Best ANC Earbuds Under $100 — Compared & Ranked
Six noise-cancelling earbuds that qualify for our under-$100 list based on current US list pricing or documented sub-$100 sales — with key specs re-checked against manufacturer documentation and cited sources.
📝 Correction & update note — October 19, 2026
I re-checked every product against manufacturer specifications and corrected several errors in the previous version of this guide:
- Nothing Ear (a): does support LDAC; ANC-on battery is up to 5.5 h (not 9.5 h).
- Sony WF-C710N: ANC-on battery is up to 8.5 h (not 7.5 h); list price is $119.99, so the "under $100" price applies to sale pricing.
- Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: ANC-on battery is up to 8 h / 40 h total (10 h / 50 h is the ANC-off figure).
- EarFun Air Pro 3: ANC-on battery is up to 7 h (9 h is ANC-off); "near-zero latency" claim removed.
- CMF Buds Pro 2: does support multipoint and LDAC; ANC-on battery is up to 6.5 h; award renamed because list price is $69.
- Galaxy Buds FE: does not support 360 Audio; unsupported "voice-tuned ANC" claim removed.
- Removed retailer-style star ratings and review counts, plus unmeasured precision figures (dB reductions and "% of premium" comparisons).
The best ANC earbuds under $100 now do things that cost $250 a few years ago: adaptive noise cancelling, multipoint, high-resolution codecs and companion apps with full EQ. That said, the differences between them are real, and they show up in battery life with ANC on, codec support and ecosystem lock-in — not in the marketing.
The short answer: buy the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC if you want the best pair that lists under $100, the Sony WF-C710N if you can catch it on sale, and the CMF Buds Pro 2 if you want the most features for the least money. The one limitation to know up front: budget ANC handles steady noise like engines and HVAC well, but none of these block sudden sounds the way premium flagships do.
⚡ Quick Picks: Best ANC Earbuds Under $100 (2026)
| Award | Product | US price guide | Why it wins | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall at List Price | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | $99.99 list | 40 h total with ANC on, LDAC | Check price on Amazon |
| 🏷️ Best Overall on Sale | Sony WF-C710NSALE-ONLY under $100 | $119.99 list · past sales ~$78–$90 | 8.5 h ANC-on battery, multipoint, natural ambient mode | Check price on Amazon |
| 🎨 Best Design + LDAC | Nothing Ear (a)Check list price | $99.99 MSRP (some listings $109) · buy under $100 | Adaptive ANC, LDAC, multipoint | Check price on Amazon |
| 📞 Best for Calls | EarFun Air Pro 3 | $99.99 list | 6-mic cVc 8.0 call system, IPX5 | Check price on Amazon |
| 💸 Best Budget Pick | CMF Buds Pro 2 | $69 list · past sales ~$47–$59 | ANC, LDAC and multipoint at a budget price | Check price on Amazon |
| 📱 Best for Samsung | Galaxy Buds FE | $99.99 list | Auto Switch on Galaxy, secure wingtip fit | Check price on Amazon |
US market. Prices are list prices and typical deal ranges from retailer listings and deal coverage, reviewed October 19, 2026 — Amazon prices change daily, so confirm the live price before buying.
🔬 How I Evaluated and Ranked These Earbuds
I evaluated more than ten ANC earbuds and selected six for this guide. First-hand observations — from commuting, office and café use and calls — are included for three finalists (Sony, EarFun and Soundcore) and marked "In my use". The other three are evaluated from manufacturer specifications and independent reviews. Across all six I paid most attention to how well ANC handled steady low-frequency noise versus voices, how natural transparency mode sounded, comfort over multi-hour sessions, and how callers rated my voice quality.
Where each claim comes from: I use three labels throughout this guide —
- Manufacturer spec: battery, codecs, water ratings, mic counts and claimed ANC dB, checked against official or official-reproduced spec pages (linked under each product).
- My experience: comfort, ambient-mode sound, fit and the café call test — written in the first person and marked "In my use".
- Other reviewers: where independent reviews disagree with each other or with me (for example on Sony and Soundcore ANC strength), I say so and link the source.
What the numbers mean: battery, codec, water-rating and ANC dB figures in this guide are manufacturer-rated; key specs were checked on October 19, 2026 against official spec pages or retailer listings reproducing them (each is linked under its product). I don't own lab measurement equipment, so I don't publish measured dB reductions — any ANC judgment here is a comparative listening impression, and I say so where reviewers disagree.
First-hand vs sourced: only observations marked "In my use" are first-hand; every other claim is a manufacturer spec or a linked third-party finding.
Evidence matrix — what each verdict rests on
| Model | First-hand ("In my use") | Manufacturer spec | Third-party reviews cited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WF-C710N | Transparency mode, fit | Battery, codecs, IPX4, multipoint | ANC strength (T3, Headphonecheck) |
| Nothing Ear (a) | — | Battery, LDAC, IP54, ANC dB | — |
| EarFun Air Pro 3 | Café call test | Battery, mics, codecs, IPX5 | ANC-on battery (What Hi-Fi) |
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Fit and ear-tip seal | Battery, LDAC/multipoint, IPX4 | ANC, LDAC battery (Tom's Guide) |
| CMF Buds Pro 2 | — | Battery, LDAC, dual connection, IP55 | — |
| Galaxy Buds FE | — | Battery, mics, codecs, IPX2, Auto Switch | — |
A dash means this guide doesn't currently present a first-hand or third-party finding for that model.
How I rank: picks are ordered by how well they serve the most buyers within the selection rule, weighing ANC and ambient-mode quality, comfort, ANC-on battery, calls, and features for the price. I don't publish decimal scores because I don't have reproducible sub-scores for every model — each award states its actual reason instead. More detail is on our How We Test page.
Are Cheap ANC Earbuds Worth It in 2026?
Three years ago, the honest answer was often no. Early budget ANC chips created more ear pressure than real noise reduction. That has changed. Several picks here use external and internal microphones for ANC, though manufacturers describe their implementations differently — CMF and EarFun call theirs "hybrid" ANC, while Sony and Soundcore describe dual inside/outside noise sensing. The bigger differences between budget and premium ANC are processing quality and tuning.
Where budget ANC delivers is steady, low-frequency noise: bus engines, air conditioning and office HVAC. Where it falls short is sudden, unpredictable sound — a slammed door or a shouted name. Premium ANC reacts faster and cancels a wider range of frequencies.
Be careful with manufacturer ANC claims. Figures such as "up to 50 dB" or "up to 98.5%" come from lab conditions at specific frequencies, and brands don't test the same way, so they aren't directly comparable between models. Fit matters as much as the chip: a poor ear-tip seal can wipe out most of the advantage.
6 Best ANC Earbuds That Qualify for Our Under-$100 List — Full Reviews
1. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Best for: Remote workers and anyone who hates charging
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link · Price and availability change daily — confirm at checkout.
The Liberty 4 NC is the most practical work-from-home pick in this guide. It has the longest total ANC-on runtime of the six: up to 8 hours per charge and 40 hours with the case, according to Soundcore. Earlier versions of this guide listed 10 hours with ANC on; that is actually the ANC-off figure (10 hours per charge, 50 hours total).
Adaptive ANC 2.0 adjusts to your ear canal and surroundings. Soundcore claims up to 98.5% noise reduction, but treat that as a lab figure rather than something you will measure at home. Independent reviewers are divided — some call its ANC excellent, others found it disappointing — and in my use it is a clear step behind the Sony on low-frequency rumble while still being very effective in a home office.
LDAC works on Android, but there are two caveats Soundcore buyers often miss. LDAC lowers battery life (about 7 hours with ANC, according to Tom's Guide testing), and it switches off multipoint. The Soundcore app itself is excellent, with a full EQ, ANC modes and the HearID personal sound test. In my use, it took some ear-tip swapping to find the right seal, but all-day comfort was good after that. Wireless charging and a 10-minute-for-4-hours quick charge round it out.
| ANC battery (rated) | Up to 8 h per charge · up to 40 h with case |
| ANC off (rated) | Up to 10 h · up to 50 h with case |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint | Yes (disabled while LDAC is on) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
| Quick charge | 10 min ≈ 4 h (rated) |
✓ Pros
- Longest total ANC-on battery in the guide (40 h)
- LDAC Hi-Res on Android
- Excellent app with HearID
- Adaptive ANC 2.0
- Wireless charging case
✗ Cons
- LDAC disables multipoint
- ANC rumble cancellation trails the Sony
- LDAC is Android-only
- Fit runs snug for small ears
📎 Spec sources (checked Oct 19, 2026): Soundcore official product page · Other reviewers: Tom's Guide (ANC disappointing; LDAC battery figure)
Verdict: The best battery-first WFH buy. Read the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC full review for the complete breakdown.
2. Sony WF-C710N
Best for: Commuters and everyday listeners who want one pair that does everything well
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link · Price and availability change daily — confirm at checkout.
The WF-C710N is the best all-rounder here when it's discounted under $100 — it wins on balance, not on any single headline spec. Of the six picks, it has the longest manufacturer-rated battery per charge with ANC switched on — up to 8.5 hours — and it pairs that with multipoint, a compact stemless shape and one of the most complete companion apps in the class (Sony Sound Connect).
In my use: the transparency mode stood out most. Many budget earbuds make the outside world sound thin and processed. The Sony's ambient mode sounds natural enough to order a coffee without pulling a bud out, and the app lets you set ambient level in 20 steps or switch on Focus on Voice.
Noise cancelling handles steady low-frequency noise — bus engines, air conditioning, office HVAC — consistently. However, I want to be straight with you: independent reviewers are split on its ANC strength. Some rate it among the best in the class, others call it only average. My take is that it is strong on rumble and weaker on voices and sudden sounds, which is typical of this price tier. The award reflects the whole package rather than a claim that it has the deepest cancellation here.
Sony includes only three ear-tip sizes, so if none seal properly, budget for aftermarket tips. A good seal is what makes or breaks the ANC on these.
| ANC battery (rated) | Up to 8.5 h per charge · up to 30 h with case |
| ANC off (rated) | Up to 12 h · up to 40 h with case |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC (no LDAC or aptX) |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
| Quick charge | 5 min ≈ 1 h playback (rated) |
✓ Pros
- Longest rated ANC-on battery per charge of the six picks
- Natural-sounding transparency mode with 20 ambient levels
- Multipoint for phone + laptop
- Compact stemless fit
- Mature Sound Connect app with EQ
✗ Cons
- List price is above $100 — only a deal brings it under
- No LDAC or aptX
- Only three ear-tip sizes in the box
- ANC strength is debated among reviewers
- No wireless charging
📎 Spec sources (checked Oct 19, 2026): Sony official specifications · Best Buy listing · Other reviewers: T3 (ANC good), Headphonecheck (ANC mediocre)
Verdict: The best pick if you can wait for a sale: long ANC-on battery, multipoint, a comfortable fit and a natural ambient mode.
3. Nothing Ear (a)
Best for: Design-conscious Android users who want adaptive ANC and LDAC
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link · Price and availability change daily — confirm at checkout.
The transparent design is what gets people to look at the Ear (a), but the feature list is what earns it a place here. You get adaptive ANC rated up to 45 dB, multipoint, pinch controls, in-ear detection and — correcting what this guide previously said — LDAC support on compatible Android phones.
Adaptive mode monitors surrounding noise and adjusts cancellation depth automatically, so it eases off in a quiet room and ramps up on a busy street. The Nothing X app also gives you three fixed ANC levels, a custom EQ and an ear-tip fit test.
The trade-off is battery. Nothing rates the buds at up to 5.5 hours with ANC on — the shortest of the six picks — and up to 24.5 hours with the case. Switch ANC off and it stretches to 9.5 hours (42.5 with the case). If you need a full working day of ANC without topping up, that is a real limitation, not a footnote.
| ANC battery (rated) | Up to 5.5 h per charge · up to 24.5 h with case |
| ANC off (rated) | Up to 9.5 h · up to 42.5 h with case |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint | Yes (dual connection) |
| Water resistance | IP54 buds · IPX2 case |
| ANC (claimed) | Up to 45 dB, adaptive |
✓ Pros
- LDAC Hi-Res support on Android
- Adaptive ANC plus three manual levels
- Multipoint connection
- Distinctive transparent design
- Capable Nothing X app with fit test
✗ Cons
- Shortest ANC-on battery in this list (5.5 h rated)
- Top of the budget at ~$99
- LDAC benefits Android only
- Stem design doesn't suit every ear
📎 Spec sources (checked Oct 19, 2026): Retailer listing reproducing Nothing's official spec sheet
Verdict: The most feature-rich design pick, now correctly listed with LDAC — just plan around its short ANC-on battery.
4. EarFun Air Pro 3
Best for: Video calls, work-from-home and frequent phone users
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link · Price and availability change daily — confirm at checkout.
If you spend hours a day on calls, the Air Pro 3 is the pick. EarFun uses six microphones (three per bud) with Qualcomm cVc 8.0 noise reduction, and in my use — a café call test — the people on the other end said my voice came through clearly, with the background chatter heavily reduced rather than distracting.
ANC is rated at up to 43 dB and works well on mid-range noise such as keyboard clatter and office chatter, while deep bass rumble gets through more than on the Sony. The Qualcomm QCC3071 chip brings aptX Adaptive on supported Android phones and LE Audio (LC3). aptX Adaptive can lower latency on compatible phones, but real-world delay still depends on your phone and app, so I no longer describe it as near-zero.
Battery is rated at up to 7 hours per charge with ANC on, or 9 hours with ANC off and 45 hours total with the case. Ten minutes of charging gives about two hours, and the case supports wireless charging. IPX5 is the second-best water rating in this guide.
| ANC battery (rated) | Up to 7 h per charge · up to 37 h with case |
| ANC off (rated) | Up to 9 h · up to 45 h with case |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LC3 |
| Multipoint | Yes |
| Water resistance | IPX5 |
| Mics | 6 total (3 per bud), cVc 8.0 |
✓ Pros
- Our pick for calls: six-mic cVc 8.0 setup
- aptX Adaptive + LE Audio (LC3)
- IPX5 sweat and rain resistance
- Wireless charging case
- 10-min quick charge ≈ 2 h
✗ Cons
- ANC weaker on deep bass than the Sony
- Basic companion app
- Some users report tips loosening after 2+ hours
- aptX Adaptive needs a compatible Android phone
📎 Spec sources (checked Oct 19, 2026): EarFun official store · What Hi-Fi review (ANC-on battery)
Verdict: The smartest buy for heavy call users. See the EarFun Air Pro 3 full review for the long-form test notes.
5. CMF Buds Pro 2
Best for: Students, first-time ANC buyers and anyone watching the budget
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link · Price and availability change daily — confirm at checkout.
CMF is Nothing's budget sub-brand, and the Buds Pro 2 punch well above their price. Previous versions of this guide undersold them: they do support multipoint (Nothing calls it dual connection) and LDAC, on top of hybrid ANC rated up to 50 dB and a dual-driver setup (11 mm bass driver plus 6 mm tweeter).
ANC won't match the Sony or Soundcore on deep rumble, but it noticeably reduces HVAC hum and road noise. The six-microphone call system is fine for basic calls indoors; in loud places callers will hear more of your surroundings than with the EarFun. The case's customisable smart dial is a genuinely useful touch for volume and controls.
Battery is rated at up to 6.5 hours per charge with ANC on (26 hours with the case), or 11 hours / 43 hours with ANC off. Using LDAC with ANC drops that to about 4.3 hours, so LDAC is best kept for focused listening sessions. IP55 is the highest water and dust rating in this guide.
A note on the award: this was previously labelled "Best Under $50". Its US list price is $69, so it only falls under $50 during sales — I've renamed the award to reflect that honestly. "Best Budget Pick" means the best value here, not a sub-$50 product.
| ANC battery (rated) | Up to 6.5 h per charge · up to 26 h with case |
| ANC off (rated) | Up to 11 h · up to 43 h with case |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint | Yes (dual connection) |
| Water resistance | IP55 buds |
| ANC (claimed) | Up to 50 dB hybrid, adaptive |
✓ Pros
- Hybrid ANC, LDAC and multipoint at a budget price
- Dual drivers
- IP55 — best water/dust rating here
- Handy smart dial on the case
- Strong ANC-off battery (11 h)
✗ Cons
- ANC depth trails Sony and Soundcore
- LDAC + ANC cuts battery to ~4.3 h
- Average call quality in loud places
- No wireless charging
📎 Spec sources (checked Oct 19, 2026): Nothing/CMF official specs · US list price and sale history
Verdict: The value pick: more features than its price suggests, especially when it's on sale.
6. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Best for: Samsung Galaxy phone and tablet owners
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link · Price and availability change daily — confirm at checkout.
The Buds FE make the most sense if you already live in Samsung's ecosystem. Pairing is instant on Galaxy phones, Auto Switch moves audio between your Galaxy phone, tablet and laptop, and SmartThings Find helps locate lost buds. Outside that ecosystem, the appeal drops sharply.
The built-in wingtips keep the buds locked in place, which helps if earbuds tend to slip out of your ears. Each bud has three microphones (two outer, one inner). ANC is solid on steady noise for the price.
Two corrections from the previous version of this guide: the Buds FE do not support Samsung's 360 Audio (that arrived with the newer Buds3 FE), and I've removed the claim that their ANC is specially tuned for voices, because I can't support it. Battery is rated at up to 6 hours with ANC on and 21 hours with the case. Auto Switch is not the same as true multipoint, which the Buds FE lack. IPX2 is also the weakest water rating in this list.
| ANC battery (rated) | Up to 6 h per charge · up to 21 h with case |
| ANC off (rated) | Up to 8.5 h · up to 30 h with case |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec (SSC works only with Galaxy phones) |
| Multipoint | No (Auto Switch between Galaxy devices only) |
| Water resistance | IPX2 |
| Mics | 3 per bud (2 outer + 1 inner) |
| Spatial audio | No 360 Audio on this model |
✓ Pros
- Seamless pairing and Auto Switch on Galaxy devices
- Secure wingtip fit
- SmartThings Find for lost buds
- Solid ANC for steady noise
✗ Cons
- Shortest total ANC-on battery here (21 h)
- No true multipoint
- IPX2 — splash resistance only
- Best features are Samsung-only
📎 Spec sources (checked Oct 19, 2026): Samsung official specifications · Android Central launch coverage
Verdict: The effortless pick for Galaxy owners only. Considering other options? See our best alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE.
Full Comparison Table — All 6 ANC Earbuds Under $100
| Product | US price guide | Battery, ANC on (buds / total) | Codecs | Multipoint | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC 🏆 | $99.99 list | 8 h / 40 h | SBC, AAC, LDAC | Yes (not with LDAC) | IPX4 |
| Sony WF-C710N 🏷️ | $119.99 list · sale ~$78–$90 | 8.5 h / 30 h | SBC, AAC | Yes | IPX4 |
| Nothing Ear (a) | $99.99 MSRP (some listings $109) · buy under $100 | 5.5 h / 24.5 h | SBC, AAC, LDAC | Yes | IP54 |
| EarFun Air Pro 3 | $99.99 list | 7 h / 37 h | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LC3 | Yes | IPX5 |
| CMF Buds Pro 2 | $69 list · sale ~$47–$59 | 6.5 h / 26 h | SBC, AAC, LDAC | Yes | IP55 |
| Galaxy Buds FE | $99.99 list | 6 h / 21 h | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable (Galaxy phones only) | No (Galaxy Auto Switch) | IPX2 |
All battery figures are manufacturer-rated with ANC on and vary with volume, codec and fit. Specs checked October 19, 2026 against: Sony WF-C710N specifications, CMF Buds Pro 2 official specs, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC product page and Samsung Galaxy Buds FE specifications.
🧾 Price Evidence Log (US)
Where each price figure in this guide comes from. Deal prices are historical evidence that a model does drop under $100 — not a promise that a sale is running today. Always confirm the live price on Amazon.
| Model | US list price | Under-$100 evidence | Source | Qualifies under rule? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WF-C710N | $119.99 | $88 at Amazon in its first discount; lowest seen around $78 | TechRadar (US first discount) · RouteNote (US low) · What Hi-Fi (repeat UK sales: £79 Prime Day, later £85, from £99) | On sale only — repeat discounts documented, current US price must be checked |
| Nothing Ear (a) | $99.99 MSRP; also quoted at $109 | $59 at Amazon (Nov 24, 2025) | SoundGuys deal post | Yes at $99.99 list; sale-only if list is $109 |
| EarFun Air Pro 3 | $99.99 | $55.99 at Amazon on Prime Day (2023) | RouteNote deal post | Yes (list under $100) |
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | $99.99 | List price under $100 | World Wide Stereo listing | Yes |
| CMF Buds Pro 2 | $69 | Dropped to about $47 at Amazon during sales | 9to5Toys | Yes |
| Galaxy Buds FE | $99.99 at launch | List price under $100 | FoneArena launch report | Yes |
Log reviewed October 19, 2026. Some deal evidence is more than a year old — confirm the live Amazon price before buying.
How to Choose the Right ANC Earbuds Under $100
ANC claims: what "up to 50 dB" actually means
Manufacturer ANC figures are measured in controlled conditions at selected frequencies, and every brand measures differently. Use them to compare models within one brand, not across brands. More importantly, remember that external and in-ear microphones help ANC monitor both outside noise and what reaches your ear, but implementation quality matters more than the label — and you still need enough ear-tip sizes to get a proper seal.
Battery life: always look at the ANC-on number
Brands headline their ANC-off battery, but you're buying these for noise cancelling, so compare ANC-on figures — the comparison table lists them for all six. LDAC usually shortens battery further.
Call quality: the feature most people overlook
Call quality gets ignored until an important meeting goes badly. If calls are central to your day, prioritise multi-mic systems with dedicated voice processing. The EarFun Air Pro 3 is the strongest call pick here; the Liberty 4 NC is a capable runner-up.
Codecs: LDAC and aptX are Android features
LDAC (Nothing Ear (a), Liberty 4 NC, CMF Buds Pro 2) and aptX Adaptive (EarFun Air Pro 3) only work with compatible Android phones. iPhones use AAC, which every pick here supports. If you're on iPhone, don't pay extra for a codec you can't use.
Multipoint: essential for work from home
Multipoint keeps earbuds connected to two devices at once, so a phone call can interrupt a laptop meeting without manual re-pairing. Five of the six offer either true multipoint or a dual-device connection feature. The Galaxy Buds FE instead use Samsung Auto Switch, which only moves audio between Samsung devices and is not true multipoint. On the Liberty 4 NC, multipoint is disabled while LDAC is enabled.
Fit and comfort for long sessions
Ear canals vary a lot, and fit decides both comfort and ANC performance. Stemless designs like the Sony suit people who dislike stems; wingtips like the Galaxy Buds FE add stability but can press after a few hours. If a pair includes only three tip sizes, budget for aftermarket tips.
Still weighing up the wider market? Our complete guide to budget wireless earbuds covers every category, including non-ANC models.
🚇 Buying mainly for your commute?
Fit, case size and rumble cancellation matter more on a bus or train than anywhere else. Our commuting guide compares those directly.
See the best earbuds for daily commuting →Best ANC Earbuds Under $100 by Use Case
Best ANC earbuds under $100 for commuting
Commuters need compact earbuds, strong low-frequency cancellation and a fit that survives movement. The Sony WF-C710N (on sale) is the pick here thanks to its stemless shape, pocketable case and long per-charge ANC battery. The Nothing Ear (a) is the alternative if you want adaptive ANC that adjusts between platforms and carriages.
Best budget noise-cancelling earbuds for working from home
Home workers need multipoint, a capable microphone and all-day battery. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC wins: its adaptive ANC copes with deliveries, dogs and household noise, and you will rarely need to charge it. If back-to-back video calls dominate your day, choose the EarFun Air Pro 3 instead. If your ANC stops working properly, our fix for ANC not working on earbuds covers the common causes.
Best ANC earbuds under $100 for the gym
For workouts, prioritise water resistance and a stable fit. The CMF Buds Pro 2 (IP55) and EarFun Air Pro 3 (IPX5) have the best ratings in this guide. If you need a hook-style fit that won't move during high-intensity training, the Anker Soundcore Sport X10 is a purpose-built honourable mention. Whatever you choose, use transparency mode when you're near traffic outdoors.
ANC Earbuds Under $100 vs Premium — What Do You Lose?
Premium models such as the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds still have the edge in three areas: they cancel a wider range of frequencies (including voices), they adapt more quickly to sudden noise, and they handle aircraft cabin hum better on long flights. Their microphones and wind handling are typically better too.
For everyday commuting, open offices and focus sessions at home, the gap is much smaller than the price difference. Upgrade if you fly often, work in very loud environments, or want the best possible sound above everything else. Otherwise, any pick here covers real daily needs.
Who Should Buy Which?
| If you are… | Buy | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Buying today at full price | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Sony WF-C710N at $119.99 |
| A commuter on any phone | Sony WF-C710N (on sale) | Galaxy Buds FE unless you use Samsung |
| Working from home all day | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Nothing Ear (a) — shortest ANC battery |
| On calls for hours | EarFun Air Pro 3 | CMF Buds Pro 2 in loud places |
| An Android user who wants Hi-Res audio | Nothing Ear (a) or Liberty 4 NC (LDAC) | Sony WF-C710N — no LDAC/aptX |
| On a tight budget | CMF Buds Pro 2 (wait for a sale) | Paying list price for the Sony |
| A Samsung Galaxy owner | Galaxy Buds FE | — |
Is the Sony WF-C710N really under $100?
Not at list. It lists at $119.99 in the US. It has sold for about $78–$90 in documented past sales, so wait for a discount below $100.
Does the Nothing Ear (a) support LDAC?
Yes. It supports SBC, AAC and LDAC, so you get Hi-Res Bluetooth audio on compatible Android phones.
Does the CMF Buds Pro 2 have multipoint?
Yes. Nothing lists dual connection for two devices, and it also supports LDAC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ANC earbuds under $100 in 2026?
At list price, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC; on sale below $100, the Sony WF-C710N; for calls, the EarFun Air Pro 3. See the quick picks table for all six awards.
Are cheap ANC earbuds worth it for commuting?
Yes. Budget hybrid ANC handles steady engine and road rumble well, so you may be able to listen comfortably without turning the volume up as much. You won't get silence, and sudden sounds still get through, but the improvement on a bus or train is clear.
How long does battery last on budget noise-cancelling earbuds?
Across this guide, manufacturer ratings with ANC on range from 5.5 to 8.5 hours per charge and 21 to 40 hours with the case. LDAC and higher volumes reduce these figures.
Can budget ANC earbuds block loud office noise?
They handle steady office noise — HVAC, keyboards and background chatter — well. They struggle more with sudden, sharp sounds. A proper ear-tip seal makes a bigger difference than most people expect.
What is the best ANC earbud under $100 for phone calls?
The EarFun Air Pro 3, which uses six microphones with Qualcomm cVc 8.0 noise reduction. For basic indoor calls on a tighter budget, the CMF Buds Pro 2 is a reasonable alternative.
Do these ANC earbuds work with both Android and iPhone?
Yes, all six work with both over standard Bluetooth and AAC. LDAC and aptX Adaptive only work on compatible Android phones, and the Galaxy Buds FE's Samsung Scalable codec and best features need a Galaxy device. Five offer true multipoint or a dual-device connection feature; the Galaxy Buds FE use Samsung Auto Switch instead, and the Liberty 4 NC loses multipoint while LDAC is on.
Final Verdict: Which ANC Earbuds Under $100 Should You Buy?
If you're buying at full price today, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the best ANC earbud under $100: the longest total ANC-on battery here (40 h with the case), LDAC on Android, adaptive ANC and an excellent app. If you can wait for a discount, the Sony WF-C710N is the better all-rounder — but only buy it under $100.
Sony WF-C710N is the pick when it's on sale below $100.
M. Maksudur Rahman Titu has tested more than 30 wireless earbuds, covering everything from sub-$20 budget buds to premium ANC flagships. His reviews focus on real-world performance, honest value assessments, and the specs that actually matter for everyday listeners — not just spec sheets.
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M. Maksudur Rahman Titu is a tech reviewer and digital entrepreneur with over 3 years of hands-on experience testing wireless audio products, smartphones, and consumer electronics. Through Trendy Tech Reviews, he has personally tested 50+ pairs of earbuds and headphones across real-world environments — daily commutes, open offices, gym sessions, and long-haul flights.
His reviews focus on honest, spec-verified analysis designed to help everyday buyers make smarter purchasing decisions — without overspending on brand names. Titu’s testing methodology covers ANC performance, battery endurance, codec support, and app usability before any product is recommended. Contact: reviewstrendytech@gmail.com
