What are the best active noise-canceling headphones below $150 that use Bluetooth?
For one, why even use active noise-cancelling headphones in the first place? Whether you’re at work, in a train, subway, plane, or a daily walk down the street; If your consistently in a noisy environment, it can put a number on your mind. I like to call it a low-level refrigerator hum that never shuts off.
Research has shown those who live in a densely populated city can negatively affect their mental health. According to a Dutch study, people who lived in a city rather than a rural or suburban area have a 39% increased risk of a mood disorder and a 21% higher chance of getting an anxiety disorder.
One of the reasons is due to consistent noise and chatter. Your mind rarely gets the time to shut off. Thus, noise-canceling headphones became quite popular with those in cities or consistent subway/plane commuters.
Keep in mind that they’re all sorts of reasons why one will tremendously benefit from noise-cancellation headphones rather than letting your mind escape the chatter. However, the reason I listed above is one that holds dear to me for many reasons. Nevertheless, we put together a list of the absolute 12 best and highest-rated noise-cancellation headphones with Bluetooth capabilities below $150. All of these headphones below provide an excellent value for the cheap price.
In Short, Here Are The 13 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Under $150 All Wireless Bluetooth
- Mpow H5
- Anker Soundcore Space NC
- Sony WH-CH700N
- Hiearcool
- Naztech i9
- Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC
- Plantronics Pro 2
- Silensys E7 PRO
- Skullcandy
- COWIN E8
- Philips SHB8750NC/27
- JBL Live 460NC
- Paww WaveSound 3
1. Sony WH-CH700N
If you’re looking for a technologically advanced pair of noise-cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-CH700N is an excellent choice. Not only you can change songs with the controls on the headphone cups, but it also comes with Alexa voice control.
Previously selling for $199, now they are currently priced well below $150. You can either get these headphones in black or a vibrant blue. Something I like about them is their light-weight and flexibility. You are able to stretch them vigorously without it breaking for added longevity over time. The ear cups rotate up to 180 degrees. Another thing I find unique is its ability to hold firmly on your head while remaining very comfortable.
In terms of sound quality, I thought these headphones were superb. The bass response was strong, and the mids/highs were very clear. I was overall very pleased with the audio. With 35 hours per full charge, it has great battery life. It’s relatively compact and lightweight for easy travel. For active noise cancellation, press the button labeled NC on the earcup. The noise cancelation is suitable for travel but doesn’t cancel out the human voice too much.
Details & Tech Specs
- Digital noise-cancelling
- Voice assistant: Alexa voice-control
- Built-in microphone
- 35 hours of battery life
- Rotatable ear cups
- 40 feet wireless Bluetooth range
- Tough build
- Strong bass response
- Unfoldable
- Unnoticeable latency
- Rotatable ear cups
- Flexible
2. Naztech i9
If you need headphones with the very best ambient and plane noise cancelation abilities for the cheapest price, look no further than the Naztech i9! I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness these headphones can nearly eliminate all ambient noise while remaining incredibly comfortable. In terms of how well they reduce noise, many people claim these headphones stand toe-to-toe with other pairs double the price.
On the Naztech i9 are a few controls; Pause/play button, skip song button, previous song button, ANC, on/off switch, volume, auxiliary port, and micro USB charging port. To connect the headphones to Bluetooth, you must hold down the play button.
They are incredibly flexible, which reduces the chance of damage during rigorous traveling conditions. Lastly, the sound quality is excellent and has a sturdy build quality. Overall, the Naztech i9 is an outstanding bang for the buck. I highly recommend them.
Details & Tech Specs
- Comes with a carry case, micro USB, aux cord
- Robust build quality
- Comfortable
- Bluetooth version 4.1
- Wired or Bluetooth wireless option
- Great ambient noise-cancelation
- Flexible
3. Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC
The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC is a fantastic pair of Bluetooth headphones. It gives you the option to use it wireless with Bluetooth or wireless with an auxiliary. They sound excellent with a great balance between the lows, mids, and highs. Sennheiser created an app called CapTune that comes with the purchase of these headphones.
It allows you to better EQ the headphones to find your exact taste of how you want it to sound. While I’m more than impressed by the flat EQ sound without the app, Captune certainly has a setting to fit just about anyone’s needs.
To activate the noise cancellation mode, you must hold both volume buttons at the same time. While it’s a bit harder to activate the ANC than most headphones, it’s most definitely worth it. The noise-cancellation one of the best on this list. After all, this is also one of the more expensive pairs on the list.
In terms of comfort, I give these a 9 out of 10. They were not the most comfortable at first. After about 30 minutes, they loosened up and felt like nothing was there. These Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC are overall a great pair of headphones that used to be running for $200 but now below $150. I highly recommend them.
Details & Tech Specs
- Bluetooth 4.50
- Comes with a travel case
- Wired or wireless option
- Incredibly comfortable
- Wireless range is roughly 20 feet
- Great sound quality
- Charges by USB
- Free Sennheiser App “Captune app” for great EQ
- 20-hour battery life
4. Plantronics Pro 2
The Plantronics Pro 2 used to be running for $199, but now priced at $131 on Amazon is an excellent pair of noise-cancellation headphones. Coming with the purchase is a nice carrying case, micro USB charger, and 3.5mm auxiliary cord. The battery life is very good at roughly 24 hours. However, the wireless range is phenomenal, with 70-100 feet of range.
Better yet, the sound quality is fantastic. The bass response is near perfect to my ears while the highs are sparkly with a punchy midsection. We give the sound quality a 9 out of 10.
Something that I find unique about the Plantronics Pro 2 is its automatic pause to music once the headphones are taken off. I also like the multifunction button on the right ear cup as it allows you to access the virtual assistant and answer phone calls. On the left ear cup are various controls as well, such as the pause/play, skip a song, previous song, volume, and ANC switch.
The active noise-cancellation is very good. In my experience, the noise-cancelling abilities are good enough to block out most chatter, office work, coffee shops, and a vast amount of airplane travel. However, it is not enough for a busy subway or train ride. Overall, the Plantronics Pro 2 is an incredible pair of noise-cancellation headphones that will not let you down.
Details & Tech Specs
- Comes with a carrying pouch
- Ambient sound mode
- Very nice built-in controls on the ear cups
- Rotatable ear cups
- Non-foldable
- Great bass-response
- 24-hour battery life
- Built-in microphone for phone calls
- 70-100 feet of wireless range
- Headphones controls; pause, play, skip song, previous song, volume, and ANC switch
- Multifunctional button on the right ear cup
5. Silensys E7 PRO
One of the most famous pair of affordable noise-cancelling headphones on the market, the Silensys E7 PRO is the safest overall choice for the money. They are very well priced, running below $100. When I first used these, they were much better than I was expecting for the low-price. Don’t let the picture fool you. They are much smaller and compact in person. There are two different ways to turn the headphones on; Either Bluetooth mode or active noise-canceling mode.
In terms of how these headphones sound, it is overall pretty good for the low-price. One thing I noticed was when the volume was turned to the max without noise-cancelling, the audio got a bit boomy. Around 90% volume and down, the sound quality was very good with great bass response.
The noise cancellation works very well at blocking out a great deal of outside noise. However, when the active noise-cancellation is turned on, the music sounds a bit more hollow and loses some of the mids /highs. This issue was quickly fixed with a bit of EQ.
Lastly, the comfort gets a 9 out of 10! The soft top headband works very well, while the earcups feel like clouds. I can definitely see why these are one of Amazon’s best-selling headphones with incredible ratings across the board.
Details & Tech Specs
- Bluetooth
- 30-hour battery life
- Great built-in mic
- Well-built
- A bit heavy around 1 pound
- Comfortable
- Controls; Bluetooth, off, ANC switches
- Flexible
- Rotatable cups
- Comes with a carry case, auxiliary cord, and micro USB charging cord
6. Skullcandy
Next in line, the stylish Skullcandy is a fantastic choice of noise-cancelling headphones that cover the ear. They are incredibly affordable and an excellent bang for the buck. Between the build quality, ANC capabilities, comfort, and great sound quality, this is yet another pair of headphones that’s too good for its low price. The sound quality is suitable for the price point.
The noise cancellation works much better than I was expecting for headphones at this price range. It blocks out the majority of lower frequencies while reducing mid to higher frequencies. In other words, they work great for traveling since most engine noises and ambient sounds are at lower frequencies.
Many people claim these work incredibly well for office use. Considering it blocks out most of the annoying lower frequencies for better focus, you can still hear somebody if they need to speak with you. However, it still reduces the background chatter by a decent amount. With its built-in mic, you can also make and receive phone calls. Overall, I highly recommend these for people in need of noise-canceling headphones for an office at the lowest price.
Detail & Tech Specs
- Built-in mic
- Rapid Chargeing
- Lightweight
- Oval earcups
- Built-in mic produces good quality for phone calls
- Ambient Mode
- 22-hour battery life
- Flexible
7. COWIN E8
The COWIN E8 active-noise-canceling headphones are an incredible pair below $300. During your phone calls, there is no need to try and over-speak. It picks up your voice incredibly well and is articulated clearly. These headphones have comfortable padding and clamp on the head pretty tightly. However, the tight clamp is in no way uncomfortable or overbearing.
Another thing I love is the active-noise-canceling feature. It eradicates most outside noise. If you want your daily commute, plane travel, bus, or office work to be in peace and quiet, the COWIN E8 works exceptionally well. In my opinion, these headphones are worth $50 more than they are currently priced at. While many ANC headphones hurt the sound quality, it does not negatively affect the audio with the Cowin E8.
The build quality is robust and built to last. Comparing it to all of the mid to high-grade headphones on the market, I give the build a 9 out of 10. Another thing I love about them is the well-balanced sound quality. While listening to music, these headphones separate the frequencies so well that it almost feels like you’re in an open hall filled with surround sound.
The highs are sparkly, the mids are crisp, and the bass is full. Overall, these headphones are an incredible choice if you can’t quite afford anything over $200, but you still need an overall high-quality pair.
Detail & Tech Specs
- Bluetooth
- 18-20 hour battery life
- Great built-in mic for high-quality phone calls
- Active-noise-canceling
- Great sound quality
8. Philips SHB8750NC/27
The Philips SHB8750NC/27 is possibly the best at a cancelling out noise on this list. When the active noise-cancelling feature is initiated, it reduces outside noise by up to 97%. It nearly eliminates noise on a plane entirely. In terms of comfort, they are pretty good with about an 8.5 out of 10. Not the most comfortable on this list but not the least.
With a full charge, you get 16 hours of battery life, which is a bit less than the majority of wireless headphones. However, if noise-cancellation and excellent sound quality are what you’re going for in the $130 range, these are an excellent choice for you.
To further embellish on the Philips SHB8750NC/27 sound quality, it is distinctly clear with great instrument separation. It comes with an App that allows you to tweak the sound quality to what works best for you. Not going to lie, I wasn’t blown away by the sound quality right out of the box. Once I adjusted the EQ with the App, I was more than happy with the sound quality.
Detail & Tech Specs
- Possibly best noise-cancelling abilities on this list
- Able to activate Siri and Google now
- 16 hours of battery life
- Wired or wireless option
- Lightweight
- 32 mm neodymium drivers
- Comes with a USB charging port and auxiliary cord
- Bluetooth (easy to pair)
9. JBL Live 460NC
Another one of the highest-rated Bluetooth headphones on the market, the JBL Live 460NC is an excellent contender. Although they are priced very cheap below $150, they have a variety of features. First off, it has two built-in microphones on each side of the headset.
The JBL Live 460NC has excellent sound quality. Like every pair on this list, the audio is good for the price running below $150. It is very clear without distortion, regardless of how loud the volume goes. The bass response is excellent as well.
If I were to review this headphone without knowing the price, I would’ve guessed it was twice the price. The ANC technology, Bluetooth capabilities, and comfort would have led me to believe these headphones were around $180. Overall, they are a fantastic bang for the buck. We highly recommend them.
Users Say: “I really like that these earphones have a natural balance of sound. Not everyone likes high bass and thank god these headphones don’t have that like Dr Dre’s Beats Solo Pro Headphones. Having a low bass means you can hear classic and classic piano/dance/electronica songs more clearly as it’s not shrouded by that booming bass.”
Detail & Tech Specs
- Requirement: Android 6.0 or Higher
- AMS as3435 noise-canceling technology (aka, great noise-canceling)
- Rotatable ear muffs
- 50-hour battery life
10. Mpow H5
Next up, the Mpow H5 is a steller bang for the buck pair of headphones. They provide steller noise-cancellation at an incredibly affordable price below $50. These headphones give you the option to either use them wired or wireless with a Bluetooth connection. The range with Bluetooth is roughly 30 feet giving you more than enough leeway of use. They can be folded quite nicely as it also comes with a travel case for easier portability.
These headphones are very comfortable for small to medium-sized heads. However, they may be a bit tight on larger heads. Out of 10, I give the noise-cancellation an 8. Not perfect, but extremely good for the price. They do, however, eliminate the majority of noise on an airplane. Almost as if the songs you normally listen to have much higher energy than usual, the sound quality is very good for the price as well.
It has a relatively even sound between all frequencies. The bass is not as heavy as many headphones, but it is well balanced. You can either use these headphones with Bluetooth wireless connection or wired. In terms of battery life, it is phenomenal with roughly 30-40 hours. Overall, it’s an outstanding choice for the meager price!
Detail & Tech Specs
- Built-in mic
- Light-weight
- Comes with a travel case
- Wired/wireless option
- Bluetooth
- 30-hour battery life
11. Soundcore by Anker Life Q35
The Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 is a great noise-cancelling pair of headphones that come with a travel case. Currently priced under $150, they are a great deal for the high quality they produce. First of all, their noise-cancelling abilities are very good for the lower frequencies. Anker uses hybrid active technology that eliminates 93% of all low frequencies coming from the environment. This works extremely well for traveling by plane or train.
In terms of the sound quality, The Anker Soundcore Space is decent. Between the lows, mids, and highs; These headphones have a clean sound for the price. However, I personally prefer a bit more mids in the mix. I had to play around a bit with the EQ to get the sound I wanted. Contrary to that belief, most other people who reviewed this pair loved the sound.
Something that surprised me about these headphones is the robust build quality. Anything you purchase must be built to last. Luckily the Anker Soundcore Space NC has surprisingly excellent build quality in comparison to most headphones in this price range. Lastly, these headphones are relatively comfortable. They are not too tight, loose, or heavy. I give the comfort an 8 out of 10.
Details & Tech Specs
- Reduced low-frequency sound by 93%
- Bluetooth 5.0
- AI Enhanced Calls
- 40-hour battery life
- Custom silk-diaphragm drivers
- Comes with a travel case
- Tough build quality
12. Hiearcool L2
One of the highest-rated on the market, Hiearcool is an affordable pair of noise-canceling headphones. With the purchase, you get a travel case, micro USB cord, and an auxiliary that is a bit shorter than I would prefer it to be. The build quality is much tougher than most headphones in this price range below $60.
While there are a few plastic parts, it’s mostly made out of metal. In terms of comfort, I give it a 9.5 out of 10. The earmuffs are hardly recognizable once you put them on, and after a while, you’ll possibly forget they are there.
The noise cancelation is good for the low price. Not great, but good enough for most situations. It reduces 25dB of the low frequencies once turned on. Sound quality-wise, this pair will surprise you. In my opinion, the Hiearcool 2 sounds better without the noise-cancellation feature. When ANC is turned on, the sound quality needs a bit of EQ to bring it back to life. However, many people do not recognize the audio difference between the two. Most believe it sounds great either way.
Details & Tech Specs
- Wired/wireless option
- 25dB reduction of low frequencies with noise-cancellation activated
- 90-degree rotatable cups
- Extremely comfortable
- Lightweight
- Good bass
- 40-hour battery life
- Comes with a carry case
13. Paww WaveSound 3
One of Amazon’s top sellers, the Paww WaveSound 3 noise-cancelling headphones is another fantastic value. With its 40-mm beryllium dynamic drivers, it produces powerful and clean audio. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 for optimal wireless capabilities. This pair of headphones has a plethora amount of incredible technologically advanced features that are hard to find in this low-budget price range.
With its unique ShareMe Function feature, two people can listen to audio from only one device without a splitter. In my eyes, this is most definitely a massive benefit for those who travel with a partner. You no longer are tied in your own two separate worlds since you can now watch movies, videos, and listen to music together.
The only downside to the Paww WaveSound 3 is the built-in microphone. A bit too often, people said they were not able to hear me very well. However, if you are interested in high-quality noise cancelation, excellent sound quality, the ShareMe Function, Unnoticeable latency, and good comfort below $100, the Paww WaveSound 3 is a great choice for you.
Detail & Tech Specs
- Unnoticeable latency
- ShareMe Function allows 2 people to listen to audio from one device without a splitter
- Able to use Siri and Google assistant
- Beryllium drivers for high-quality audio
- 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity
Our Winner
It really all depends on your preference as to what your ideal budget is and what you need headphones for. However, we did our very best to find a winner that is subject to change. Keep in mind that if this “winner” changes, we will come back to update this. As of now, our winner is the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC by a hair. We highly recommend them.
Quick Recap
Here Are The 13 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $150
- Mpow H5
- Anker Soundcore Space NC
- Sony WH-CH700N
- Hiearcool
- Naztech i9
- Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC
- Plantronics Pro 2
- Silensys E7 PRO
- Skullcandy
- COWIN E8
- Philips SHB8750NC/27
- JBL Live 460NC
- Paww WaveSound 3
The 6 Things To Lookout For When Purchasing A Pair Of Headphones
1. Sound Quality
Especially for music listeners, the overall quality of sound is a massive factor in finding your perfect pair of headphones. There are various factors that impact a pair of headphones’ sound quality.
2. Comfort
The ability for headphones to remain comfortable for extended periods of time without itchiness, annoyance, pressure, or ear pain. Considering many people use headphones for commute, air travel, or work; Comfort is a vital factor.
3. Build Quality
What good are your amazingly sounding headphones if they break in a few months? The overall durability and longevity are crucial for any investment you make. Especially for those who need headphones for commute, it’s important they’re able to withstand vigorous traveling conditions consistently.
4. Noise Isolation/ Active Noise Cancelling
Don’t be confused between active noise cancelling and noise isolation headphones. They are both entirely different. Noise-cancelling technology is very unique. Unlike noise-isolating headphones, noise-cancelling headphones do not eradicate outside noise by physical insulation. Within the ear cups, they have a mini microphone that picks up the outside environmental noise. It then triggers a frequency entirely opposite to the outside ambient noise. Thus, canceling out most outside ambient sound.
5. Battery Life
Battery life is an overlooked subject when speaking about over-ear headphones. Obviously, the only headphones that have a battery life are those which are wireless. Many headphones on the market do not have wireless capabilities. But for those who do, a more extended battery life becomes a convenient factor.
6. Added Features
A few examples of added features headphones offer can be Bluetooth capabilities, built-in AI assistant, headphone controls, built-in microphone for phone calls, flexibility, rotatable ear cups, etc.