Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Black

Why it's worth it

The Q20i is the least expensive way into working ANC. Four microphones cut a claimed 90% of outside noise, 40mm drivers with BassUp give it more low-end punch than the price implies, and the battery runs 40 hours with cancellation on.

Nothing else this cheap cancels noise this well. The hybrid setup uses two internal and two external mics, and Anker claims it removes up to 90% of ambient sound. In practice that means the steady stuff — bus engines, office HVAC, a fan — drops way down. It's the single most useful thing a headphone can do for a commuter, and you're getting it at a price most brands reserve for headphones with no ANC at all.

BassUp gives these more thump than the Space One out of the box, which is either a plus or a minus depending on your taste. If you mostly listen to hip-hop or electronic music on a train, you'll like it. If you want accuracy, the app's 22-preset EQ pulls it back. Either way you're not stuck with the default tuning.

From our review of 7 soundcore headphones and speakers

What we like

• +Nothing else this cheap cancels noise this well
• +BassUp gives these more thump than the Space One out of the box, which is either a plus or a minus depending on your taste
• +Battery is 40 hours with ANC on and 60 without, and a five-minute charge buys four more hours
• +This is also the one to buy for a kid, a spare pair for the office, or a set you won't mourn if it gets lost at an airport

What to know

• –Maximum volume is lower than on the pricier models
• –There's no carrying case, so tossing them in a bag means the cups take a beating
• –Hi-Res audio only works through the AUX cable here, not over Bluetooth