Anker Headphones

At around $40, the Q20i is the default answer to 'cheapest ANC headphones that aren't junk.' The hybrid noise cancellation genuinely dulls bus rumble, airplane drone, and office hum — not Sony-level, but a real, noticeable hush that nothing else at this price reliably delivers. Battery is absurd for the money: a rated 40 hours with ANC on, 60 with it off, and a 5-minute charge buys 4 hours. You even get features that used to be mid-range perks: multipoint for two devices, a transparency mode, wired 3.5mm listening, and the Soundcore app with a full EQ and 22 presets. The compromises are exactly where you'd expect. Out of the box the sound is bass-heavy and muddy, and while the app EQ helps a lot, treble gets harsh at high volume; most budget rivals without ANC sound cleaner. The build is unapologetically plasticky, there's no case or charging brick in the box, and owners say transparency mode does little for voices. If sound quality is your priority, spend more; if you want quiet commutes and week-long battery for two coffees' worth of money, this is the pick.

Best for First ANC headphones on a strict budget