Finding quality noise-cancelling earbuds on a budget can be a daunting task. Many people assume that active noise cancellation (ANC) is a feature reserved for expensive premium earbuds, but recent advancements in audio technology have made it possible to get impressive ANC performance without breaking the bank. If you live in the UK and want earbuds under £100 that offer effective noise cancellation, clear audio, and solid battery life, this guide will walk you through the best options available today.
Budget ANC earbuds may not rival flagship models from Sony, Bose, or Apple, but they are excellent for everyday use, including commuting, working in busy environments, casual workouts, and online meetings. In this guide, we will cover the key features to look for, common pitfalls to avoid, and review some of the best earbuds you can buy in the UK under £100.
Why Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Are Worth It
Noise-cancelling earbuds use microphones and advanced processing to reduce unwanted background noise. While premium models deliver near-total silence, budget earbuds still provide a noticeable improvement in noisy environments. Even moderate ANC can reduce the hum of buses, trains, air conditioning, and crowded cafes, making your listening experience more immersive.
Benefits of ANC earbuds under £100 include:
- Better focus at work or study: Noise cancellation helps you concentrate in noisy offices or libraries.
- More immersive music and podcasts: Reducing background noise improves clarity and the impact of bass and mids.
- Clearer calls: ANC reduces environmental noise picked up by the microphone during calls.
- Improved commute experience: Long journeys on trains, buses, or the Underground are more comfortable.
While you shouldn’t expect premium-level ANC performance, many budget models still offer surprisingly effective noise reduction at a fraction of the price.
Key Features to Consider in Budget ANC Earbuds
When shopping for noise-cancelling earbuds under £100, there are a few critical aspects to evaluate to ensure you get the best performance for your money.
Active Noise Cancellation
Budget ANC earbuds use either feed-forward, feed-back, or hybrid ANC technology. Hybrid ANC is more effective but less common at this price range. Expect noticeable low-frequency noise reduction, such as engine hum, traffic, and air conditioning. Mid- and high-frequency noises, like human chatter, may not be fully eliminated.
Passive Noise Isolation
ANC alone doesn’t make earbuds fully quiet; a good seal is equally important. Earbuds that come with multiple sizes of silicone or foam tips allow you to achieve a snug fit, which improves both noise cancellation and bass response. Foam tips, in particular, mold to your ear canal and create a better seal than standard silicone tips.
Sound Quality
Under £100, earbuds tend to favour a “fun” sound signature with boosted bass and treble. While audiophile-grade clarity may not be achievable, many budget models still provide balanced sound for casual listening, podcasts, and videos. Some earbuds even include an equalizer in their companion app to tailor the sound to your preferences.
Battery Life
Most budget earbuds offer between 5 and 8 hours of playback on a single charge, with total battery life (including the case) ranging from 20 to 40 hours. Fast-charge features, such as 10–15 minutes of charging for 1–2 hours of playback, are convenient for daily commuters or short bursts of listening.
Connectivity and Latency
Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2 is standard for stable connections. Some budget models support aptX or aptX Adaptive codecs, which improve audio quality and reduce latency on Android devices. For iPhone users, AAC support ensures decent audio quality, though high-end codecs like LDAC are less relevant.
Call Quality
Clear microphone performance is essential if you plan to use earbuds for calls. Multi-microphone setups and noise-reduction algorithms help reduce background noise and improve voice clarity. While budget earbuds may not rival premium models in this department, several options perform well in real-world scenarios.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable earbuds are essential for long listening sessions. Lightweight designs, ergonomic shapes, and multiple ear tip sizes ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Poor fit not only affects comfort but also reduces ANC effectiveness and bass response.
Top Budget Noise-Cancelling Earbuds in the UK Under £100
Here are some of the best options currently available in the UK, offering a balance of ANC performance, battery life, comfort, and sound quality.
EarFun Air Pro 3 – Best Overall
The EarFun Air Pro 3 is an excellent all-rounder in the under-£100 category. It combines effective ANC with impressive sound quality, long battery life, and modern connectivity features.
Key Features:
- ANC: Reduces low-frequency noise effectively for commuting and office environments.
- Battery Life: Around 9 hours per charge with ANC on, 32 hours with the case.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive support for Android devices.
- Fit: Comfortable, secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes included.
- Extras: IPX5 water resistance for sweat and light rain.
Why It Stands Out:
The Air Pro 3 delivers surprisingly good ANC for its price and is comfortable for extended use. Its punchy yet balanced sound profile appeals to casual listeners who enjoy bassy music, podcasts, and movies.
Potential Drawbacks:
While ANC is effective, it may not fully block mid-range noises like chatter. Some users might find the bass slightly overpowering.
Ideal For:
Android users seeking a versatile, feature-rich pair of earbuds under £100 that handle music, calls, and commuting well.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC – Best Value
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is one of the most affordable options with active noise cancellation, offering exceptional value for its features. It includes multiple ANC modes, an app-based equalizer, and long battery life.
Key Features:
- ANC: Multiple modes for indoor, outdoor, and transportation environments.
- Battery Life: 10 hours per charge, 50 hours including the case.
- App Support: Customize EQ settings and ANC modes via the Soundcore app.
- Fit: Comfortable for most ear shapes with silicone tips.
- Extras: IPX4 water resistance, ideal for workouts.
Why It Stands Out:
The Life P3 consistently appears on sale, making it a budget-friendly pick without compromising too much on performance. Its customizable sound and ANC modes are rarely seen at this price point.
Potential Drawbacks:
ANC is not as deep or immersive as higher-priced models, and microphone quality can be inconsistent in windy environments.
Ideal For:
Commuters, students, and anyone seeking a cost-effective solution for noise cancellation and versatile sound quality.
JBL Tune Flex 2 – Best for Long Battery Life
JBL is known for producing earbuds with reliable performance and practical features. The Tune Flex 2 offers a comfortable stem design, effective ANC, and impressive battery life for under £100.
Key Features:
- ANC: Functional, reduces low-frequency hum and urban noise effectively.
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours on the earbuds, 24 hours with the charging case.
- Fit: Stem design offers comfortable, secure wear and easy touch controls.
- Sound: Clear mids and highs, punchy bass for casual listening.
- Extras: Bluetooth 5.0, voice assistant support.
Why It Stands Out:
The JBL Tune Flex 2 is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and reliability. Its stem form factor is easy to manage during workouts or commuting.
Potential Drawbacks:
Audio is geared more towards casual listening, and ANC is functional but not highly immersive.
Ideal For:
Commuters and casual users who need reliable battery life, hands-free calls, and easy-to-wear earbuds for daily use.
EarFun Air 2 – Solid Discount Option
Though slightly older, the EarFun Air 2 still offers impressive ANC and a bass-forward sound profile. It frequently goes on sale for under £100, making it a strong value pick for bargain hunters.
Key Features:
- ANC: Reduces low-frequency noise effectively; suitable for cafes and public transport.
- Battery Life: 9 hours per charge, 40 hours with the case.
- Fit: Comfortable and secure, with multiple ear tips.
- Sound: Punchy bass, appealing for pop and electronic music.
Why It Stands Out:
If you find it at a discount, the Air 2 is an excellent option for music lovers seeking fun sound and decent ANC without spending a fortune.
Potential Drawbacks:
Older hardware compared with the Air Pro 3; fewer codec options and slightly less refined call quality.
Ideal For:
Casual listeners who prioritize bass and are happy to compromise slightly on ANC and codec support.
Other Budget Options Worth Considering
Several other earbuds occasionally drop under £100 during UK sales. These include models from TOZO, Aukey, TaoTronics, and 1MORE, including the ComfoBuds and Piston series. While some of these may not be as refined in terms of ANC or sound tuning, they can offer surprisingly good performance at the right price. When considering these, it is essential to check the latest user reviews, battery life, and ANC effectiveness.
Practical Tips for Buying Budget ANC Earbuds
Even with the right model, your experience depends heavily on fit, setup, and usage habits. Here are some tips to make the most of your purchase:
- Test for fit first: Many earbuds include multiple ear tip sizes. A secure seal enhances ANC and bass.
- Use the app: If your earbuds include a companion app, explore EQ and ANC settings to optimise your listening experience.
- Check for firmware updates: Some brands release updates that improve ANC and call performance. Keep your earbuds up to date.
- Consider your main use: If commuting, focus on ANC and battery life. For calls, check microphone quality. For workouts, look for water resistance and secure fit.
- Buy from UK retailers with returns: Try the earbuds in your environment to ensure they meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will budget ANC earbuds be as good as premium models?
No, they cannot match flagship earbuds in terms of total silence or audio fidelity. However, they offer excellent noise reduction for everyday use, music enjoyment, and calls without spending a fortune.
Which earbuds are better for calls: EarFun or Soundcore?
EarFun models often provide more consistent call quality, while Soundcore focuses on overall value and versatile sound. For frequent work calls, EarFun may be slightly better.
Are foam tips worth it?
Absolutely. Foam tips improve the seal, enhance ANC, and boost bass response compared to silicone tips.
Should I worry about codecs?
If you are an Android user, aptX or aptX Adaptive can improve audio quality and reduce latency. iPhone users benefit less from high-end codecs; focus on ANC, comfort, and battery life.
Final Recommendations
If you want one recommendation to start with, the EarFun Air Pro 3 offers the best balance of ANC, sound, battery life, and comfort under £100. For those who prioritise value, Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers solid performance at a lower price point. If long battery life and a comfortable stem design are your priorities, JBL Tune Flex 2 is the perfect choice.
Ultimately, budget ANC earbuds can transform your daily commute, workouts, and work-from-home experience. With the right selection and proper fit, you can enjoy immersive music, clear calls, and effective noise cancellation without spending a fortune.
