The 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $200 - Spring 2022 Reviews

The AKG N700NC M2 Wireless are the best over-ear noise cancelling headphones under $200 that we've tested. These over-ears have a great noise isolation performance, thanks to their adaptive noise cancelling system. They can block out an alright amount of bus engine noise, but they do a significantly better job of cutting down ambient chatter.

These headphones have a comfortable fit and feel well-built. Out of the box, they have a slightly bass-rich sound profile that delivers a touch of extra thump, punch, and boom to mixes. If you prefer a different sound, their companion app offers a parametric EQ and presets to help you customize their sound. They also deliver over 20 hours of continuous battery life, which should last through long days on the go. They also support multi-device pairing, ensuring you stay connected to your smartphone and laptop at the same time.

Unfortunately, they have a bulky design, and some users have reported that the hinges of their units broke over time. They also leak some audio at high volumes, and people around you may be able to hear it, even if you're listening to audio in a busy office. However, these headphones offer a powerful ANC performance, comfortable fit, and customizable sound at this price point.

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. They have an ANC feature that blocks out an impressive amount of noise, including the low rumble of bus and plane engines.

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 for about 13 hours of continuous use, so they can easily last you through a 9-5 workday without being recharged. They also support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected to your phone and computer at the same time.

Unfortunately, their integrated mic has a mediocre overall performance, so they aren't ideal if you're looking for headphones to use for phone calls. They're also not very stable on your head, so they could slide off your head if you wear them during a workout or if you're running for the bus. Otherwise, they're a good option if you're looking for on-ear headphones with an effective ANC feature.

The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are the best noise cancelling in-ear headphones under $200 that we've tested. These earbuds have a premium build quality and a compact, lightweight design. Their ANC feature can block out an impressive amount of ambient noise, including bass-range noise like rumbling engines.

These small earbuds are comfortable and don't put a lot of pressure on your ears, meaning you can wear them all day at work or for a long bus ride. Their sound profile lacks a bit of low bass, but otherwise, it's very neutral, so it's suitable for various genres and types of content. There's also a virtual surround sound feature if you're using a compatible iOS device, and they have an H1 chip for easier pairing with Apple devices.

Unfortunately, they don't have a companion app aside from a settings screen on iOS devices, and they don't come with sound customization features like an EQ. Their roughly five-hour continuous battery life is short for a 9-5 workday. They recharge quickly and come with a case that holds about five extra charges, so you can always top them up.

If you want noise cancelling earbuds that come with more sound customization features, you may prefer the Anker SoundCore Life P3 Truly Wireless. Out of the box, they have a less neutral sound profile than the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. However, they have a companion app that gives you access to a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. The ANC features are also customizable since you can choose a few different modes to suit the situation. Using 'Transport' mode, it does a better job blocking out bass-range noise like rumbling engines during your commute. They have a comfortable fit and a good build quality, although they don't feel as sturdy as the Apple headphones. Their latency with mobile devices is also higher, making them less suitable for watching videos on your phone.

If you want better-built headphones with a more neutral default sound profile, go for the Apple headphones, but consider the Anker instead if sound customization features are a priority.

The best ANC headphones under $100 we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Life Q30. These Bluetooth-enabled over-ears have a highly effective three-mode ANC system that lets them block out a remarkable amount of ambient noise, whether that be the rumble of a bus engine or the chatter of people nearby. They're also well-built and comfortable enough to wear for extended periods without fatigue.

They have a very bass-heavy sound profile that some users may find overwhelming but should please fans of genres like EDM or hip-hop. Thankfully, their companion app features a graphic EQ and audio presets to help you adjust this to your liking. They supply over 44 hours of playback time on a single charge, which should be more than enough for a couple of long days on the go. Unusually for a pair of headphones at this price point, they also support multi-device pairing, allowing you to stream music from your phone while remaining connected to your computer.

However, these over-ears leak a lot of audio, so they aren't the best choice if you plan on listening to content at a high volume in a crowded setting. Otherwise, if you're looking for versatile, feature-packed noise cancelling headphones at a relatively affordable price, these are a good option.