Want to silence the outside world? Check out the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market.

Setting up your new student work station? Perhaps you’ve got your budget student laptop sorted and need a good set of headphones to pair it with. Noise-cancelling headphones are where it’s at so you can study or vibe in peace.

There are a ton of noise-cancelling headphones to choose from, so we’ve made things really simple so you can browse for the best headset. We’ve featured some of the best noise-cancelling headphones under £100, budget wireless headphones under £300, and some of the best wired noise-cancelling headphones too.

Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the best and most comfortable headphones for noise cancellation.

Best noise-cancelling headphones under £100

Below are some of the best noise-cancelling headphones under £100 in the UK. They’re fantastic for good sound quality at a lower price point. What’s better is this list is mostly wireless, over-ear headphones, too, so you can listen on the go. 

All in all, we believe there’s absolutely no compromise if you’re in dire need of a new noise-cancelling headset. Find the best below.

Prefer something a little more portable? Why not check out our top noise-cancelling earbuds.

JBL Tune 750BTNC — £74.99

One of the best budget noise-cancelling overhead headphones, the JBL Tune 750BTNC are lightweight, comfortable over the ears, and have decent ANC (active noise-cancelling). If you like bass-dominant sound, these are the best noise-cancelling headphones to achieve that.

These JBL headphones come in coral, blue and black, but only the former two seem to be more readily available. Regardless, these are some super decent headphones for the price.

JBL Tune 750BTNC specs

What’s in the box:

• 1 x JBL Tune 750BTNC headphones
• 1 x charging cable
• 1 x detachable audio cable
• 1 x quick start guide
• 1 x warning card
• 1 x warranty card
• 1 x safety sheet

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 22 x 19 x 6cm
• Weight: 600 g
• Batteries: 1 lithium polymer batteries
• Battery life: 15 hours
• Connector: 3.5 mm jack
• Material type: faux leather
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 4.2
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes.

Audio specifications:

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 32 ohm
• Sensitivity: 15 dBV/Pa
• Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise cancelling: active

Pros:

• Fantastic price
• Built-in ANC

Cons:

• Bass-heavy, which may not suit everyone
• Only 15 hours of battery life

Get the JBL Tune 750BTNC with a student discount from Currys.

Lindy BNX-60 — £79.99

One of the best budget Bluetooth wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the BNX-60 contains the volume control and power on one ear cup, and blue light to show you the ANC is active. It’s also super easy to charge, thanks to its USB input.

What’s great is you can use these headphones to skip, pause and play your favourite tracks at the push of a button, so there’s no need to go on your device to do so.

Given its price, it’s actually got a balanced sound without too much treble or bass. It’s also been credited for decent vocal sound, so you can sing along without any disturbances. It’s one of the best closed-back headphones on a budget, if you ask us.

Lindy BNX-60 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Lindy BNX-60 headphones
• 1 x solid black carry case
• 1 x 6.3 mm adaptor and plane adaptor
• 1 x detachable headphone cable

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 22 x 19 x 6cm
• Weight: 600 g
• Batteries: 1 lithium polymer batteries
• Battery life: 30 hours
• Connector: 3.5 mm jack
• Material type: faux leather
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40mm
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 93 dB (passive), 103 dB (active noise cancelling)
• Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: active

Pros:

• Fantastic price
• Balanced sound
• Closed-back

Cons:

• Bass-heavy, which may not suit everyone
• Treble can sound off without ANC on

Get these for less with Amazon student deals, including Prime!

Lindy BNX-80 — £71.99-£89.99

The Lindy BNX-60 successor comes with a whopping 35 hours of battery life and the same great sound, if not better. The Lindy BNX-80, sonically, is fantastic. But in terms of any additional features, it’s a little lacking. You’ll be paying a little more for not all much else (when it comes to sound anyway).

We definitely recommend these budget noise-cancelling headphones if you’re after more battery life. They’re not much more expensive than the BNX-60 either. When it comes to best budget over-ear headphones, you’re still on to a winner price-wise.

Lindy BNX-80 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Lindy BNX-80 headphones
• 1 x 3.5 mm audio cable, 1m
• 1 x USB type A to micro-B charging cable 0.3m
• 1 x ¼” stereo-plug adapter
• 1 x dual-plug flight adapter

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 24.5 x 21.5 x 6.8 cm
• Weight: 251 g
• Batteries: lithium polymer
• Battery life: 50 hours
• Connector: BNX
• Material type: plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 32 ohms passive mode, 100 ohms ANC mode
• Sensitivity: 104 dB
• Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: active

Pros:

• Budget price (and often cheaper than its predecessor)
• Balanced sound
• Easy listening

Cons:

• Sound isn’t much different from the BNX-60

Shop the Lindy-BNX80 with our Amazon student deals.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 — £55.99-£79.99

These budget noise-cancelling headphones pack a punch for the price. Why? They allow you to connect two devices at the same time thanks to its Bluetooth 5.0 functionality, as well as using NFC pairing by tapping your smartphone on the right earcup to change songs or connect a device. How cool is that!?

If you’re sitting at a desk and would rather save some battery, then you’ll be pleased to know the Life Q30 comes with a 3.5mm audio cable that can be plugged into the right earcup for wired listening. 

The only downside is that it doesn’t support aptX technology (it helps reduce audio lag so you may experience some slightly off-sync audio in Bluetooth mode). Wired, though, you shouldn’t have much of an issue.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones
• 1 x black zip case
• 1 x 3.5 mm cable

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 17.5 x 17.3 x 4.3 cm
• Weight: 263 g
• Batteries: lithium polymer
• Battery life: 44 hours
• Material type: plastic, memory foam
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 121.4 dB
• Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: Active

Pros:

• Super lightweight (weighing 256g)
• Connect to multiple devices like your phone, console and more
• Can be worn wired or wireless

Cons:

• No aptX functionality
• Can be bassy

Shop the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 with a 15% Anker student discount.

GOJI GTCNCPM21 — £59.99

For real noise cancellation on the cheap, this GOJI pair will get you some decent audio quality for the price. We’ll admit it’s not the strongest on our list, but it packs a punch thanks to its incredible connectivity at great distances.

Not only that, but it lasts a very decent 20 hours of listening time, meaning full days of uninterrupted sound. These aren’t bad for the price at all, but you may notice its “tinny” sound for a while until you get used to it.

GOJI GTCNCPM21 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x GOJI GTCNCPM21 headphones
• 1 x Nylon pouch
• 1 x USB Type C charging cable
• 1 x Instruction manual
• 1 x 3.5 mm cable

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 7.2 x 28 x 21 cm
• Weight: 285 g
• Batteries: lithium polymer
• Battery life: 20 hours
• Material type: plastic, memory foam
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter:  40 mm
• Impedance:  32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 121.4 dB
• Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 20 mW
• Noise-cancelling: active

Pros:

• Great connectivity
• 20 hours of battery life

Cons:

• “Tin-like” sound
• Very large ear pads which can be uncomfortable over a long period of listening time

Get this pair of GOJI noise-cancelling headphones with a student discount from Currys.

Wireless headphones under £300

Wireless over-ear headphones shouldn’t come at a huge cost, even if you need noise-cancelling functionality. If you’re after a budget set of noise-cancelling headphones but have the budget to spend a little more, then you’ll be pleased to know everything listed below is under £300 (but you can save cash when you sign up to Student Beans).

Here are some of the best budget Bluetooth over-ear headphones on the market.

Sony WH-1000XM4 — £259.99

When it comes to budget wireless Bluetooth headphones with noise cancelling, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is a model most headphone enthusiasts talk about. It encompasses Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, which means you get the feeling of real surround sound without the price tag. 

You can also pause, play, and skip on the go (great if you need to stop for a conversation and pop your headphones down for a second). In terms of its build, it’s made of soft pleater and plastic for a lightweight feel and comfort, meaning you could wear these headphones all day long.

The only tiny downside is its lack of aptX functionality, meaning you may have a little lag. Just make sure you pop your device close to your noise-cancelling headphones to offset this. Oh, and skip wearing these in the rain, as it doesn’t have any water resistance.

Sony WH-1000XM4 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones
• 1 x 3.5mm cable
• 1 x detachable cord and cable
• 1 x carry case

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 25.3 x 18.5 x 7.7 cm
• Weight: 254 g
• Batteries: lithium polymer
• Battery life: 30 hours
• Material type: plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40mm
• Impedance: 47 ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 dB
• Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: active

Pros:

• Multi-device pairing
• Improved materials for all-day wear.

Cons:

• Not water resistant
• No aptX

Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 with an Argos student discount.

Shure AONIC 50 — £269.99

These noise-cancelling headphones are on the pricier side, but for good reason. It’s actually a direct competitor of the Sony WH-1000XM4 we mentioned above. It’s been rivalled in audio quality (even being dubbed as one of the best on some sites). 

Its earpads are detachable leather and memory foam material and are attached to durable plastic earcups, so you know you’re going to get maximum comfort here too.

It also comes with 20 hours of battery life, which is tons of time and would only require a few charges a week (depending on how much you listen to). Just be sure to turn them off, as they don’t have an auto-off function.

Shure AONIC 50 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Shure AONIC 50 headphones
• 1 x two-year warranty
• 1 x protective carrying case
• 1 x 3.5mm audio cable
• 1 x USB-C charging cable

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 27.31 x 27.31 x 8.1 cm
• Weight: 717 g
• Batteries: lithium ion
• Battery life: 20 hours
• Material type: plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40mm
• Impedance: 47 ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 dB
• Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: active

Pros:

• Sturdy and durable
• Great ANC

Cons:

• No touch controls on headphones
• No automatic turn-off function

Get the Shure AONIC 50 with free delivery and more Selfridges discounts too.

JBL Live 660NC — £149.99

When the JBL Live 660NC ANC are active, you get some fantastic sound coming through that isn’t too bassy. The sound is a little clearer when it’s off, meaning you can still get amazing sound wherever you are and if you even require the ANC on. 

As for control, the ANC headphones have volume buttons and the ability to skip, pause and play. You can even use it to end calls or hold the middle button down to decline them. 

Another cool feature is that you can touch the JBL logo on the left ear cup for two seconds to activate Google Assitant or Amazon Alexa voice assistant. Got Siri instead? Simply hold the middle button for two seconds. Pretty cool, huh?

JBL Live 660NC specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x JBL Live 660NC headphones
• 1 x type-C charging cable
• 1 x audio cable
• 1 x carrying pouch
• 1 x quick start guide
• 1 x warranty booklet

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 7.5 x 14.6 x 19 cm
• Weight: 265 g
• Batteries: lithium polymer
• Battery life: 40 hours
• Material type: plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 97 dB
• Frequency response: 16-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: Active

Pros:

• Well-balanced sound
• 25.9 hours of battery life
• Easy voice assist

Cons:

• Lack of audio openness or “surround sound” feeling

Get these headphones for less with student discounts from JBL.

Wired over-ear headphones

For the best black noise, you’ll want to keep these wired over-ear headphones on your radar. They’re fantastic when you’re working at a desk or gaming online.

JBL Tour One — £258

The JBL Tour One has been renowned for its amazing sound quality while gaming, its intuitive controls, excellent bassy sound, and incredible battery life. 

One of its most useful features is its auto play/pause when you take off or pop these noise-cancelling headphones on your head. It saves you time having to faff about and pause. Talk about convenience!

Its Ambient Aware feature, while clever in theory, apparently needs some work. If you plan to take calls in crowded places then you may want to decline, as you’ll still be able to hear those around you. Sound quality from your end will be great if you’re answering in private though.

JBL Tour One specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x JBL Tour One headphones
• 1 x type-C USB charging cable
• 1 x audio cable
• 1 x flight adaptor
• 1 x carrying case
• 1 x quick start guide
• 1 x Google Assistant set-up guide
• 1 x Amazon Alexa set-up guide

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 17.9 x 15.6 x 5.6 cm
• Weight: 276 g
• Batteries: lithium polymer
• Battery life: 24 hours
• Material type: Plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 95 dB
• Frequency response: 16-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: active

Pros:

• Amazing bass quality
• Great battery life with up to 30 hours of listening time

Cons:

• Poor ambient awareness

Shop the JBL Tour One for less with a JBL student discount.

Sony WH-XB900N — £149.95

After something lightweight that’s bass-heavy? Then look no further than the WH-XB900N model from Sony. It can be worn both wired and wireless and far exceeds the JBL Tour One in Ambient Awareness if that’s a big deal for you. 

It’s renowned for its lack of audio/visual lag, so you can see synced-up audio when you stream videos online. In fact, they’ve been comparable to Beats headphones, but Sony guys know how to get the noise cancellation just right, which makes it a better alternative.

If you love bassy sound then this is the pair for you, but some may want to go for something a little more balanced on this list, like the Lindy-BNX60.

Sony WH-XB900N specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Sony WH-XB900N headphones
• 1 x headphone cable
• 1 x carry pouch
• 1 x USB type-C charging cable

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 26 x 22 x 8 cm
• Weight: 254 g
• Batteries: Lithium-Ion
• Battery life: 30 hours
• Material type: plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 50 ohms
• Sensitivity: 101 dB
• Frequency response: 2-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: active

Pros:

• Amazing Ambient Awareness
• No audio/visual lag

Cons:

• Might be a little too much bass for some people

Get these Sony headphones for less by checking out our Amazon student deals.

Life Q35 — £129.99

Another noise-cancelling headset with wired and wireless capability, the Life Q35 from Soundcore supports multi-device pairing, fast charging speed and the same auto play and pause function that comes with the Sony model we mentioned previously.

This headset has been known to clamp down a little too hard, but it’s good for those who like a tighter fit (or have a smaller head). All in all, if you need something while you’re travelling about then its battery life will absolutely work in your favour, lasting an epic 52 hours!

Life Q35 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Life Q35 headphones
• 1 x 3.5mm AUX cable with remote control
• 1 x USB-C cable, airplane adapter
• 1 x travel case

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 19.5 x 18 x 7.8 cm
• Weight: 254 g
• Batteries: lithium ion
• Battery life: 40 hours
• Material type: plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 101 dB
• Frequency response: 16-40000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: active

Pros:

• Incredible battery life
• Multi-device pairing

Cons:

• Might feel too tight to wear

Get 20% off with our Soundcore student discount.

And there you have it for the best noise-cancelling headphones to suit all budgets. If you’re still a little unsure of noise-cancelling headphones, we have a few answers to some common questions below.

On a budget? Check out our noise-cancelling headphones for under £100.

How much are noise-cancelling headphones?

Noise-cancelling headphones cost anywhere between £20 to £500+. Like with any product, the cheaper it is, the more likely you’ll need to replace it. Having said this, we‘ve recommended only the best budget noise-cancelling headphones, so you can feel reassured they’ll last a lot longer than those on the cheapest end of the scale.

How do noise-cancelling headphones work?

There are three types of noise-cancelling headphones. The reason being is so they can fit a variety of audio needs. Here are the three types of noise-cancelling headphones:

• Headphones with passive noise cancellation
• Headphones with active noise cancellation
• Headphones with adaptive noise cancellation

Passive noise-cancelling headphones

Passive noise-cancelling headphones reduce noise by isolating irregular frequencies, thanks to their padding and sealant. As the name suggests, it’s a passive type of noise reduction and doesn’t necessarily adopt other technology to cancel out other types of noise.

Active noise-cancelling headphones

Also known as ANC, they use their shape and design to cancel out noise and also have a small built-in processor that can be toggled on and off to reduce noise. This is done by analysing outside frequencies and cancelling them out. Think white noise and anything of that sound level. 

Adaptive noise-cancelling headphones

As the name suggests, it adapts the level of noise cancellation depending on your immediate environment. It’ll ramp up the noise cancellation if you’re in a crowded place, or turn it right down if you’re alone in a room. This can be toggled too, depending on your preferences.

Just be aware of answering calls and having it turned up. Your headphones will work extra hard to cancel your voice out when you need to be heard!

Is it worth buying noise-cancelling headphones?

If you want to protect your hearing, experience true audio quality, and block out external noise, then yes—noise-cancelling headphones are absolutely worth every penny. They may be expensive at first glance, but they have a ton of advantages that outweigh the price points.

Not what you’re looking for? Find the perfect set for you with our ultimate guide to headphones and earbuds.

Be sure to sign up to Student Beans to keep in the know of the latest tech student discounts, student gadget deals and much more. Plus, while you’re out shopping for your next set of noise-cancelling headphones at great prices, here’s the tech you never knew you needed for uni too. Thank us later!