The 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $200 - Fall 2022 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, but they offer a better noise isolation performance than their successors at a lower price. You can set their ANC system to different modes depending on the situation. 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. They're also sturdily built and have a comfortable fit for long trips.

Out of the box, they have a v-shaped sound profile that packs extra rumble and punch into your audio, while instruments and lead vocals are bright and sparkly. This bass-heavy sound is well-suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop, but it may be overwhelming for some listeners. If you prefer a different sound, their app features a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. These headphones also have a long 44-hour continuous battery life, so they easily last through a workday and commute, and they support multi-device pairing, which is a little unusual for headphones at this price.

The most comfortable noise cancelling headphones under $200 that we've tested are the Sony WH-XB910N Wireless. These headphones have an impressively comfortable fit and a lightweight design, which can make a difference if you often use your headphones for long flights or wear them all day at work. They don't clamp onto your head as tightly as other headphones, and the ear cups have a good range of motion, which can help accommodate bigger heads. The padding on the ear cups and headband feels nice, which helps make them more comfortable than the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, which have a thinly-padded headband.

Their ANC feature has a good performance overall, although it's just okay at blocking out bass-range noise like rumbling engines, so they're better suited for reducing office-type distractions like background chatter. Out of the box, they have a very bass-heavy sound profile that delivers intense thump, punch, and boom to your audio. You may like this sound for genres like EDM and hip-hop, but it can also be overwhelming, and instruments and lead vocals sound cluttered and muddy. Fortunately, their companion app features a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. These headphones are well-built and last for nearly 40 hours off a single charge.

The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are the best noise cancelling earbuds under $200 we've tested. These premium earbuds have an ANC feature that does a great job blocking noise, including the low rumble of bus and plane engines. Their sound profile lacks low-bass, so they aren't ideal for bass-rich genres like EDM, but it's very well-balanced otherwise, so it's suitable for a variety of types of content and genres. They have a slim, comfortable design that doesn't put a lot of pressure on your ears, so they shouldn't cause fatigue during long trips. Their five-hour continuous battery life is on the short side, but they come with a case that holds five extra charges.

They also have features for Apple users, including virtual surround sound with compatible iOS devices and an H1 chip for easier pairing with Apple devices. If you're an Android user, you may want to look at the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless. These earbuds offer a similarly impressive ANC performance and come with a few EQ presets for sound customization, unlike the Apple, although you can only use it if you're on Android. They also offer a low latency 'Game Mode' when you're using a compatible Samsung phone.

The best ANC headphones for sports under $200 that we've tested are the Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless. These sturdy earbuds have an ANC feature that does a great job of blocking out ambient sound, especially mid-range noise like background chatter at the gym. They're also stable, comfortable, and rated IP57 for dust and water resistance, so you can toss them in your gym bag or take them on a rainy run outside without worry. They also have a great, customizable control scheme, so you can easily turn up the volume or change the track when you're working out.

The ANC doesn't perform as well as the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless' when blocking out bass-range noise, which might bother you if you want to cut out the sound of traffic or workout machines. That said, the Jabra headphones have a longer continuous battery life of about eight hours. They also have a slightly bass-rich sound profile, which you may prefer, and the headphones companion app features a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization.

The AKG N60NC Wireless are the best noise cancelling on-ear headphones under $200 that we've tested. These headphones are decently well-built and comfortable, with their on-ear design trapping less heat against your ears than most over-ear headphones. Their ANC feature blocks an impressive amount of noise, including the low rumble of bus and plane engines and office-type noise like ambient chatter or a humming computer fan. They also support multi-device pairing, so you can easily switch between using your phone and computer.

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, meaning you can stay connected to your phone and computer at the same time. Their on-ear design isn't very stable, so they could slip off your head when you're running for the bus. It shouldn't be much of an issue if you're sitting at your desk, though.