I test noise-canceling headphones for a living — here's my top picks under $100

Review listing image for Anker Soundcore Space One in blue
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"The best noise-canceling headphones often come with higher prices, and more premium feature sets." That's something I might have said a few years ago, but they're now more accessible than ever thanks to some great budget options.

While there are some truly standout models that cost $400 or more, there are a handful of headphones under $100 that deliver good sound and good noise cancelation.

If you're looking to spend as little as possible for a pair of headphones that can block out the world, there are some great values to be had. Here are three sub-$100 ANC headphones that I've tested that give you everything you need.

1More Sonoflow Pro

1More Sonoflow Pro

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The 1More Sonoflow Pro deliver features that you'd normally expect from something more premium at a price you can afford. They're a light pair of headphones with lovely soft padding, which means they're comfortable over long periods of time. The physical controls are easy to use, and easy to find when you can't see them. Which is good, given they're going to live on your head.

The sound is good, with a welcoming sonic experience that offers clear details. There's still plenty of bass though, and the mids are well represented, too.

For less than $90 they're a great option if you're looking for something nice and cheap that still offers noise canceling for the train.

1More Sonoflow Pro
1More Sonoflow Pro: $87 at Amazon

1More is no stranger to a great pair of budget headphones, and the Sonoflow Pro are a great example of what to expect. They're comfortable, sound good, and offer very solid ANC for a price that's not going to break the bank.

JLab JBuds Lux ANC

the jlab jbuds lux anc headphones in black photographed against a blue background

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

There have to be some sacrifices made on the alter of price when it comes to headphones this cheap — in the case of the JBuds Lux ANC, it's a lack of protective hardcase.

Other than that you're getting a pair of super comfortable headphones that don't cost loads of money while offering a 70-hour battery life and ANC that's much better than you'd expect for the price. They sound good too, with some great bassy rumble to keep them engaging while listening.

That low price makes sure you won't pay too much either — if you can live without a hard case, these are a wallet- and ear-pleasing sub-$100 option.

JLab JBuds Lux ANC
JLab JBuds Lux ANC: $79 at Amazon

The folding JBuds Lux ANC bring more premium features to a budget price point. They're a light and comfortable pair of headphones that also happen to sound really good — and they fold up nice and small so that they can fit inside your backpack.

Soundcore Space One

Review listing image for Anker Soundcore Space One in blue

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

There's something different about the Space One, and that's their wonderful sense of style. Where headphones at this price usually settle for a standard-looking black or gray chassis that wouldn't inspire anyone, the Space One feature a design that makes them look unlike anything else. There are fun colors, sleek metallic accents, and sturdy feeling plastic throughout to make sure you feel like you've got your money's worth.

They sound good, and feature a comfortable fit thanks to some lovely soft padding foam. 40 hours of battery is good too, especially when the ANC is turned on. Physical controls round out a great budget over-ears package.

We gave them a solid 4-star rating when we reviewed them, and they still hold up as one of the best cheap wireless headphones.

Soundcore Space One
Soundcore Space One: $99 at Amazon

The Soundcore Space One offer some great features for a very solid price. Their ANC is excellent, blocking out loads of noise in busy places, and they sound good thanks to some great audio tuning. The Soundcore app is a useful way to dial in their sound as well, thanks to an EQ.

More from Tom's Guide

Tammy Rogers
Audio Editor

Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom's Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore's resident audiophile, Tammy's reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom's Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you'll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that'll never see the light of day.

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