Finding peace and focus in a noisy world doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The market for affordable noise-canceling headphones has exploded, offering impressive technology that was once exclusive to premium models. Whether you’re commuting, working in a busy office, or simply seeking an immersive audio escape, a great pair of headphones can make all the difference.
This roundup is designed to help you navigate the best options available for under $200 in 2025. We’ve compiled a list of ten highly-rated headphones from trusted brands, focusing on key factors like noise cancellation effectiveness, sound quality, battery life, and comfort. Our goal is to provide you with the information needed to find the perfect audio companion for your lifestyle and budget.
Our Top Picks for Noise Canceling Headphones Under $200
- AKG Noise Canceling Headphone Black (N60)
- Sennheiser HD 350BT Black Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphone
- Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Atom Max – Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N
- Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
- JBL Tune 760NC – Wireless Over-ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
- MOVSSOU E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Lavales Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear
- Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones
AKG Noise Canceling Headphone Black (N60)
The AKG N60NC offers a portable and high-fidelity listening experience. They are known for their world-class acoustic signature, which delivers clear audio with a warm and engaging bass response. This makes them a great choice for listeners who appreciate a balanced yet rich sound profile.
These headphones feature high-performance active noise-cancelling technology to help you focus on your music. A key differentiator is their use of a standard Bluetooth receiver for high-quality stereo audio listening, prioritizing music playback over headset functionality for phone calls. This design focuses on providing the best possible wireless audio experience for the dedicated music fan.
Sennheiser HD 350BT
Sennheiser brings its renowned audio expertise to the affordable wireless market with the HD 350BT. These headphones are built for longevity and convenience, boasting an impressive 30-hour battery life and modern USB-C fast charging. Their foldable design makes them easy to pack and take on the go.
Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, and support for AAC and AptX Low Latency codecs ensures high-quality, synchronized audio from compatible devices. An intuitive control scheme includes a dedicated button for activating your preferred virtual assistant, whether it’s Siri or Google Assistant, allowing for easy voice control without touching your phone.
Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
The Soundcore Space Q45 stands out with its fully-upgraded adaptive active noise cancelling system, which can reduce ambient noise by up to 98%. This technology automatically senses your environment—whether you’re indoors, commuting, or on a flight—and selects a suitable noise cancelling level to provide personal space wherever you go.
With a massive 50 hours of playtime in noise cancelling mode, these headphones are ideal for long trips and extended use. For audiophiles, LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio, allowing you to hear every detail of your music. The companion app offers further customization, letting you choose from five different noise cancelling levels and adjust the sound to your preference.
Atom Max Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Atom Max headphones feature advanced hybrid active noise cancellation, achieving up to -44dB of noise reduction. This powerful technology, combined with an upgraded over-ear design, effectively blocks distractions, allowing you to enjoy your music with exceptional clarity in any setting.
At the heart of these headphones is a 40mm dynamic driver with a titanium-coated diaphragm, delivering deep, powerful bass and a wide soundstage. The design enhances clarity in the mid and high frequencies, ensuring every note sounds crisp. For a premium wired listening experience, they also support Hi-Res audio through a USB-C connection.
Sony WH-CH710N Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony’s WH-CH710N headphones use Dual Noise Sensor Technology to automatically sense your environment and apply the appropriate level of noise cancellation. This smart feature helps you cancel out the world around you, making them a reliable companion for travel and daily commutes.
You can enjoy long-lasting listening with up to 35 hours of battery life on a single charge, and quick charging provides hours of playback from just a short charging session. As a product from a leader in audio technology, these headphones deliver a solid wireless listening experience with the convenience of hands-free calling via the built-in microphone.
Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
The Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones are a style-forward and high-performance option. They feature the Apple W1 chip, which enables seamless setup and switching for Apple device users, and Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range and a stable connection.
With up to 40 hours of battery life, these headphones are built to keep up with your daily routine without frequent recharging. Their iconic design is matched with a sound profile that delivers a dynamic and energetic listening experience, making them a perfect everyday headphone for music lovers on the move.
JBL Tune 760NC Wireless Over-ear Headphones
Experience the famous JBL Pure Bass Sound with the Tune 760NC headphones. JBL’s 75 years of audio engineering are reflected in the deep and powerful bass that these headphones reproduce, bringing the energy of a live performance to your personal listening.
Active Noise Cancelling helps you tune out your surroundings and focus on your music. With a battery life of 35 hours with both Bluetooth and noise cancelling active (and 50 hours with ANC off), you get long-lasting entertainment. Features like Google Fast Pair make connecting to Android devices quick and simple.
MOVSSOU E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The MOVSSOU E7 headphones are designed to provide a comfortable and immersive listening experience. They feature protein earpads that are soft and designed for extended wear, making them suitable for long work sessions or travel.
With Active Noise Cancellation technology, these headphones help minimize ambient distractions, allowing you to concentrate on your audio. They offer a reliable 30 hours of playtime and deliver deep bass, providing a solid performance for everyday wireless listening and hands-free calls.
Lavales Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear
For users who prioritize extended battery life, the Lavales Over-Ear headphones offer an impressive 90 hours of playtime. This makes them an excellent choice for frequent travelers or those who prefer to charge their devices infrequently.
These headphones come equipped with active noise canceling to help create a more private listening environment. A built-in microphone allows for clear hands-free calls, and the over-ear design is intended for use during various activities, from workouts to office work, providing versatility throughout your day.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones
As part of Sony’s esteemed lineup, the WH-CH720N headphones bring reliable noise-canceling technology and sound quality to an accessible price point. They are designed to effectively reduce ambient noise, helping you stay focused on your music, podcasts, or calls.
These wireless headphones integrate seamlessly into a mobile lifestyle, offering the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity and a lightweight, comfortable build. While specific details may vary, they carry forward Sony’s commitment to delivering a balanced audio performance and practical features for the everyday user.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Noise Canceling Headphones under $200
Finding a great pair of noise canceling headphones without spending a fortune is totally doable. I have tested my fair share of them, and the sub-$200 category is packed with impressive options. But with so many choices, how do you pick the right one for you? Let me walk you through the key things I consider before making a purchase.
First, let’s talk about the star of the show: active noise cancellation (ANC). Not all ANC is created equal. Some headphones are fantastic at silencing the constant low rumble of an airplane engine or an air conditioner, but might struggle with sudden, sharp noises like a baby crying. Others offer different levels of ANC or a “transparency mode,” which pipes in outside sound so you can hear announcements or have a quick chat without taking the headphones off. Think about where you will use them most. For my daily commute, strong, consistent ANC is a must. For working in a quiet home office, a lighter ANC mode might be sufficient and save battery life.
Next up is sound quality. This is subjective, but it is crucial. Some brands prioritize heavy, punchy bass, which is great for electronic music and hip-hop. Others aim for a more balanced or “flat” sound profile, which is better if you listen to a wide variety of genres like classical or jazz. I always try to listen to a few of my favorite, well-known tracks when testing headphones to see how they handle the nuances. Remember, you can often tweak the sound to your liking through a companion app’s equalizer.
Comfort and battery life are the unsung heroes. If your headphones feel like a vise grip after 30 minutes, the best ANC in the world won’t matter. Look for plush, deep ear cups that fully envelop your ears (over-ear models are generally more comfortable for long sessions than on-ear). A lightweight design and a non-clamping headband are also big pluses. As for battery, most modern options in this price range offer at least 20-30 hours of life with ANC on, which is more than enough for a week of commutes or a long flight. Quick charge features are also becoming standard, giving you hours of playback from just a 10- or 15-minute plug-in.
Finally, do not overlook the extra features. A reliable microphone for calls is essential if you take work meetings. Multi-device pairing is a huge convenience, allowing you to switch between your phone and laptop seamlessly. The durability of the build and the quality of the carrying case also matter if you are a frequent traveler. By weighing these factors—ANC performance, sound signature, comfort, battery, and features—you can confidently find the perfect pair of noise canceling headphones under $200 that fit your lifestyle perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are noise canceling headphones under $200 actually good?
Yes, absolutely. The technology that was once exclusive to premium models has trickled down significantly. While a $300+ pair might have slightly more refined noise cancellation or marginally better materials, the performance gap is much smaller than it used to be. You can find models in this budget that offer excellent ANC, great sound, and long battery life. They are more than capable of handling noisy commutes, busy offices, and air travel.
What is the difference between active and passive noise cancellation?
This is a great question. Passive noise cancellation is simply the physical barrier created by the headphones’ ear cups. Think of it like putting your hands over your ears; it blocks out some sound through insulation. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is the electronic feature. It uses tiny microphones to pick up ambient noise and then generates a counteracting “anti-noise” sound wave to cancel it out before it reaches your ear. The best headphones use a combination of both for maximum quiet.
Can I use noise canceling headphones for phone calls?
You can, and most are designed for it, but call quality varies a lot. Look for models that advertise features like “beamforming mics” or “voice pickup.” These use multiple microphones to focus on the sound of your voice while using other mics to cancel out background noise like wind or chatter. I have found that some are crystal clear, while others can make you sound a bit muffled to the person on the other end, so it is a spec worth checking in reviews.
How long does the battery typically last on these headphones?
In the under-$200 category, you can generally expect between 20 to 40 hours of playback with the active noise cancellation turned on. Some models can even push beyond that if you turn ANC off. A handy feature that is become common is quick charging, where a 10- or 15-minute charge can give you several hours of listening time, which is a lifesaver when you are in a pinch.
Is it worth getting wireless noise canceling headphones, or should I stick with wired?
For most people, wireless is the way to go for pure convenience. Cutting the cord is fantastic for commuting, working out, or just moving around your home. However, some audiophiles still prefer a wired connection for the guaranteed, uncompressed audio quality. Many wireless models also include a cable for a wired option, giving you the best of both worlds. When you are looking at the top noise canceling headphones under $200, you will find that the wireless performance is typically excellent.
Do they work well on airplanes?
They are one of the best travel investments you can make. Airplane cabins are filled with constant, low-frequency engine hum, which is exactly what ANC technology is best at eliminating. A good pair will dramatically reduce that fatiguing drone, allowing you to enjoy music, podcasts, or movies at a much lower (and safer) volume, or even just relax in relative silence.