Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under £100 UK 2026

If you’ve been putting off buying a pair of noise cancelling headphones because the good ones all seem to cost north of £200, it’s time to reconsider. The best noise cancelling headphones under £100 in the UK have improved so dramatically over the past couple of years that you genuinely don’t need to spend a fortune to get solid active noise cancellation, decent sound quality, and battery life that’ll last a full work week.

I’ve spent weeks testing budget ANC headphones from Sony, Anker, JBL and others, wearing them on trains, in busy offices, and at home. Here’s what’s actually worth your money in 2026.

Why Budget Noise Cancelling Headphones Have Got So Good

A few years back, spending under £100 on ANC headphones meant tolerating tinny audio, weak noise cancellation, and plasticky builds that felt disposable. That’s not the case any more. Chipmakers have pushed ANC processing down to affordable price points, and competition between brands like Anker Soundcore, Sony, and JBL has driven quality up while keeping prices sensible.

Battery life at this price is now routinely above 30 hours with ANC switched on. That’s not a typo – you can go a full working week without reaching for a charger. Codec support has improved too, with several models offering LDAC or aptX Adaptive for better wireless audio quality. If you’re also considering in-ear options, we’ve covered the best noise cancelling earbuds under £100 separately.

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under £100 for 2026

Sony WH-CH720N – Best Overall Pick

The Sony WH-CH720N have won What Hi-Fi? Awards three years running, and it’s easy to hear why. They weigh just 192g – light enough to forget you’re wearing them – and deliver a warm, balanced sound signature that works across genres. ANC performance is surprisingly capable for the price, handling low-frequency rumble from trains and planes with ease.

At around £59 from most UK retailers, they’re an absolute bargain. Battery life hits 35 hours with ANC on, and they charge via USB-C. The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you tweak EQ settings and toggle between ANC and ambient sound modes. If you want one recommendation and don’t fancy reading further, get these.

Price: £59 | Battery: 35 hours (ANC on) | Weight: 192g | Codec: AAC, SBC

Anker Soundcore Space Q45 – Best Noise Cancellation

If blocking out the world is your main priority, the Soundcore Space Q45 from Anker delivers the strongest ANC at this price point. During testing, they handled everything from office chatter to bus engines without breaking a sweat. The noise cancellation has multiple adjustable levels through the Soundcore app, which is genuinely useful – full ANC on a quiet street feels heavy-handed, so being able to dial it back is welcome.

Sound quality is a touch bass-heavy out of the box, but the EQ in the app sorts that quickly. Battery life is an exceptional 50 hours with ANC on, which borders on ridiculous for a pair of headphones under £80. They fold flat for travel too, and come with a decent carry case. Worth checking our family travel tech roundup if you’re after more gear for trips.

Price: £79.99 | Battery: 50 hours (ANC on) | Weight: 295g | Codec: LDAC, AAC, SBC

JBL Tune 770NC – Best for Bass Lovers

JBL has always done bass well, and the Tune 770NC keeps that tradition alive. These are the headphones to pick if you mostly listen to hip-hop, electronic, or pop music and want that extra thump without it muddying everything else. The JBL app offers a solid graphic EQ and spatial audio support, which is a nice bonus at £69.

ANC is decent rather than class-leading – it’ll take the edge off commuter noise but won’t create the same silent bubble as the Soundcore Q45. Build quality is good, with soft protein leather cushions that stay comfortable for hours. Battery life is 44 hours with ANC on, which is more than enough. They’re also available in five colours if you care about aesthetics.

Price: £69 | Battery: 44 hours (ANC on) | Weight: 252g | Codec: AAC, SBC

What to Look for in Budget Noise Cancelling Headphones

Before you buy, it’s worth knowing what separates a good pair from a mediocre one at this price. ANC quality varies hugely – some budget headphones barely muffle anything, while others rival models twice the price. Look for headphones with adjustable ANC levels, as a single on/off toggle limits flexibility.

Comfort matters more than most people think. If you’re wearing these for a full workday, padding thickness and headband pressure make a real difference. Weight under 250g is ideal for extended use. Battery life should be at least 30 hours with ANC enabled – anything less and you’re settling unnecessarily in 2026.

Finally, check codec support. If you have an Android phone, LDAC support means noticeably better wireless audio quality. iPhone users are limited to AAC regardless, so this matters less for you. For a broader look at options across all price ranges, have a read of our best wireless earbuds under £100 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are noise cancelling headphones under £100 worth buying?

Yes, absolutely. Budget ANC headphones in 2026 offer a level of noise cancellation and sound quality that would have cost £250 or more just three years ago. Models like the Sony WH-CH720N and Anker Soundcore Space Q45 are particularly strong performers for the money.

How long do budget noise cancelling headphones typically last?

Most decent pairs should last two to three years with regular daily use. Battery degradation is the main concern over time, but with 35-50 hours of battery life from new, even a 20% decline after two years still leaves plenty of listening time.

Can cheap noise cancelling headphones block out office noise?

The best budget ANC headphones handle low-frequency sounds like air conditioning hum and background chatter effectively. Higher-pitched noises like phone ringtones and sharp voices are harder to block completely, but the better models – particularly the Soundcore Space Q45 – do a solid job of reducing them to a murmur.

Do noise cancelling headphones need a companion app?

They don’t need one to work, but using the manufacturer’s app is worth it. Apps from Sony, Anker, and JBL let you adjust EQ settings, change ANC intensity, and update firmware. You’ll get a noticeably better experience by spending five minutes setting things up.