A consumer may find it a bit challenging to pick a decent model of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100, especially since there are a lot of items out there claiming to be the best but ending up full of flak. A lot of headphones offer noise isolation technology, but in reality, the said feature isn’t actually reliable once it’s used in noisy environments (commuting, crowded train station, etc). This is why it’s important that as a consumer, you make an informed purchase when choosing the best noise cancelling headphones under $100.
There are a lot of noise cancelling headphones out there, ranging from budget friendly models to expensive ones. In this article, we will be highlighting the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 for those who are on a budget and don’t want to break the bank for a decent pair of headphones. Of course, we have also considered the quality, comfort, battery life, wireless range and overall performance of each featured model.
Before we go through our list of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100, let’s answer some frequently asked questions first.
What is Active Noise Cancellation Technology?
Active noise cancellation is one of the most important features of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100. Active Noise Cancellation technology, also known as Active Noise Reduction (ANR) or simply as noise cancellation, is the method of reducing unwanted or unnecessary sound by the addition of a second sound specifically designed to cancel the first.
The structure of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 (or any other ANC headphones in other price range), is meant to create a barrier that blocks high frequency sound waves).
Can These Headphones be Used While Working Out?
Realistically speaking, the most popular type of headphones used in the gym or for any physical activity for that matter, are earbuds. However, some consumers are exploring other options because of the earbuds’ inability to cover ears entirely and it also lacks active noise cancellation features. Can a pair of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 be used while working out?
The best noise cancelling headphones under $100 can be really tempting to use even while working out. Whether you are running, lifting or taking a brisk walk around the village, best noise cancelling headphones under $100 can be your workout companion. It can effectively help you focus or transform your mindset, hyping you up with music for whatever physical activity you may be in. Best noise cancelling headphones under $100 can also enhance your workout performance and improve your focus by effectively blocking out noise and other distractions. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s proceed to our list of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 to guide you in making an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: Audio-Technica ATH-ANC500BTBK
- Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: JBL Tune 600 BTNC Noise Canceling Headphones
- Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: Anker Soundcore Life Q20
- How is Wireless Range Determined?
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
What We Like
- aesthetically similar to Bose
What We Don’t Like
- cannot really rival Bose QuietComfort
Audiophiles know that Bose QuietComfort is the premium pick when it comes to noise cancelling headphones getting rave reviews from consumers. On this note, Taotronics made a headphone model with a design that is aesthetically similar to Bose while being offered at a lower price. On the surface, this pair of best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from Taotronics looks sleek and professional with its pure black design. The plastic frame is also surprisingly sturdy.
If you are looking for the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 that’s comfortable and wallet friendly, the Taotronics Active Noise Cancelling headphones would be a recommended purchase. It has a significant amount of padding for both ears and the headband is also very soft and comfortable to use.
In terms of sound quality, this pair of best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from Taotronics cannot really rival the sound of Bose QuietComfort. However, considering that the price of this best noise cancelling headphones from Taotronics is just at a fraction of Bose’s price tag, it’s already good enough.
The bass is not too overpowering and it has a pretty nice oomph to it (perfect for hip-hop beats or workout/sports tunes); the sound profile of the highs and mids is also above average. The Taotronics Active Noise Cancellation headphones are truly one of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100, excelling exquisitely in the noise cancellation feature. For $100, you can really get the best value for your money.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: Taotronics Active Noise Cancellation Overview
- Battery Life 30 hours
- Weight7.6 oz.
- Wireless range 80 feet
- Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones Overview
- Battery Life 80 hours
- Weight 9.6 oz.
- Wireless range n/a
- Connectivity Wired
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones
What We Like
- very minimal sound leakage
What We Don’t Like
- not really the best in noise blocking
- not wireless
This best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from Sony is not really the best noise blocking headphones in the price range. However, with it’s super low price tag, it’s a favorite among consumers who want to get a branded bang for their buck.
Overall, the noise cancellation feature of this best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from Sony is pretty solid for the price, and can be considered as a premium pick for consumers who just want to use it for an office or for quiet, plane rides. Additionally, this is also one of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 who have very minimal sound leakage.
Take note that the Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling headphones are not wireless, so if you are looking for the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 that’s wireless, you may have to skip this model.
This pair of best noise cancelling headphones from Sony has a lightweight design, perfect for travel or on-the-go commute. It also has a comfortable fit that doesn’t put too much pressure on the user’s ears.In fact, Sony’s entry for the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 can ever be an alternative for traditional gym earbuds.
In terms of sound quality, this pair of best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from Sony falls just on the average. Discerning audiophiles, on the other hand, might easily detect where on the sound profile spectrum this model may lack. There are detectable thin upper registers (commonly found in cheaper headphones) and the level of harmony and balance may seem to be a far cry from heavy bass. However, if you are just listening to a classical music genre or podcasters, the difference may not be so obvious with the best noise cancelling headphones under $100.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: Audio-Technica ATH-ANC500BTBK
What We Like
- rich, dynamic bass
- generously padded
What We Don’t Like
- impressive battery life
Audio-Technica is known to be one of the highly-esteemed headphone manufacturers, and consumers came scrambling when this brand released their best noise cancelling headphones under $100.
This pair of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from Audio-Technica gives consumers access to high quality headphones that have a rich, dynamic bass that does not compromise the mids and highs. In fact, this is one of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 in the market that practically resembles studio headphones in terms of audio quality. The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC500BTBK can be considered as a premium pick that’s truly worth your money. It’s also perfect for doing remote work while being immersed in your own little world.
Audio-Technica has really done a great job in designing the noise cancelling technology of this pair of best noise cancelling headphones under $100. In fact, it can really rival the specs and features of titan brands in the same price range.
The battery life of this best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from Audio-Technica is pretty impressive; a single charge can actually offer multiple playbacks. If you’re a notorious fan of podcasters or simply a music lover who wants to enjoy some peace and quiet in your cubicle, you can really enjoy whatever you’re listening to even if you are next to the printer or paper shredder. This pair of best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from Audio-Technica is also generously-padded, giving the headphones an overall light and comfy fit. It’s also wireless and light so a consumer won’t have any issues with storage.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: Audio-Technica ATH-ANC500BTBK Overview
- Battery Life 45 hours
- Weight 12.5 oz.
- Wireless range 33 feet
- Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: JBL Tune 600 BTNC Noise Canceling Headphones Overview
- Battery Life 45 hours
- Weight 12.5 oz.
- Wireless range 33 feet
- Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: JBL Tune 600 BTNC Noise Canceling Headphones
What We Like
- above expectation sound fidelity
- very low sound leakage
What We Don’t Like
- plastic frame
If you’re looking for a pair of best noise cancelling headphones under $100 that offers impressive noise cancelling technology and Bluetooth connectivity, the JBL Tune 600 is a premium pick for you.
JBL has surprised a lot of audiophiles with its sound fidelity that exceeds expectations. This pair of best noise cancelling headphones from JBL offers a decent bass, and crisp and clean mids and highs, something that may even rival other high end headphones. The life and integrity of the sound also remains the same even when the volume is cranked high up. The drivers of this best noise cancelling headphones under $100 can also get very loud but the leakage is very low, which means that you can crank up the volume on your iOs or Android smartphone and people will still remain undisturbed.
Since we are talking about the best noise cancelling headphones under $100, all products may have a link to pure plastic frames. Logically, this is one way that manufacturers can keep the costs down. Nevertheless, the overall sound quality and performance of the best noise cancelling headphones are not really compromised, whether they are made of metal or sturdy plastic.
This pair of best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from JBL is lightweight and can easily be a good on-the-go companion with a built-in microphone and a two hour charge time with a long battery life for long sessions of music, calls and digital conversations.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: Anker Soundcore Life Q20
What We Like
- comfortable
What We Don’t Like
- cannot rival Anker Soundcore Life Q20
While the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 cannot rival the good sound quality as that of the Sony WH-1000XM3, it’s still pretty decent for a regular price of $60. Overall the sound of this best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from Anker is well-balanced and has a plump bass that’s not muddy or bloated.
This pair of best noise cancelling headphones under $100 from Anker is also comfortable to wear and the noise canceling feature is pretty decent. The battery life is also above average (at 40 hours), giving users the freedom to make calls and listen to music for long periods of time.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100: Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Overview
- Battery Life 40 hours
- Weight 9.3 oz.
- Wireless range 33 feet
- Connectivity Bluetooth 5, AUX
How is Wireless Range Determined?
If you’ve noticed, we have included the wireless range of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100 in each of the model’s overview. As you may know, consumers with almost any kind of gadget that can accommodate Bluetooth (Android, iOs, etc) can benefit from the wireless connectivity of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100.
Some consumers believe that having a Bluetooth wireless headphone is easier because they don’t have to deal with a cable or wires and it is also easier when it comes to storage. That being said, how is wireless range determined and how does it differ between different models, especially among the best noise cancelling headphones under $100?
Keep in mind that all headphones, even the best noise cancelling headphones under $100, have a specific range of distance at which they can function at its best before the sound quality begins to decrease. The distances listed above are not really exact because there are assumed walls and obstacles added to the wireless range distance. If you are in close proximity with your device, the specified distances can be wider.
So that concludes our list of the best noise cancelling headphones under $100. We hope this article will be a great guide to help you make an informed purchase. If you have an extra hundred dollars to spare, you might want to check out our list for the best noise cancelling headphones under $200.