Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $270: Top Picks & Reviews

Explore the best noise-cancelling headphones under $270 that deliver great sound, comfort, and active noise reduction without breaking the bank.

Why Choose Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $270?

Noise-cancelling headphones are a lifesaver if you crave peace during long trips or need to focus in a noisy office. Once a luxury reserved for premium models, nowadays, you can find solid noise-cancelling headphones under $270. While some high-end features might be missing, you can still score impressive sound quality and noise isolation without emptying your wallet.

Top Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $270: Detailed Reviews

1. Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless

• Sound profile: Neutral (6.9)
• Commute/Travel: 7.8
• Sports/Fitness: 7.0
• Office use: 7.6
• Wireless Gaming: 5.8
• Wired Gaming: 7.0
• Phone calls: 7.3
• Type: Over-ear
• Design: Closed-back
• Wireless: Yes
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless stands out as the best noise-cancelling headphone under $270 in our tests. This over-ear model is an upgrade from the Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless and boasts adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your environment. In "Transport" mode, it effectively blocks out low engine hum and background noise, perfect for buses or flights.

Comfort-wise, these headphones sit snugly for long hours in transit or at work, although the headband and hinges could be more robust. Battery life impresses with nearly 28 hours of continuous playback, plus an auto-off timer to save power. Out of the box, the sound leans towards a V-shaped signature with punchy bass and clear, if slightly sharp, vocals. Fortunately, the companion app offers an EQ and presets for personalized tuning.

If you want similar ANC performance at an even lower price, check out the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. It delivers bass-heavy sound that might not be for everyone but matches the Space Q45 in comfort, build quality, and stability. However, Life Q30 lets a bit more midrange noise through, so office chatter might sneak in despite ANC, but it lasts longer—a whopping 44.3 hours on a single charge.

2. Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus

• Sound profile: Neutral (7.5)
• Commute/Travel: 7.4
• Sports/Fitness: 7.3
• Office: 7.3
• Wireless Gaming: 5.9
• Wired Gaming: 6.9
• Phone calls: 6.9
• Type: Over-ear
• Design: Closed-back
• Wireless: Yes
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Looking for noise-cancelling headphones that deliver a rich sound? Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus might be your go-to. They share a similar sound signature with Anker’s Space Q45—boosted bass and balanced mids make vocals and instruments pop. This makes them versatile for a variety of music genres. Plus, a parametric EQ and presets in the app let you tweak the sound.

Their noise cancellation is decent but not as powerful as the Q45’s, especially against low-frequency rumbles like airplane engines. Still, they do a solid job minimizing office noises such as chatter and chair squeaks.

You can pair these earphones with two devices simultaneously, and they support aptX Adaptive codec for seamless switching between high-quality audio and low latency. They’re lightweight and don’t squeeze your head, but the headband lacks cushioning, which might be a downside for bigger heads.

If color isn't a dealbreaker, sometimes Beats Studio Pro Wireless pops up within this price range. Beats excel in noise isolation with a balanced sound fit for pop and hip-hop, plus feature a USB-C DAC for lossless audio—though customization is limited.

3. Sony ULT WEAR

• Sports & Fitness: 7.4
• Travel: 7.9
• Office Work: 7.9
• Wireless Gaming: 5.9 (in development)
• Wired Gaming: 7.5 (in development)
• Sound Accuracy: 7.3
• Noise Isolation: 8.6
• Microphone: 7.7 (in development)
• Frequency Consistency: 7.8
• Bass Level: Very loud (7 dB)
• Treble Level: Insufficient (-4 dB)
• Signature: Bass boosted
• Type: Over-ear
• Design: Closed-back
• Wireless: Yes
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Sony ULT WEAR is an excellent pick if clear phone calls matter. These headphones block out significant noise across frequencies. Their ANC is impressive but slightly less effective against low-frequency noise compared to the Anker Space Q45, so engine droning might peek through. However, the mic isolates your voice well, delivering crisp and natural-sounding speech, even better than some top contenders.

They boast a bass-heavy sound profile, and you can push the bass further using the dedicated ULT button—ideal for energetic genres like hip-hop or EDM. If the bass feels overpowering, the app’s EQ and presets provide plenty of control. Comfort and build quality are solid, and with a 44-hour battery life, they're perfect for office days packed with calls. If the battery drains, wired use is possible, although the mic won’t work then.

4. JBL Live 460NC Wireless

• Sound profile: Neutral (7.6)
• Commute/Travel: 7.4
• Sports/Fitness: 7.2
• Office: 7.3
• Wireless Gaming: 5.8
• Wired Gaming: 7.4
• Phone calls: 6.7
• Type: On-ear
• Design: Closed-back
• Wireless: Yes
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

For those who want portability and comfort in on-ear form, JBL Live 460NC Wireless fits the bill. They’re well-built, lightweight, and comfortable enough, though they can press on your ears during long listening sessions. Their noise cancellation is decent but doesn’t quite match up to the Anker Space Q45.

With ANC on, they deliver almost 30 hours of uninterrupted playtime and include an auto-off timer. The sound is fairly balanced, making them versatile for most audio content. Plus, a parametric EQ and presets in the companion app let you customize your sound. They support multi-device connections, so you can stay linked to your laptop and phone simultaneously.

5. Technics EAH-AZ80

• Sound profile: Neutral (7.3)
• Commute/Travel: 8.0
• Sports/Fitness: 8.3
• Office: 7.6
• Wireless Gaming: 5.7
• Wired Gaming: 5.6
• Phone calls: 6.8
• Type: In-ear
• Design: Closed-back
• Wireless: Truly wireless
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

If bulky over-ear cans aren’t your style but you still want solid ANC, Technics EAH-AZ80 is worth considering. Following the release of their newer model that pushed prices down, these earbuds now fall under $270. Their ANC impressively blocks noises from bus engines to café clinks.

With an IPX4 rating, they resist moisture, making them ideal for longer gym sessions. Battery life is about 7 hours with ANC active, extended by two extra charges from the case—good for a full workday if you tuck them away when not in use. They support three-way multipoint Bluetooth, so switching between devices is a breeze.

While mic quality and background noise suppression aren’t perfect, your voice won’t drown out traffic noise. If your budget is tight, Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless offers reliable performance at a lower price. Anker edges Technics slightly on noise isolation but falls short on mic quality and stability.

Also Worth Considering

• Sony WH-XB910N Wireless: Another wireless ANC option under $270 with a bass-heavy profile great for EDM. ANC isn’t adjustable and less effective than others here.
• Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones Wireless: Budget-friendly with decent ANC and a solid build but not as effective at noise blocking as the Anker Q45.
• JBL Live 770NC: More comfortable than Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus, with bass-forward sound and virtual surround support. However, it lacks Hi-Res codecs like aptX or LDAC.

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Conclusion

Finding a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that balance price, performance, and comfort under $270 isn’t as daunting as it once was. Whether you prioritize long battery life, call clarity, or bass-heavy tunes, there’s something on this list to fit your vibe. Ready to upgrade your audio experience without breaking the bank?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I look for in noise-cancelling headphones under $270?
  Focus on effective ANC, battery life, comfort, and sound quality. Features like app customization and multipoint connectivity add great value.
• Are over-ear or in-ear headphones better for noise cancelling?
  Over-ear models usually offer better passive noise isolation, but high-quality in-ear earbuds with ANC can also perform well and suit active lifestyles.
• How long do these headphones typically last on a single charge?
  Most models here offer between 7 to 44 hours of battery life, depending on ANC usage and design.
• Can I use these headphones for phone calls in noisy environments?
  Yes, models like Sony ULT WEAR and Anker Space Q45 excel in isolating your voice from background noise for clearer calls.
• Is it possible to connect these headphones to multiple devices at once?
  Several on this list, including Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus and JBL Live 460NC, support multipoint Bluetooth for seamless device switching.

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