The 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $200 - Winter 2023 Reviews

The best noise cancelling headphones under $200 we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. These headphones are an earlier version of the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless. However, they offer a better noise isolation performance than their successor at a lower price. You can cycle through three ANC modes for different situations. Using the 'Transport' mode, intended for commuting and traveling, they block out a fantastic amount of noise, including the low rumble of bus and plane engines. The sturdy build, comfortable fit, and 44-hour continuous battery life make them a great choice for long trips. However, some users have reported durability issues, as their units' headbands cracked or broke over time.

Out of the box, they have a v-shaped sound profile that packs lots of bass into your audio, while instruments and lead vocals are bright and sparkly. However, the sound profile changes depending on if you have ANC on or off. With ANC off, there's a dip in the low-bass and the mid-mid, so vocals and instruments are nudged to the back of your mix. You can use the companion app's presets and a graphic EQ to fine-tune the sound. They also support multi-device pairing, which is an uncommon feature for headphones at this price.

If you're looking for both ANC and neutral-sounding audio, check out the Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 Wireless. Even though their ANC doesn't perform as well as the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, they're a lot less bass-heavy, making them a more versatile choice for most audio content. Their ANC can still be helpful if you're looking to block out sounds like ambient chatter, though they leave something to be desired when reducing commuter sounds like engine rumbles.

Their in-app graphic EQ lets you customize the sound profile, which can help mask extra low-bass during your commute. They're also good for office use as they have low audio leakage and block out mid-range chatter. Their battery lasts over 24 hours continuously, so you don't have to worry about them dying mid-way through your day. Some users have reported that their units' headbands cracked after a few months, so some care is needed as they don't come with a protective case.

The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless are great for calls as they block out a good amount of noise across the whole sound range. From the bassy rumble of bus engines to the high-pitched hum of an AC unit, their ANC performs great. They also have three ANC settings designed for different kinds of noisy environments. They don't have as good ANC performance as their predecessor, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, but they have a better-integrated mic and solid in-call noise handling. If you're taking a call from a noisy environment, it won't result in the clearest of phone calls, but these over-ears still do a decent overall job of separating your voice from the background noise.

They have a bass-heavy sound profile, with a bigger boost in the low-bass than the more neutral-sounding Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 Wireless. It's great if you want to listen to thumpy music between calls, like hip-hop and EDM. However, their sound profile changes if you turn the ANC off, resulting in thin and hollow-sounding audio. Fortunately, you can adjust their sound to your liking using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. The design is comfortable overall, with good build quality and a 44-hour battery life, making these a good choice for the office, especially if your job involves making a lot of calls.

The AKG N60NC Wireless are the best noise cancelling on-ear headphones under $200 that we've tested. They're built with a comfortable on-ear design that traps less heat against your ears than most bulkier over-ear headphones like the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless. However, the tradeoff is that they aren't very stable, so they can slip off your head if you're running for the bus. The ANC feature blocks an impressive amount of noise, from bus and plane engines to ambient office chatter and humming computer fans.

Their bass-rich sound profile adds extra thump, punch, and boom to your audio and is well-suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop. Their battery lasts about 13 hours of continuous use, so they can easily last you through a 9-5 workday without recharging them. They also support multi-device pairing, so you can easily switch audio sources between your phone and computer.

If you want the peace of ANC without carrying bulky headphones, the Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless are the best noise cancelling earbuds we've tested for under $200. The ANC does a great job blocking the low rumble of engines and office distractions like background chatter. Despite a deep in-ear design, it's hard to get a good seal, and they can pop out of your ears while chewing or talking. This affected our ability to accurately test the bass response of their v-shaped sound profile. If you can get a good seal and fit, they deliver bright sibilants and thumpy, rumbly bass that's well-suited for genres like pop and rock. Google has also added a graphic EQ and presets with firmware update 3.14, so you can customize the audio to your liking.

They're not the best choice for high-intensity exercising due to their tendency to pop out, but they're still suited for use at the gym or on the go. They're certified IPX4 for resistance against water splashes and have a continuous battery life of 7.6 hours with an extra 1.8 charges in the carrying case, making these a good option for all-day wear.

If you're looking for more earbuds with ANC, check out our picks for the best noise cancelling earbuds!