The Best Budget Earbuds with Noise Cancellation in 2025: Budget-friendly true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) have become a game-changer, offering impressive sound quality, effective noise reduction, and modern features at prices under $100. With the global wireless audio market projected to surpass $150 billion by 2028, affordable ANC earbuds are increasingly popular for commuters, students, and remote workers seeking distraction-free listening without breaking the bank.
Advances in Bluetooth 5.4, AI-driven audio processing, and compact designs have made high-quality ANC accessible to budget-conscious consumers. This guide details the top five budget earbuds with ANC for 2025, highlighting their features, performance, and ideal use cases based on expert reviews from sources like PCMag, TechRadar, and SoundGuys.
Why Budget ANC Earbuds Matter in 2025
Active noise cancellation, once exclusive to premium models like Bose and Sony, is now a standard feature in budget earbuds, thanks to improved chipsets and algorithms. These earbuds use microphones to detect ambient noise and generate counteracting sound waves, reducing distractions like office chatter or traffic rumble. Budget models balance ANC, sound quality, and battery life, making them ideal for everyday use. With prices ranging from $30 to $100, they offer multipoint connectivity, customizable EQ settings, and IPX4–IPX5 water resistance, rivaling flagship models at a fraction of the cost. Below are the top five budget ANC earbuds for 2025, selected for performance, affordability, and versatility.
1. EarFun Air Pro 4 ($89.99)
The EarFun Air Pro 4 stands out as the best overall budget ANC earbuds, delivering near-premium performance at $89.99, often discounted to $53 with codes like EAIRPRO4. They feature Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC and aptX codecs for high-resolution audio on Android devices, a 10-band EQ via the EarFun app, and ANC that rivals Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, reducing noise by up to 80%. Their 10mm drivers produce balanced sound with punchy bass and clear mids, ideal for pop and classical music. With seven hours of battery life (ANC on) and 28 hours via the case, they’re perfect for commuters. The IPX5 rating ensures durability for workouts, though their round ear tips may not suit smaller ears. Use case: All-purpose listening for budget-conscious audiophiles needing strong ANC and customizable sound.
2. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ($99.99)
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers excellent value at $99.99, with adaptive ANC that reduces bass-heavy noises like airplane engines by up to 98%. Their 11mm drivers deliver bass-forward sound, customizable via the Soundcore app’s 8-band EQ. Features include multipoint Bluetooth, LDAC support, and eight hours of playback with ANC on (30 hours with the case). The stem design ensures a secure fit, and IPX4 resistance suits light workouts. While vocals can sound slightly muddied compared to the EarFun Air Pro 4, their ANC performance excels for travel. Use case: Commuters and travelers seeking strong ANC and long battery life.
3. Sony WF-C710N ($79.99)
The Sony WF-C710N, a 2025 successor to the WF-C700N, is a bargain at $79.99, frequently discounted to $59. These earbuds combine Sony’s V1 processor with hybrid eartips for effective ANC, particularly against high-frequency noises like office chatter. Their 5.8mm drivers deliver crisp, balanced audio, enhanced by the Sony Headphones app’s EQ settings. With 7.5 hours of battery life (ANC on) and 15 hours via the case, they’re reliable for daily use. The IPX4 rating and comfortable fit make them suitable for casual workouts, though they lack advanced codecs like LDAC. Use case: Budget buyers wanting Sony’s audio expertise for commuting and casual listening.
4. JBL Live Pro 2 TWS ($99.99)
The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS ($99.99, often $80 on sale) offers lively sound and solid ANC for under $100. Their 11mm drivers produce bass-heavy audio, customizable via the JBL Headphones app with Personi-Fi 3.0 for tailored sound profiles. Adaptive ANC with Smart Ambient mode reduces noise while allowing situational awareness, ideal for runners. They provide eight hours of playback (ANC on) and 30 hours with the case, plus IPX5 water resistance. The stem design ensures comfort, but ANC is less effective against low-frequency rumbles compared to Anker’s Liberty 4 NC. Use case: Active users needing vibrant sound and situational awareness for workouts or commutes.
5. QCY MeloBuds Pro ($49.99)
The QCY MeloBuds Pro ($49.99, often $40 on sale) is the best ultra-budget option, offering surprising ANC performance for the price. With Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC support, and a 10-band EQ via the QCY app, they deliver clear, balanced sound. ANC reduces ambient noise by up to 70%, effective for offices or public transit. Battery life is 7.5 hours (ANC on) and 30 hours with the case, with IPX5 resistance for outdoor use. While call quality and build feel less premium, their value is unmatched for sub-$50 earbuds. Use case: Students and casual users seeking affordable ANC for studying or commuting.
Key Considerations for Choosing Budget ANC Earbuds
- ANC Performance: Prioritize earbuds like EarFun Air Pro 4 or Anker Liberty 4 NC for strong noise reduction, especially for low frequencies.
- Sound Quality: Look for customizable EQ settings (e.g., Sony WF-C710N, JBL Live Pro 2) to tailor audio to your preferences.
- Battery Life: Aim for at least seven hours with ANC on, with a case providing 20+ hours, as seen in most picks.
- Fit and Comfort: Stem designs (JBL, Anker) or oval tips (EarFun) suit different ear shapes; test fit for long-term wear.
- Budget: Prices range from $40 (QCY) to $99.99 (Anker, JBL), with frequent discounts on platforms like Amazon.
READ ALSO: The Best Smart Glasses for Work and Play in 2025
Challenges and Future Outlook
Budget ANC earbuds face limitations like weaker low-frequency cancellation compared to premium models (e.g., Bose QuietComfort Ultra) and occasional connectivity issues in crowded areas. In 2025, manufacturers are addressing these with AI-enhanced ANC algorithms and Bluetooth 5.4 for better stability. By 2026, expect sub-$100 earbuds to integrate spatial audio and advanced health sensors, further closing the gap with flagship models.
FAQs
What is active noise cancellation (ANC), and how does it work in earbuds?
ANC uses microphones to detect external noise and generates opposing sound waves to cancel it out. Budget earbuds like EarFun Air Pro 4 reduce up to 80% of ambient noise, ideal for offices or transit.
Are budget ANC earbuds effective for travel?
Yes, models like Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC excel at reducing low-frequency noises like airplane engines, offering near-premium performance for travelers.
Can budget ANC earbuds be used for workouts?
Many, like JBL Live Pro 2 and QCY MeloBuds Pro, have IPX4–IPX5 ratings, making them sweat- and splash-resistant for light workouts.
How long do budget ANC earbuds last on a single charge?
Most offer 7–8 hours with ANC on (e.g., EarFun Air Pro 4, Sony WF-C710N), with cases providing 15–30 hours of additional charge.
Do budget ANC earbuds support high-quality audio codecs?
Yes, earbuds like EarFun Air Pro 4 and QCY MeloBuds Pro support LDAC and aptX for high-resolution audio on Android devices.
Are there privacy or connectivity concerns with budget ANC earbuds?
Some models may have minor Bluetooth glitches in crowded areas. Review privacy policies for app-based earbuds (e.g., Soundcore, JBL) to ensure data security.
How do budget ANC earbuds compare to premium models?
Budget earbuds like Sony WF-C710N offer 80–90% of premium ANC performance (e.g., Bose QuietComfort Ultra) but may lack advanced features like spatial audio or superior build quality.