The Best Budget Earbuds with Noise Cancellation in 2025: In an age where high-end wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5 dominate the market, many consumers are surprised to learn that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy active noise cancellation (ANC), rich sound, and smart features. Thanks to technological advancements, budget earbuds in 2025 are closing the performance gap, offering surprisingly powerful ANC and audio quality under $100.
This guide explores the best budget earbuds with noise cancellation in 2025, what to look for, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a student, commuter, or casual listener, there’s something here for you.
What to Expect from Budget ANC Earbuds
Let’s be realistic: while you won’t get the absolute silence of $250 earbuds, today’s budget options can cancel up to 70–85% of ambient noise. Add respectable sound quality, long battery life, and premium features like app control, customizable EQ, and multipoint Bluetooth, and budget ANC earbuds become a compelling value.
Key features to expect in 2025:
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
- Bluetooth 5.2 or higher
- High-res audio support (AAC, LDAC, or aptX)
- Touch controls
- Battery life of 6–10 hours with ANC on
- Fast and wireless charging (in many cases)
Top Budget Noise-Cancelling Earbuds of 2025
1. EarFun Air Pro 4
Price: ~$90
Why it stands out: Best overall ANC performance under $100
The EarFun Air Pro 4 is a standout in 2025 for offering LDAC high-resolution audio, Bluetooth 5.4, and ANC that rivals products twice the price. It features three ANC modes, multipoint connection (connect to two devices at once), and a refined sound signature with punchy bass and clear treble.
Pros:
- LDAC support for audiophiles
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Multipoint connectivity
- Strong 45-50 hour total battery life
Cons:
- Ear tips may be a bit large for some
- App interface can be slightly clunky
Best for: Audiophiles and commuters who want high-end performance without the price tag.
2. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Price: ~$99
Why it stands out: Best features for the price
Soundcore’s Liberty 4 NC delivers flagship features like adaptive ANC, 10-band customizable EQ, and Qi wireless charging. Battery life hits an impressive 10 hours per charge (ANC on), and call quality is reliable thanks to six microphones.
Pros:
- Adaptive ANC that adjusts to your surroundings
- Great app customization
- Wireless charging
- Comfortable fit
Cons:
- Slightly bulky design
- Sound signature favors bass
Best for: Users who want premium features and long battery life.
3. Nothing Ear (a)
Price: ~$99
Why it stands out: Stylish design and good ANC
Nothing’s unique transparent design philosophy continues with the Ear (a), offering a minimalist aesthetic and solid noise cancellation. It supports LDAC and delivers balanced sound with customizable EQ via the Nothing X app.
Pros:
- Cool, transparent design
- LDAC audio support
- Light and comfortable fit
Cons:
- No multipoint support
- Slightly weaker ANC compared to EarFun or Anker
Best for: Fashion-forward listeners who still want substance.
4. Huawei FreeBuds 6i
Price: ~$89–$99
Why it stands out: Strong ANC for the price
The FreeBuds 6i are surprisingly effective at cutting out low-end background noise. Their slim, stemmed design fits comfortably in most ears, and they provide excellent clarity for calls and media.
Pros:
- Lightweight and ergonomic
- Great ANC for public transport
- Good microphone quality
Cons:
- Limited codec support (no LDAC or aptX)
- May lack deep bass
Best for: Call-heavy users and travelers.
5. JLab Go Air Pop ANC
Price: ~$30
Why it stands out: Cheapest ANC earbuds worth buying
JLab offers unbeatable value with Go Air Pop ANC. While the ANC isn’t on par with pricier options, it works surprisingly well to muffle background sounds. The sound profile is bass-heavy and great for casual listening.
Pros:
- Ultra-affordable
- Lightweight and durable
- Basic ANC works decently
Cons:
- No app customization
- No advanced codec support
Best for: Students or first-time wireless earbud users.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Gaming Accessories to Elevate Your Setup in 2025
Key Features to Consider
1. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The best budget earbuds now use hybrid ANC, combining internal and external microphones to analyze and reduce unwanted noise. Look for models offering multiple ANC modes (low, medium, high or adaptive).
2. Audio Quality
Many budget earbuds support AAC (iPhones) and SBC (Android), while better models add LDAC or aptX Adaptive for higher-resolution streaming. If you’re an audiophile or use TIDAL/Apple Lossless, go for LDAC-supported models.
3. Battery Life
Expect at least 6 hours per charge with ANC, and 30–50 hours total with the charging case. Fast charging (10 min = 1–2 hours) is now common even in budget models.
4. Bluetooth Version and Codec Support
- Bluetooth 5.2–5.4 ensures stable connections and better energy management.
- Multipoint pairing is a major plus if you juggle devices.
5. Comfort and Fit
You’ll wear them for hours—comfort matters. Oval or ergonomic tips help, and winged designs (like Beats) stay in during workouts.
FAQs
Can budget earbuds cancel noise as well as premium ones?
Budget earbuds can reduce up to 80% of background noise, especially low-frequency hums like engines or fans. However, they usually struggle more with higher-pitched or inconsistent sounds like human voices. Still, for daily commuting or office use, they perform admirably.
Are cheap ANC earbuds safe for long-term hearing?
Yes, provided you use them at safe volume levels. Some earbuds even have hearing protection features that monitor your listening habits.
What’s the best codec for sound quality in budget earbuds?
LDAC and aptX Adaptive offer better audio fidelity than SBC or AAC. If your device supports them, look for earbuds like the EarFun Air Pro 4 or Liberty 4 NC that include these codecs.
How do I ensure a good fit?
A tight seal is crucial for both ANC and bass response. Use the included ear tips (often small, medium, large) and test different sizes. Some apps offer “fit tests” to help.
Is app support important?
Absolutely. Apps allow you to:
- Adjust ANC level
- Customize EQ
- Update firmware
- Remap touch controls
Models like the Liberty 4 NC and EarFun Air Pro 4 have excellent apps.
Can I use these earbuds for workouts?
Most budget ANC earbuds have IPX4 to IPX5 ratings, making them resistant to sweat and rain. However, choose a model with a secure fit and moisture protection for best results.
Do these work with iPhone and Android?
Yes. Most support AAC, which works well on iPhones. Android users can benefit more from LDAC or aptX Adaptive if their phone supports it.
Which ones are best for calls?
The Huawei FreeBuds 6i and Liberty 4 NC have excellent microphone arrays that block background noise for clear calls.