Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) used to be a premium feature reserved for $200+ earbuds like AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5. In 2026, you can get genuine ANC performance for under $60 — and some picks under $40. The gap between budget and premium ANC has narrowed dramatically.
Here are the best noise cancelling earbuds under $60 we've tested.
Our Top Picks
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC by Anker
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the benchmark for budget ANC earbuds. It delivers up to 98.5% noise reduction using a multi-mode adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment, 10-hour battery (28 hours with case), and LDAC Bluetooth codec support for high-quality audio. The combination of ANC performance, battery life, and sound quality at under $60 is remarkable.
Pros
- 98.5% noise reduction — best ANC at this price
- LDAC support for high-res audio
- 10-hour battery (28hr with case)
- Adaptive ANC adjusts automatically
Cons
- Slightly bulky fit for smaller ears
- App required for full feature access
EarFun Air Pro 3
For under $40, the EarFun Air Pro 3 delivers hybrid ANC with a Qualcomm QCC3071 chip — a chipset found in earbuds costing twice as much. The ANC is genuinely effective at reducing office chatter and commute noise. Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connection (two devices simultaneously), and 9-hour battery make this the best value ANC earbud on the market.
Pros
- Hybrid ANC under $40
- Qualcomm QCC3071 chipset
- Multipoint — connect two devices at once
- Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connection
Cons
- ANC not as strong as $60+ options
- Less known brand
TOZO Golden X1
TOZO is a brand you'll already find on our main earbuds page, and the Golden X1 is their flagship ANC model. It uses Qualcomm aptX audio and adaptive ANC that's particularly effective at blocking low-frequency noise like trains, planes, and air conditioning. The fit is secure and IPX6 waterproof — it can handle rain and sweaty commutes.
Pros
- Excellent low-frequency noise cancellation
- IPX6 waterproof — commute-proof
- Qualcomm aptX for clear audio
- Secure, comfortable fit
Cons
- Slightly higher price (~$55–60)
- Touch controls can be oversensitive
Soundcore Space A40
If sound quality matters as much as noise cancellation to you, the Soundcore Space A40 is the pick. Anker's audio team tuned these for a more audiophile-friendly sound profile compared to typical bass-heavy budget earbuds. The ANC is strong (up to -40dB reduction), and the 10-hour battery extends to an impressive 50 hours total with the case.
Pros
- Best balanced sound profile at this price
- 50-hour total battery (case included)
- -40dB ANC reduction
- Wireless charging case
Cons
- ANC slightly less aggressive than Liberty 4 NC
- Larger case than competitors
How Good is Budget ANC Compared to AirPods Pro?
Honest answer: the AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5 still have noticeably better ANC in the $200+ tier. But the gap has shrunk dramatically. Budget ANC earbuds in 2026 now handle office noise, café chatter, and commute sounds very well. Where they still fall short is at very high ambient noise levels (like airports or construction). For 80–90% of daily use cases, under $60 ANC is sufficient.
What to Look for in ANC Earbuds
- Hybrid ANC vs. Feedforward ANC: Hybrid ANC (microphones inside and outside the ear) is generally more effective than feedforward-only. Look for "hybrid ANC" in specs.
- Transparency mode: Good budget ANC earbuds include transparency/ambient mode so you can hear your surroundings without removing them.
- Battery life: ANC drains battery. Look for at least 6 hours with ANC on and 24+ hours total with the case.
- Multipoint connection: Lets you connect to your laptop and phone simultaneously — very useful for hybrid workers.