(checked 2026-10-10)
Tom's Guide's best noise-cancelling headphones under $100 and a top-5 Amazon seller, with over 40 hours of battery with ANC on. SoundGuys measured only modest low-frequency ANC, there's no water resistance or carrying case, and some owners report dead mics or pairing problems.
Top complaints
- ANC is only modest
SoundGuys calls the noise cancelling 'somewhat weak', measuring 10-20 dB below 700 Hz (roughly 50-75% of low-frequency noise). A Walmart reviewer bought two pairs and says one had no noise cancelling at all. Tom's Guide and Amazon owners, by contrast, praise the ANC.
- Mic and pairing glitches
In SoundGuys' reader poll, most voters rated the mic only 'Okay' (43%) or 'Good' (40%), and the reviewer says it's not great against wind. Low-star Walmart reviews describe mics that callers couldn't hear, an iPhone that wouldn't pair, and audio that stopped after a few seconds on Windows 11.
- Bare-bones extras and so-so durability
Tom's Guide lists no wear detection, no carry case and no LDAC. SoundGuys notes no IP rating, limited button customization, heat build-up and hair snagging in the band slider. Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some owners reporting them breaking.
What owners love
- Huge battery
SoundGuys measured 44 hours 22 minutes. Tom's Guide cites 40 hours with ANC and 70 without, and an Amazon owner reports 70 hours of use.
- Good sound and comfort for the money
Tom's Guide says you won't find a more comfortable, better-sounding pair at the price. SoundGuys praises sound, comfort and value, and Amazon owners praise sound quality and the over-ear fit.
- Features beyond its price
SoundGuys likes USB-C audio and the app's 10-band EQ. Tom's Guide praises the spatial audio, and Amazon owners like connecting two devices at once.
- You fly often and want maximum ANC
- You need a case or water resistance
- You take calls outdoors in the wind
- Tight budgets (under $100)
- Very long battery life
- Wired lossless listening over USB-C
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best under $100 (updated 2026-09-29). The cons are no wear detection, no carry case and no LDAC.
- SoundGuys: 8.2, 'crazy good value' under $100, and a notable mention in its noise-cancelling roundup. The ANC is somewhat weak, options are limited, and there's no IP rating.