True wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) have become increasingly popular and affordable in recent years.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds market is experiencing explosive growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.9% from 2022 to 2030. Valued at USD 35.37 billion in 2021, the market is expected to reach a staggering USD 563.2 billion by 2030.
For around $100, you can now get a solid pair of ANC earbuds that rival more expensive options in many ways.
We’ve thoroughly tested the top contenders in this price range to bring you our picks for the 8 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds Under $100 available today.
Our testing evaluated key factors like sound quality, ANC performance, battery life, comfort, call quality, and extra features.
After extensive comparison, these are our top recommendations for budget-conscious buyers looking for great ANC earbuds:
- Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
- Nothing Ear (a)
- OnePlus Buds 3
- EarFun Air Pro 3
- Jabra Elite 4
- Realme Buds Air 6 Pro
- SoundCore Liberty 4 NC
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro
Let’s dive into the details of each of these top picks:
1. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE (FE stands for “Fan Edition”) offer exceptional value at around $100. They deliver the refined experience you’d expect from Samsung in a more affordable package.
Design and Comfort
The Galaxy Buds FE come in a sleek, compact charging case available in graphite or white. The buds themselves feature a comfortable in-ear design with silicone tips and optional wing tips for a secure fit. We found them to be very comfortable for extended wear.
Sound Quality
These earbuds punch above their weight class in terms of audio performance. They produce clear, well-balanced sound with impressive clarity in the mids and highs. Bass response is solid without being overpowering. Samsung phone users benefit from the proprietary Samsung Scalable Codec for even better audio quality.
ANC Performance
The active noise cancellation on the Galaxy Buds FE is quite effective, especially for the price point. It does a good job reducing low-frequency noise and performed well in our tests, earning a Tier A rating in our noise cancellation rankings.
Battery Life
Samsung advertises 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled, but our tests actually yielded 6.5 hours – an impressive result. The case provides additional charges for up to 30 hours of total use.
Call Quality
Call performance is solid in most conditions. The buds handle background noise well, though extremely windy environments can be challenging.
Extra Features:
- IPX2 water resistance
- Wear detection sensor
- Touch controls
- Samsung ecosystem integration
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality, especially for Samsung users
- Effective ANC
- Comfortable, secure fit
- Compact case
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- No wireless charging
- Some features exclusive to Samsung devices
The Galaxy Buds FE offer a premium experience at a budget-friendly price, especially for those already in the Samsung ecosystem. They’re an excellent all-around choice for most users.
Best Deal2. Nothing Ear (a)
Nothing, the tech startup founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has made waves with its uniquely designed products. The Ear (a) continues this trend while delivering impressive performance.
Design and Comfort
The Nothing Ear (a) stand out with their semi-transparent design and distinctive yellow color option (black and white are also available). They’re lightweight and comfortable, though some users may find the fit less secure during intense activity.
Sound Quality
These earbuds deliver excellent audio performance, with a well-balanced sound signature that works well across various genres. The LDAC codec support (on compatible devices) allows for high-resolution wireless audio.
ANC Performance
The active noise cancellation on the Ear (a) is among the best in this price range, earning a Tier A rating in our tests. It effectively reduces a wide range of ambient noise.
Battery Life
Battery life is average, with about 5.5 hours of playback with ANC enabled. The case provides additional charges for a total of 24 hours of use.
Call Quality
Call quality is good in most conditions, with clear voice pickup and decent background noise reduction.
Extra Features:
- IP54 dust and water resistance (buds)
- IPX2 water resistance (case)
- Wear detection
- Customizable controls
- Low latency mode for gaming
Pros:
- Unique, eye-catching design
- Excellent ANC performance
- Very good sound quality
- IP54 rating on buds, rare case water resistance
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
- Fit may not be secure for everyone
- Some features limited to Nothing phones
The Nothing Ear (a) offers a combination of style and substance, with class-leading ANC and impressive sound quality in a distinctive package.
Best Deal3. OnePlus Buds 3
OnePlus has steadily improved its true wireless earbud offerings, and the Buds 3 represent a significant step forward in the budget segment.
Design and Comfort
The OnePlus Buds 3 feature a sleek, professional design available in metallic gray or blue. They use an oval tip shape that many users find very comfortable. The fit is generally secure, though some may experience occasional slippage during vigorous activity.
Sound Quality
These earbuds shine in the audio department, especially when using the LHDC codec on supported devices. They offer a well-balanced sound profile with good detail and a satisfying bass response. Volume levels are impressively high.
ANC Performance
The ANC on the OnePlus Buds 3 is good, though not quite at the top of this price range. It effectively reduces low-frequency noise but struggles more with mid and high frequencies. We placed it in Tier B for noise cancellation performance.
Battery Life
OnePlus advertises 6.5 hours of playback with ANC on, but our tests actually yielded an impressive 7 hours. The case provides additional charges for up to 44 hours of total use.
Call Quality
Call performance is above average, with good voice clarity and decent background noise suppression in most conditions.
Extra Features:
- IP55 dust and water resistance (buds)
- Customizable touch controls with volume slider
- Multi-point connection
- Low latency gaming mode
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Very good battery life
- Comfortable fit for most users
- IP55 rating
- Intuitive touch controls
Cons:
- ANC performance is good but not best-in-class
- LHDC codec not widely supported
- No wireless charging
The OnePlus Buds 3 offer a well-rounded package with standout audio quality and battery life, making them a great choice for music lovers.
Best Deal4. EarFun Air Pro 3
EarFun may not be a household name, but the Air Pro 3 proves that lesser-known brands can deliver impressive performance at budget-friendly prices.
Design and Comfort
The EarFun Air Pro 3 have a fairly standard true wireless earbud design with stems. They’re comfortable for most users, though the fit may not be as secure as some other options during intense physical activity. The charging case is on the bulkier side.
Sound Quality
These earbuds are a pleasant surprise in the audio department. They support the aptX Adaptive codec and deliver rich, detailed sound across the frequency spectrum. Bass response is particularly impressive for earbuds in this price range.
ANC Performance
The active noise cancellation on the Air Pro 3 is very effective, earning a Tier A rating in our tests. It does an excellent job reducing both low and mid-frequency noise.
Battery Life
EarFun advertises 7 hours of playback with ANC enabled, but our tests fell short of this, yielding just under 5 hours. This is one of the weaker points of these earbuds.
Call Quality
Call quality is decent but not exceptional. The microphones struggle somewhat in noisy or windy conditions.
Extra Features:
- IPX5 water resistance
- Wireless charging
- Customizable touch controls
- Low latency gaming mode
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with aptX Adaptive
- Very effective ANC
- Wireless charging support
- Good value for the price
Cons:
- Battery life falls short of advertised specs
- Bulky charging case
- Fit may not be secure for everyone
The EarFun Air Pro 3 offer flagship-level sound quality and ANC performance at a fraction of the price, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious audiophiles.
Best Deal5. Jabra Elite 4
Jabra has a long history of producing quality audio products, and the Elite 4 brings their expertise to the budget true wireless market.
Design and Comfort
The Jabra Elite 4 have a compact, button-shaped design that sits securely in the ear. They’re comfortable for extended wear and stay put during exercise. The charging case is pocket-friendly and well-built.
Sound Quality
These earbuds deliver a balanced, pleasant sound signature that works well across various music genres. They support the aptX codec for improved wireless audio quality on compatible devices. Bass response is good but not overwhelming.
ANC Performance
The active noise cancellation on the Elite 4 is effective, though not quite at the top of this price range. We placed it in Tier B for noise cancellation performance. It does a solid job reducing ambient noise, especially in the low to mid frequencies.
Battery Life
Jabra advertises up to 5.5 hours of playback with ANC enabled, and our tests confirmed this claim. The case provides additional charges for up to 28 hours of total use.
Call Quality
Call quality is a strong point for the Elite 4, with clear voice pickup and good background noise reduction in most conditions.
Extra Features:
- IP55 dust and water resistance
- Physical button controls
- Multi-point connection
- Customizable EQ via app
Pros:
- Secure, comfortable fit
- Good call quality
- Reliable physical controls
- Solid all-around performance
Cons:
- ANC is good but not best-in-class
- No wireless charging
- Sound quality, while good, doesn’t stand out in this competitive field
The Jabra Elite 4 offer a well-rounded package with no major weaknesses, making them a safe choice for users who prioritize reliability and overall performance.
Best Deal6. Realme Buds Air 6 Pro
Realme’s latest addition to their audio lineup, the Buds Air 6 Pro, brings a host of impressive features to the table.
Design and Comfort
The Buds Air 6 Pro boast a sleek design with IP55 water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. While the exact dimensions aren’t specified, the earbuds likely maintain Realme’s typically compact and ergonomic design.
Sound Quality
These earbuds shine in the audio department with their dual-driver setup: a 6mm micro-planar tweeter and an 11mm bass driver. This configuration, along with support for Hi-Fi audio, LDAC codec, and 3D spatial sound, promises an immersive listening experience. The dynamic bass technology with adjustable intensity allows users to customize their audio preference.
Active Noise Cancellation
With 50dB Smart Active Noise Cancellation and the ability to reduce noise up to 4000Hz, the Buds Air 6 Pro offer impressive noise isolation. The adaptive noise cancellation feature adjusts to various environments, enhancing the overall user experience.
Connectivity and Controls
Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connectivity, while the 55ms ultra-low latency mode caters to mobile gamers. The earbuds support dual-device connection 2.0 and Google Fast Pair for added convenience. Smart touch controls and in-ear detection provide intuitive operation.
Battery Life
The Buds Air 6 Pro boast an impressive 40-hour total battery life. The fast-charging capability is a standout feature, providing 7 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.
Extra Features:
- Personalized audio algorithm for tailored sound
- Six-microphone setup with ENC for clear calls
- Mindflow mode with 10+ white noise effects
- Supports 96kHz sampling rate and 990kbps transmission
- Google Fast Pair for quick Android device connection
- Customizable touch controls via Realme Link app
Pros:
- Advanced dual-driver audio setup
- Impressive ANC capabilities
- Long battery life with fast charging
- Low latency mode for gaming
- IP55 water resistance
- Extensive feature set including spatial audio and customizable EQ
Cons:
- The glossy finish might be prone to fingerprints (based on previous Realme models)
- LDAC and some advanced features may be limited to certain devices or apps
Overall, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro appear to offer a compelling package of features at what is likely to be a competitive price point, making them a strong contender in the crowded true wireless earbud market.
Best Deal7. SoundCore Liberty 4 NC
Anker’s SoundCore brand has become a major player in the budget audio market, and the Liberty 4 NC aims to deliver premium features at an accessible price point.
Design and Comfort
The Liberty 4 NC have a stem-style design similar to AirPods. They’re available in five color options, offering more variety than most competitors. Comfort is good for most users, though some may find the fit less secure during intense activity.
Sound Quality
These earbuds deliver good audio performance with a relatively balanced sound signature. They support the LDAC codec for high-quality wireless audio on compatible devices. The companion app offers extensive EQ customization options to tailor the sound to your preferences.
ANC Performance
The active noise cancellation on the Liberty 4 NC is impressive for the price, earning a Tier A rating in our tests. It effectively reduces a wide range of ambient noise, competing with more expensive options.
Battery Life
SoundCore advertises 8 hours of playback with ANC enabled, but our tests actually yielded nearly 10 hours – the best result in this group. The case provides additional charges for up to 50 hours of total use.
Call Quality
Call quality is good in most conditions, with clear voice pickup and decent background noise reduction. Recent firmware updates have improved performance in this area.
Extra Features:
- Wireless charging
- Wear detection sensor
- Multi-point connection
- Extensive app customization
- HearID sound personalization
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Very good ANC performance
- Wireless charging support
- Extensive customization options
- Multiple color choices
Cons:
- Sound quality, while good, doesn’t stand out from competitors
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Transparency mode is below average
The SoundCore Liberty 4 NC offer an impressive feature set and strong all-around performance, making them a great value for budget-conscious buyers who want a full-featured pair of ANC earbuds.
Best Deal8. Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro
The Redmi Buds 5 Pro are a game-changer in the affordable true wireless earbud market. Packing premium features like active noise cancellation, dual-driver audio, and impressive battery life, these earbuds deliver performance that punches well above their price point.
Design and Comfort
The Redmi Buds 5 Pro feature a sleek, matte plastic exterior with a round pebble-shaped charging case. Weighing just 5.1g per earbud, they offer exceptional comfort for extended use. The earbuds have an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.
Sound Quality
These earbuds boast a ceramic coaxial dual-unit design, combining a 10mm piezoelectric ceramic tweeter and an 11mm titanium-plated dynamic subwoofer. This setup delivers well-balanced audio with punchy bass, clear vocals, and detailed treble. They support LHDC 5.0 and Hi-Res Audio for high-quality sound reproduction.
Active Noise Cancellation
With a maximum noise reduction depth of 52dB and AI adaptive adjustment, the Buds 5 Pro offer impressive ANC capabilities for their price range. They can reduce noise up to a 4kHz frequency band and feature 9m/s wind noise resistance for calls.
Connectivity and Controls
Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connectivity, while the 49ms low latency mode caters to mobile gamers. Touch controls are customizable and highly responsive. The earbuds support dual-device connection and are compatible with the Xiaomi Headset App for further customization.
Battery Life
The Redmi Buds 5 Pro offer up to 38 hours of total battery life with the charging case. Fast charging via USB-C provides 2 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging.
Extra Features:
- Support for various spatial audio technologies (QQ Music’s Zhenpin Master Tape and Zhenpin Space Audio, NetEase Cloud Music’s NetEase Cloud Sound, Kugou Music’s Viper Atmos)
- Dual mode support
- Three sizes of silicone ear tips included
Pros:
- Impressive sound quality with dual-driver setup
- Effective ANC with adaptive adjustment
- Long battery life with fast charging
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- IP54 water and dust resistance
- Support for high-quality audio codecs
Cons:
- ANC performance may not match more expensive models
- Some features may be limited to specific apps or devices
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro offer an excellent balance of features, performance, and value, making them a strong contender in the mid-range true wireless earbud market.
Best DealFinal Thoughts
The market for noise cancelling earbuds priced at $99 has become super competitive, with options that can easily compete with much pricier models in many ways. Now, while each of these seven picks has its own pros and cons, they all offer amazing bang for your buck.
If you’re looking for the best all-around package, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and Nothing Ear (a) really shine with their killer combo of sound quality, ANC performance, and extra features.
For those who prioritize top-notch audio quality, the OnePlus Buds 3 and EarFun Air Pro 3 are fantastic choices. The Jabra Elite 4 is all about reliability and solid performance across the board.
If you’re an audiophile who’s willing to make some compromises on other features, then the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and Redmi Buds 5 Pro are right up your alley. And last but not least, the SoundCore Liberty 4 NC will blow you away with its super long battery life and extensive set of features.
In the end, the best pick will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Take into account things like sound signature, comfort, call quality, and compatibility with your other devices when making your decision.
No matter which one you choose, these earbuds prove that awesome active noise cancellation and killer audio quality are now easily within reach at the $99 price point.
Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds Under $100 – FAQs
Are noise cancelling earbuds under $100 any good?
Absolutely! While they may not match $300+ models, many sub-$100 earbuds offer impressive noise cancellation and sound quality. Brands like Realme, Redmi, and EarFun have really stepped up their game.
What’s the best battery life for budget ANC earbuds?
Look for 6-8 hours of playtime with ANC on, and 20-30+ hours total with the charging case. The Redmi Buds 5 Pro, for example, offer up to 38 hours total battery life.
Do cheap noise cancelling earbuds work for air travel?
Yes, but temper your expectations. While not as effective as premium models, many budget ANC earbuds can still significantly reduce airplane engine noise, making your flight more comfortable.
Can I find waterproof noise cancelling earbuds under $100?
Definitely! Many options in this price range offer at least IPX4 or IPX5 ratings, protecting against sweat and light rain. The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro even boast IP55 water resistance.
What extra features should I look for in budget ANC earbuds?
Keep an eye out for touch controls, companion apps for EQ adjustment, multi-device pairing, and low-latency modes for gaming. Some models like the Redmi Buds 5 Pro even offer spatial audio support.
You may also like to see:
7 Best Affordable Earbuds With Long Battery Life
7 Best Affordable Cheap Earbuds With ANC
10 Most Affordable Earbuds That Deliver Great Value
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
