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 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.

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Over-Ear Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones present an appealing option for those looking for budget-friendly noise-cancelling headphones. One of the standout features is the advanced noise cancellation technology, which utilizes four microphones to effectively block out external sounds, making them great for travel or busy environments. The customizable sound profile, through the unique Crusher Tech, allows users to enjoy a personalized audio experience tailored to their hearing preferences, enhancing the listening experience significantly. With a remarkable battery life of up to 50 hours on a single charge, and a quick charging feature that provides four hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge, these headphones are convenient for users who are often on the go.

Comfort-wise, the Crusher ANC 2 has been designed with user comfort in mind, making it a suitable choice for long listening sessions. However, there are a couple of downsides to consider. Although the sound quality is generally strong, the emphasis on bass might not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer a more balanced audio profile. Additionally, while these headphones are built with plastic material, which keeps them lightweight, it might compromise durability compared to more robust models. They are also not water-resistant, so extra care is needed to protect them in humid environments.

In terms of connectivity, they utilize Bluetooth 5.1, which offers a decent range, but some users might experience occasional latency with video content. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones are a solid choice for music lovers, travelers, and those seeking a budget-friendly option with effective noise cancellation and a fun sound profile.