Are you looking for an affordable pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that offer excellent sound quality and can effectively block out unwanted background noise? In this article, we will explore the top 7 best noise-cancelling earbuds under $100 available on the market.
Whether you are a frequent traveler, a student, or simply someone who enjoys listening to music without any distractions, these budget-friendly options are worth considering. Let’s dive in and find the perfect pair for you!
Table of Contents
Top 7 Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Under $100 – Complete Buying Guide!
List of the best 7 best noise-cancelling earbuds under $100 Dollars below;
- Jabra Elite 4 Earbuds
- Sony WF-C500 Earbuds
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 2
- Google Pixel Buds A-Series
- Anker Soundcore Space A40
- Skullcandy Grind Fuel Earbuds
- Jabra Elite 65t Truly Wireless Earbuds
1. Jabra Elite 4 Earbuds
Jabra earbuds have performed well in previous Media & Tech Lab tests and the Elite 4 is no exception. From a sleek design available in four colors to super comfortable silicone tips and an instantaneous Bluetooth connection to your smartphone.
This pair has everything most people are looking for in earbuds. On top of crystal-clear sound quality, we love that these feature active noise cancellation (ANC) for times when you’re commuting or traveling and want to block out noise. “The noise canceling features helped enhance my listening experience – I felt like the sound quality was much better than other earbuds I’ve used because of this,” says one tester.
Each earbud is equipped with an on-ear button that’s extremely easy to press when you want to stop a song or switch to transparency mode; our pros found the on-ear buttons much easier to use than some on-ear touch controls we’ve tried.
See this: The 7 Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Android – Top Picks!
We also like that they feature 22 hours of playtime with the boost of the charging case and you can extend that up to 28 when ANC is off, according to Jabra. An IP55 rating means that though we wouldn’t recommend dropping these in a lake, they should be completely fine at the gym or in a light rain shower.
Several reviewers also pointed out that they liked the appearance of the earbuds (especially the lavender color) as well as the case’s slim, lightweight design and matte finish, though some do mention that the earbuds weren’t a perfect fit for their ears.
Jabra Elite 4 Earbuds Pros & Cons
Pros:
- IP57 rating
- Good sound quality
- Solid noise canceling
- Useful companion app
- Bluetooth 5.2; SBC and aptX
Cons:
- No AAC support
- Can’t customize controls
- Button controls cause discomfort
2. Sony WF-C500 Earbuds
In the ever-growing pantheon of wireless buds, Sony’s C500 is unremarkable, except for their sizeable 10 hours of playback time, per charge. That doubles rivals like the Pixel Buds A-Series and plenty of others, especially at their $100 MSRP.
Their relatively stylish (if understated) design provides mid-level water resistance and a comfy fit that lets you wear them for hours. In nearly all other regards, though, these earbuds are decidedly ordinary. They don’t offer active noise canceling or even transparency mode, something we’ve come to expect at this price point.
They also skip a wide swath of features from Sony’s Headphones Connect app. You get multi-band EQ, and extras like Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. Otherwise, there’s not a lot here. Even the slim charging case is underpowered, offering only one extra charge. Their sound performance does offer some sparkling detail, especially if you really dig jazz and acoustic instrumentation. But it can also get a bit sharp in the upper registers.
Read more: Discover The Top 7 Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Airplane Travel in 2023
These are entry-level buds from a premium brand, and the chance to nab Sony buds for $100 alone makes them worthy of consideration. If you just want a base-level experience from relatively stylish and comfy earbuds, the C500 definitely delivers. But if you’re looking for extras, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
Sony WF-C500 Earbuds Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Price
- IPX4 rating
- Sound quality
- Comfortable ear tips
- Small and lightweight
- Long continuous battery life
Cons:
- No noise canceling
- Can fall out during intense workouts
- Only supports AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs
3. Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Buds
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 is an excellent choice for most people thanks to its customizable fit, customizable sound, and above-average battery life. They include multiple ear tips and silicone wings so just about anyone can get a comfortable, secure fit, and the Anker app lets you dial in the sound you want. You may prefer the fit or sound of another pair of Bluetooth earbuds, but the Liberty 2 is one of our favorites.
The sound is among the best we tested in this price range. It’s a bit bass-heavy, and a touch sharp in the upper register, but the EQ options in Anker’s companion app can tune the sound to your preferences. In fact, the app has a feature called HearID that will help find the EQ settings best for your ears.
Battery life was a bit less than claimed—we tracked seven hours of playback per charge instead of eight. That’s mid-pack for this category, but still above average compared to more expensive options. The case should offer about 3 full charges. Speaking of the case, it feels a bit flimsy; its thin plastic cover slides to open and seems like it could get knocked open in a purse or backpack.
Related: Sleep Soundly with The Top 7 Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Sleeping!
The Liberty 2 are IPX5 Certified, which means they’re waterproof against strong splashes and even light jets of water. You shouldn’t dunk them under a tap to clean them, but you can work out without worrying about your sweat causing damage. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 2’s fit and sound options offer the most for the most people and at a great price.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Battery life
- USB-C input
- IPX4 rating
- Good sound
- HearIQ custom EQ
- SBC, AAC, and aptX
- Qi wireless compatibility
Cons:
- Very bass-heavy default sound
- Multipoint connection is lacking
- Earbuds are bulky and stick out of the ear
- Volume controls or voice assistant, but not both
4. Google Pixel Buds A-Series Earbuds
The Pixel Buds A-Series is the follow-up to the 2020 Google Pixel Buds and delivers a full-scale improvement. Streamlined and shored up, the A-Series notably undercuts the previous model’s pricing while still delivering the best of their predecessor.
These buds provide relatively good sound quality (though the Pixel Buds Pro handily outdo them). Where they really stand out is their design and fit: the pocketable case is composed of buttery-smooth plastic, while the buds themselves are as space-saving and fashion-conscious as much pricier competitors. There’s also hands-free Google Assistant for Android, a definite plus in this price range, and their rubberized fins make sure they stay put.
On the other hand, they’re missing some notable popular features. Neither noise canceling nor transparency mode make the cut, but you’ll still find features like adaptive sound that adjusts the volume when things get noisy, in-ear detection, and a Find Device feature.
See this: 7 Best Earbuds Are Most Comfortable for Sleeping – Because They’re Noise-Free!
The A-Series gets five hours of playback time, per charge, which is pretty low, compared to other earbuds released in 2022. However, it should suffice for most use cases. The Pixel Buds A-Series look and feel more expensive than they are, but lag behind the competition in features. For budget-conscious Googlers who don’t need noise canceling, they’re worth consideration.
Google Pixel Buds A-Series Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Improved comfort
- Google Fast Pair
- Nice materials and build
- Every bit as slick as AirPods
- The small size keeps things comfy
- Deep Google Assistant integration
- Does for Android what AirPods do for iOS
- The sound quality just as good as regular Pixel Buds
- Retains IPX4 water resistance and features like ear detection despite the low price
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- Ear hooks are nonremovable
- Bass doesn’t always hit hard
- No on-board volume controls
- Could use better iOS functionality
- No active noise-cancellation (ANC)
5. Anker Soundcore Space A40
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 is a model of wireless headphones produced by Anker, a popular consumer electronics company known for its audio accessories and charging solutions.
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 headphones are designed to deliver high-quality sound and a comfortable listening experience. They are equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing you to connect wirelessly to your audio devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. This wireless feature provides the convenience of listening to music or taking calls without being tethered by cables.
These headphones are also designed with comfort in mind, featuring adjustable headbands and cushioned ear cups to provide a snug fit and reduce fatigue during extended use. Additionally, they may have built-in controls on the ear cups, allowing you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, or answer calls directly from the headphones.
In terms of sound quality, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 headphones may offer a rich and immersive audio experience, with clear highs, detailed midrange, and powerful bass. However, the actual sound performance may vary depending on personal preferences and the quality of the audio source.
Read this: 5 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds for Airplane Travel – Keep You Calm and Distracted!
It’s worth noting that Anker is known for offering good value for money, so the Anker Soundcore Space A40 headphones are likely to provide a balance between affordability and performance. However, to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about the specific features, specifications, and performance of the Anker Soundcore Space A40, it’s recommended to refer to the official Anker website or consult customer reviews and product listings from reliable sources.
Anker Soundcore Space A40 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Good call quality
- Wireless charging
- Good sound quality
- Excellent battery life
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Compact and comfortable
- Very good ANC/transparency
Cons:
- The microphone is just okay
- The hinges on the case aren’t secure
6. Skullcandy Grind Fuel Earbuds
Skullcandy’s Grind Fuel earbuds are a prime example of just how capable budget buys can be. For just under $100, the Grind Fuel offers nine hours of battery life per charge, good water resistance, and even its own hands-free (and internet-free) voice assistant.
All of those features live up to their specs and are bolstered by other neat capabilities. They have built-in Tile tracking technology, and you can tether two pairs of Skullcandy IQ earbuds together for shared listening.
The native voice assistant, which responds to the wake words “Hey Skullcandy,” doesn’t match better-known assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. But it can perform basic functions like changing tracks and adjusting volume, hands-free.
One of the biggest knocks is the lack of active noise canceling. ANC was once unthinkable at this price, but competitors like the Anker Soundcore Space A40 and Jabra Elite 4 Active add impressive ANC for a teensy amount more (or the same price on sale). The Grind Fuel does offer transparency mode to hear the world around you, and its tight fit passively blocks out noise well.
Read more: The Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Sleeping – Definitely Consider!
The lack of ANC and a sound signature that’s inconsistent at best are the biggest reasons to pass on Skullcandy’s Grind Fuel. Otherwise, these buds really are a bargain.
Skullcandy Grind Fuel Earbuds Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Tile tracking
- Wireless charging
- Integrated voice assistant
- Durable and water-resistant
- Spotify Tap onboard control
- Tons of customization within the Skullcandy app
Cons:
- No auto play/pause
- No active noise canceling
- Below-average microphone quality
- No Bluetooth multipoint or high-quality codecs
7. Jabra Elite 65t Truly Earbuds
The best Bluetooth earbuds under $100 for work we’ve tested are the Jabra Elite 65t Truly Wireless. These in-ears are discontinued, but you can still easily find them via some retailers. If you take lots of calls at work, their integrated mic offers superior performance compared to other earbuds on this list and does a decent job of capturing your voice clearly, even in moderately noisy environments.
Unlike the Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless, these buds also support multi-device pairing, which is handy when you want to stay connected to your work’s PC and your smartphone simultaneously. Their fit is bulky, and they can push against your ear, which can be fatiguing to wear.
They have a fairly well-balanced sound profile out of the box, but if you prefer a different sound, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound. While they don’t have an ANC system, they can still reduce office chit-chat and the high-pitched hum of AC units around you.
Related: Top 7 Best Wireless Earbuds for iPhone with Noise Cancelling – Top Picks!
They last over five hours continuously, which may not be enough for long days at your desk, but luckily, their carrying case supplies an additional two charges.
Jabra Elite 65t Truly Wireless Earbuds Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Remarkable battery life
- Great for making calls
- Two-year warranty against sweat/dust
- Solid connectivity, with no latency issues with video
Cons:
- Generic battery case
- Noise-isolating fit isn’t for everyone
- Poor noise suppression when worn
- Fit can become loose during sweaty workouts
- Sometimes get uncomfortable during extended listening
Conclusion:
Finding the best noise-cancelling earbuds under $100 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. The options mentioned in this article provide excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit, all within an affordable price range. Whether you prioritize design, durability, or versatility, there is a pair of earbuds on this list that suits your preferences. Upgrade your listening experience today with one of these top 7 best noise-cancelling earbuds under $100.
How we tested the best wireless earbuds under $100
The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have evaluated over 50 pairs of headphones and earbuds over the years. To find the best wireless earbuds under $100, we first evaluate each pair for ease of use and setup, battery life, sound quality, comfort, and noise-canceling capabilities.
We assess how quickly earbuds pair to Bluetooth, whether their fit is secure and adjustable, and the intuitiveness of on-ear controls. We also consider earbuds’ resilience and durability when dropped or put in contact with water.
Lastly, we evaluate consumer tester feedback to assess the earbuds’ sound quality, comfort, and design. In our most recent evaluation, we assessed more than 15 pairs of wireless earbuds under $100, eliminating any that didn’t fit into this price range.
FAQs
Are noise-cancelling earbuds worth it?
Noise-cancelling earbuds are definitely worth considering if you value immersive audio and the ability to block out external noise.
Do noise-cancelling earbuds work on airplanes?
Yes, noise-cancelling earbuds are particularly useful on airplanes as they can significantly reduce engine noise and other disturbances.
How long does the battery last on noise-cancelling earbuds?
The battery life of noise-cancelling earbuds varies depending on the brand and model, but most offer several hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
Can I use noise-cancelling earbuds while exercising?
Absolutely! Many noise-cancelling earbuds are designed to be sweat-resistant and provide a secure fit, making them suitable for workouts and physical activities.
Can I make phone calls with noise-cancelling earbuds?
Yes, most noise-cancelling earbuds come with built-in microphones, allowing you to make and receive phone calls without any issues.