Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Soundcore by Anker Space One ($69 – $99).
- Last year's flagship model usually drops sharply when a new version launches and still beats most new mid-range pairs.
- Noise cancelling strength varies most on low hums such as engines and air conditioning, so judge it on travel use rather than spec sheets.
In this article
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On a budget? Here are the best-value noise cancelling headphones in the US, starting with the cheapest model we rate, with typical prices and our verdict on each.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundcore by Anker Space One | Buy | 8.0/10 | $69 – $99 |
| Sony WH-CH720N | Buy | 8.2/10 | $100 – $150 |
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Buy | 8.5/10 | $199 – $349 |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Buy | 9.1/10 | $330 – $400 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Buy | 9.0/10 | $379 – $449 |
Budget picks in detail
Soundcore by Anker Space One
Budget pick · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.0/10 · Typical price: $69 – $99
Why we like it: Surprisingly strong ANC under $100.
Pros: Strong noise cancelling for the price · Very long battery life · Customizable EQ in the app
Cons: Plastic build · Calls sound thin in wind
Buy it if you want real noise cancelling and long battery life for well under $100.
Skip it if you want premium materials or top-tier call quality.
Sony WH-CH720N
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.2/10 · Typical price: $100 – $150
Sony WH-CH720N is one of the noise cancelling headphones we would buy in the US. It scores 8.2/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $100 – $150.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Value Bose comfort · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $199 – $349
Why we like it: Bose comfort and ANC for less.
Pros: Light and comfortable · Strong noise cancelling for the price · Folds into a compact case
Cons: No spatial audio · Plain, older design
Buy it if you want the famous Bose comfort and strong noise cancelling without paying flagship prices.
Skip it if you want spatial audio or the very best call quality.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.1/10 · Typical price: $330 – $400
For most people, Sony WH-1000XM5 is worth its usual price of $330 – $400. Our score: 9.1/10.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Comfort on long flights · Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $379 – $449
Why we like it: Plush fit and top-tier noise cancelling.
Pros: Very comfortable for hours · Noise cancelling on par with the best · Lossless audio over USB-C · Immersive Audio mode for movies
Cons: Expensive · Immersive Audio drains the battery faster
Buy it if you put comfort first on long flights and want noise cancelling that rivals the best.
Skip it if you want the longest battery or the lowest price for great ANC.
How to save money
Last year's flagship model usually drops sharply when a new version launches and still beats most new mid-range pairs.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Noise cancelling strength varies most on low hums such as engines and air conditioning, so judge it on travel use rather than spec sheets.
Common mistake: Buying on noise cancelling alone and ignoring fit, call quality and the companion app.
Compare more options
Search noise cancelling headphones on Amazon See top-rated noise cancelling headphones on Amazon
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap noise cancelling headphones in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Soundcore by Anker Space One, typically $69 – $99.
Are cheap noise cancelling headphones worth it?
Last year's flagship model usually drops sharply when a new version launches and still beats most new mid-range pairs. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Noise cancelling strength varies most on low hums such as engines and air conditioning, so judge it on travel use rather than spec sheets.
When are noise cancelling headphones cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.