For those on a decent budget of $200 or less, there are some very solid noise-cancellation headphones available to us in the market today. In fact, this is usually the budget range we recommend people seeing ANC headphones save up for — it gives us a great balance of affordability and noise cancellation technology that is actually legit and works! There will be a few more factors for you to decide (or may have already decided) before grabbing your pair, such as what actual headphones type you need, certain features that are important to you, and some looks at specifications. Let’s get into the details.
Finding the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones under $200
- Budget range – Under $200 is a big one, however there is definitely a difference between a pair that lands just at that price with others that would have made it at a guide with a smaller price, such as noise cancelling headphones under $100 or even $50 (to be fair, no headphones with real noise canceling tech go for that low — typically they’re called ‘noise isolating’ instead, which don’t have the special technology with microphones on the outside of our headphones to pick up ambient noises and cancel them out).
- Wired or wireless? The world of wireless noise canceling headphones is very popular, and in our experience have noticed they’re actually more common than wired because a lot of people with ANC headphones enjoy traveling. Most others say why even go wired when you can get wireless without the hassle of cables? Well, there are definitely pros and cons for both. Those with wired won’t have to worry about ever charging (especially with noise canceling technology, they can definitely drain your battery and wireless models typically don’t last more than 10-20 or so hours). On the other hand, and especially for those who travel, noise-canceling headphones without wires is a make or break. We included both down below. Wireless tend to be more expensive.
- What type of headphones? The type of headphones (design, size, how they fit) is a huge decision to make here. Do you want standard over-ear or on-ear headphones with noise-canceling, or perhaps some noise-cancellation earbuds? Perhaps both? If you have a hard time figuring it out, try to foresee what you’ll be using these headphones for — will you be out and about and need something light? Traveling? Exercising? Or are you cool with a more traditional ear pad and headband headphones build?
The Best Noise Cancellation Headphones Under $200
Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2
Are you looking to enjoy your music in a public place? Do you need a calming environment without distractions? Then the Backbeat Pro 2 are one of the best pairs of noise cancelling headphones under $200 in our opinion. To start off our list, these nearly 5 star rating high quality noise canceling headphones under $200 are definitely a good fit if you are looking for a pair that are wireless, comfortable and overall reliable. If you do want to hear the world around you, simply choose the open-listening mode. Not only is that a unique feature, but when you take off the headphones a smart sensor automatically pauses your music and will continue playing when you put them back on.
The quality of Plantronic’s internal specs are great giving you strong bass and quality high-end. The Bluetooth range reaches up to 100 meters/330 feet allowing you a nice range to roam. Another great feature is that the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 last 24 hours on a single charge, which is seriously huge for a wireless pair of ANC headphones. Also, the 2-way pivot design is comfortable and user-friendly. This is definitely one of the best noise canceling headphones under $200 if you need a high-end wireless pair.
Bose QuietComfort 25
The Bose QuietComfort series is legendary at this point in the noise canceling world and are great for traveling, business, or just to enjoy your favorite tunes. These are another one of our favorite picks as the best noise cancellation headphones under $200 and are the perfect choice if you are looking for an around-ear, lightweight wear. The name has the word “comfort” in it for a reason; these headphones are very lightweight and easy on our noggins. The headphones clamp just enough to block out the world around you, but not too much to where it is uncomfortable. You could definitely wear these for long plane rides or hours on end.
These wired 3.5mm headphones (others in the series are indeed wireless if you’d like) have a 56 inch cable and that’s allows an easy-to-use control to manage your music on your Apple, Samsung, or Android devices. The sound quality is great with a bass that is powerful and the percussion are crisp. The design comes in two different colors: black or white. Both designs look clean and professional. Also, a huge plus is that the Bose QuietComfort 25 has a successor and is cheaply priced at the moment and continues to be discounted. Definitely the best headphones under $200 with noise cancelling technology in the market right now.
Sony MDRZX110NC
The Sony MDRZX110NC is very low-budget and may fail to bring some features that others can, but are the right choice for an affordable and lightweight noise canceling headphone that costs under $200 (heck, even $50). They feature a 12-22,000 Hz frequency response and reduce unwanted noise by 95%. Many really enjoy that the battery life last 80 hours per one charge (not the headphones itself since they’re wired, but the actual noise-cancellation technology which needs to be charged).
With a decent cord length and a headband around-ear design, you will be able to wear them for long periods of time with no pain. Reviewers online state that these headphones are the “best-bang-for-your-buck noise isolating headphones” and others mention that, “you can’t get much better than this for the price of the headphones” The design has clean lines and comes in the color black. If you are looking for an affordable pair, then go with the Sony MDRZX110NC. You can’t beat the price when it comes to the features that these headphones offer, although we always recommend saving as much as you can for ANC tech.
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23
Let’s get into some in-ear headphones. The Audio-Technica QuietPoint series is a strong competitor to Bose’s QuietComfort line, and this particular pair is a great price and a solid pick as the best noise canceling headphones under $200 for those who want a smaller, more versatile headphone build. Not only are they affordable for the quality, but these headphones won a 9 out of 10 ‘Digital Trends’ Editor’s Choice award and I could definitely agree. The in-ear design is comfortable and great for traveling and the noise cancelling feature blocks 90% of unwanted noise, especially outside noise on planes, cars or buses. Connects to all audio sources and portable players.
The kit comes with soft interchangeable ear pieces in small, medium, or large to ensure a comfortable fit. The Comply Foam Tips block outside noise from entering the ear canal by fitting snug in the ear canal. The easy-to-use control tip is convenient to change your volume settings, music controls, and more. Reviewers love the compatibility of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23, the noise cancellation technology, and how lightweight the pair is, too.
Cowin E7 PRO
Nearing the middle of our guide of the best noise cancellation headphones under 200 dollars, not only are the Cowin E7 Pro headphones wireless, but they fair very well with cancelling unwanted noise and are great for active users. The ergonomic, over-the-ear headphones are comfortable and the cushion fit is great for long-lasting wear. The battery lasts 30 hours per charge, which is very convenient for those on-the-go and quite long in our experience. The built-in voice-activated microphone makes for a clear and loud sound for clear voice calls. For the affordable price, these noise canceling headphones under $200 have all that you might be looking for.
They also have a crisp and premium listening experience with a clear base and premium high notes. These headphones have been said to be great for travelers and active users. One reviewer said, “these headphones provide great sound quality and cut out all plane noise.” Another reviewer stated, “I love mine and I have nothing but good things to say about these headphones.” The Cowin E7 Pro not only has a great price, but the comfort and technology features are worth checking out.
Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC
These noise cancellation headphones under $200 have a closed-back headphone design and are great if you are an on-the-go music lover. The high quality headphones by Sennheiser have their own coined noise cancelling feature called NoiseGard that is one of the better types of tech for cancelling noise out there for a crisp and clear sound. There is no cable attached and with the Near Field Communication (NFC) feature you can pair your headphones to any device. The controls are really user-friendly and allows you to easily change your volume or track with a click of a button on the ear pad. The ergonomic pads are comfortable and the around-the-ear design has a luxury feel.
The battery life lasts 25 hours per charge allowing you the freedom of enjoying your music on-the-go. My favorite part about the headphones is not only the noise cancellation system, but the sleek, clean lines of the design. The design is of the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC is timeless. So, what’s in the box? You will receive the headphones, a carrying case, audio cable with a 2.5mm & 3.5mm jack plug, USB charging cable and USB connector, a quick guide and a safety guide.
Audio-Technica ANC9
Another one of Audio-Technicas here, and these are the right choice if you are looking for active comfortable headphones that will block out unwanted noise. With Audio-Technica’s new Tri-Level Cancellation noise cancellation technology, outside noise is blocked by 95% making these headphones an excellent choice for plane or bus rides or really any type of environment when you need to make sure the world is gone. The integrated microphone is clear and crisp allowing for your voice to be easily heard for phone calls if needed and they are comfortable with a memory foam over-the-ear design to ensure a long-lasting wear. The Audio-Technicas are compatible with the iPhone, iPad, CD, DVD, and in-flight entertainment.
I really enjoy that the headphones lay flat in their hard carrying case with the battery, adapter and two cables making these headphones durable and convenient. With the 3.5mm connector and 20-35 hour battery life, these headphones are a favorite for music entertainers and music lovers and can switch among wired and wireless depending on your mood. These Audio-Technica ANC9 are loved by industry professionals and trusted by music lovers. These headphones weigh 7.76 ounces.
Cowin HE8D
The Cowin HE8D are in-ear headphones that are great for traveling, work and everyday life. The noise cancellation technology allows you to really focus on what you are listening to whether it be music, a podcast, etc. The ear plugs are made of synthetic leather that are soft and really comfortable to wear. What I enjoy about these headphones is the design, however. Not only are they comfortable, but the earplugs come in three different sized for a custom fit: small, medium, or large. The 1.58” driver and Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) allows for a great bass sound and can handle a great frequency range. We love wearing these in the gym and love the sweat-proof feature.
The liquipel nano coating on the ear plugs prevents any water or sweat from damaging the headphones (just don’t submerge them fully into water). The Cowin HE8D are noise canceling as well as cost less than $200 and will even survive being dropped in water. I also really like the magnetic charging and that the earbuds can charge with a 3.5mm USB cable. The 18-month warranty is also really convenient and the price is affordable.
Bang & Olufson BEOPLAY E4
The Bang & Olufson BEOPLAY E4 are on the pricier end (less than $200 still), but they have a lot of bang for the buck. The active advanced noise cancellation technology in the earphones really diminishes any unwanted sounds allowing you to focus directly on your music. What I really like about these earphones is the transparency mode. The transparency mode allows for you to tune into the outside world with a touch of a button. This feature makes me feel safe when I am on-the-go. The comfort of the earphones are on another level because of the ‘Comply memory foam’ ear tips. The ear tips also come in four different sizes to ensure a solid fit for every ear canal. The built-in rechargeable battery gives you 20 hours of play per charge which is very convenient. The earphones are super light and are scratch-resistant, which makes them last.
The convenient remote attached to the cable of the BEOPLAY E4 is so simple to use and allows answering and ending phone calls a cinch. The frequency range is 12-16,000 Hz and the driver is a 10.88mm electro-dynamic. Other specifications include the Micro-Electrical Mechanical System (MEMS, which is basically how tech can fit such high quality materials into a small area). The best noise canceling headphones under $200 here if you’re in need of a higher-end in-ear pair of cans.
Libratone Q ADAPT
One of the features I enjoy the most of the Libratone Q Adapt Lightning noise cancellation headphones are the 4-level noise controls. The noise controls gives you the option to tune out the outside world completely or to let in unwanted noise in case you need to be aware of your surroundings. Designed for iOS products, the name “Lightning” is no joke, these earphones really do have lighting powered battery life and they do not effect your phone’s battery life. You can listen for up to 52 hours per charge! The sound quality is high quality with a deep base and crisp and clear vocals. There are four buttons that allow you to control the Q Adapt In Ear.
The Q Adapt In Ear lets you control volume, track changes, “Hush” function activation, and answering calls with a touch of a button. I also really like that the cable does not tangle and that the earphones are lightweight. There are three different sizes of ear tips to ensure a custom fit. The dimensions of the Libratone’s are 46.5 x 0.39 x 46.5 inch. There are four different colors to choose from, light pink, gold, silver and black. I definitely suggest the Libratone Q ADAPT as our final pair in this guide as the best noise canceling headphones under $200.
