Best Budget Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $150

🎯 Why Budget ANC Matters Right Now

Budget noise-cancelling headphones have matured fast. You no longer need $300+ to get useful ANC for commuting, shared offices, or late-night focus sprints. Under $150, you can find models with solid cancellation, balanced sound, long battery life, and multipoint Bluetooth. The trick is matching the headphone to your use case: some prioritize call clarity, others chase cinema-style bass or week-long batteries. This guide is the pragmatic path through the noise: exactly what to expect at this price, how to choose quickly, and which models consistently deliver.

If you’re outfitting a desk or remote setup, you’ll get even more value by pairing your headphones with the gear in Upgrade Your Home Office: Top Gadgets You Need and Remote Work Essentials: Best Gadgets to Upgrade Your Home Office—the right mic arm, webcam, and dock can remove the last frictions from calls and focus time.

💬 Outcome: Pick the right ANC cans today, with clear expectations on sound, fit, battery, and call performance—without overspending.

💡 Decide what matters most before you browse: (1) calls, (2) travel ANC, (3) music quality, (4) battery. Your answer picks your headphone.

🧠 What to Expect Under $150 (and What Not To)

Sub-$150 ANC is about smart trade-offs, not miracles. Good models here quiet mid- and upper-mid-range noise (voices, AC whoosh) and reduce low-frequency rumble some, but won’t reach Bose/Sony flagship silence on airplanes. Sound signatures tend to be U-shaped (lifted bass/treble) for energy at low volume; app EQ can help if you prefer neutral. Plastic builds are common but fine if joints don’t creak. Battery life is a bright spot: 30–70 hours is normal in this tier. Mics have improved, but windy sidewalks and loud cafés still challenge them.

Before the picks, keep this sanity rule in mind: comfort trumps specs. A slightly weaker ANC with a plush, lighter clamp beats a “better measured” headphone you rip off after 30 minutes.

💡 Wear glasses? Favor lighter frames + oval pads; clamp force matters more than any codec badge.

🧪 How We Judge (Founder-Fit Criteria for Headphones)

We evaluate by four pillars: (1) noise-cancelling effectiveness in office and transit, (2) tonality and EQ flexibility, (3) mic performance for Zoom/phone, and (4) battery + comfort over multi-hour sessions. Connectivity sanity—multipoint pairing and stable Bluetooth—matters more than exotic codecs for most buyers. We cite reputable lab tests and manufacturer specs for battery life and features, and we call out common pain points (creaky plastics, touch controls that misfire) honestly.

If you want pocketable alternatives, check The Best Wireless Earbuds for Work and Play—earbuds add portability and passive isolation, but over-ears still win on comfort and battery for long days.

🏆 The Shortlist (At-a-Glance Mini-Comparison)

Use this quick map to narrow fast; full breakdowns follow below.

• Best overall under $150 (balanced for work + music): Sony WH-CH720N — light, comfortable, multipoint, ~35–38h battery, good tuning; mic is serviceable for quiet offices.

• Best ANC under $100 (feature-rich value): Soundcore Space One — adaptive ANC, app with HearID, LDAC option, ~40–55h playtime; mic is just okay.

• Best battery + LDAC for music lovers: 1MORE SonoFlow — up to ~70h (ANC off), LDAC, comfy pads, easy EQ.

• Best pure value pick: Soundcore Life Q30 — crazy battery for the price (40–60h), solid ANC modes, robust app.

• Office-friendly all-rounder: JBL Tune 770NC — long battery (tested ~47h ANC on), intuitive controls, decent multipoint.

💡 If two tie, buy the one you’ll wear longer—comfort compounds every day.

🎧 Sony WH-CH720N — The Safe Choice for Most People (Comfort + Tuning) 🧠

Sony’s WH-CH720N hit the budget sweet spot for mixed use. They’re lightweight, comfortable for calls and long flights, and their tuning is easy to live with across podcasts, piano, and pop. Sony’s app gives you ambient control and EQ without complexity, and multipoint pairing means you can hop between laptop and phone without re-pairing. Battery life lands around 35–38 hours per charge in testing, with quick-charge for emergencies—plenty for a full workweek.

On the mic, the CH720N are fine for indoor calls—your voice is intelligible—though heavy traffic or wind will still leak through. Rtings’ lab notes rate noise handling as just “okay,” so if you live outdoors on calls, keep reading for alternatives that prioritize voice pickup.

Why pick it: comfort, sensible sound, multipoint, dependable battery.
Mind the trade-off: ANC is good, not flagship; mic is serviceable, not stellar. If your day is calls-first, consider a model known for stronger mic DSP.

Nerd Tip: If your work stack is evolving, build your desk from Top 10 Must-Have Gadgets for Productivity and Remote Work Essentials—a stable chair, dock, and mic boom turn “fine” headphones into a great daily setup.

🎛️ Soundcore Space One — Best ANC Under $100 (Feature Density Wins) ✅

If you want max features per dollar, Space One is the headline act. You get adaptive ANC, a granular app (with HearID personal EQ), multipoint, and long stamina: Soundcore quotes up to 55 hours (or ~40h with ANC), and independent testing agrees it’s a strong traveler. The kicker for audiophiles: optional LDAC support when you want higher bitrate listening.

In controlled tests, Space One’s ANC is competitive in mid to treble bands for chatter and HVAC noise, though mic performance is only middling—good for casual calls, less ideal for street interviews. Build quality is solid for the price. If you mainly want to shut out office noise and sink into playlists, this is an easy win well under $150.

Why pick it: standout ANC for the money, LDAC + app EQ, very good battery.
Mind the trade-off: mic quality and sound consistency can vary with fit; spend a minute on seal and pad placement.

💡 In the app, set a soft “U” EQ (+2 dB sub-bass, +1 dB upper treble) for energy at low volume without harshness.

🔋 1MORE SonoFlow — The Battery Marathoner with LDAC (Music-First) 🎵

SonoFlow is the set-and-forget pick if you travel or binge work sessions. 1MORE quotes up to 70 hours of playtime (ANC off) and around 50 hours with ANC on, and reviewers have consistently echoed those long runtimes. The tuning leans musical and relaxed; LDAC support plus in-app EQ makes it easy to nudge the sound neutral or bass-friendly. Comfort is a highlight with plush pads and a tidy case.

ANC is good enough for offices and transit; for the price, it’s impressive. For calls, the mic is acceptable indoors; like many in this class, it won’t defeat wind. If your priorities are music quality + battery with some ANC, this is the sleeper value that still feels premium under $150. Independent reviewers also praise the overall package for commuters and travelers. SoundGuys

Why pick it: 70h battery headline, LDAC, comfy pads, travel-friendly case.
Mind the trade-off: ANC isn’t class-leading; mic is fine, not broadcast-grade.

Nerd Tip: For a mobile-first kit, pair SonoFlow with the picks in Tech Gift Guide 2025: Gadgets for Every Budget—a compact power bank + USB-C fast charger turns long flights into non-events.

💸 Soundcore Life Q30 — The Value King That Still Punches Above Its Price ✅

The Life Q30 are the classic budget recommendation because they do nearly everything well for very little money. Expect 40–60 hours of playtime (depending on ANC), multiple ANC modes for transit/outdoor/indoor, and a robust Soundcore app with EQ. They’re comfortable, pack easily, and—crucially—reliably under $100. For many buyers, this is the perfect first ANC set.

Sound quality is lively and customizable; ANC won’t erase a jet engine, but it smooths office and commute noise effectively. Mic performance is okay for quiet rooms; if calls are your #1, the Sony or JBL below have more consistent voice capture in mixed environments. Still, for battery, comfort, and price, Q30 remains the unbeatable baseline.

Why pick it: crazy battery for the price, comfortable, app EQ and modes.
Mind the trade-off: mic and ANC are competent, not elite; plastics feel budget (because they are).

💡 Use Transport ANC on flights, Indoor at the office; save two EQ presets (Podcast / Music) and switch as needed.

🧑‍💻 JBL Tune 770NC — Office-Friendly All-Rounder with Long Battery 💬

JBL’s Tune 770NC balance comfort, simple controls, and stamina. Independent lab testing measured ~47 hours with ANC on, above the brand’s own claims—so weekly charging is realistic. The buttons are intuitive (great if you dislike touch pads), and multipoint pairing plus a sensible app round out the experience. Sound is clean with the familiar JBL bass lift, and leakage is modest—useful in quiet offices and libraries.

Mic quality is good enough for a quick meeting; you won’t sound like a broadcast mic, but you’ll be clear. ANC is competitive at this price, especially for office frequencies. If you value no-nonsense usability and battery life, the 770NC are a satisfying daily driver.

Why pick it: strong battery, comfortable fit, physical controls, decent ANC.
Mind the trade-off: not the most detailed mic or the deepest ANC; tuning favors fun over flat.

Nerd Tip: If your day swings between desk and errands, combine 770NC with the mobile picks in Top 10 Must-Have Gadgets for Productivity for a compact, always-ready kit.

🧾 Quick “Best For” Snapshots (Mini-Comparison)

After reading the detailed sections, use this cheat sheet to choose in 60 seconds.

• Calls & comfort: Sony WH-CH720N (light weight, multipoint, stable tuning; mic okay indoors).

• Strongest ANC value under $100: Soundcore Space One (adaptive ANC; LDAC; app depth; mic middling).

• Longest battery + LDAC: 1MORE SonoFlow (up to ~70h; comfortable; great for music).

• Lowest cost all-rounder: Soundcore Life Q30 (40–60h; app EQ; proven value).

• Office-friendly controls: JBL Tune 770NC (long ANC-on battery; simple buttons).

🧩 Also Worth a Look (If You Spot a Sale)

Sometimes the best budget buy is a sale. Two models that often dip well under $150:

• Monoprice BT-600ANC — Solid ANC and aptX HD support; brand lists ~40h battery and independent tests measured ~36–40h depending on ANC/on volume. Build is basic; value spikes when discounted.

• Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones — Comfort and features competitive at its price; Rtings measured ~22h battery with multi-device pairing. Not our first call-quality pick, but terrific when found on promo.

💡 Price-watch your top two models for a week. If one drops ≥10%, buy—time saved is part of the value.

🧱 Sound vs. Comfort vs. Calls — How to Prioritize

Readers often ask “which spec matters most?” Think environment first. If you commute by train or work in a loud café, ANC effectiveness (and pad seal) matter more than LDAC. If your day is meetings, mic quality + comfort matter most. If you binge playlists, value battery + EQ flexibility. Under $150 you won’t get everything maxed, so pick two pillars to optimize, accept the third as “good enough,” and enjoy your purchase instead of waiting six months for a mythical perfect deal.

If your setup is turning into a small studio, the gear in Upgrade Your Home Office and Remote Work Essentials helps you offload call duty to a dedicated mic—then any decent ANC set becomes a fantastic listening rig.

🔧 How to Make Any Budget ANC Headphone Sound Better (Fast Wins)

Any of the picks above can sound noticeably better with a few tweaks. First, get the fit right: center the driver over your ear canal and adjust the headband until clamp feels even. Second, use the app’s parametric or graphic EQ: a gentle bass shelf (+2–3 dB below 80 Hz) and a 1–2 dB dip at 3 kHz often tame harshness while keeping energy. Third, cap volume around 70–80% to preserve dynamics and avoid fatigue. Finally, keep ANC on for consistent tonality; switching modes mid-track sometimes shifts the frequency balance.

If you’re building a complete productivity rig, the guides in Top 10 Must-Have Gadgets for Productivity and Remote Work Essentials show how docks, stands, and cable management give you quiet wins that make headphones feel premium.

💡 Save two EQs: Focus (speech clarity) and Fun (music). Switching presets beats fiddling sliders mid-task.

🧯 Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Fixes (Call Quality, Dropouts, and Seal)

Budget ANC is reliable, but quirks happen. If calls sound thin, make sure your laptop/phone is using the headset profile with mic (HFP/HSP) during calls and A2DP otherwise—some OSes switch badly. For dropouts, re-pair and delete old device profiles; multipoint confusion is a top culprit. If your ANC feels weak, replace pads (they compress over time) and ensure glasses arms aren’t breaking the seal. For harsh sibilance, turn ANC Low/Normal, add a –1 dB shelf around 6–8 kHz, and keep volume under 80%.

If portability is your bigger constraint than isolation, skim The Best Wireless Earbuds for Work and Play—earbuds can dodge seal issues with over-ears, and modern ANC in buds is shockingly good for commutes.

🎨 60-Second Buyer’s Checklist

After this paragraph, copy this checklist into your notes, pick two priorities, and buy.

• Environment: Office? Commute? Air travel?

• Priority pair: (Calls + Comfort) / (ANC + Battery) / (Music + EQ).

• Must-haves: Multipoint? App EQ? Wired option?

• Battery target: ≥35h ANC on if you hate charging.

• Fit: Glasses-friendly pads? Weight under ~260g for long sessions.

• Test plan: 48-hour trial: 2 calls, 2 hours music, 30 minutes walking outdoors.

💡 Buy with a plan: if it fails your 48-hour test, return fast—don’t rationalize.

🧠 Budget ANC, Smarter Picks

Want the quick route? Choose by priority:

• Calls + comfort: Sony WH-CH720N

• ANC value: Soundcore Space One

• Battery + LDAC: 1MORE SonoFlow

• Best value: Soundcore Life Q30

• Office all-rounder: JBL Tune 770NC

🧠 ANC 101: What Budget Cancellation Really Does

Active noise cancellation in this price band is a smart compromise, not sorcery. Most models use hybrid mics to invert incoming sound, doing best against steady mid/upper-mid noise (office chatter, AC) and only partially reducing deep rumbles (subway/jet). Expect the largest perceived gains when the ear-pad seal is perfect and the noise is steady. If you frequently work in mixed environments, build your expectations around comfort + seal first, then ANC strength.

How to self-test after unboxing (quick lab):

• Sit near a fan or HVAC; toggle ANC/Transparency and note voice intelligibility.

• Walk a block on a windy street; listen for pumping artifacts or flutter.

• Sit on public transit; judge “ear fatigue” after 15 minutes—good ANC feels calmer, not just quieter.

💡 Judge ANC by how relaxed you feel after 20 minutes, not by raw volume drop.

👓 Fit & Seal Lab (Glasses-Friendly Comfort)

Great ANC starts with pad geometry and clamp. Glasses frames can break the seal and kill low-end cancellation. Solve it with micro-adjustments: slide pads 2–3 mm forward/back, extend the headband one click, and gently rotate pads so the thickest part sits behind the jaw hinge. If you still hear hiss or bass loss, try a slight clamp increase (bendable metal bands) or swap to denser memory-foam pads when available. A lighter, oval pad usually plays nicer with glasses than shallow round pads.

What to check on day one:

• Even pressure across the pad rim (no hot-spots on temples).

• Pad depth: ears shouldn’t touch the driver cloth.

• Head weight after 45–60 minutes—if you fidget, the clamp is too aggressive.

If your home setup needs a stable perch and cable order, skim Upgrade Your Home Office: Top Gadgets You Need for stands and organizers that quietly improve comfort.

💬 15-Minute Call Quality Test (Repeatable & Fair)

Mic claims are marketing until you hear your voice in your rooms. Run this controlled test and keep the clips for future comparisons.

Protocol (5 clips):

• Quiet room, laptop Zoom snippet (30 s).

• Same room, phone call to voicemail (30 s).

• Café/TV noise playing at moderate level (30 s).

• Outdoor sidewalk with mild wind (30 s).

• Walk-and-talk: 20 steps, turn head, say numbers (30 s).

Listen for sibilance, gating, wind crackle, and whether your voice remains centered when you turn. If calls are your day job, consider pairing the headphones with a dedicated USB mic at the desk—see Remote Work Essentials: Best Gadgets to Upgrade Your Home Office for reliable, budget mics.

💡 Keep a one-liner verdict per model (“Great indoors, wind-sensitive outdoors”). It speeds up returns.

🎚️ Copy-Ready EQ Presets (Speech vs Music)

A small EQ nudge can make budget ANC sets feel twice as refined. Start neutral, then apply these sane presets.

Preset A — Speech-First (calls/podcasts):

• Bass shelf: –1 to –2 dB below 100 Hz (reduces boom).

• Presence dip: –1.5 dB @ 3 kHz if voices feel shouty.

• Air band: +1 dB @ 8–10 kHz for clarity (avoid hiss).

Preset B — Fun Music (low-volume energy):

• Sub-bass: +2 to +3 dB below 80 Hz.

• Low-mid clean-up: –1 dB @ 200–300 Hz.

• Sparkle: +1 dB @ 9–12 kHz if cymbals sound dull.

Save both in the app and switch instead of fiddling sliders mid-task.

If true portability matters more than over-ear comfort, compare with The Best Wireless Earbuds for Work and Play to see if buds fit your routine better.

🔋 Battery & Charging Habits (More Hours, Longer Lifespan)

Budget sets often boast 40–70 hours, but routine matters. Keep volume under ~80%, avoid full drains, and top up during short breaks (many models add 3–5 hours in 10–15 minutes). For travel, a tiny 10–20W USB-C charger and a flat USB-C cable live in your pouch. Store long-term at 40–60% charge to ease battery stress. Replace ear pads yearly if you’re a daily user—fresh pads restore seal and perceived ANC.

Pack a compact charger from Tech Gift Guide 2025: Gadgets for Every Budget so “low battery” never ruins a commute.

💡 Treat battery like a muscle—short, regular top-ups beat rare marathons.

🔁 Multipoint Without Mayhem (Laptop + Phone Done Right)

Multipoint saves sanity, but OS defaults can fight you. Set your laptop as primary (music/pods) and phone as secondary (calls only). Disable auto-play in music apps so alerts don’t hijack audio. During meetings, toggle your headset profile in the call app first, then join—this prevents the dreaded “you sound far away” moment. If stutters appear, forget the headset on all devices, pair laptop first, then phone.

For a smoother desk flow, combine this with dock/stand ideas in Top 10 Must-Have Gadgets for Productivity.

💡 Name your headphones uniquely (“NC-Daily”) so switching devices is muscle memory.

🧼 Hygiene & Longevity (Pads, Sweat, Storage)

ANC lives and dies with pad integrity. Wipe pads after workouts, air-dry them open on the desk, and avoid leaving them crushed under books in a backpack. If you sweat heavily, consider pad covers or keep alcohol-free wipes in your bag. Replace pads when you notice bass loss or the foam feels flattened—often 9–15 months for daily use. Keep the headband clean; skin oils break down the outer layer over time.

💡 Schedule a quarterly 10-minute clean—pads, headband, case. Future-you will thank you.

🎮 Low-Latency Reality Check (Games & Video Calls)

Most budget ANC headsets use SBC/AAC by default. For gaming, wired mode is your friend; for video calls, latency is fine as long as apps don’t switch you to the lower-bandwidth “headset” codec when you’re just listening to playback. If your model offers a “game mode,” expect reduced delay at the cost of battery; test with a simple lip-sync video. For rhythm games or DAW work, plug in the cable.

💡 Keep a coiled 3.5 mm cable in the case; low-latency on demand is a superpower.

🧭 48-Hour Trial Plan & Decision Tree (Return With Confidence)

Don’t linger in buyer’s remorse. Run a two-day plan and decide.

Day 1: Commute or simulated office noise; 2 hours mixed music; save your Speech and Fun EQ; 1 Zoom call.
Day 2: Outdoor walk/wind; podcast at low volume; 30 minutes of note-taking with ANC on; battery top-up test (10-minute quick charge).

Decision tree:

• If seal breaks with glasses → try micro-adjustments; if still leaky, return.

• If calls are borderline indoors → pair with a desk mic; if you live on sidewalks, return.

• If comfort doesn’t pass 60-minute test → return (comfort never “breaks in” enough).

💡 Put the return window on your calendar. Decide with data, not sunk cost.

✈️ Travel Quiet Pack (Over-Ear + Earbuds Combo)

On long trips, the best budget move is layered isolation: over-ear ANC for movies and focus, plus compact ANC earbuds for sleeping or aisle walks. Earbuds tuck under a beanie or travel pillow without pressure. Keep a soft eye mask and foam earplugs for takeoff/landing pops. If your cart is light on portable power or cables, borrow ideas from The Best Wireless Earbuds for Work and Play and Tech Gift Guide 2025 to round out the kit.

💡 Two small items—a flat USB-C cable and earplugs—upgrade any flight more than an extra ANC setting ever will.

🧠 Nerd Verdict

Under $150, “best” means best for you:

• Calls + comfort: Sony WH-CH720N

• ANC value: Soundcore Space One

• Battery + LDAC: 1MORE SonoFlow

• Unbeatable value: Soundcore Life Q30

• Office balance: JBL Tune 770NC

Pick your priority pair, buy with a 48-hour test plan, and ship your days—don’t let decision fatigue steal focus.

❓ FAQ: Nerds Ask, We Answer

💬 Would You Bite?

Which two priorities matter most for you—calls, ANC, battery, or music?
Drop your pick and where you’ll use them (office, commute, flights), and I’ll suggest the exact model + EQ to start with. 👇