More affordable noise-cancelling headphones: premium quality within reach of more users

Until a few years ago, active noise cancellation (ANC) was a technology reserved for high-priced premium models. However, by 2025, it had established itself as a standard even in mid-range headphones , thanks to competition between manufacturers and advances in component miniaturization.

Today, brands like Anker, Soundcore, JBL, and Xiaomi have launched models with ANC at prices ranging from $50 to $100, bringing the experience of silence and listening comfort to a much broader consumer base than in the past decade.

The cost reduction is primarily due to the maturity of the microphone technology and DSP (digital signal processing) processors needed to analyze and counteract ambient noise.

Added to this is the growing presence of Asian manufacturers producing high-quality ANC chips at low cost, allowing even budget models to offer surprisingly competent results in eliminating office, traffic, and public transportation noise.

Furthermore, the widespread use of Bluetooth headphones as an everyday accessory has prompted traditional brands like Sony and Bose to diversify their catalogs with more affordable options, forcing the rest of the market to adapt to keep up.

Some of the notable models that offer a good noise-cancelling experience without raising the price too much are:

• Anker Soundcore Life Q30 and Q35 , which integrate hybrid ANC, excellent autonomy and balanced sound for less than $80.
• JBL Tune 760NC , recognized for their comfort, multipoint connectivity, and acceptable cancellation performance at prices of $70 to $90.
• Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro , with adaptive cancellation and support for high-quality codecs for around $50.

These models offer performance that just five years ago would have cost twice or three times as much.

Although affordable noise-cancelling headphones have improved significantly, they still have notable differences compared to premium options. Some points to consider are:

• The noise reduction level may not be as effective with high frequencies (voices, baby cries) as on higher-end models.
• Materials and ergonomics tend to be simpler, which could affect comfort during long sessions.
• Advanced features like transparency modes, adaptive control, and custom EQ are reserved for more expensive headphones.

Still, for many users looking to isolate themselves on public transport, in the office, or at home, these budget-friendly models are more than sufficient.

Thanks to falling prices and the democratization of ANC technology, millions of users can now enjoy noise-cancelling headphones that significantly improve the listening experience and concentration in any environment. This advancement not only transforms the way we work, study, or travel, but also marks a key step in the accessibility of premium audio technology for all budgets.