5 Best Affordable Noise-Canceling Headphones in 2024
In today’s fast-paced world, noise-canceling headphones have become a must-have for anyone looking to enjoy uninterrupted music, podcasts, or even silence. Whether you’re a student, a professional working from home, or a frequent traveler, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can make a significant difference in your daily life. However, finding quality noise-canceling headphones that don’t break the bank can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the five best affordable noise-canceling headphones of 2024. These headphones provide excellent value for money without compromising on quality.
Why You Need Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are not just a luxury but a necessity for many. Whether you’re in a noisy office, on a crowded airplane, or just trying to find some peace at home, these headphones can help you block out unwanted noise and focus on what matters. Here’s why you need noise-canceling headphones: Enhanced Focus: Noise-canceling headphones allow you to concentrate better by eliminating distractions. Improved Sound Quality: By reducing background noise, these headphones let you enjoy your music or podcasts in greater clarity. Travel Companion: Perfect for long flights or commutes, they help reduce fatigue by minimizing the constant hum of engines or chatter. Better Sleep: If you live in a noisy environment, noise-canceling headphones can help you get a better night’s sleep.
How We Chose the Best Affordable Noise-Canceling Headphones
Selecting the best affordable noise-canceling headphones involves considering several factors, including:
Price: We focused on headphones that offer the best value under $200.
Noise-Canceling Performance: We assessed how well each pair of headphones can block out ambient noise.
Sound Quality: The headphones should deliver clear, balanced sound across different genres.
Comfort: The headphones should be comfortable enough for long listening sessions.
Battery Life: We considered the battery life for wireless headphones, particularly with noise-canceling turned on.
Durability: The build quality and materials used are crucial for long-term use.
1. Sony WH-CH720N
The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless headphones are an upgrade from their predecessor, the Sony WH-CH710N. Positioned in the mid-range of Sony’s Bluetooth headphone lineup, they bring several enhancements, most notably the introduction of a companion app. This app provides features such as sound customization, multi-device pairing, and virtual surround sound, giving users more control over their listening experience.
The Sony WH-CH720N are well-suited for commuting and travel. They offer a comfortable, lightweight fit and boast an impressive battery life of over 38 hours, making them ideal for long journeys. Their active noise cancellation (ANC) feature is effective in reducing ambient sounds, especially higher-pitched noises like brakes, though it is less effective against low-frequency sounds like engine rumble. However, the headphones lack portability, as they do not fold down for easier storage and do not come with a carrying case.
2. Anker Soundcore Life Q45
The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless headphones are an upgraded version of the Anker Soundcore Life Q35, boasting a range of enhanced features. Unlike their predecessor, the Q45 introduces adaptive noise cancellation (ANC), which automatically adjusts to your surroundings for optimal noise reduction. For those who prefer manual control, there’s also an option to switch to manual ANC. These headphones continue to support LDAC and multi-device pairing, and they are compatible with the Anker Soundcore app, which provides a graphic equalizer and various sound presets to fine-tune your listening experience.
Perfect for Commuting and Traveling
The Anker Soundcore Q45 headphones are ideal for commuting and traveling. With their comfortable fit and durable build, these over-ear headphones feature an advanced adaptive ANC system that effectively minimizes unwanted noises such as engine hum or background chatter, allowing you to fully enjoy your journey. The Q45s also offer impressive battery life, easily lasting through extended periods on the road, and can be used in wired mode if needed. Additionally, they come with a protective carrying case, although their over-ear design does require some space in your bag.
3. JBL TUNE 770NC
The JBL TUNE 770NC stands out as a premium option within JBL’s Live series, offering a step up from the more affordable Tune line. Building on the previous JBL Live 660NC Wireless, this model serves as the over-ear counterpart to the JBL Live 670NC Wireless on-ears. Key features include active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and a variety of customizable EQ settings via the app. With JBL’s extensive product range, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially since mid-range models like the 770NC can sometimes surpass older flagship models in specs. To clarify its strengths and weaknesses, we’ve evaluated these ANC headphones in detail.
The JBL TUNE 770NC are excellent for travel and commuting, boasting a long battery life that ensures you won’t run out of power before reaching your destination. They offer a comfortable fit, and their noise-cancelling capabilities effectively reduce environmental noise, though they might not be the best in class. Sound leakage is minimal, making them a considerate choice for flights. The accompanying app enhances the user experience with features like various listening modes and TalkThru for quick conversations. However, being over-ear headphones, they require ample space, and their carrying pouch offers limited protection against potential damage.
4. Sennheiser HD 450BT
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are decent wireless over-ear headphones with a sleek design similar to the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC. One of their standout features is the impressive battery life, which can last over 24 hours on a single charge. However, in other areas, these headphones are fairly average and don’t particularly excel compared to their competitors. The active noise cancellation is decent, but it struggles with lower frequency noises like those from bus or train engines. They have a snug fit, which helps them stay in place during light activities, but this might also cause discomfort during extended use, especially since the headband has minimal padding and the ear cups may not be spacious enough for larger ears.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT perform adequately for commuting and travel. While they feature active noise cancellation that can reduce some low-frequency sounds, it’s not likely to create a completely noise-free environment. Additionally, the tight fit of these headphones may cause discomfort for some users, particularly those with larger ears, as the ear cups may not provide a proper seal. On the positive side, their long-lasting battery makes them a reliable choice for long journeys.
5. Razer Opus X Wireless
The Razer Opus X Wireless offer a more budget-friendly alternative to the Razer Opus Wireless. Designed for both casual use and mobile gaming, these over-ear headphones feature a low latency ‘Gaming Mode’ to keep your audio and video synchronized on your smartphone. Out of the box, they deliver a balanced sound with a slight boost in bass, which is ideal for genres like EDM and hip-hop. Their companion app also includes EQ presets to customize the audio to your liking. However, the active noise cancellation (ANC) is relatively weak, particularly in reducing low-frequency noises such as the rumble of buses and airplanes.
For commuting and traveling, the Razer Opus X are quite adequate. They are well-constructed and offer a comfortable fit with impressive battery life that can handle long journeys. However, their bulkiness and lack of a carrying case make them less convenient for portability. The ANC may not effectively block out lower-frequency noise, and the ear cups can become quite warm during extended use.
Finding the right pair of noise-canceling headphones doesn’t have to be expensive. The five options listed above prove that you can enjoy high-quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable design without spending a fortune. Whether you prioritize battery life, sound quality, or portability, there’s an option here for everyone.
When choosing the best affordable noise-canceling headphones for your needs, consider your primary use case—whether it’s for travel, work, or general listening—and what features are most important to you. Any of the models mentioned in this list would be an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a quiet, immersive listening experience in 2024.
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