Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under A$100 in Australia (2024 Guide)

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is the best noise cancelling headphone under A$100 in Australia, priced at around A$79.99. It wins on hybrid active noise cancellation, a 40-hour battery life with ANC on, and Hi-Res Audio support via the wired connection, outperforming most rivals at this price point.

Our top picks at a glance

Product	Price	Best For	Key Spec	Rating
Anker Soundcore Life Q20	79.99	Best overall	Hybrid ANC, 40h battery, Hi-Res, A$79.99	4.4/5
JBL Tune 660NC	99	Best JBL option	Adaptive ANC, 44h battery, JBL Pure Bass	4.2/5
Edifier W820NB Plus	99	Best for sound quality	Hi-Res ANC, 49h battery, LDAC codec	4.3/5
Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT	89	Best battery life	60h battery, low-latency mode, A$89	4.1/5
1MORE SonoFlow	99	Best comfort	QuietMax ANC, 50h battery, LDAC support	4.2/5

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 — Best overall

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 remains the benchmark budget noise-cancelling headphone in Australia at around A$79.99 on Amazon AU. Its hybrid ANC uses four built-in microphones to detect and counter both internal and external noise, and while it cannot match the Sony WH-1000XM5, it visibly reduces bus and air-conditioning drone in everyday use. Battery life is a standout: 40 hours with ANC switched on and up to 60 hours with it off, which trumps the JBL Tune 660NC’s 44 hours. The 40mm dynamic drivers deliver punchy bass that suits pop, hip-hop and electronic music, and connecting the included 3.5mm cable activates Hi-Res Audio playback at frequencies up to 40kHz. At 263g it is light enough for long commutes, and the memory foam earcups stay comfortable for 4-6 hour sessions. The trade-offs are real: mid-range voice cancellation is mediocre, the plastic build feels budget, and there is no companion app. For under A$80, though, it is hard to fault.

Pros:

• Strong low-frequency ANC for the price
• Best-in-class battery life with ANC on
• Hi-Res Audio over wired connection

Cons:

• Mid-range voice cancellation is weak
• No app support for EQ tweaks

Check price on amazon.com.au

2. JBL Tune 660NC — Best JBL option

Price: 99 | Rating: 4.2/5 | Available at: jbhifi.com.au

The JBL Tune 660NC sits at A$99 at JB Hi-Fi and Big W, offering adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to surrounding noise levels. Battery life reaches 44 hours with ANC on, and a 5-minute USB-C quick charge adds roughly 2 hours of playback. At just 166g it is one of the lightest over-ear options in this price bracket, and the foldable hinge makes it easy to slip into a backpack. Sound is classic JBL Pure Bass: warm, boosted low end, and a slightly recessed mid-range. For podcasts and acoustic music the tuning feels a bit thick, but for pop and electronic it is engaging. The on-ear fit can press on the ears during long sessions, and the included cable lacks an inline mic. Multi-point pairing across phone and laptop is reliable in testing.

Pros:

• Lightweight and travel-friendly
• Reliable multi-point Bluetooth 5.0
• 5-minute quick charge for 2 hours playback

Cons:

• On-ear pressure during long wear
• Tuned too bass-heavy for spoken word

Check price on jbhifi.com.au

3. Edifier W820NB Plus — Best for sound quality

Price: 99 | Rating: 4.3/5 | Available at: amazon.com.au

Edifier’s W820NB Plus is the audiophile pick under A$100 in Australia. The headline feature is LDAC codec support, which streams Hi-Res audio at up to 990kbps over Bluetooth, a feature you rarely see at this price. Hybrid ANC achieves roughly 30dB of attenuation in the low and mid frequencies, edging out the Anker Life Q20 in office environments. Battery life is rated at 49 hours with ANC on, edging ahead of JBL and Anker. Sound is balanced out of the box, with a clean mid-range that suits vocals and acoustic tracks, and the Edifier Connect app lets you tweak EQ and toggle ANC transparency. Clamping force is firm initially, but eases after 10-15 hours of break-in. At 285g it is heavier than competitors.

Pros:

• LDAC and Hi-Res Wireless certified
• Balanced default sound signature
• 49-hour battery with ANC on

Cons:

• Firm clamp requires break-in period
• Heavier than JBL and Anker rivals

Check price on amazon.com.au

4. Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT — Best battery life

Price: 89 | Rating: 4.1/5 | Available at: amazon.com.au

The Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT delivers an extraordinary 60-hour battery life, the longest in this price bracket by a wide margin. At A$89 on Amazon AU, it is also one of the most affordable options here. ANC performance is decent against low-frequency rumble on planes and trains, but it falls short of the Anker and Edifier in cancelling mid-range office chatter. Sound is more neutral than JBL or 1MORE, which makes it an excellent choice for podcasts, audiobooks, and acoustic music. Multi-point Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, and a low-latency mode reduces audio delay for mobile gaming. The on-ear form factor can be uncomfortable for users with larger ears, and there is no wired Hi-Res input. For pure battery endurance at a low price, though, it is unbeaten.

Pros:

• 60-hour battery is class-leading
• Multi-point Bluetooth 5.0
• Balanced tuning suits spoken word

Cons:

• ANC weaker than Anker and Edifier
• On-ear design can press on larger ears

Check price on amazon.com.au

5. 1MORE SonoFlow — Best comfort

Price: 99 | Rating: 4.2/5 | Available at: amazon.com.au

The 1MORE SonoFlow at A$99 on Amazon AU focuses on comfort and quiet. Its QuietMax hybrid ANC system claims up to 35dB of noise reduction, which performs well against low-frequency drone but is less effective on sudden transient sounds like keyboard clicks. The protein leather earcups are noticeably softer than the Anker and JBL options, and at around 250g with a well-padded headband, it is comfortable for full work-day listening. LDAC support is included for Hi-Res streaming, and 50-hour battery life with ANC on matches the Edifier closely. The 1MORE Music app allows ANC level adjustment and EQ presets, though it can be flaky on certain Android builds. Sound is slightly warm with a forgiving treble that avoids fatigue.

Pros:

• Most comfortable earcups in the category
• LDAC support for Hi-Res streaming
• 50-hour battery with ANC on

Cons:

• ANC inconsistent with transient noises
• App stability varies on Android

Check price on amazon.com.au

How to choose

When shopping for noise cancelling headphones under A$100 in Australia, prioritise hybrid active noise cancellation over passive isolation alone, as this is what reduces engine and air-conditioner hum on commutes. Battery life is the next key metric: anything above 30 hours with ANC on is excellent, and the Audio-Technica S220BT leads with 60 hours. Check codec support if you care about audio quality: LDAC (Edifier W820NB Plus, 1MORE SonoFlow) streams Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth, while standard SBC and AAC are sufficient for casual listeners. Over-ear designs generally isolate better than on-ear ones, though the JBL Tune 660NC and Audio-Technica S220BT are still solid. Weight under 270g and memory-foam earcups are important if you wear glasses or plan long sessions. Finally, look for multi-point Bluetooth so you can pair your phone and laptop simultaneously, available on all five models in this guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are noise cancelling headphones under A$100 actually any good in Australia?

Yes, models like the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 (A$79.99) and Edifier W820NB Plus (A$99) offer hybrid active noise cancellation that meaningfully reduces low-frequency rumble on planes, trains, and buses, though they cannot match premium options like the Sony WH-1000XM5.

Which is the best noise cancelling headphone under A$100 in Australia?

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 at A$79.99 on Amazon AU is the best pick, offering hybrid ANC, 40-hour battery with ANC on, and Hi-Res Audio support over the included 3.5mm cable.

Do budget noise cancelling headphones work on planes?

Yes, hybrid ANC on the Anker Q20, JBL Tune 660NC and Edifier W820NB Plus effectively reduces engine drone at cruising altitude, though mid-range announcements and crying babies will still be partially audible.

What is the difference between active and passive noise cancellation?

Passive noise cancellation relies on physical earcup sealing to block sound, while active noise cancellation (ANC) uses microphones and inverse sound waves to cancel low-frequency noise. All five headphones in this guide include ANC.

Can I use noise cancelling headphones for phone calls in Australia?

Yes, all five models have built-in microphones. The Anker Life Q20 and JBL Tune 660NC perform best in quiet environments, while call quality drops in windy outdoor conditions on most budget options.

What is LDAC and do I need it?

LDAC is a Sony-developed Bluetooth codec that streams up to 990kbps for Hi-Res Audio. It is supported on the Edifier W820NB Plus and 1MORE SonoFlow, and matters most if you use Tidal, Apple Music Lossless, or own high-bitrate FLAC files.

How long do budget noise cancelling headphones last?

With normal use, models like the Anker Q20 and JBL Tune 660NC typically last 3-5 years before battery degradation. The non-replaceable battery in most sub-A$100 headphones means longevity depends on charging habits.

Where can I buy noise cancelling headphones under A$100 in Australia?

All five models are available on Amazon AU, with the JBL Tune 660NC also stocked at JB Hi-Fi, Big W, and The Good Guys, often with a 12-month Australian warranty.

How we chose

We evaluated 14 noise cancelling headphones priced under A$100 currently sold in Australia, drawing on specifications, verified user reviews from Amazon AU, JB Hi-Fi, and ProductReview.com.au, and hands-on testing where available. The final five were selected on active noise cancellation effectiveness, measured battery life with ANC on, codec support (LDAC, AAC, SBC), comfort, weight, and multi-point Bluetooth support. Prices were verified across Amazon AU, JB Hi-Fi, and The Good Guys in late 2024 and may vary with promotions. Models that exceeded A$100 at retail or had fewer than 1,000 verified Australian reviews were excluded. Each pick includes balanced pros and cons, with all ratings reflecting aggregated customer scores rather than manufacturer claims.