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What are the best noise-cancelling earphones around $200?

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The Best 1 of 3 OptionsWhy?

3 Options ConsideredPriceWeightBattery Life
93
Bose QuietComfort 20
$169.9944 g16 Hours (Playback)
82
AKG K391 NC
$17717 g40 Hours ( Active Noise Cancelling )
--
Phiaton BT 220 NC
$93.9937 g17 Hours
See Full List
93
The Best

Bose QuietComfort 20

Paolo
Top Pro

Best in class noise-cancelling

•••
These headphones are ideal for long flights. In addition to having overall impressive noise-cancelling (-33dB across all frequencies on some tests), these headphones excel when you need to cancel out low frequencies like jet engine sounds (-45dB).
Paolo
Top Pro

Comfortable

•••
The headphones stay comfortably in your ear. They don't always offer a complete seal but surprisingly, this doesn't affect noise cancellation or reduce comfort. Also included are 3 sizes of eartips to help better fit your ear. Note that these tips have a unique design so you won't be ab...
Paolo
Top Pro

Disable noise-cancelling with "Aware Mode"

•••
You can disable active noise canceling at a press of a button. Aware Mode can be quickly accessed from the remote, which will disable active noise-cancelling and open up the microphones to allow you to hear your surroundings better. LEDs on the control module will let you know when this mode is tu...
Paolo
Top Con

Average sound

•••
The sound of the in-ear headphones is decent. The highs are a bit withdrawn, but the sound doesn't come off as too muddy.
Paolo
Top Con

Expensive

•••
The suggested retail price for these headphones is $300. And although you can get a pair on Amazon for around $200 it still is a lot to pay for a pair of earbuds.
See 3 more Pros & Cons
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2 Other Options Considered

82

AKG K391 NC

Paolo
Top Pro

Fairly detailed and rich sound

•••
The highs are quite detailed, yet do not get harsh. The mids are slightly forward, so vocals and instruments can easily be heard. The bass is not very powerful but is tight, so you’ll get decent punch from your music.
Paolo
Top Pro

Good active noise cancelling

•••
A good amount of noise will be blocked from mixing in with your music. Loud, low-pitched sounds may still be clearly heard though.
Paolo
Top Pro

The active noise cancelling module is compact

•••
You aren’t likely to have issues using these on the go. Most active noise cancelling in-ear headphones have large control modules, while the K391NC has a fairly compact and light module. You can easily use these headphones while walking and comfortably enjoy active noise cancelling with your music.
Paolo
Top Pro

The headphone cable can be detached from the control module

•••
You can easily replace the 3.5mm cable should it get damaged. You can detach the 3.5mm cable from the control module which is very convenient. Other noise cancelling modules have fixed cables, so you’ll have to replace the headphones should the cable get damaged.
Paolo
Top Pro

There is an integrated microphone

•••
You can take calls with these headphones on. A microphone is integrated into the remote which makes answering calls fast and convenient.
Paolo
Top Pro

Good accessory bundle

•••
The accessories included are all very useful. You get two 3.5mm headphone cables, a USB charging cable, silicone ear tips, a travel pouch and an airplane adapter.
Paolo
Top Con

Limited inline controls

•••
The inline remote only allows you to play, pause, and skip tracks. You can’t control volume levels though.
See 5 more ProsSee 5 more Pros
--

Phiaton BT 220 NC

Paolo
Top Pro

Minimal wire hassle

•••
You’ll have minimal issues with headphone wires. While there is a cable connecting the earpieces to the active noise cancelling module, you can eliminate the need for a cable from the module to your source device if the source is Bluetooth capable.
Paolo
Top Pro

Decent noise cancelling

•••
These headphones can block out a decent amount of ambient noise. The active noise cancelling filters out most high and mid frequency noise. To further reduce low frequency noise, you’ll want to switch the eartips to the Comply foam ones.
Paolo
Top Pro

Can function as wired headphones

•••
Should the battery run out, you can still use these headphones in wired mode. There is a micro-USB to 3.5mm cable included so you can connect the ANC module to your source device. You won’t get active noise cancelling in this mode though.
Paolo
Top Pro

ANC module has a lot of functions

•••
The ANC module doubles as a remote, and gives you a lot of control over phone and music functions. There is a dedicated button for answering calls, a switch to turn ANC on or off, as well as buttons for volume adjustment and play/pause.
Paolo
Top Con

Bass lacks power

•••
If you’re a bass-head, then these headphones may not be for you. While the low-end is present, it is not very powerful. Bass hits do not have a lot of punch and rumble.
See 3 more ProsSee 3 more Pros
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34 Community Recommendations

Onze
Paolo
Ryan
MomoIshida
Georgia
Aubrey
BethLM
Izem Lavrenti
Hloja
Chipester
Callixtus
+10
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