10 Best Budget Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro headphones offer strong noise cancellation with fully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) that effectively reduces background sounds, making them a good choice for those seeking peace in noisy environments. The sound quality is rich and immersive, enhanced by Beats’ custom acoustic platform and support for lossless audio through USB-C, which is a rare feature in budget-friendly noise-cancelling headphones. You also get three sound profiles and personalized spatial audio, adding further depth to the listening experience.

Comfort is generally well-addressed with an over-ear design and oval-shaped earpieces, which should suit most users for extended wear. However, the headphones weigh about 1.4 pounds, which is somewhat on the heavier side and might feel a bit bulky during long sessions for some. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours on a full charge, and the Fast Fuel feature gives 4 hours of playback from a quick 10-minute charge — ideal for users who need long-lasting use without frequent recharging.

Connectivity is robust, featuring Bluetooth 5.3 with Class 1 wireless technology that offers a strong signal and extended range (up to 100 meters), plus seamless pairing with both Apple and Android devices. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio cable also adds versatility for wired listening. On the downside, these headphones are not water-resistant, so they are less suitable for intense workouts or use in wet conditions. The build uses metal, engineered leather, and plastic, which should hold up well, but the fabric carrying case might not provide heavy-duty protection. The Beats Studio Pro is an excellent option for those seeking premium features like excellent noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and long battery life at a budget-friendly price point, especially if compatibility with both Apple and Android ecosystems is important. Just be mindful of the weight and lack of water resistance if those are significant factors for your use.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones offer some of the best noise cancellation you can find, powered by an advanced processor and multiple microphones that effectively block out background sounds for a quiet listening experience. Sound quality is excellent, refined with input from professional audio engineers, making music clear, balanced, and rich across all frequencies. Comfort is well thought out with a soft, pressure-free design and adjustable fit that works well for long listening sessions.

Battery life impressively lasts up to 30 hours, and a quick 3-minute charge can give you several hours of playback, which is convenient for busy days. Connectivity via Bluetooth is stable and supports high-resolution audio, so you get crisp wireless sound without interruptions. The headphones also include useful features like adaptive noise control that adjusts to your environment and clear voice pickup for calls, even in noisy places.

On the downside, while these headphones are durable with a foldable design and quality materials, they tend to be slightly pricier than typical budget options and might offer more features than essential for some casual users. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a strong choice for anyone wanting premium noise cancellation and sound quality without moving into the very high-end price range, especially if comfort and battery life are priorities.

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones in Moonlight Grey offer strong active noise cancellation that effectively blocks out background sounds, making them a solid choice for anyone looking to focus or relax without distractions. Sound quality is clear and balanced, with the added bonus of adjustable EQ settings to tailor bass, mids, and treble to your liking. Comfort is a highlight here; the plush over-ear cushions and padded headband make them easy to wear for long periods without discomfort. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge, and a quick 15-minute USB-C charge adds a few extra hours, which is convenient for busy users. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.1, supporting multipoint connections so you can easily switch between devices like your phone and laptop.

The option to use wired mode with the included cable is a nice fallback for when the battery runs low. These headphones aren’t water-resistant, so they aren’t the best fit for sweaty workouts or wet conditions. While durable for everyday use, the primarily plastic build means you should handle them with care to avoid damage over time. Weighing just 8.5 ounces, they strike a good balance between sturdiness and portability for travel or daily use. For those seeking quality noise cancelling, sound, comfort, and solid battery life in a budget-friendly package, these Bose QuietComfort headphones are definitely worth considering.