Top 10 Budget Noise-Cancelling Headphones in 2025

Let’s face it, noise cancelling headphones used to be a premium only game. You’d fork out half a month’s rent for something halfway decent, just to get a bit of peace on the train. But as we head deeper into 2025, budget active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones have levelled up in a serious way.

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Thanks to improved chipsets, trickle down tech from flagship models, and intense competition, you can now get surprisingly competent ANC, solid audio quality, and creature comforts for under £150, sometimes even less.

Whether you're after work friendly silence, commute worthy performance, or just want to dip your toes into the ANC world without diving headfirst into Bose or Sony territory, this list is for you.

Here are our picks for the Top 10 Budget Noise Cancelling Headphones in 2025, tried, tested, and rated with our usual mix of geeky precision and laid back honesty.

1. Anker Soundcore Space One (~£89)

Best All Rounder for Under £100

Anker’s Soundcore line continues to impress, and the Space One hits that ANC sweet spot at a wallet friendly price. It offers solid hybrid noise cancellation, great battery life (up to 40 hours with ANC on), and punchy, customisable sound via the Soundcore app.

Why We Love It:

• Excellent app based EQ

• Comfortable fit for long sessions

• Great ANC for the price

Downside: Bass can be a bit boomy out of the box, but easily fixed.

2. Edifier W820NB Plus (~£69)

Best Value Pick

Don’t sleep on Edifier. The W820NB Plus punches well above its price tag with respectable ANC, LDAC support (yes, really), and a lightweight design that’s easy on the ears. The sound is balanced, if slightly warm, and battery life sits around 33 hours with ANC on.

Why We Love It:

• LDAC support at this price is rare

• Lightweight and comfy

• Surprisingly clean sound

Downside: No folding hinges, not the most portable.

3. 1More SonoFlow SE (~£85)

Best for Commuters

The original SonoFlow was a hit, and the SE variant brings nearly the same performance for less. With strong ANC, Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and a clear, slightly V shaped sound signature, this is ideal for noisy trains or buses.

Why We Love It:

• Sleek, minimalist build

• Effective noise isolation

• Works well for calls, too

Downside: No aptX, you're stuck with SBC/AAC.

4. SOUNDPEATS Space (~£69)

Best for Battery Life

With a whopping 123 hours of playback (ANC off) and up to 61 hours with ANC on, the SOUNDPEATS Space is a monster in the battery department. Add in solid ANC and decent sound quality, and you’ve got a compelling package for travel or office use.

Why We Love It:

• Unmatched battery life

• Good build for the price

• Strong passive isolation

Downside: Slightly bulky and not ideal for small heads.

5. JLab Studio Pro ANC (~£49)

Best for Extreme Budgets

If your budget is tight but ANC is a must, the Studio Pro ANC from JLab is about as cheap as you can go without hating the results. It’s not audiophile grade, but it delivers usable ANC and better than expected clarity for under £50.

Why We Love It:

• Incredibly affordable

• Lightweight and decent comfort

• Acceptable ANC for basic needs

Downside: Plastic build, limited codec support, average mic quality.

6. Tribit QuietPlus 78 (~£79)

Best Build Quality

Tribit consistently nails budget friendly audio gear, and the QuietPlus 78 is no different. With premium feeling materials, good ANC for the money, and a neutral tuning, it’s a solid option for daily listening without breaking the bank.

Why We Love It:

• Feels more expensive than it is

• ANC is effective for urban noise

• Nice balance of sound

Downside: Slightly tight clamping force on larger heads.

7. Taotronics SoundSurge 85 (~£59)

Best for Quiet Offices

If you’re working from home or in a shared workspace, the SoundSurge 85 offers great passive and active noise cancelling with a low profile. The sound is clean, with a focus on mids and vocals, ideal for calls and podcasts.

Why We Love It:

• Strong midrange clarity

• Low latency performance

• Very lightweight

Downside: Less punch in the low end, not great for bass heads.

8. Aukey EP N12 (~£49)

Best Compact Design

Aukey’s EP N12 keeps things simple: functional ANC, basic comfort, and a compact foldable design perfect for slipping into a bag. The tuning leans warm, and while it won’t blow audiophiles away, it’s a great travel companion.

Why We Love It:

• Ultra portable and foldable

• Nice warm signature

• Decent ANC for size

Downside: No app support or customisation.

9. SuperEQ S1 Hybrid ANC (~£59)

Best for Travel

This lesser known brand has been quietly climbing the charts with impressive features at shockingly low prices. Dual mode ANC, 45 hour battery life, and both wired and wireless modes make this ideal for long haul travellers.

Why We Love It:

• Foldable, comes with a case

• Strong ANC at this price point

• Good for flights or trains

Downside: Slightly recessed highs not the most detailed.

10. Philips H9505 (~£129)

Best Premium Edge Budget Option

Technically just under budget, depending on sales, the H9505 brings mid range ANC performance with Philips’ well known tuning: warm, smooth, and enjoyable for long sessions. Touch controls and wear detection add to the polish.

Why We Love It:

• Great tuning for casual listening

• ANC is solid, if not flagship tier

• Premium design

Downside: The App is barebones, and touch controls can be fiddly.

How We Chose These Headphones

Every headphone on this list meets three key criteria:

1. Active Noise Cancelling That Actually Works: Not all ANC is equal. We focused on models that offered real, perceptible reduction in ambient noise.

2. Under £150 Price Tag: With most options landing well under that ceiling.

3. Solid Sound Quality for the Money: Whether warm, neutral, or V shaped, these headphones needed to deliver more than just silence.

   
   

We also considered comfort, portability, battery life, codec support (AAC, LDAC, aptX), and overall durability because nobody wants cracking headbands or sketchy Bluetooth drops.

Features to Look for in Budget ANC Headphones

When shopping in the budget space, here are some extras worth prioritising:

• Battery Life: Look for 30+ hours minimum with ANC on.

• Foldable Design: Great for travel and storage.

• App Support: Lets you tweak EQ and ANC settings (though rare under £100).

• Multipoint Connectivity: Handy if you’re juggling phone calls and laptops.

• Audio Codecs: LDAC or aptX are bonuses, but AAC will usually do just fine.

Final Thoughts: Budget Doesn’t Mean Compromise

Just a few years ago, recommending noise cancelling headphones under £100 would have felt like setting people up for disappointment. In 2025? Not anymore.

Tech has caught up, prices have come down, and brands you’ve never heard of (alongside some reliable players) are delivering surprisingly capable gear. Whether you're a student, a commuter, or an audiophile in need of a backup pair, there's now something for you.

And if you're looking to get even more out of your budget headphones, consider pairing them with a decent DAC dongle, using higher quality streams (Spotify Premium or Apple Lossless), and avoiding noisy environments where possible. Even the best ANC struggles with screaming tube brakes.

—Dave Hall, Audio & Sound Technology | The Tech Advisor