While comfort, fit, and audio quality are some of the general attributes to look for in headphones, noise-canceling is another great feature to consider as it blocks out ambient sounds and provides a more immersive listening experience. Whether it’s traveling on a bus or focusing on work at the office, a great pair of noise-canceling headphones can be an effective tool for blocking out unwanted noise so you can enjoy your tunes or focus on your work better.
Noise-canceling headphones are becoming more popular these days as many consumers are looking for premium audio quality minus the high price tag. As a result, it’s now possible to purchase quality, noise-canceling headphones for less than $200.
But before we share our top picks for the best noise-canceling headphones, what qualities should you be looking for when choosing a pair for yourself?
Qualities to Look for in Noise-Canceling Headphones
Excellent Sound Quality
A great pair of noise-canceling headphones should effectively control or eliminate unwanted background sounds while still delivering excellent sound quality. Active noise-canceling headphones, or ANCs, employ electronic technology to counteract the noise in your environment. ANCs detect the sounds around you via a microphone found inside the ear cups and produce sound waves that are the exact opposite of the sounds picked up by the microphone.
Comfortable Design
Just like any other type of headset, noise-canceling headphones need to be comfortable. Unlike active noise-canceling, passive noise-canceling headphones are designed to physically block out unwanted sounds using features like over-ear cups with large pads or snug earbuds. These cups or buds need to have breathable material to ensure a comfortable fit without compromising their noise-canceling qualities.
Extra Features
Professional music producers and DJs usually require headphones with lots of enhanced features, but casual consumers could benefit from a few extra features as well. Bags or cases for your headphones make traveling more convenient and prevent unnecessary wear and tear, while built-in microphones come in handy when taking calls and are necessary for gaming.
Long Battery Life
Some features of noise-canceling headphones, such as wireless features and Bluetooth connectivity, may drain your batteries faster than you would like. The average battery life of a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is around 20 hours, while the more high-end ones can last up to 30 hours or more. Check the charging time as well, as the best noise-canceling headphones can be fully charged in less than 10 minutes.
6 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Under $200
- Sony MDR-ZX110NC
- JVC HANC120
- Samson RTE X
- Ghostek soDrop 2
- Sony MDR-XB950N1
Sony MDR-ZX110NC
Considering its affordable price, the Sony MDR-ZX110NC is able to reduce 95 percent of noise and ambient sounds, thanks to Sony’s active noise-canceling technology. The 30mm driver and over-the-ear design enhance the sound quality as well, with wide sound frequencies ranging from 10 to 22,000Hz.
The Sony MDR-ZX110NC runs on one triple-A alkaline battery that can last as long as 80 hours, but it also has a passive mode for listening to music without noise-canceling.
Finally, it has a tangle-free 1.2m cable and features a foldable design for easy transportation.
Key Features:
- 95% Noise Reduction
- 30mm Dynamic Dome Drivers
- 10 to 22,000Hz Frequency Response
- Swiveling and Folding Earcups
- Pressure-Relieving Ear Cushions
- Compact Design
- Flat, Tangle-Free Cable
- 80 Hours of Battery Life
JVC HANC120
The JVC HANC120’s noise-canceling technology can eliminate up to 88 percent of background noise, making it ideal for busy and crowded environments. It’s also equipped with closed-back ear cups that include soft memory foam cushions to provide comfort and to help reduce external noise naturally.
Its multi-foldable design ensures optimum portability while the adjustable and retractable cable provides added convenience when using or storing the headphones.
Key Features:
- 88% Noise Reduction
- 30mm Neodymium Drivers
- Closed-Back Earcup Design
- Memory Foam Ear Cushions
- 3.5mm Plug with Airplane Adapter
- Retractable and Adjustable Cable
- Adjustable Headband
- Foldable Design
Samson RTE X
The active noise-canceling technology and 40mm drivers of the Samson RTE X make it capable of reducing external sounds by up to 90 percent, giving it the ability to block out loud, obnoxious sounds like construction drilling on a busy street.
Aside from its noise reduction capabilities, the Samson RTE X features cushioned over-the-ear cups that make long hours of listening more comfortable. Each ear cup is able to pivot 90 degrees for easier carrying in its zippered case.
Like others on this list, it runs on a single triple-A battery (offering up to 20 hours of battery life) and includes a passive listening mode that allows you to listen to your music without the noise-canceling technology.
Key Features:
- 90% Noise Reduction
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Technology
- 40mm Neodymium Drivers
- Studio-Quality Frequency Response
- 90-Degree Pivoting Earcups with Over-Ear Design
- Cushioned Earcups and Headband
- Detachable Cable
- One-Touch Monitor Mode
- 20 Hours of Battery Life
Ghostek soDrop 2
The Ghostek soDrop 2 packs style and functionality at a highly affordable price point. While it may not offer active noise cancellation, it features closed-back earcups with an over-ear design and advanced bi-directional noise reduction to effectively block out sound. With enhanced bass sensitivity and crystal-clear HD sound, these headphones deliver an amazing sound experience for any type of music. Best of all, it enables cable-free listening and can connect to devices up to 10 feet away.
Its also durable, lightweight, and foldable—making it super easy to transport with you wherever you go.
Key Features:
- Bi-Directional Noise Reduction and Bass-Sensitivity
- HD Crystal Clear Sound
- Premium Soft Leather Earcups with Over-Ear Design
- Foldable Headband
- Integrated Earcup Microphone
- aptX & Bluetooth 4.0 Technology
- 3.5MM Audio Jack
- 14 Hours of Battery Life (Music Play Time)
Sony MDR-XB950N1
At just under $200 (as of writing), the Sony MDR-XB950N1 EXTRA BASS gives you a truly immersive listening experience thanks to its active noise-canceling technology and powerfully enhanced bass. Using the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can easily adjust bass levels or choose from various preset modes (club, hall, arena, or outdoor) to further customize the sound.
It also has Bluetooth with NFC one-touch pairing to enable wireless connection to almost any device, while an integrated mic allows you to easily take calls without having to take your headphones off.
Built specifically for music lovers, this sleek and stylish pair features a foldable design and comes with a protective carrying pouch—so you can enjoy your favorite tunes wherever you go.
Key Features:
- Powerful and Adjustable Bass Levels
- Digital Noise-Canceling Technology
- 40mm Dome-Type Drivers
- Cushioned Earpads with Over-Ear Design
- Detachable Single-Sided Cable
- Fully Foldable Headband
- Built-in Microphone
- Bluetooth with NFC
- Rechargeable Battery via USB Cable
- 22 Hours of Battery Life
