Best Noise Isolating Headphones Under 100

Given the nature of the modern world and the hustle and bustle that comes with it, noise cancellation in a set of headphones is quickly becoming more of a necessity for many of us. In today's article, we are going to look at the ten best noise canceling headphones under $100 in 2020 to find out what's available.

While the majority of over-ear models do an excellent job at passively drowning out the passers-by, they can't compete with a louder environment. Models which have active noise cancellation capabilities fair much better as they are continually working to reduce the outside decibel levels for you.

Some headphones simply allow you to switch noise-cancelling on or off, which is fine if you're listening to them on a train or plane. Other models give you greater flexibility and the ability to adjust the strength of the noise-cancelling based on where you're using them. You might want to allow some noise through if you're using them in built-up areas where there's lots of traffic around, for example.

Noise-cancelling headphones also tend to go hand-in-hand with Bluetooth connectivity, giving you the freedom of wireless plus a battery life that can push north of 24 hours. You usually get controls and a microphone built-in, so everything you need to have a conversation and skip tracks is within easy reach.

But finding a decently priced pair of headphones that can really block out the noise around you can be difficult. Many headphones promise noise isolation technology, but that’s a vague term that doesn’t inherently need much. If you really want to step away from the noises around you, you’re going to want noise cancelling headphones. Here are 11 noise cancelling headphone reviews, all under $100, highlighting the best models available.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones 2020: in-ears and on-ears, budget to premium

Sennheiser HD280PRO

The Sennheiser HD280PRO is a lightweight and comfortable pair of noise-isolated headphones. It decreases outside noise by up to 32dB, which is extremely good. These headphones have high ratings for home-studios on a budget. Furthermore, they have high ratings from audiophiles, as well.

In terms of sound quality, the Sennheiser HD280PRO is fantastic. They are relatively flat with a minor spike in the lower bass. In my opinion, the slight lower bass spike provides more feeling to the music without muddiness or boominess. It has a flat frequency response and natural sound. If you’re just in need of buying noise-isolation headphones for enjoyment, the flat frequency response makes it easier to manipulate the sound in whichever way you prefer with a bit of equalizing.

Why We Chose These

• Dynamic, closed ear headphones.Weight w/o cable: 285 gram Ear coupling is circumaural
• Lightweight and comfortable, ergonomic design, Cord Length 3.3 9.8 feet Coiled
• Extended frequency response and warm, natural sound reproduction. Nominal impedance 64 ohm. Sound pressure level (SPL) 113 dB
• Around the ear design with padded ear cups Dynamic, closed ear headphones with up to 32 dB attenuation of outside sound. Frequency response (Headphones) 8 25000 Hz
• Ear pads, headband padding, and audio cord are easily replaceable, ensuring long life

Customer Reviews

I've had these head phones for 3 years now and thought i'd do a small review. After using many different headphones in my studio, both mixing and recoding sound. I have to say these are the best pair of head phones i've used by far. The sound quality is amazing and the noise cancellation is just as impressive. I use them every day and have never had any problems with them. I even take them with me when i go away as no other headphones cut it for me now. They are a bit big but i love big headphones. They might be a bit out of peoples price range, but if you have the extra to spend on them you won't be disappointed, they are very durable and will be well worth money in my opinion.

Sony MDRZX110NC

The Sony MDRZX110NC headphones have a 3.9-foot audio cable that ends in a gold-plated L-shape 3.5mm plug, which helps strengthen the connection’s durability. That’s pretty handy considering many people will be using these while commuting or traveling. Naturally, they also come with an in-flight adapter. If you think these might be the ones for you, you’re not alone.

On top of that, the ear cups swivel for a more comfortable fit. Like some of the other options on this list, these use AAA batteries. One battery should last you about 80 hours of noise cancelling. If you keep a spare around, you should be covered for quite some time.

Why We Chose These

• Over ear, Noise isolating Headphones. Connectivity Technology: Wired
• 30mm Neodymium Driver. 110 dB/mW – Power off, 115 dB/mW – Power on
• Up To 80 Hours Of Battery Life
• Frequency response:10 22,000 Hz
• Impedance (Ohm) Power ON 220 ohm, OFF 45 ohm (at 1 kHz).Cord Length:3.94 ft

Customer Reviews

Now that we have had these for a few months and tried them on an airplane as well as at home, I can report that for the price, these are very effective noise cancelling headphones. They do not eliminate all airplane noise, but I was able to watch a movie at half volume, whereas when I use earbuds, I have to crank it up to 100%. In addition, I have started using them when I do digital recording so that I can hear any background noises that are coming through the recording device without them being masked by ambient noise reaching my ears through the muffs.

 This helped me on a video project without having to spend 100s of dollars for something I will use in that way only 2-3 times a year. I assume they will also be useful in setting up sound systems in our community theatre and will try them out for the next play. Warning: Don't leave the battery in the unit when it is dormant. One reason is to avoid the possibility of battery leakage, but the most important reason is that it is easy to forget to turn them off, and the battery will then drain while just sitting there.

Mpow H10 

These headphones sound reasonably well-balanced, with deep, punchy bass and detailed treble. They do a good job at cancelling the low rumbles of a bus or plane engine as well as ambient chatter. Their 23-hour battery life is great and they a standby mode to help save power, which is useful if you forget to turn them off sometimes.

 They can also be used passively without ANC with their included audio when the battery finally runs out, and even provide audio while charging. While their sound profile is decently well-balanced, they can make vocals and lead instruments sound a bit distant. While they should do well with most popular genres of music, they may not be ideal for classical or jazz.

Why We Chose These

• Upgraded Dual-mic ANC Technology -- Mow H10 Bluetooth headphones adopts feedforward + feedback dual-mic ANC tech to significantly reduce background noise to 32dB. Stay focused on your favorite tunes during long trips on a plane subway, bus, or busy office.
• Tailor-Made Comfort for All-day Wear -- To offer you maximum comfort, Mow H10 is engineered with improved headband that produces less clamping force, soft enlarged protein ear pads offer you fully-wrapped comfy experience. 90° rotatable ear pads help the headphones fit snugly to your head.
• 30 Hours More Stable Battery Life -- Enjoy up to 30 hours of listening feast. Charge Mow H10 once, you will get pure music the whole week. The Wired mode: you can also connect the headphone to your device with included Audio cable to enjoy endless pure music. Note: the ANC function will be unavailable when the battery is dead.
• Amazing Sound with Hi-Fi Technology -- Large 40mm driver units and CSR Bluetooth ensure great sound quality, especially the powerful deep bass sound. And Support: Mow offers 45 days money back And 2-years worry-free .
• Upgraded Connectivity And Hassle-Free Clear Calls -- Employing widely acknowledged CSR8635 Bluetooth chip to ensure stable and continuous connection, Mow H10 Bluetooth headphone represents you an exceptional listening experience anytime and anywhere without disconnection or break. And built-in CVC 6. 0 noise-cancelling microphone for hands-free calls with clearer call quality

Customer Reviews

The headphones chraged faster than expected. Let them charge for a few hours then I used the supplied cable to watch amovie on my laptop. Very, very comfortable, I could wear these for hours with zero fatigue. Was watching a movie when I remembered about the NC feature. Turned it on. WOW. It was like someone threw a blanket over the kids playing, the dryer and whatever noise was in the background.

 I finished the movie and started listening to music. Great clarity, bass, mids and highs. As a musician, this is very important to me. Took the headphones off after using them for about 3 hours straight and was stunned by how much background noise they had been blocking out. Fantastic value and I am thinking of getting another pair as a backup for trips, etc.

Marshall Major III

They have a comfortable padded design. The ear cups feel natural on your ears. This means you can listen longer, and make good use of the 30-hour battery.

Some of the bass frequencies can be a bit muddy. The controls for answering calls are a bit awkward and flimsy.

You can take calls with a built-in microphone. Another great feature is the AUX output. You can plug other headphones in, so two people can listen at once without sharing the headphones.

The sound is as good as you’d expect from the Marshall brand. The bass is boosted though not the clearest, but the mids and highs are very clear and crisp.

Why We Chose These

• Bluetooth aptX gives you exceptional audio quality and the freedom and convenience to move with 30 feet of wireless listening range.
• 30+ hours of wireless playtime on a single charge
• Iconic sound with 40 mm dynamic drivers that are custom tuned for enhanced bass response, smooth midst and crystal clear highs that draw on over 50 years of sound heritage.
• With the multi-directional control knob you can play, pause, shuffle and adjust the volume of your device, as well as power your headphone on or off.
• Easy to use phone functionality makes the major III Bluetooth the perfect everyday companion. Wirelessly answer, reject or end a call with the control knob
• Collapsible design

Customer Reviews

I was originally planning to use these in a studio setting as drummer headphones. However, the minor delay inherent with Bluetooth prevented that. So I had to repurpose them for general use which was a blessing in disguise. I'm absolutely thrilled with the quality, fit, weight, and sound of these headphones. 

I take them with me everywhere now. Bluetooth connects every time with no issue and battery life is stellar (now that I think of it, they've never run out on me). Most notable, they live up to the iconic brand that adorns the cup by being the most durable headphones I've ever owned. You may experience some ear fatigue if you where them for hours at a time, but that's simply the byproduct of on-the-ear headphones.

Mpow H5 headphones

Why We Chose These

Active Noise Cancelling Technology -- Mpow H5 Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones can effectively reduces the noise of city traffic, plane cabin or hubbub. It enables you to enjoy immersive auditory experience even in noisy environments.

Upgraded Soft Ear Cushions -- Professional protein earpads, 90° swiveling earcups and adjustable headband deliver better durability and comfort. Mpow Active noise cancelling headphones with the lightweight design is comfortable for all-day wearing.

30Hours Ultra Long Battery -- Mpow Noise Cancelling Headphones adopt Built-in battery provides up to 30 hours of music (360 songs) /call or you can connect the Bluetooth headphones with the included audio cable when the battery’s low.

Feel Superior Bass in Beat -- Mpow H5 Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones use dual 40mm drivers and advanced CSR Bluetooth chip to brings balanced midbass and bright treble for you. A built-in CVC6.0 microphone guarantees hands-free calls in clear voice.

Improve Durability -- 1. We had updated the material of headband which has successfully passed the 10000+ bending test. 2. We have improved the clamping force of the H5 noise cancelling headphones for better comfort. 3. Suitable for most sizes of heads.

Customer Reviews

Great sound. Good Bass. Really soft and supple padding. Feels like a nice expensive pair of headphones. The ANC feature is a plus. As someone who uses public transportation daily, this will easily block out all sounds.

 Call quality is pretty good, a little dependant on environment. If low to medium noise in background, you will be heard clearly, if in a louder environment, you'd have to yell a bit, but you'll be heard for sure.

 Battery life is great. Gone 3 days at about 3-5 hours each and haven't had to charge them. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a quality pair of Bluetooth headphones. Also the drawstring pouch is made a really nice material and holds the headphones and other cables nicely. Folds easily and in two different ways. Would surely purchase again.