cancelling – you only get passive noise reduction from the physical design. They are larger and less portable than most modern headphones. The bass-focused sound might not suit people who prefer balanced audio.
Why I Recommend Them:
While they lack active noise cancelling, the OneOdio A70 offers incredible value and flexibility at the lowest price point on this list. They are particularly popular with musicians, content creators, and anyone who needs headphones that can work in multiple situations.
10. Avantree ANC031
Price: Around $69
Available at: Amazon
What You Get:
- Active noise cancelling technology
- Bluetooth 5.0 with low-latency audio codec support
- Up to 28 hours of battery life with both noise cancelling and wireless active
- Removable boom microphone for crystal-clear calls and video meetings
- Lightweight, comfortable design optimized for extended wear
What I Like:
The removable boom microphone is a game-changer for video calls and online meetings – the voice quality is dramatically better than typical built-in microphones. The low-latency wireless connection means no annoying delays when watching videos or during calls. The noise cancelling works well for office environments and general productivity work.
What Could Be Better:
The noise cancelling is less effective against airplane noise compared to some competitors. The ear pads are not as luxuriously soft as premium options. The design is more business-focused and less stylish than consumer-oriented models.
Why I Recommend Them:
These are uniquely well-suited for remote work, online classes, and professional calls. The combination of effective noise cancelling with that removable professional microphone makes them standout choice for productivity-focused users.
How I Chose These Headphones
Putting together this list required looking at headphones from multiple angles to make sure I was recommending options that actually deliver in real-world use. Here is how I approached the selection process.
I started by focusing on objective performance data. Professional review sites like RTINGS and SoundGuys actually measure how well noise cancelling works across different frequencies, and I prioritized models that showed strong results in these tests. There is a big difference between headphones that claim to have noise cancelling and ones that actually reduce ambient noise effectively.
User feedback played a huge role in my decision-making. I spent time reading through hundreds of reviews on Amazon, Best Buy, and specialized audio forums to understand how these headphones perform over months of real-world use. Patterns in user comments – like consistent praise for comfort or repeated complaints about build quality – helped shape my recommendations.
Professional reviewers from established tech publications provided valuable insights into subtler differences between models. Their long-term testing and side-by-side comparisons revealed details about comfort, durability, and performance that are not immediately obvious.
Price verification was essential since headphone prices can fluctuate significantly. I confirmed that all recommendations actually retail under $200 and are readily available through major United States retailers. There is no point recommending something great that you cannot actually buy easily.
I also considered feature completeness for this price range. Every recommendation needed to offer the basics – active noise cancelling (except the OneOdio A70, which excels at passive isolation), wireless Bluetooth connectivity, comfortable over-ear design, and reasonable battery life. Models with bonus features like app customization, multi-device pairing, or quick charging earned extra consideration.
Finally, I prioritized options with strong availability and support in the United States market. All of these models can be ordered easily online or found in major retail stores, with established warranty and customer service support.
Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Shopping for noise-cancelling headphones can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Here are the key factors I recommend considering to find the pair that will work best for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Understanding How Noise Cancelling Actually Works
There are two different approaches to blocking outside noise, and understanding the difference will help you make better decisions.
Active noise cancellation uses small microphones to detect ambient sound, then generates opposite sound waves to cancel out background noise. This works exceptionally well for consistent, low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, air conditioning, or traffic rumble. Most of the headphones I recommend use this technology.
Passive noise isolation relies on the physical design and materials to block sound. Think of it like high-quality earplugs – the ear cups create a seal around your ears that naturally reduces outside noise. While not as sophisticated as active cancelling, good passive isolation can be surprisingly effective.
Many headphones combine both approaches for maximum effectiveness.
Comfort Matters More Than You Think
If headphones are uncomfortable, you will not use them regularly no matter how great they sound. Pay attention to a few key comfort factors when making your choice.
Over-ear designs generally provide better comfort and noise isolation than on-ear styles, especially for extended wear. The ear cups completely surround your ears rather than pressing against them.
Headband padding and adjustability are crucial for finding a good fit across different head sizes and shapes. Look for models with ample padding and multiple adjustment points.
Ear cup materials make a big difference during long listening sessions. Memory foam padding covered in soft materials like protein leather tends to stay comfortable longer than harder plastics or basic foam.
Weight distribution affects how fatigued you will feel after hours of wear. Well-designed headphones distribute weight evenly rather than creating pressure points.
Sound Quality Considerations
While noise cancelling is the main focus, you will be listening to music, podcasts, and calls through these headphones, so audio quality matters.
Driver size typically correlates with sound quality, with 40mm drivers being common in this price range and generally providing good performance.
Sound signature preferences vary significantly between people. Some prefer bass-heavy sound that makes music feel energetic and fun, while others want neutral, balanced audio that reproduces recordings accurately.
Codec support affects wireless audio quality. Look for support of advanced audio codecs if you stream high-quality music or use compatible devices.
Customization through smartphone apps has become increasingly common and valuable. Being able to adjust the sound profile to your preferences can transform how much you enjoy your headphones.
Battery Life and Charging Features
Battery performance varies dramatically between models and significantly impacts everyday usability.
Advertised battery life numbers usually represent best-case scenarios. Real-world performance with noise cancelling active and moderate volume levels will typically be somewhat less than advertised.
Quick charging capabilities can be incredibly convenient when you forget to charge overnight. Some models provide hours of playback from just minutes of charging.
Charging method matters for convenience – newer models typically use USB-C, which may match your other devices and charge faster than older micro-USB connections.
Matching Features to Your Lifestyle
Different people need different features based on how and where they plan to use their headphones.
For commuting and travel, prioritize effective noise cancelling, comfortable fit for long periods, and portable, foldable designs. Battery life becomes especially important for long trips.
Remote work and video calls benefit from high-quality microphones, low-latency wireless connections, and the ability to quickly switch between devices.
Music listening and entertainment might prioritize sound quality customization, support for high-resolution audio, and sound signatures that match your musical preferences.
Exercise and active use requires consideration of weight, stability during movement, and potentially some level of water resistance.
Device Compatibility and Connectivity
Modern headphones need to work seamlessly with your existing devices and usage patterns.
Bluetooth version affects connection stability, range, and battery efficiency. Bluetooth 5.0 or newer generally provides better performance.
Multi-device pairing lets you stay connected to both your phone and computer simultaneously, seamlessly switching between music and work calls.
Voice assistant integration can be convenient if you frequently use Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa through your headphones.
Wired backup options provide flexibility when batteries die or you need to connect to devices without Bluetooth.
Conclusion
The landscape for affordable noise-cancelling headphones in 2025 is genuinely exciting. You can now get features, comfort, and performance that were previously exclusive to premium models, all while spending less than $200.
Whether you choose the well-rounded Sony WH-CH710N, the feature-packed Anker Soundcore Life Q35, the bass-loving JBL Tune 750BTNC, or any of the other excellent options I have covered, you will be getting headphones that can genuinely improve your daily life. They make commuting more pleasant, work more focused, and music more enjoyable.
The most important thing is matching your choice to your actual needs and preferences. Someone who makes video calls all day has different priorities than someone who mainly wants great music on their commute. Someone who travels frequently needs different features than someone who primarily uses headphones at home.
Take some time to think about how you will actually use your headphones, consider which features matter most to your lifestyle, and choose accordingly. Any of these ten options will serve you well – the key is finding the one that fits your specific situation best.
Great noise-cancelling headphones are no longer a luxury item. They have become an accessible way to create your own personal space in our increasingly noisy world, and that is something worth investing in.