Our Experts Written by David Carnoy Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Kobo e-books and audiobooks. Expertise Headphones, Bluetooth speakers, mobile accessories, Apple, Sony, Bose, e-readers, Amazon, glasses, ski gear, iPhone cases, gaming accessories, sports tech, portable audio, interviews, audiophile gear, PC speakers Credentials Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer See full bio Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. What to consider How cheap? You'd be surprised what difference an additional $20 makes when buying budget headphones. Design The right design, especially weight, means a lot for how headphones fit your head. Comfort Whether you're only wearing these every couple of days or you plan to rarely take them off, the right headphones make a huge difference. Durability If headphones look cheap, there's a good chance they may not last long. Return policy Know where you're buying from, and what options are available to you if you end up not enjoying your purchase. Table of Contents vs Compare Back to selection Our Picks Best overall budget noise-canceling headphones QCY H3 Pro View details $66 at Amazon View details Best value noise-canceling budget headphones Edifier W830NB View details $80 at Amazon View details Best new budget noise-canceling headphones Earfun Wave Pro View details $80 at Amazon View details Best performing budget noise-canceling headphones 1More SonoFlow View details $80 at 1More View details Best budget noise-canceling headphones from JLab JLab Lux ANC Wireless View details $80 at Amazon View details Best budget noise-canceling headphones from Anker Soundcore by Anker Space One View details $100 at Amazon View details Best feature-packed budget noise-canceling headphones Anker Soundcore Life Q30 View details $56 at Amazon View details Best budget noise-canceling headphones for comfort OneOdio A10 View details $80 at Amazon View details Table of Contents Yes, premium headphones can cost hundreds of dollars, however, you don't have to spend that much for a pair with good noise cancellation and sound quality. This is especially great for those who who can't concentrate with ambient noise in the background and active noise cancellation is a must. Now you can find over-ear headphones under $100 that effectively silence background noise while delivering balanced sound.Whether you need them to help you work better, commute without all the noise or just enjoy your music without cranking the volume, these budget-friendly options get the job done.If you're looking for the best active noise-canceling headphones regardless of price and style, check out our guide to thebest noise-canceling headphonesoverall. You can also take a look at our list of thebest noise-canceling true wireless earbudsif you prefer earbuds. But if you want to keep it under $100 -- with some solid picks for as low as $50 -- this list is for you.Best cheap noise-canceling headphones for 2025 Compare Photo Gallery 1/1 $66 at Amazon Pros Sound quite good for their relatively low price Lightweight and relatively comfortable Decent noise canceling and voice-calling performance for a budget headphone USB-C audio (and wired mode with included cable) Support for LDAC audio codec Cons ANC cuts off in wired mode No carry case or pouch included Battery Life 40 hours (ANC on)Noise Canceling Yes (ANC)Bluetooth Multipoint YesHeadphone Type Over-Ear Wireless HeadphonesWater-Resistant NoPrice $