10 Best Budget Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones in Twilight Blue offer a strong package for anyone looking for budget-friendly noise-cancelling headphones with reliable performance. Their active noise cancellation effectively blocks out background noise, making them ideal for travel or noisy environments. Sound quality is rich and high-fidelity, with adjustable EQ settings allowing customization of bass, midrange, and treble. Comfort is a standout feature, with plush ear cushions and a padded headband that make long listening sessions pleasant without pressure.

Battery life supports up to 24 hours per charge, which is solid for daily use, and a quick 15-minute charge provides up to 2.5 hours more playback. Connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth 5.1 and multipoint pairing, allowing easy switching between devices like phones and laptops. The option to use wired mode when the battery runs out adds versatility. These headphones are not water resistant, so they require careful handling around moisture. While the build feels sturdy enough for everyday use, they may not withstand rough treatment. The limited edition Twilight Blue color adds a stylish touch. They are suited for users wanting dependable noise cancellation and sound quality without breaking the bank, especially for travel, work, or casual listening.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbuds are a commendable choice for those on a budget seeking effective noise-cancelling headphones. They offer world-renowned active noise cancellation, ensuring a high-quality listening experience by minimizing external distractions. The sound quality is notable, delivering deep bass and a rich audio profile that can be customized via the Bose QCE app to suit your preferences.

These earbuds are designed for comfort, with multiple sizes of ear tips and stability bands included to ensure a snug and secure fit, making them suitable for prolonged use during various activities, whether for business, entertainment, or fitness. The battery life is solid, offering up to 8.5 hours of playtime on a single charge, and a quick 20-minute charge can extend usage by another 2 hours, which is convenient for users on the go.

Connectivity is robust with Bluetooth 5.3, allowing for stable connections up to 30 feet and easy switching between multiple devices. The touch controls on the earbuds are customizable and user-friendly, providing effortless control over playback and volume. The IPX4 rating also means the earbuds are resistant to water, making them a good option for workouts or use in light rain. However, at 2.47 ounces, some users might find them slightly heavier than other models. Additionally, the lack of a headphone jack might be a drawback for those who prefer wired connections.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a strong choice if you're looking for budget-friendly noise-cancelling headphones with premium features. Their standout strength is the active noise cancellation, using Dual Noise Sensor technology that effectively blocks out background sounds, making them great for noisy environments like commuting or working in cafes. The sound quality is also impressive, thanks to Sony's DSEE Extreme upscaling that improves compressed music files for richer audio. Comfort is well-considered here; the over-ear design relieves pressure, so you can wear them for long listening sessions without much discomfort.

Battery life is excellent, with up to 30 hours of playtime and a quick charge option that gives you 5 hours of use from just 10 minutes of charging. For connectivity, they use Bluetooth 5.0 and support multipoint connections, allowing you to connect to multiple devices smoothly. Call quality is enhanced with five microphones, making voice pickup clear during phone calls or when using voice assistants like Alexa.

Some minor downsides include the plastic build, which may not feel as sturdy as more expensive models, and the lack of water resistance, so they aren't ideal for workouts or rainy use. Also, while the touch controls are convenient, they can take some getting used to and might not work perfectly in all situations. If you want top-tier noise-cancelling performance and comfort without breaking the bank, these headphones deliver well, though they’re best suited for everyday casual use rather than rugged or sporty activities.