My New Microphone Top 5 Best Noise Cancelling Earphones Under $200

Noise-cancelling earphones are the small in-ear relatives of noise-cancelling headphones. Both utilize active noise-cancelling systems and are popular in the consumer market. If you're looking for lightweight, easy-to-use earbuds that help to reduce external noise, then these earphones are for you.

It goes without saying that not all noise-cancelling earphones are created equal. Some of these earphones do a much better job of cancelling noise and sound clearer than their peers. In this article, we'll discuss the best noise-cancelling earphones that fit within a $200 USD budget.

The Top 2 Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones Under $200 Are:

Shure Aonic 3
AKG N400

You may be thinking that $200 USD is pretty expensive for a pair of earbuds, and you're absolutely right. At this price point, you'll find the top-performing noise-cancelling earphones.

If that's not enough, you'll be better off checking out active noise-cancelling headphones, which generally have a greater impact on noise reduction. That being said, there are certainly great earphones at this price point, and we'll discuss them in this article.

To learn more about the differences between earphones and headphones, check out my article What Are The Differences Between Headphones And Earphones?

Since we're having a discussion within the context of a price cap, I figure I should leave a link to a related My New Microphone article: Are Expensive Headphones (Or Cheap Headphones) Worth It?

What Makes A Great Noise-Cancelling Earphone?

Though the term “best” is subjective, we should still list the criteria used to determine what makes a great pair of noise-cancelling earphones.

Comfort: this is perhaps the simplest yet most important criterion of any pair of earphones. Though highly subjective, factors such as weight; shape, and the overall dimension play a role in comfort.
Noise cancellation: this is obvious but a pair of noise-cancelling earphones needs good noise-cancellation. Often this is specified in negative decibels. Low frequencies are generally easier to cancel out so listen for higher frequencies when trying out noise-cancelling earphones.
Battery life: because active noise-cancellation requires power, noise-cancelling earphones will generally require batteries. The amount of time it takes for the battery to drain from fully charged is an important factor to consider.
Wireless: any vibration in the earphone unit will cause the user to experience noise. Therefore, true wireless earbuds will yield the lowest amount of physical noise; wireless earbuds with a connection may pick up some noise, and wired earbuds will likely pick up the most noise as the cable bumps and rubs against surfaces.
Impedance/device compatibility: consumer-grade noise-cancelling earphones should be compatible with mobile devices. This means that the impedance should be low to avoid required a portable headphone amplifier. The sensitivity rating should also be considered in this discussion.
Frequency response: a great pair of earphones should be able to reproduce the full audible spectrum from 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz with clarity.

With that, let's get into our top 2 best noise-cancelling earphones for under $200!

To learn more about noise-cancelling headphones before we jump into the best models under $500, please consider reading the following My New Microphone articles:
• How Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Work? (PNC & ANC)
• Passive Vs. Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Related articles:

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

Shure Aonic 3

Up second is are the popular Shure Aonic 3 headphones from Shure's superb Aonic line of headphones.

The Shure Aonic 3 wireless earphones are small but powerful, offering a full-range sound from deep bass to clear highs. This full sound is achieved from a single, vented balanced armature driver (per earphone).

To learn more about balanced armature drivers, check out my article The Complete Guide To Balanced Armature IEMs/Earphones.

The active Sound Isolating technology of the Aonic 3 blocks up to 37 dB of noise (in the low-end) to reduce environmental distractions. Note that, with any ANC, higher-frequency sounds and percussive noise will still get through. However, the secure fit of the Aonic 3 does a great job of attenuating all noise via active and passive means.

These wired headphones have a detachable cable with a 4-pin 3.5mm plug that carries audio to the headphone drivers and from the built-in microphone. Take/make calls; control voice commands, or adjust the volume and music playback with the integrated remote + mic in the earphone cable. For 1/4″ (6.35mm) headphone jacks, the Aonic 3 comes with a 3.5mm-to-6.35mm adapter.

To learn more about headphone cables and 3.5mm and 6.35mm connections, check out my articles An In-Depth Look Into How Headphone Cables Carry Audio and The Differences Between 2.5mm, 3.5mm & 6.35mm Headphone Jacks, respectively.

With a rated nominal impedance of only 28 ohms, the Aonic 3 can be easily driven with mobile and consumer devices or other audio equipment with low-level headphone amps.

To learn more about headphone impedance, check out my article The Complete Guide To Understanding Headphone Impedance.

If you're interested in going wireless, these earphones can be connected to a separately available Secure Fit Wireless Adapter. This adapter comes in two pieces, with each piece connecting to a single earbud, effectively turning the Aonic 3 into a true wireless pair of earbuds.

The ergonomic low-profile shape is designed for long-term comfort during long listening sessions. These earphones come with a wide variety of sleeves (8 pairs, to be exact) that offer different fits. Pick the right one for your ears and enjoy a comfy, secure fit that optimizes noise cancellation.

Key Specifications:

Transducer Type: 1x balanced armature
Impedance: 28 Ω
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 18,500 Hz
Sensitivity: 108 dB SPL @ 1 mW
IP Rating: no info
Open/Closed-Back: in-ear
Weight: 20.8g (0.7 oz.)
Wireless/Wired: Wired

Shure

Shure is featured in My New Microphone's Top 14 Best Earphone/Earbud Brands In The World.

AKG N400

AKG gets its spot on the list with the AKG N400 true wireless earbuds.

AKG is actually a subsidiary of Samsung, a brand which we'll discuss later. The N400 is a great-sounding pair of true wireless earbuds for under $200.

The 8.2mm high-sensitivity dynamic drivers offer an extended frequency response of 10 Hz to 20,000 Hz with notable bass and clear mids/highs.

To learn more about headphone frequency response, check out my article What Is Headphone Frequency Response & What Is A Good Range?

The active noise cancellation is made possible with a feedforward approach and excels at ridding low-end rumble and constant environment noise. For more dynamic noise, the passive isolation of the earphone, when fitted correctly, offers a great deal of attenuation.

The level of noise cancellation can be controlled using the Ambient Aware feature in the companion app. This app also allows users to customize the EQ and touch controls of the N400's. The TalkThru feature can be engaged to turn on Ambient Aware and lower the volume simultaneously to further improve environmental awareness without having to take the secured earphones out.

The built-in Bluetooth 5.0 chipset supports SBC and AAC codecs and offers an operational range of 10 metres (33 feet). Connectivity is made easy, and the wireless connection is secure within the range.

The rechargeable polymer lithium-ion batteries (one per earphone) hold a charge of 5 hours with ANC engaged (6 hours with ANC off). The charging case will provide a whole other full charge before the system needs to be recharged via power mains. The AKG N400 can be charged via the USB Type-C port or through wireless charging.

As mentioned, each earbud has a mic for ANC. Each earbud has an additional microphone, and all 4 are implemented, with beamforming technology, to provide superb audio quality for telephony. Whether we're making calls or commanding a voice assistant, the N400's make things easy.

The IPX7 rating means these earbuds are waterproof (up to 1-metre submersion for 30 minutes). Unless you plan on storing these earphones in the pool, they'll hold up beautifully in wet environments. Note that the charging case is not waterproof.

These ergonomic earbuds come with several eartips to ensure an ideal fit with any listener.

Key Specifications:

Transducer Type: 8.2 mm Driver
Impedance: 16 Ω
Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 96 dB SPL
IP Rating: IPX7
Open/Closed-Back: in-ear
Weight: 18g
Wireless/Wired: Bluetooth 5.0

Honourable Mentions

Here are few extra noise-cancelling earbuds under $200 that didn't quite make the cut but are still worth checking out:

Former Top Noise-Cancelling Earphones Under $200 Picks

Here are earphones that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer.

Sony WF-1000XM3 (Discontinued)

Let's start with the popular Sony WF-1000XM3 (discontinued).

mnm Sony WF 1000XM3 | My New Microphone — Sony WF-1000XM3

The Sony WF-1000XM3 is a fantastic pair of true wireless earphones with superb noise-cancelling technology.

These earbuds deliver rich yet clear audio across the full audible frequency spectrum of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The 6mm dynamic drivers are designed with neodymium magnets and a dome-type CCAW voice coil. They're small but powerful, ensuring high-quality audio from the deep bass to the airy highs.

The Digital Sound Enhancement Engine HX (DSEE HX) works by upscaling compressed digital music files to improve audio quality further even before it reaches the drivers.

The ergonomic wear of the WF-1000XM3 earbuds will allow for Sony’s renowned noise cancellation.

Dual-microphone noise sensors are built into each earbud. The hybrid ANC uses both feedforward and feedback circuits to cancel external noise. The dedicated HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1e is capable of the typical low-end noise cancellation and remarkable dulling of mid and high frequencies. Even for earbuds, the WF-1000MX3’s are top-performers when it comes to ANC.

In addition to excellent noise-cancelling, these headphones also have an Ambient Mode that allows external sound to pass through, keeping listeners aware of their surroundings while also being able to hear clean audio.

The earphones even have optional the smart tech Adaptive Sound Control, which senses where you are and what you’re doing and adjusts ambient sound settings for the ideal listening experience. It can even learn your regularly-visited spots and automatically adjust the ANC/Ambient settings to the location.

Intuitive touch control settings allow users to adjust the performance of the earphones by simply tapping the outside of the earbud. Skip tracks, make calls, pause music, engage/disengage ANC and Ambient Sound and more.

Note that calls can be made (and voice assistants can be engaged) via the earphones' built-in telephony mics. These noise-cancelling mics also block out background noise for crystal clear communication.

The Quick Attention feature allows users to quickly drop the volume and let in ambient sound for easy communication without taking the earbuds out.

The QN1e processor also acts as a 24-bit digital-to-analog converter and headphone amp. Sony has made it possible for a set of Bluetooth wireless earbuds to sound as good as, if not better than, the majority of the high-end wired options on the market.

Speaking of Bluetooth, these earbuds use Version 5.0 for a secure and easy connection with a range of 10m (33 ft). Pair easily and effectively to compatible devices.

Download the Sony | Headphones Connect app onto the paired device to adjust smart controls; customize the tap controls of the earphones, and dial in the EQ to our liking.

The rechargeable battery holds 6 hours of playback with ANC engaged and 8 hours with ANC off.

The charging time for the earbuds is approximately 1.5 hours, and the charging case holds an additional 3 charges before the entire system has to be plugged in to recharge.

The tri-hold structure fits universally well in listeners’ ears to help achieve the superb noise cancellation these earphones provide. To further improve the fit, 3 sizes of triple-comfort earbuds and 4 sizes of long hybrid silicon rubber earbuds are included with the WF-1000XM3.

Key Specifications:

Transducer Type: 0.24″ dome type Dynamic
Impedance: no info
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity: no info
IP Rating: no info
Open/Closed-Back: in-ear
Weight: 0.3 oz. per earbud (2.8 oz. net)
Wireless/Wired: Bluetooth 5.0

Jabra Elite 75t (Discontinued)

Few earbuds are as well-received as the Jabra Elite 75t (discontinued). Let's discuss these true wireless buds through the lens of noise-cancellation.

mnm Jabra Elite 75t | My New Microphone — Jabra Elite 75t

The Jabra Elite 75t is a great pair of earphones with notable noise-cancelling properties.

These earbuds utilize a feedforward active noise cancelling design with an external microphone in each earbud. Sound from the environment is captured clearly and used to create an anti-noise signal that cancels noise before it reaches the listener's eardrum.

The noise cancellation, which includes the passive isolation provided by the secure fit of the earphones, is great. However, it does struggle with eliminating high-end noise due to the short wavelengths of such sound waves.

The earbuds also offer the opposite of ANC with HearThrough technology, which uses the same mics to pass environment sound through to the listener. This helps users to stay aware of their surrounding while they listen to audio.

Turn HearThrough on in the Jabra Sound+ App. Adjustments to the EQ can be made within the app as well.

MySound technology (within the app) further enhances the earphones by first conducting a hearing test and then adjusting the EQ of the headphones appropriately, tailored to your individual hearing profile.

The 2 mics used for ANC are combined with 2 more for telephony. These built-in MEMS microphones help to filter out disruptive noise during calls and allow for easy use of voice assistants.

With Bluetooth 5.0 as the wireless protocol, the Elite 75t's pair easily and effectively to compatible devices. The wireless connection is strong within the operational range of 10m (33 ft). Automatic pairing with the previous device should happen as they’re taken out of the case (turned on) so long as the device is in range.

These earphones have a tremendous battery life of 5.5 hours with ANC turned on (7.5 with ANC off), and the charging case holds up to 20.5 hours of additional charge.

The IP55 rating means these earbuds will continue to perform throughout a sweaty workout and even in rainy outdoor conditions. Just don’t drop them in a puddle!

Note that the charging case is not waterproof.

These earphones are designed to fit securely in every type of ear. They come with 3 different size ear gels to help improve the fit with different individuals.

The ergonomic shape of these earbuds makes them very comfortable and keeps them secure in the user's ears. The secure fit is not only comfortable but also allows the earphones to excel with noise cancellation.

Key Specifications:

Transducer Type: 6 mm Dynamic
Impedance: no info
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (music)|100 Hz – 8 kHz (calls)
Sensitivity: no info
IP Rating: IP57
Open/Closed-Back: in-ear
Weight: 5.5 g / 0.19 oz (each earbud)| 35.4 g / 1.25 oz (charging case)
Wireless/Wired: Bluetooth 5.0
Microphone: 4 x MEMS

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live (Discontinued)

Let's wrap things up with the superb Samsung Galaxy Buds Live (discontinued).

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live have an iconic shape and superb noise cancelling for a set of true wireless earbuds.

The 12mm dynamic drivers of the Galaxy Buds Live produce a spacious sound with great stereo imaging with the open-back design. The bass ducts enhance the bass response as the earphones deliver clear sound across the audible frequency spectrum.

An open earphone design with active noise cancelling? Yes, the Galaxy Buds Live have a rare design with both features.

They're designed with hybrid ANC technology to reduce background noise up to 97% in low-frequency bands while still allowing speech and other relatively important sounds through. Note that the open design is also responsible for the natural stereo sound the earphones offer.

Along with the two mics (per earbud) required for ANC, each earbud has an additional mic. These microphones are utilized for excellent communication quality for calls and voice assistant usage. The additional Voice Pickup Unit will automatically sense when your jaw is moving and convert these vibrations into signals for improved audio quality.

These mics make it easy to control the earphones and the paired device hands-free with built-in Bixby voice control.

True wireless is made possible via Bluetooth 5.0 with an operational range of 10m (33ft) with the paired device.

Get up to 6 hours of playtime (about 4.5 hours with ANC engaged) and a total of 21 hours with the charging case. Quick charging gets an extra hour of playtime with only 5 minutes of charging in the case. We can even use our smartphone's power to give the Galaxy Buds Live a charge wirelessly while on the go.

Combine the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live with the Galaxy Wearables app to unlock additional features such as Spotify integration, touch control customization and EQ adjustments.

Connect these Samsung earbuds to other Samsung products to make your life, and perhaps the lives of others, that much easier.

The ergonomic design of the Buds Live allows each earbud to sit softly inside the ear. These earphones come with 2 wing sizes for a secure but comfortable fit, keeping listeners happy while also optimizing the noise-cancelling efforts of the headphones.

Key Specifications:

Transducer Type: 12 mm Dynamic
Impedance: no info
Frequency Response: no info
Sensitivity: no info
IP Rating: IPX2
Open/Closed-Back: in-ear
Weight: 5.6g per earbud (42.2 charging case)
Wireless/Wired: Bluetooth 5.0

Choosing the right headphones or earphones for your applications and budget can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Headphones/Earphones Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next headphones/earphones purchase.

Other Top Headphones/Earphones Articles

Top 2 Best Noise Cancelling Earphones Under $200 Of 2024

The Top 2 Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones Under $200 Are:

What Makes A Great Noise-Cancelling Earphone?