Finding the perfect pair of noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be an exciting journey, even on a budget!
Whether you’re a jet-setting traveler, a passionate music enthusiast, or simply looking for some quiet in a busy world, the right affordable headphones can elevate your experience.
In this article, we review five of the best budget noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones available today. From value-packed finds to feature-rich options, we dive into their sound quality, comfort, build, and more. Let’s explore these standout choices and find the perfect match for you!
Five Affordable Noise-Canceling Headphones
The five-standout noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones that are perfect for those on a budget are:
- TREBLAB Z7 Pro – Exceptional battery life, comfort, and sound quality at an affordable price.
- Soundcore Anker Life Q20 – Impresses with its exceptional battery life and comfort
- Sony WH-CH720N – Offers extensive customization and effective noise cancellation.
- JBL TUNE 770NC – Delivers powerful bass and long-lasting performance
- Beats Studio3 – Excels in seamless Apple integration and stylish design.
Each of these options offers something unique, ensuring a perfect match for every listener. Keep reading to learn more about each one.
Treblab Z7 Pro
Overview
The Treblab Z7 Pro is a mid-range, over-ear wireless headphone designed for users seeking high-quality sound, comfortable wear, and effective noise cancellation at an affordable price. These headphones are equipped with features like hybrid active noise cancellation, aptX HD support, and multipoint connectivity, making them a competitive choice in their category.
How it Sounds
The sound quality of the Treblab Z7 Pro is marked by strong, punchy bass, clear mids, and slightly recessed highs that gives music a lively and immersive feel. The mid-range frequencies are clear and well-defined, ensuring vocals and instruments sound natural and engaging. The slightly recessed highs prevent the sound from becoming too sharp or fatiguing, making them pleasant for long listening sessions.
Thanks to the 40mm drivers, the sound is rich and full-bodied, perfect for any music genre. These drivers produce deep bass that is robust without overpowering the mids and highs. The result is a well-balanced sound profile that can handle everything from bass-heavy tracks to classical music with finesse, making these headphones a great choice for casual listeners who enjoy a dynamic and engaging audio experience across a variety of genres.
While the high notes can get a bit fuzzy at maximum volume, the overall sound signature remains enjoyable and dynamic. The headphones are also equipped with aptX HD support, which ensures high-definition audio streaming, adding to the clarity and detail of the sound. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who stream music from high-quality sources, as it helps maintain the integrity of the audio.
The Treblab Z7 Pro’s hybrid active noise cancellation also enhances the sound quality. By effectively reducing ambient noise, these headphones allow you to focus on the music without distractions, further enriching the listening experience. Whether you’re in a noisy office, on a plane, or just enjoying music at home, the noise cancellation helps keep the sound pure and immersive.
Comfort Level
Comfort is where the Treblab Z7 Pro truly shines. With memory foam ear cushions and an adjustable headband, these headphones ensure long hours of wear without discomfort. I have worn them for several hours, and they feel great.
The well-padded ear cups and minimal clamping force help reduce fatigue during extended listening sessions. Some users have mentioned that the headband can slip forward slightly when bending over, but I haven’t experienced this problem. Just make sure you adjust the headband to fit tightly on your head.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Z7 Pro is robust, with a combination of high protein leather and an IPX4 splashproof rating, making them resistant to sweat and light rain.
The headphones have a minimalist design with a satin finish, providing an elegant look without appearing cheap. They are foldable, making them easy to store and transport.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sound Quality: Rich and punchy bass with good mid-range clarity.
- Comfort: Memory foam ear cushions and minimal clamping force for extended wear.
- Build Quality: Durable materials with an IPX4 splashproof rating.
- Features: Hybrid active noise cancellation, multipoint connectivity, and aptX HD support.
- Battery Life: Up to 45 hours of playback with ANC off and quick charging capability.
Cons:
- High-Frequency Performance: High notes can distort at high volumes.
- Lack of customization: There is no companion app for adjusting equalizer settings or touch controls.
Overall, the Treblab Z7 Pro offers a balanced mix of sound quality, comfort, and durability at a reasonable price, making it a solid choice for those seeking reliable mid-range wireless headphones.
Soundcore Anker Life Q20
Overview
The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 is an affordable pair of over-ear wireless headphones featuring active noise cancellation (ANC). Priced around $60, these headphones are designed to provide good sound quality, comfortable wear, and essential features for budget-conscious consumers looking for reliable noise-canceling headphones.
How it Sounds
The Life Q20 offers a sound profile that emphasizes bass, making it suitable for genres like hip-hop and EDM. The mids are clear but not overly detailed, and the highs are somewhat subdued. This tuning makes the headphones non-fatiguing for long listening sessions, though audiophiles might find the lack of detail disappointing.
The BassUp feature can further boost the bass, but it often results in a muddier sound. Overall, the sound quality is decent for the price but falls short compared to higher-end models.
Comfort Level
Comfort is a highlight of the Life Q20. The headphones are lightweight due to their plastic build and feature ultra-plush leatherette ear cups and a padded headband. These design elements ensure that the headphones can be worn for extended periods without causing discomfort.
Users with glasses also report minimal fatigue, making them suitable for long listening sessions or travel.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Life Q20 is adequate, considering its price point. The plastic construction contributes to the lightweight feel but also makes the headphones feel less premium.
The ear cups can rotate and fold for easy storage, though a hard case is not included, only a soft pouch. The physical buttons on the ear cups are large and easy to use, although they can feel slightly clunky when pressed.
The headphones use a micro-USB for charging, which is less convenient compared to the more modern USB-C.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Price: Offers good value for budget-conscious buyers.
- Comfort: Lightweight design with plush ear cups and headband for extended wear.
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with ANC on and 60 hours with ANC off, with quick charging capability.
- Noise Cancellation: Effective at blocking out low-volume background noise.
Cons:
- Sound Quality: Bass-heavy with less detail in mids and highs; BassUp feature can muddy the sound.
- Build Quality: Plastic construction feels less premium; lacks a hard carrying case.
- Noise Cancellation: Not as effective as higher-end models from brands like Sony and Bose.
- Connectivity: Uses micro-USB instead of the more convenient USB-C.
Overall, the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 is a solid choice for those seeking affordable noise-canceling headphones with good comfort and battery life. While it may not rival high-end models in sound quality and ANC performance, it offers a commendable package for its price range.
Sony WH-CH720N
Overview
The Sony WH-CH720N is an affordable pair of noise-canceling headphones that packs a host of features typically reserved for higher-end models. Priced around $149, these headphones aim to deliver high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation without breaking the bank. They come equipped with Sony’s V1 processor for noise cancellation, support for multi-device pairing, and the Sony Headphones Connect app for extensive customization.
How it Sounds
The WH-CH720N features 30mm drivers that produce a balanced sound with a slight emphasis on bass. While they don’t support high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, they offer SBC and AAC support.
The sound profile is generally pleasant, with good clarity and detail, especially when the DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) is activated to upscale compressed audio. However, some users might find the highs slightly harsh in certain tracks. Overall, for their price, they offer impressive sound quality that is enjoyable for most music genres.
Comfort Level
Comfort is a strong point for the WH-CH720N. These headphones are lightweight, weighing only 192 grams, and feature plush ear cushions that provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
The headband is also well-padded, ensuring that they remain comfortable even after hours of use. Users have reported that the headphones sit comfortably without causing fatigue, making them suitable for long periods of wear.
Build Quality
The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent for its price range. While they are primarily made of plastic, the construction feels sturdy enough for daily use. They might not have the premium feel of higher-end models, but they are durable and well-constructed.
The headphones also feature a foldable design, making them easy to store and carry around.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effective noise cancellation for the price.
- Long battery life (up to 35 hours with ANC on).
- Comfortable and lightweight design.
- Extensive customization options via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- Support for multi-device pairing.
Cons:
- Lack of high-resolution audio codec support (no LDAC or aptX).
- Plastic build might not appeal to those looking for a premium feel.
- The highs can be slightly harsh on certain tracks.
- Missing features like fast charging and on-ear detection.
The Sony WH-CH720N offers great value with its combination of sound quality, comfort, and noise-canceling capabilities. They are an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
JBL Tune 770NC
Overview
The JBL Tune 770NC headphones are positioned as a budget-friendly option in the noise-canceling headphone market. Priced at $199, these over-ear headphones offer a mix of essential features, including adaptive noise canceling, a long battery life, and customizable sound profiles through the JBL Headphones app.
They come in multiple colors, including Black, Blue, and White, and are designed for users who want a reliable audio experience without spending a fortune.
How it Sounds
The JBL Tune 770NC delivers a sound profile that aligns with JBL’s “Pure Bass Sound” technology, providing deep, robust bass that makes it ideal for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and electronic music.
The midrange can feel slightly recessed, which might cause vocals to be less pronounced compared to other frequencies. However, the treble is clear and detailed, adding a refined top end to the audio experience.
At higher volumes, you may notice a slight decline in clarity, but overall, the sound quality is impressive for the price.
Comfort Level
The Tune 770NC headphones are designed with lightweight materials and soft ear cushions, making them comfortable for extended use. However, some users might find the ear cups a bit tight, which could be uncomfortable for those with larger ears.
The headband has minimal padding, which might cause discomfort during long listening sessions. Despite these issues, the overall design ensures a secure fit that enhances noise isolation.
Build Quality
The build quality of the JBL Tune 770NC reflects its price point, featuring a predominantly plastic construction that keeps the headphones light but raises concerns about durability.
The ear cups and headband are covered in synthetic leather, which feels premium but may not be as durable as genuine leather.
The headphones have a foldable design, making them easy to store and carry around. The physical buttons for controlling playback and noise-canceling features are intuitive and responsive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great Sound Quality: Especially strong in bass and treble, making it suitable for various music genres.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 70 hours with ANC off and 44 hours with ANC on. Fast charging provides three hours of playback with just a five-minute charge.
- Affordable Price: Offers many features typically found in more expensive headphones.
- Customizable Sound: The JBL Headphones app allows for extensive sound customization through EQ settings.
Cons:
- Comfort Issues: Tight ear cups and minimal padding on the headband may cause discomfort over long periods.
- Plastic Build: While lightweight, the plastic construction may not be as durable as other materials.
- Limited Advanced Features: Lacks features like on-head detection, which are present in more premium models.
Overall, the JBL Tune 770NC headphones provide a balanced mix of sound quality, battery life, and essential features, making them a strong contender for budget-conscious consumers looking for effective noise-canceling headphones.
Beats Studio3 Wireless
Overview
The Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones, developed by Beats by Dre and powered by Apple’s W1 chip, offer a premium experience with seamless connectivity, particularly for Apple device users. These over-ear headphones are designed to provide a combination of style, sound quality, and noise-canceling capabilities, making them a strong contender in the high-end wireless headphone market.
How It Sounds
The Beats Studio3 Wireless delivers a balanced sound profile that is less bass-heavy than previous Beats models, catering to a wider audience.
The headphones offer a warm and full tone with emphasis on upper bass and low mids, which provides a pleasing listening experience for most genres of music. However, the sound lacks the depth and spatial quality found in some competitors like the Bose QuietComfort 35 and Sony WH-1000XM3.
Comfort Level
Comfort is a significant strength of the Beats Studio3. The over-ear design and plush ear cushions make them suitable for long listening sessions.
The headphones are lightweight and have a sturdy build, with a flexible headband that adjusts well to different head sizes. The clamping force is moderate, ensuring a secure fit without causing discomfort.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Beats Studio3 Wireless is impressive, featuring a robust design with a combination of matte plastic and metal reinforcements.
The headphones fold up neatly for easy storage and transport. The physical buttons on the ear cups are intuitive and responsive, avoiding the pitfalls of less reliable touch controls.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Seamless pairing with Apple devices thanks to the W1 chip.
- Good battery life, with up to 22 hours of playback with ANC on and 40 hours without.
- Comfortable design suitable for extended use.
- Effective noise cancellation for everyday use.
Cons:
- Sound quality, while good, is not as refined as some competitors in the same price range.
- ANC is effective but not as advanced as the best in the market, such as Bose QC35.
- Lacks features like custom EQ settings found in some rival headphones.
Overall, the Beats Studio3 Wireless is a solid choice for those who prioritize seamless integration with Apple devices, stylish design, and comfortable wear. However, audiophiles seeking the best sound quality and noise cancellation might find better options elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones is all about matching your needs and budget with the right pair. The TREBLAB Z7 Pro offers a fantastic balance of features at a wallet-friendly price. The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 shines with its long battery life and supreme comfort.
Sony’s WH-CH720N stands out for its customization options and top-notch noise cancellation. The JBL Tune 770NC delivers powerful bass and impressive longevity, while the Beats Studio3 Wireless brings seamless connectivity and a chic design, especially for Apple aficionados.
Each pair has its own unique perks, ensuring there’s a stellar option for everyone. So, dive in and find your perfect match!