Read on to discover the best and most affordable noise-cancelling headphones in 2025...
What are noise-cancelling headphones... and how do they work?
It was in 1978, on a return flight from Switzerland to the US, that Dr Amar Bose had his lightbulb moment that led to the invention of active noise cancelling headphones (ANC). His first quiet-giving headphones – launched in 1989 – were designed for pilots and it took until 2000 for the first Bose QuietComfort model to become available. But it was worth the wait.
To recap, active noise cancellation (ANC) headphones feature microphones that analyse the sound coming towards your ears and play the opposite phase of that sound through the headphones, cancelling out the background noise – the best designs can be eerily quiet, even on a very noisy train or plane. The headphone industry has evolved beyond recognition today, but for ANC, what started out as technology aimed at the well-heeled traveller is now available for all, with great-sounding, noise-cancelling wireless headphones that can be bought for less than £100.
Noise-cancelling headphones in 2025... some surprising bargains from big brands
As someone lucky enough to listen to the best headphones, I have been surprised by the quality of these bargains. Take Sony, for instance. I am a huge fan of the class-leading WH-1000XM5 at £279, but also have absolutely no problem recommending the Sony WH-CH720N, which cost £200 less. No, they don’t have the flawless audio presentation or the same level of luxury as their pricier siblings, but they sound terrific, have a long battery life and the noise cancelling is spot on.
Noise-cancelling heaphones in 2025... avoid discounted options from unknown brands
There is a fine line between cheap and cheerful and genuine value, and a quick visit to Amazon will show you hundreds of options from random brands with options costing as little as £30. Personally, I would keep clear of the cheapest options and be wary of heavily discounted options from unknown brands. Established brands such as Sony, Panasonic, Audio Technica and Soundcore are usually safe bets, but there are compromises to be made with lower-cost options.
Build quality can feel plastic and the hinges and folding mechanisms can rattle compared to those using metal (though they’re often lighter, which can make them more comfortable). You also might not get a travel case or spare audio cables. If you plan on plugging into any inflight entertainment, make sure your headphones can be used wired, as many cheap options only offer Bluetooth.
Noise-cancelling headphones in 2025... when opting for lower cost, expect to compromise
Even on some higher priced pairs, noise cancellation can degrade audio quality, and this can be exacerbated with lower-priced designs. You might hear a high-frequency background hiss when you turn on ANC mode, which can be distracting, but in my experience, not as annoying as engine noise or hubbub. Cheaper options may not come with smartphone app connectivity – which I personally wouldn’t worry about – although the ability to tweak the level of noise cancelling can be beneficial.
- Would you spend a million pounds on a hi-fi? What if it sounds like nothing you've ever experienced?
Audio quality can take a hit, again, compared to those options double the price, but I’ve been entertained by the options I’ve tested recently. The combination of passive noise isolation (earcups covering your ears, blocking out sound) and ANC means you can listen at lower volume too, allowing you to concentrate on the performance rather than blasting a concerto just to cover the sounds of the crying toddler in the next row. Manage your expectations and you can find great-sounding active noise cancelling headphones that sound good, dull the background noise and leave you significantly better off.
Noise-cancelling headphones 2025... What to look for:
Wireless connectivity
Wireless headphones have improved enormously in recent years, and with the right streaming platform (Qobuz, Tidal) you can now enjoy your favourite music in better-than-CD quality. The latest version is Bluetooth 5.4, but 5.2 and above is fine, although at lower price points very high-quality playback might actually sound worse through budget drivers.
Battery
Bluetooth streaming and ANC can burn through batteries, but even lower-priced designs can last for days. The Soundcore Q30 can manage 44 hours’ continuous playback.
Extras
Folding designs take up much less space, and cases help you avoid bumps and scratches, but with lower-priced designs the inclusion of audio cables is definitely worth seeking out if you’re a regular traveller.
Noise-cancelling headphones 2025... We recommend:
Soundcore Q30 £79
While the retail price for these headphones is £79.99, if you Google carefully you can often find them for as little as £45.99. Impressively, they’re well worth paying full price for as they offer sound quality that genuinely surprised me and flummoxed an audiophile friend who, in a blind listen, guessed they cost £150+.
The noise cancellation is also impressive, with three different options for airplane noise, offices and traffic/wind, although I rarely deviated from the airplane option as it was highly effective. Battery life is a very respectable 50 hours, and a quick five-minute charge can give you an extra four hours, plus there’s a 3.5mm cable for wired connectivity. They also come with a solid case and folding space-saving design, plus memory-foam ear cups that are plush. A true bargain.
soundcore.com / Buy Soundcore Q30 from Amazon
Panasonic RB-M600B £80
With a battery that can last long enough to circumnavigate the planet (65 hours), these attractive headphones from Panasonic are ideal for the forgetful and frugal traveller. Bluetooth 5.3 means the range is excellent, and you can connect to multiple devices for convenience. There’s a cable for wired listening too, and while not the last word in sonic finesse, the 30mm drivers offer an enjoyable listen with plenty of low end.
At 256g, I found them comfortable to wear for extended periods. The ANC is good enough to let you focus on the music, not the hubbub around you, but the build quality does feel plasticky – hardly surprising at this price. Other small things to note: the buttons aren’t the easiest to press while wearing them and there’s no case for protection. But these are only minor grumbles.
panasonic.com / Buy Panasonic RB-M600B from Amazon
Jlab Go Lux ANC £49
Early JLab headphones often lacked build quality and audio performance, but things have changed significantly and if you’ve got no more than £50, this feature-packed pair is easy to recommend. Unusually for ANC headphones, they are on-ear, not over-ear, which makes them compact and great for smaller heads (and bags). And despite noise isolation not being as good, the active noise cancellation tech works delightfully.
There’s no wired option, sadly, but they have a pass-through setting that allows you to hear more ambient noise, great when you need to be more aware of your surroundings. Battery life is a whopping 70 hours, there’s an app if you want to tweak the sound profile and connectivity is easy too. As for audio, performance is sprightly, and while things get a little confused through the mid-range, bass is clear and vocals surprisingly well balanced.
