🎧 Best Budget Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 (ANC Under $100)
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is no longer just for $300+ flagships. In 2025, you can get real ANC under ~$100 that cuts airplane hum, traffic, and HVAC rumble.
We evaluated the Sony WH-CH720N, Anker Soundcore Life Q35, and Skullcandy Hesh ANC for cancellation, comfort, battery life, mic quality, and value.
🔝 Top Budget ANC Picks (2025)
Sony WH-CH720N
Balanced ANC, 35h battery, lightweight and comfortable.
Anker Soundcore Life Q35
LDAC Hi-Res audio, multipoint pairing, 40h battery life.
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
Affordable ANC with bold bass and simple controls.
Prices change often. Check today’s price and availability before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sony WH-CH720N
- Balanced ANC
- 35h battery
- Lightweight, comfy
Anker Soundcore Life Q35
- LDAC Hi-Res
- 40h battery
- Multipoint pairing
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Bold bass
- Simple controls
- Affordable
*Prices are approximate and may change. Always check the live price on Amazon before buying.
⭐ Best for Different Needs
- Best Overall: Sony WH-CH720N — balanced ANC, light clamping force, long battery life.
- Best for Travel: Anker Soundcore Life Q35 — multipoint, LDAC, strong endurance for flights.
- Best Budget Bass: Skullcandy Hesh ANC — fun tuning with decent attenuation.
Prices change often. Check today’s price and availability before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
🎧 What to Expect Under $100
Budget ANC headphones in 2025 are surprisingly capable. They won’t match the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC Ultra, but they can:
- Cut steady low-frequency noise (plane, bus, train).
- Deliver ~25–40h battery life with ANC on.
- Stay comfortable for commutes and office work.
- Offer extras like multipoint pairing and basic app EQ.
Trade-offs: transparency quality, premium materials, and wide soundstage.
⚖️ Sony vs. Anker vs. Skullcandy
- Sony WH-CH720N → Lightweight, neutral-lean tuning, consistent ANC. Great everyday pick.
- Anker Soundcore Life Q35 → Feature-rich (LDAC, EQ, multipoint). Best for tinkerers and travelers.
- Skullcandy Hesh ANC → Bold bass, simple controls, wallet-friendly. Fun, casual sound.
Prices change often. Check today’s price and availability before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
🛒 Buying Tips for Cheap ANC Headphones
- Check battery life with ANC ON (not just “up to” standby).
- Multipoint pairing helps if you switch laptop/phone often.
- Avoid “fake ANC” — true ANC uses external mics + DSP.
- Comfort first: clamp force and padding often matter more than specs.
🔬 How We Test
- Noise cancellation with pink noise profiles (plane/train).
- Comfort tests (2–3h sessions, hotspot & clamp checks).
- Mic quality in traffic, wind, and café chatter.
- Battery drain at 50–60% volume with ANC on.
❓ FAQ
Are cheap ANC headphones worth it in 2025?
Yes — even under $100, they reduce steady low-end noise and improve focus while commuting or working.
Sony vs. Anker — which is better?
Sony WH-CH720N has stronger low-frequency ANC; Anker Q35 offers more features (LDAC, EQ, multipoint, transparency).
Do ANC headphones under $100 work for travel?
Absolutely — they meaningfully reduce engine noise on flights and trains.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
Anker Q35 can reach around 40h with ANC; Sony averages ~35h — both are excellent.
Do budget ANC headphones include transparency mode?
Anker Q35 includes transparency; Sony and Skullcandy are more limited.
Which budget ANC has the best bass?
Skullcandy Hesh ANC — tuned for bold, fun bass.
Prices change often. Check today’s price and availability before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
