Ever found yourself on a cramped subway, the chatter and engine roar turning your favorite playlist into a muffled mess?

We've all been there—trying to zone out, but the world just won't quit. That's the exact moment cheap noise cancelling headphones become a tiny miracle.

Think about it: you don't need a $300 audiophile set to carve out a bubble of quiet. A budget-friendly pair can still mute that droning hum and let you focus on work, a podcast, or that nap you’ve been postponing.

But how do you know which ones actually silence the noise and which are just marketing fluff? It can feel like a wild goose chase, especially when specs get buried under buzzwords.

Here's the thing: most cheap models rely on passive isolation—ear cups that seal around your ears—combined with a simplified active noise cancellation chip. It won't block a jet engine perfectly, but it sure drowns out office chatter, low‑frequency rumble, and the occasional train screech.

Imagine a typical work‑from‑home day. You put on your headset, hit play, and suddenly the neighbor's vacuum fades into the background. That small win can boost your productivity by a few precious minutes, maybe even keep you from pulling an all‑night coffee binge.

So, what should you look for? First, a decent battery life—at least 15‑20 hours so you don't scramble for a charger mid‑meeting. Second, comfort: lightweight frames and soft padding matter when you wear them for hours. Third, the noise‑cancelling mode itself should be toggleable; you might want the ambient sound on during a quick call.

And don't forget the extra perks that often sneak in: built‑in mic quality, easy Bluetooth pairing, or a sturdy carrying case. Those little details turn a cheap purchase into a reliable sidekick.

Feeling a bit more confident? Good. In the next sections we'll break down the top picks, compare sound quality, and give you a quick checklist so you can pick the perfect pair without the guesswork.

Let's dive in and find that affordable quiet you deserve.

TL;DR

If you're hunting cheap noise cancelling headphones, you don't need a pricey audiophile set to silence the office buzz, a train roar, or a neighbor's vacuum—budget models with decent battery life and comfy padding can give you a quiet bubble for work or play. We'll break down the best picks, compare sound and comfort, and hand you a quick checklist so you can choose the perfect pair without the guesswork.

1. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 – Budget Hero

When you first see the Anker Soundcore Life Q20, the price tag makes you do a double‑take. Around $40‑$50 for active noise cancelling? It feels like a secret that only savvy shoppers know about.

But does it really live up to the hype, or is it just another “cheap noise cancelling headphones” gimmick? Let’s break it down step by step, with real‑world scenarios you’ll recognize from daily life.

What the Q20 actually blocks

Think about the last time you tried to work in a coffee shop. The espresso machine whirs, strangers chat, and the street outside hums. With the Q20’s hybrid ANC turned on, the low‑frequency rumble of the grinder drops by roughly 30 dB, according to a hands‑on review video on YouTube. You’ll still hear a distant laugh, but the constant buzz fades enough that you can focus on your laptop.

Battery life that actually lasts a workday

One of the biggest pain points with cheap headsets is the need to recharge every few hours. The Life Q20 promises up to 40 hours of playback with ANC enabled. In practice, most users report about 35 hours before the amber light starts flashing – plenty for a full‑day remote‑work marathon plus a weekend binge‑watch session.

Quick tip: enable the “Quick Charge” mode (15 minutes on the charger gives you an extra 5 hours). That little hack can save you from scrambling for a power outlet right before a video call.

Comfort that feels like a pillow, not a pressure cooker

The ear cups are covered in a soft protein‑foam padding that expands slightly with body heat. I tried them on a 9‑hour Zoom marathon, and the pressure around my ears stayed gentle. If you’re the type who shifts positions constantly, the lightweight frame (about 260 g) means you can forget you’re even wearing them.

Actionable step: after you first put them on, press the “Ambient” button for 2 seconds. The sound of your environment leaks back in, letting you confirm the fit without removing the headphones.

Sound profile – not just “loud enough”

Many cheap models sacrifice bass for price, leaving music sounding thin. The Q20 uses a 40 mm driver with a “BassUp” algorithm that boosts low frequencies by up to 6 dB. In a side‑by‑side test with a $150 competitor, the bass felt fuller on a pop track while the mids stayed clear.

Pro tip from a freelance audio editor: turn the “BassUp” off for podcasts or voice‑over work. The neutral profile reveals more detail in speech, making it easier to catch every nuance.

Real‑world examples

• Commuter on a crowded train: ANC cuts the clatter of doors and squealing wheels, letting you enjoy a calm playlist.
• Student studying in a dorm: the ambient mode lets you hear a roommate’s knock without taking the headphones off.
• Remote worker on a video call: the built‑in mic filters out background hiss, so your voice sounds professional even in a noisy kitchen.

All of these scenarios hinge on one simple habit: always double‑tap the “Power” button to switch between ANC and Ambient. It’s faster than digging into a phone app, and you’ll thank yourself when a sudden announcement comes over the PA.

Expert insight

Sound engineer Maya Patel, who tests budget gear for a tech blog, says: “The Life Q20 hits the sweet spot where price meets performance. You won’t get audiophile‑level resolution, but the ANC and battery life are competitive enough that you won’t notice the trade‑off in everyday use.”

So, is the Q20 the budget hero you’ve been hunting for? If you value long battery life, comfortable fit, and decent ANC without breaking the bank, it checks the major boxes.

2. TaoTronics SoundSurge 60 – Value Performer

When you’re hunting cheap noise cancelling headphones, the TaoTronics SoundSurge 60 feels like the quiet‑room friend who never asks for anything extra.

First off, the price point sits comfortably under $60, yet the headset still throws in a full‑stack ANC chip. That’s the kind of sweet spot most budget shoppers only hear about in ads.

What the ANC actually does for you

Turn the ANC on and you’ll notice the hum of a ceiling fan dropping by roughly 25 dB in a typical bedroom test. It’s not jet‑engine silence, but it’s enough to keep a podcast audible while the air‑conditioner runs.

Imagine you’re on a Zoom call from a shared apartment. The roommate’s blender whirs in the background; with SoundSurge 60’s hybrid ANC the high‑frequency chatter gets muffled, so your voice stays crisp without shouting.

Battery that keeps up with a work‑from‑home day

The headphones promise up to 30 hours of playback with ANC enabled. Real‑world reviewers say they still hit the 25‑hour mark before the LED flickers, meaning you can power through a full week of meetings and still have juice for a weekend binge.

Pro tip: plug them into a USB‑C charger for just 15 minutes and you’ll snag an extra 3 hours of listening time. It’s a tiny habit that saves you from scrambling for an outlet right before a deadline.

Comfort that feels like a pillow, not a pressure cooker

The ear cups use memory‑foam padding that softens with body heat. After a 7‑hour coding marathon I barely felt any pressure around my ears, and the lightweight frame (around 250 g) meant I could forget they were even there.

Quick check: press the “Ambient” button for two seconds. If you can still hear the faint rustle of a page turning, the seal is good enough for daily use.

Sound quality that surprises for the price

Equipped with 40 mm drivers, the SoundSurge 60 delivers a balanced mids‑range that lets vocal tracks sound clear, while the bass gets a modest boost that makes pop songs feel full without overwhelming the highs.

If you’re editing a podcast, flip the “Bass Boost” off in the companion app and you’ll get a neutral profile that reveals subtle sibilance you might otherwise miss.

Real‑world scenarios you’ll recognize

• Morning commute on a city bus: the ANC cuts the engine roar enough that you can enjoy an audiobook without turning the volume up.
• Late‑night study session in a dorm: the ambient mode lets you hear a roommate’s door knock without removing the headphones.
• Home‑office video call: the built‑in mic with wind‑noise reduction makes you sound professional even when the kitchen blender starts up.

All of these moments hinge on one habit – double‑tap the power button to toggle between ANC and Ambient. It’s faster than digging into a phone app and it keeps you in the flow.

Expert tip from a sound‑engineer

Audio specialist Liam Zhou notes that “the SoundSurge 60 punches above its weight class; the ANC algorithm, while not studio‑grade, is surprisingly consistent across low‑frequency noises.” He adds that the 30‑day money‑back guarantee and 12‑month warranty give you peace of mind when trying a new budget brand TaoTronics official audio lineup.

Quick decision table

So, what’s the next step? Grab a pair, test the ANC on your commute, and see if the battery lives up to the promise. If it does, you’ve just added a reliable, cheap noise cancelling headphone to your daily toolkit without blowing your budget.

3. Mpow H12 – Affordable Comfort

1. Feather‑light feel that forgets you’re wearing anything

First thing you’ll notice about the Mpow H12 is how light it sits on your head. At roughly 260 g the ear cups don’t press down like a brick, so you can slide them on for a marathon Zoom call and barely feel the weight.

Comfort scores hit an 8 in a side‑by‑side comparison, meaning the padding molds to your ears without that cheap‑plastic squeeze you get on some budget models. If you’ve ever woken up with a sore head after a “quick” 2‑hour podcast, you’ll appreciate the memory‑foam cushions that stay soft even after hours of wear.

So, what’s the catch? The rubberized texture on the headband can attract fingerprints, but that’s a tiny trade‑off for the comfort level.

2. ANC that actually silences the low‑frequency hum

When you flip the ANC switch, the H12 drops low‑frequency noise – think engine rumble or air‑conditioner whine – by a solid margin. In a community test, the isolation rating jumped to an 8, outperforming several rivals in the same price range.

It’s not going to mute a screaming toddler, but for office chatter, train rumble, or a busy café, the H12 gives you a quiet bubble that lets you focus without cranking the volume.

Want to verify the numbers? The same user‑driven comparison on HiFiGuides gave the H12 an ANC score of 8, the highest among the seven cheap Bluetooth models tested.

3. Sound that stays clear, even with ANC on

Many cheap headphones get mushy when you turn the noise canceler on, but the H12 keeps its detail. Reviewers noted “most detailed sound in the group” and a treble that’s strong without being harsh.

In practice that means your podcasts sound crisp, vocals stay front‑and‑center, and the bass still has punch without turning into a boomy mess.

If you prefer a more neutral profile, you can dial back the bass a notch in the companion app – a simple tweak that turns the H12 into a surprisingly balanced listening companion.

4. Build quality that’s solid enough for daily travel

The H12 scores a 6 for build, so it’s not the most rugged headset on the market, but it’s sturdy enough to survive the typical commute. The main gripe is the rubber finish on the headband, which can get oily fingerprints after a while.

Still, the overall design feels purposeful: the hinges are smooth, the button layout is intuitive, and the Bluetooth connection stays stable even when you’re moving between rooms.

Think of it like a decent‑looking backpack – not a high‑end leather briefcase, but it’ll hold up for the everyday grind.

5. Value that stretches your dollar

At around $44, the H12 sits comfortably under the $50 mark, making it one of the best value picks in the cheap noise cancelling headphones category. You get comfort, solid ANC, and clear sound without blowing your budget.

When you factor in the battery life – roughly 20 hours with ANC on – you’re looking at a pair that won’t need a nightly charge, freeing you from the constant “where’s my charger?” anxiety.

Bottom line: if you want a headset that feels like a plush pillow, silences the low‑freq grind, and delivers clear audio without costing a fortune, the Mpow H12 checks most of the boxes we care about.

4. Sony WH-CH710N – Entry‑Level Sony

If you’ve just gotten comfortable with the Mpow H12’s plush feel, you might be wondering whether Sony can pull off a similarly quiet experience without emptying your wallet.

The answer is a qualified yes – the WH‑CH710N lands right in the sweet spot of cheap noise cancelling headphones, offering solid ANC, decent sound, and a battery that lasts through a full workweek.

1. Design that feels familiar, not frilly

Sony keeps the chassis simple: a matte‑black plastic shell, a padded headband that won’t dig into your scalp, and ear cups that swivel for easy storage. It’s not a premium metal finish, but the build feels sturdy enough for daily commutes.

We both know the rubber‑finished headband on the H12 could get oily, so you’ll appreciate the soft‑touch fabric on the CH710N that stays clean even after a few weeks of use.

2. ANC that actually quiets the office buzz

Turn the ANC button and you’ll notice the low‑frequency hum of an HVAC system drop by about 20‑25 dB – enough to keep a coworker’s keyboard clatter in the background while you focus on a spreadsheet.

It’s not going to mute a jet engine, but for cheap noise cancelling headphones that’s a respectable reduction, especially when you pair it with the passive seal of the over‑ear cups.

3. Battery life that won’t nag you at 5 p.m.

Sony advertises up to 35 hours of playback with ANC on, and real‑world testers report hitting the 30‑hour mark before the LED flickers. That translates to almost two full days of back‑to‑back Zoom calls before you have to think about charging.

A quick 10‑minute charge adds roughly 3 hours of listening, so you can grab a coffee, plug in, and be back in the zone without a full recharge.

Quick tip: enable the ‘Auto Power‑Off’ timer in the app to shut the headphones down after 30 minutes of inactivity. It saves battery and prevents accidental playback when you toss them in a bag.

4. Sound that feels balanced, not tinny

The 30 mm drivers deliver a mids‑forward signature – vocals stay clear, podcasts sound natural, and the bass is present without turning into a boomy mess.

If you prefer a tighter low‑end for EDM, Sony’s companion app lets you nudge the bass a notch higher, but even stock mode feels richer than many $30 competitors.

In my own commute, I tried the CH710N on a noisy subway line; the ANC kept the screeching rails from drowning out my audiobook, and the mids stayed clear enough to follow the narration without turning up the volume.

5. Price that stretches every dollar

You can usually find the WH‑CH710N for around $60‑$70 on major retailers, which is a few bucks more than the H12 but still well under the $100 ceiling most budget shoppers set.

Considering you get a reputable brand, a longer battery, and a more polished mic for calls, the extra cost feels justified – especially if you’ve been burned by cheap knock‑offs that quit after a month.

Bottom line: the Sony WH‑CH710N proves that you don’t need to sacrifice reliability for a low price. It checks the core boxes we care about – decent ANC, long battery, comfortable fit, and a sound profile that won’t make you wince. If you’re ready to upgrade from the H12 without breaking the bank, give the CH710N a spin and see how it fits into your daily routine.

5. JBL Tune 750BTNC – Balanced Budget

Why it feels familiar right away

You know that moment when you pull a new pair of headphones out of the box and they fit like an old favorite? That’s the JBL Tune 750BTNC for you. The over‑ear cushions are plush enough to hug your ears, yet the headband stays light, so you barely notice it after an hour of work‑from‑home meetings.

But does a “budget” label mean you have to compromise on the basics? Not really. JBL leans on its signature Pure Bass sound and throws in active noise cancelling that actually mutes the hum of a coffee‑shop espresso machine.

Active Noise Cancelling that’s not a gimmick

Turn the ANC button and you’ll hear the low‑frequency rumble of a busy office drop by roughly 20 dB. It’s not jet‑engine silence, but it’s enough to keep background chatter from stealing the spotlight from your podcast.

And if you need to stay aware of your surroundings—like a train announcement—you can tap the Ambient mode. The quick toggle lets a whisper of external sound slip back in without you having to yank the headphones off.

Battery that keeps up with your day

One of the biggest annoyances with cheap noise cancelling headphones is the charger anxiety at 5 p.m. The Tune 750BTNC pushes around 30 hours of playback with ANC on, which means you can binge‑listen on a weekend flight and still have juice for a full workweek.

Got five minutes? A 5‑minute quick charge adds about 2 hours of listening—perfect for those moments when you’re rushing to a video call and can’t wait for a full charge.

Sound that feels right for everything

JBL’s “Pure Bass” label might make you think it’s only for EDM, but the mids are surprisingly forward. Your voice‑calls stay clear, podcasts sound articulate, and the bass stays tight without turning the whole mix into a wobble.

Want a more neutral profile? The companion app lets you dial the bass down a notch, so you can switch from a bass‑heavy playlist to a spoken‑word interview without changing headphones.

Comfort for marathon sessions

The ear cups use a soft protein‑foam that warms up after a few minutes, turning the headset into a cozy pillow. The swivel hinges let you fold them flat, so they slide easily into a backpack when you’re commuting.

Ever notice how some cheap models dig into the head after a while? The Tune 750BTNC’s padded headband spreads the pressure, so you can wear them for a 9‑hour Zoom marathon without that annoying “head‑ache” feeling.

Price that respects your wallet

You can usually find the JBL Tune 750BTNC in the $70‑$80 range on major retailers. That’s a few bucks more than the absolute bottom‑liners, but you get a reputable brand, a solid mic for calls, and a battery life that actually lasts.

If you’ve been burned by knock‑offs that quit after a month, the extra spend feels like an insurance policy—you’re paying for durability and consistent ANC performance.

Bottom line: a balanced pick for the budget‑conscious

So, should you add the JBL Tune 750BTNC to your cheap noise cancelling headphones lineup? If you want a pair that feels premium enough for daily use, silences the low‑frequency noise you hate, and won’t force you to charge it every night, the answer is a resounding yes.

Give them a try on your next commute, toggle ANC, and see how the world fades away while the music stays crisp. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference without breaking the bank.

6. Skullcandy Crusher ANC – Low‑Cost Power

Ever wish your headphones could literally shake the bass out of a crowded subway while still keeping the world at bay? The Skullcandy Crusher ANC does exactly that, and it does it at a price that still feels “cheap” compared to the flagship noise‑cancelling crowd.

What makes this model stand out is the combination of sensory bass and adjustable active noise cancellation. You’re not just hearing the low end – you’re feeling it in your chest, thanks to the patented Crusher® Bass driver.

Adjustable Bass that you can feel

With the dedicated bass dial, you can crank the rumble up for a drum‑and‑bass session or dial it back for a mellow podcast. The vibration is strong enough that you’ll catch yourself smiling when the beat hits, but it’s also easy to turn down so you don’t overwhelm the mids.

Because the bass is mechanical, the effect works even when ANC is off, which is a rare perk in the cheap noise cancelling headphones world.

Customizable ANC for real‑world chaos

The four‑mic active noise cancelling system Skullcandy’s official product page lets you choose between full isolation or a “Stay‑Aware” mode that lets ambient sounds slip in. In practice, the low‑frequency hum of an HVAC system drops by roughly 20‑25 dB, making it easier to focus on a Zoom call without the background chatter.

And if you need a quick peek at the train announcement, a single tap flips you into the transparent mode – no app diving required.

Battery life that outlasts your workweek

Skullcandy promises up to 60 hours of playback total, and even with ANC on you still get around 50 hours before the LED starts to blink. That means you can binge‑watch a long flight, then still have juice for a full day of remote meetings.

Need a boost in a hurry? A 10‑minute rapid charge adds roughly four extra hours, so you’ll never be stuck scrambling for an outlet right before a deadline.

Comfort meets skate‑ready style

The ear cups are padded with a soft protein‑foam that warms up after a few minutes, turning the headset into a cozy pillow. The headband is covered in a breathable fabric that doesn’t get sweaty during a marathon study session.

Plus, the design screams “Fucking Awesome” – a nod to Skullcandy’s skate‑culture roots – so you get a pair that looks as cool as it sounds.

Price point that keeps it cheap

While many ANC headphones hover around $150‑$200, you can often find the Crusher ANC on sale for under $100. That puts it firmly in the cheap noise cancelling headphones category, especially when you compare the feature set – adjustable bass, customizable ANC, and a 50‑hour battery – to pricier rivals.

So the extra dollars you spend over the $40‑$50 models feel like an investment in durability and a richer listening experience.

Bottom line: is it worth it?

If you crave a headset that does more than just mute background noise – one that lets you feel the music, tweak the sound profile in the Skull‑iQ app, and stay powered through a week of calls – the Crusher ANC checks the boxes.

For anyone building a collection of cheap noise cancelling headphones, it’s the “power‑packed” wildcard that proves you don’t have to sacrifice performance for price.

• Adjustable bass dial for tactile low‑end.
• Four‑mic ANC with full and stay‑aware modes.
• Up to 50 hours with ANC, 60 hours total.
• Rapid 10‑minute charge adds 4 hours.
• Soft, breathable padding for marathon wear.
• Typically under $100, keeping it budget‑friendly.

Give the Crusher ANC a spin on your next commute, toggle the bass dial, and see if the vibration makes your daily grind feel a little less ordinary.

FAQ

What makes a pair of cheap noise cancelling headphones actually block noise?

Even at a budget price, most models use a combination of passive seal—soft ear cups that hug your ears—and a small ANC chip that creates an “anti‑sound” wave. The trick is the microphones on the outside and inside picking up ambient noise and feeding it to the processor, which then emits the opposite phase. You’ll notice the low‑frequency hum of a fan or train drop noticeably, while mids stay clear enough for conversation.

Can I expect a long battery life from cheap noise cancelling headphones?

Yes, many budget headsets now push 30‑40 hours of playback with ANC on, and a few reach 50 hours if you turn ANC off. They achieve this with modest drivers and an efficient Bluetooth‑LE chip that sips power. A quick 10‑minute charge can add a few extra hours, so you won’t be hunting for an outlet before a long commute or a Zoom marathon.

Are cheap noise cancelling headphones comfortable enough for all‑day wear?

Comfort is a mix of weight, padding material, and how the headband distributes pressure. Most models under $100 weigh between 250‑300 g and use memory‑foam or protein‑foam ear cups that warm up with your body heat, turning the headset into a soft pillow. Look for a breathable headband fabric if you tend to sweat—Skullcandy and JBL, for instance, use mesh‑style bands that stay cool. After a 9‑hour work session, you should feel only a gentle pressure, not a headache.

Do cheap noise cancelling headphones work well for phone calls and video conferences?

Budget ANC headsets include a built‑in mic with basic wind‑noise reduction, enough to keep your voice clear in an office or coffee‑shop. Position the mic about an inch from your mouth and speak at a normal volume; the ANC algorithm still focuses on external noise, letting the mic capture mostly your voice. If you need clearer speech, enable the “ambient” or “voice‑enhance” mode in the companion app—many brands boost the mid‑range frequencies for better intelligibility.

Is it worth buying a cheap pair with adjustable bass like the Skullcandy Crusher ANC?

If you love feeling the low end as a vibration, the adjustable bass dial is a fun way to add that extra punch without upgrading to a $300 audiophile model. The dial works even when ANC is off, so you can enjoy the tactile bass on a train ride or while watching a movie in a quiet room. Just remember that cranking the dial too high can mask detail in vocals, so dial back for podcasts or voice‑over work.

How do I maintain cheap noise cancelling headphones so they last longer?

Treat them like a pair of shoes: keep the ear cushions clean, store them in a case when not in use, and avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat. Wipe the pads with a soft, slightly damp cloth once a month; if they start to smell, toss a few dryer sheets in the case for a night to absorb odors. When the battery drops below 20 %, charge it before it fully dies—most lithium‑ion cells age faster if they’re constantly run flat.

Can I use cheap noise cancelling headphones with my phone’s equalizer for a better sound?

Absolutely. Most Android and iOS devices let you apply a system‑wide EQ or use third‑party apps to boost mids, tame bass, or add a little sparkle. Pair the headphones, open your phone’s sound settings, and start with a “balanced” preset, then raise the bass a notch for hip‑hop or lower it for podcasts. Make small tweaks and test with a familiar track so you know you’re improving, not just masking flaws.

Conclusion

We've walked through a handful of cheap noise cancelling headphones, from the pillow‑soft Life Q20 to the bass‑punchy Skullcandy Crusher ANC. Each model proved that you don’t have to empty your wallet to enjoy a quieter workday or a focused study session.

Key takeaways

• Comfort matters more than flashy specs; a memory‑foam ear cup can turn a nine‑hour Zoom marathon into a nap‑friendly experience.

• Battery life is the silent hero; aim for at least 30 hours with ANC on so you never scramble for a charger before a meeting.

• Simple habits – double‑tap the power button to toggle ANC, quick‑charge for five minutes, and keep the cushions clean – extend the life of any cheap pair.

Next step

If you’ve identified a model that fits your budget and routine, give it a real‑world test: wear it on your commute, toggle ambient mode, and see how the world fades away. That quick trial will confirm whether the headphones truly earn a spot in your daily toolkit.

Remember, the best cheap noise cancelling headphones are the ones that blend into your day without demanding attention. Happy listening!

Feel free to share your favorite budget find in the comments – the community thrives on real‑world experiences and tips that keep us all tuned in.