If you are looking for great noise-canceling headphones, one of the things we are not going to recommend is for you to spend your arms and legs to get one. This is because there are many great headphones below $100 dollars that will give you decent performance and functionality. But if what you are looking for is more than just decent, there are many others that you will get for less than 200 dollars.
Okay, let’s clear the air on whether the more expensive noise-canceling headphones are better than the lesser-priced ones. The truth is that while in terms of real-world performance, someone may not realize the difference, the pricier ones mostly come with more advanced technologies, extended features, and quality that will give them a durability edge. With that said, if you are willing to look well enough, you will still find low-priced headphones that will give the high-end sets a run for their money.
At close to 400 bucks, you can get the Sony WH-1000XM5, which is an over-ear wireless headphone that has been dubbed the best noise-canceling headphones. However, considering the 200 dollars mark, our recommended overall best is the Bose QuietComfort 25 Noise Cancelling Headphones, our Editor’s choice is Google Pixel Buds Pro while for the best based on affordability, you might want to go with the Sony MDR-ZX11ONC which has good features as well.
According to reports, wireless headphones improve functionality and comfort for that, many users prefer wireless but they also require battery life.
What Makes a Great Noise-canceling Headphone?
- Sound Quality
Headphones that fall within this price range usually provide wider frequency ranges, deeper bass, and better sound quality than other cheaper noise-canceling headphones.
- Noise cancellation
In the search for noise-canceling headphones, one would come across headphones with varying noise reduction depths depending on the brands and models. The headphones that cost under $200 usually have an average noise reduction of about 25dB-30dB.
Some additional features like Al noise cancellation technology and also ambient modes to have more control over the listening environment.
- Device Compatibility
Noise-canceling headphones should be compatible with almost all mobile devices. In addition to that, sensitivity rating should be considered as well.
- Frequency response
A good headphone should be able to reproduce the full audible spectrum from 20 to Hz-20,000 Hz.
Types of Noise-cancelling Headphones
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation
- Passive Noise Cancellation
What Type of Noise-canceling Headphones Should Pick?
While this is based on the user’s discretion, there are certain factors to consider while picking a noise-cancellation headphone. Depending on one’s circumstances, choosing passive noise cancellation could be the best. However, there are times when both active and adaptive noise-cancellation headphones could be combined.
If one works in a noisy working environment, active noise cancellation might just be the best.
Passive noise canceling is the best way to live in an environment with an event center or hall. As for investing in adaptive noise canceling might be the best pick if one works and moves around all the time.
That being said, take a look at the 9 best noise-canceling headphones for under 200 dollars we have carefully selected for you.
Best Noise Canceling Headphones Under 200 Dollars
1. Bose QuietComfort 25 Noise Cancelling Headphones- Overall Best
Often described as the world’s most effective noise-canceling headphones, Bose QuietComfort, this piece has about 11 levels of active noise cancellation that allow the user to enjoy good music without any distractions.
Judging by the name, Bose designed these headphones to be very quiet and comfortable, and that is exactly what you get. It is because of this that these cans have remained one of the best choices for many.
More than that, the sound is clear and detailed with deep and generous bass. The headphones produce an exciting, lifelike sound that has a balance at every volume level. The lightweight, over-ear, and wired set has other features including the following:
- sweat and weather resistant
- sweat and weather resistant
- simple touch controls
- compatible with iOS and Android
Pros
- Very comfortable and lightweight
- It is designed to be used for a very long time
- The noise-canceling technology is top notch
Cons
- Audiophiles may have some issues with sound performance.
Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort 25 Noise Cancelling Headphones comes highly recommended. It is the one we are recommending for someone whose main emphasis is on comfort and premium noise canceling.
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2. Google Pixel Buds Pro – Editor’s Choice
The Google Pixel is a set of in-ear headphones that are in a class of their own. The Pixel Buds Pro is designed to offer premium noise cancellation thanks to its silent seal which is designed to keep out every external noise. At the same time, if you want to get external sound, you can achieve that with its transparency mode.
An upgraded variant of Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless, this is a Bluetooth set that apart from delivering great sound, comes with a battery life of over 30 hours, which should be more than enough for most people. What adds some points to it is the ability to charge wirelessly.
Sure, beauty counts for something too. The piece is designed to be pleasing to the eye and fitting to the ear when put in correctly.
Key Features:
- Active Noise cancellation with quiet seals
- 11mm speaker drivers and volume equalizer
- 31 hours battery life
- It comes with a microphone for hands-free calls and controls
Pros
- Graphic EQ and presets are available in a compatible app
- High-quality sound and audio delivery
- Fast charging
- sweat resistance
Cons
- There have been complaints about bad passive soundstage
Verdict
The Google Pixel Buds Pro is a very powerful set that will thick almost any box for someone looking for in-ear Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones.
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3. Sony MDR-ZX11ONC-Most Affordable
The Sony MDR-ZX11ONC is obviously one of the best noise-canceling headphones which have proven to have a good sound performance and long battery life. The noise-isolating headphone can reduce the ambient background noise by up to 90% to 95%. This means that the noise canceling feature is very effective in the low-frequency ranges.
The Sony MDR-ZX11ONC headphones come with 30mm neodymium drivers and have up to 80 hours of battery life on a single charge. It also has a wide frequency range from 10 Hz to 22 kHz.
This model of Sony comes highly recommended and it is a very effective set of noise-canceling headphones under $200.
Key Features:
- Both wired and wireless connectivity.
- On-Ear form factor
- Swivel, folding design
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- It gives a very good battery life.
- Good price
Cons
- It’s not 100% soundproof
- Not comfortable to wear with glasses for a long time
Verdict
The fact that the Sony MDR-ZX11ONCgood audio output and ANC systems makes it a great pick for someone on a budget. But then, if you have the means, we will recommend others on the list because it doesn’t give the best noise canceling.
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4. Anker Life Q35 Multi-Mode Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
A noise-canceling set by Soundcore, the Anker Life Q35 is another in its own class, and one of the best you will get in the 200 dollars range.
It is an over-the-ear set that works very well in canceling noise thanks to its active noise-canceling technology. More so, it has very good audio reproduction and is very comfortable thanks to its good fit. That said, it may not fit well for those who have more than average head size.
Key Features:
- AI-Enhanced Calls technology
- 98% noise reduction
- The app has 5 noise-reduction levels
- Battery life of over 40 hours
Pros
- Excellent mid-level headphones
- LDAC enables it to pair with other audio devices
- Multipoint Bluetooth
- It has a good battery life
Cons
- You will have to pay separately for its case
- No mute button for the mic.
Verdict
This is the piece we will recommend for someone looking for over-ear headphones that are Bluetooth enabled and have active noise-canceling technology. That said, you may want to avoid this if you have a very large head.
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5. Sennheiser HD 450BT
For anyone who has been a fan of good headphones, Sennheiser will not be an unfamiliar name. The brand is known for its clean and well-designed sets that deliver in sound quality and functionality. That is exactly what you get with the Sennheiser HD 450BT Over-Ear headphones. The piece has active noise-canceling technology and 5.0 wireless technology.
With built-in Alexa, the headphones have a battery life of around 30 hours which means you can listen for hours and hours. It is also lightweight and foldable.
It delivers good sound, although if you are very much interested in heavy bass, then this may disappoint you.
Key Features:
- 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity
- AAC and AptX Low Latency codec support
- Has a 30-hour battery life
Pros
- Very good sound quality
- It has good points when it comes to comfort
- long battery life
- Top-notch noise cancelation.
Cons
- This is not a piece that will last forever.
Verdict
If comfort and battery life are what you are looking for, then Sennheiser HD 450BT is the perfect one for you. The good sound quality is also a plus but if one wants to consider using it for a long period, it could be tiring.
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Read Also: 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers from $100 to $200- Great Performance (Review)
6. JBL Live 650BTNC
If you are picking the best noise-canceling headphones on the basis of popularity, the JBL Live 650BTNC will not be a first pick. Apart from that, it is one that is great in more ways than one.
This around-the-ear wireless headphone is designed with very good noise cancellation. It has a battery life that can last for more than 30 hours with only 2 hours of charging time.
Key Features:
- Mute distractions
- Has JBL Signature sound
- Hands-free calling
- 30 hours battery life/ 2 hours charge
Pros:
- Durable battery
- Hands-free calling
- ability to mute distractions
- Good sound quality
- Good for gaming and phones calls
Cons
- Noise cancellation is not quite active
- The LED noise cancel light on the headset may not be a good idea for many.
Verdict
If you are looking for a well-designed on-ear piece that gives great performance and decent noise-canceling, then you may consider going for this.
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7. Panasonic RB-M700B
The Panasonic RB-M700B headphones have ultra-low bass and good and reliable noise cancellation. While blocking out other external noises, it allows the user to enjoy high-quality audio music.
Also, it has an adjustable headband, which can be customized on the head. Nevertheless, the noise cancellation on this model may not measure up with the other noise-canceling headphones mentioned above.
This particular model only supports feedforward ANC technology in place of the more advanced hybrid or adaptive ANC technology in the other headphones mentioned within this price range.
Key Features:
- Feedforward ANC
- 20 hours battery life
- Audio Codec Support SBC, AAC
- No Ambient Sound Mode
- Voice Assistant Integration availability
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Very comfortable to wear
- Durable battery
Cons
- Fragile ear cuff
Verdict
The Panasonic RB-M700B works better with the Bluetooth connection. It is not the headphone that will last forever, but while it lasts, you can bet on it to deliver comfort and great performance.
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8. Sony WH-XB900N Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Sony WH-XB900N is known to be high-quality headphones with good noise cancellation. It works so well that it blocks and cancels up to about 85% to 90% of ambient noise.
One notable feature of this headphone is the level of bass. It has extra bass headphones and can also deliver a solid deep low end with a level of kick that most headphones lack.
The excellent 30 hours battery life and frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz device come with a touch sensor control. It also works with Google Assistant and other voice assistants.
Key Features:
- It has a quick attention mode
- Next-Level Digital Noise Reduction Technology
- Battery life is up to 30 hours
- Compatibility depends on the country
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Very comfortable
Cons
- A noise-canceling feature sometimes goes off
Verdict
With very good sound quality, if you are after the bass levels, this might be the best pick. However, one should take note of the noise canceling feature going off and on.
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Maintenance Guide for the Noise-cancellation Headphones
Headphones can damage due to improper care. All the noise-cancellation headphones mentioned above are usually accompanied by a user manual that has instructions as regards how to maintain and clean the device. In addition to that, here are some tips that might help you.
- To avoid cracking the earpads, always clean them with dry soft tools such as cotton swabs or pads
- Do not use solvents such as alcohol to clean the earpads
- Always store your headphones in a case or protective bag when not in use
- Do not tangle the cable
- The USB port cover must always be firmly closed after used
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