The headphone market has transformed dramatically. In the sub-$150 space, buyers now expect more than just decent sound: battery life, ANC, comfort, app support, and codec support all matter. This 2026 shortlist focuses on models that stand out for a specific reason, so you can quickly choose the one that fits your needs.
Quick Comparison: Best Headphones Under $150
- 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 — $87-100, Best Value, 100 hours battery, ANC ★★★★☆, sound ★★★★☆
- Soundcore Space Q45 — $130-150, Best ANC, 65 hours battery, ANC ★★★★★, sound ★★★★★
- Edifier WH950NB — $170-180, Best Calls, 80 hours battery, ANC ★★★★☆, sound ★★★★★
- Sennheiser ACCENTUM — $150-180, Best Sound, 50 hours battery, ANC ★★★☆☆, sound ★★★★★
- Sony WH-CH720N — $100-150, Best Brand, 35 hours battery, ANC ★★★☆☆, sound ★★★★☆
- JBL Live 670NC — $100-130, Best Battery, 88 hours battery, ANC ★★★☆☆, sound ★★★☆☆
- JBL Tune 770NC — $70-90, Budget Entry, 70 hours battery, ANC ★★★☆☆, sound ★★★☆☆
- EarFun Wave Pro — $80-90, Travel Pick, 55-80 hours battery, ANC ★★★☆☆, sound ★★★☆☆
- Soundcore Space One Pro — $120-140, Most Versatile, 40-60 hours battery, ANC ★★★★☆, sound ★★★★☆
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51: Best Value
At $87-100, the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 offers a striking amount of premium hardware for the money. Its 100-hour battery endurance is the longest in this list, and its LDAC codec support makes it appealing for listeners who care about Hi-Res streaming. The package also includes premium metal components, a hard carrying case, and a lightweight 250g build.
Its trade-offs are clear: the default tuning is bass-forward and benefits from EQ, ANC trails the category leaders, the brand has fewer service centers, and the mobile app could be improved. Even so, the value proposition is hard to ignore, especially if you want close to flagship features without crossing the $100 mark.
Soundcore Space Q45: Best ANC
The Soundcore Space Q45 is the strongest pick if noise cancellation is your priority. It delivers best-in-class ANC that rivals premium models, while also offering 65 hours of battery life with ANC active. Add LDAC support, an excellent app with detailed EQ controls, and comfortable long-wear fit, and the result is a very complete package for commuters and travelers.
The main drawbacks are also easy to understand: thinner headband padding than its predecessors, a bass-forward sound signature that may not suit purists, a plastic build, and a slightly bulkier shape. Still, if silence matters most, this is one of the most compelling choices in the entire price range.
Edifier WH950NB and Sennheiser ACCENTUM
The Edifier WH950NB is the best calls option in the comparison. It uses a 4-microphone array with Environmental Noise Cancellation designed for clearer communication, and it pairs that with Hi-Res Audio certification, LDAC support, a gaming mode, strong ANC, and a wired 3.5mm connection. The battery claim reaches 80 hours, though the set is also the heaviest and most expensive in this group, at $170-180. It can feel warm during long wear, and it does not support AAC, which makes it less ideal for iPhone users.
The Sennheiser ACCENTUM is the sound-quality pick. Sennheiser’s audio experience shows through clearly, and the headphones are praised for their exceptional sound quality, comfortable memory foam ear cups, padded headband, and solid build. Battery life is 50 hours, and the model responds well to EQ. The trade-offs are moderate ANC and only average microphone performance, with a price that sits at $150-180.
Sony, JBL, EarFun, and Soundcore Space One Pro
The Sony WH-CH720N remains the brand pick at $100-150. Its battery lasts 35 hours, and it earns a respectable balance of ANC and sound at ★★★☆☆ and ★★★★☆ respectively. The JBL Live 670NC is the battery pick, stretching to 88 hours while staying in the $100-130 range, though its ANC and sound ratings sit at ★★★☆☆ each.
For buyers on a tighter budget, the JBL Tune 770NC at $70-90 is the entry point, with 70 hours of battery life and ★★★☆☆ ratings for both ANC and sound. The EarFun Wave Pro is the travel pick, priced at $80-90 with 55-80 hours of battery life. Finally, the Soundcore Space One Pro at $120-140 is the most versatile option, with 40-60 hours of battery life and ★★★★☆ ratings for both ANC and sound.
How to Choose the Right Pair
The best choice depends on what you value most. Pick the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 if you want the strongest value. Choose the Soundcore Space Q45 if ANC is the top priority. Go with the Edifier WH950NB for better calls, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM for the best sound, and the JBL Live 670NC if battery life matters most. If you want a simpler brand-name option, the Sony WH-CH720N still deserves a look.
For shoppers who want an affordable entry, the JBL Tune 770NC is the budget choice, while the EarFun Wave Pro is the travel pick. If you want a balanced all-rounder, the Soundcore Space One Pro sits near the middle with strong overall ratings.
The headphone market has transformed dramatically, but these nine models show that strong sound, useful features, and long battery life are still possible without spending more than $150.
