"Are there any budget noise cancelling headphones that actually work?" "Can I get good sound and a decent mic without paying over $120?" If you’ve found yourself asking these questions, you’re definitely not alone.
As more of us work from home, jump into Zoom calls, or try to escape noisy commutes with some peace and quiet, noise cancellation headphones have become more of a necessity than a luxury. But not everyone wants to drop a small fortune on high-end brands.
Good news: you don’t have to.
In today's article, we invite a Philippine Tech YouTuber – @BiboyHaranero to take a deep dive into one of the best budget noise cancelling headsets currently available: the Nuroum HP31D. From all-day comfort to mic performance and battery life, he tested everything that matters in real-world settings. This is a breakdown made for everyday folks looking for real value. Let’s dig in.
Hands-On Review: Testing Our Noise Cancelling Headsets in Real-World Conditions
When we say "real-world hands-on," we mean it. No fancy studios or controlled sound labs. That's what Biboy did! He tested the Nuroum HP31D in coffee shops, on noisy background, during daily listening, and while gaming at home. The results? Surprisingly, solid performance from a pair of headphones priced under $100.
Design & Build – What to Expect from Budget Noise Cancelling Headphone with Mic
"you get the headset along with its charging dock... you do get the documentation cable and its Bluetooth dongle for instant pairing."
First impressions matter. The Nuroum HP31D doesn’t scream luxury, but it’s sleek, minimal, and feels sturdy in the hand. The plastic doesn’t feel cheap, and the headband has a nice matte finish with decent flex and adjustability. The earcups are rotatable and fold flat — great for tossing into a backpack. And Biboy noted that the dock features gold charging pins which align perfectly with those on this noise reduction headset. However, he expressed a wish that the dock included a USB pass-through, as it would have added more convenience
For a budget headset, the design is smart and functional, and everything feels well-put-together.
Affordable Comfort for All-Day Noise-Free Listening
"headband can be extended up to more than an inch... cushions are crazy soft."
Let’s be honest: if a headset hurts your ears after 30 minutes, it's not worth it. Comfort is one of the key features that sets the Nuroum Noise-Reduction Headset apart in the world of best budget noise cancellation headsets.
The memory foam protein padding is soft and breathable, and the adjustable headband doesn’t press too hard. Though Biboy felt a little bit pressure at first, after several hours of continuous wear, there was no discomfort. He gradually adjusted to this noise-reducing headphones with mic, and the slight initial discomfort quickly faded. To Biloy's surprise, the headphones proved exceptionally glass-friendly, with no noticeable pressure even during extended use. After a few days of testing, he found he could wear them comfortably for two to three hours straight without any significant ear or head fatigue.
Long-Lasting Battery on a Budget Noise Cancellation Headsets
"battery pack that can support up to 45 hours of Total use time... virtually get unlimited battery on this unit."
Battery anxiety is real. Luckily, you won't have to worry here. The Nuroum HP31D promises up to 45 hours of playtime. What surprised him most was how efficiently this headset with noise reduction conserved power when idle.
As Biboy pointed out, "when unused, you virtually get unlimited battery on this unit." He tested it himself—leaving the headphones untouched for days, only to find the battery level barely dropped. For someone who frequently forgot to charge devices, this was a game-changer. No more frantic searches for a power bank during flights or last-minute plug-ins before important calls.
The freedom from constantly worrying about battery life made the HP31D his go-to device for both work and leisure.
Mic Test – Built-in Noise Cancelling Mic vs. Common Lapel Mic
Traffic, chatter, keyboard clicks—noise never stops. ENC cuts the clutter so you can focus. Hear calls clearly, enjoy music without distractions, and work in peace. No need to overspend—great noise cancellation can be affordable. Biboy compared the built-in noice cancelling mic of the Nuroum HP31D against a standard lapel mic, and here’s what he found.
What is ENC Technology？
ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) is a smart noise-canceling technology that uses tiny microphones to detect and block unwanted background sounds—like traffic, chatter, or wind—while keeping your voice clear during calls. Unlike ANC (which focuses on constant low-frequency noise), ENC targets sudden, unpredictable noises, making it ideal for calls, online meetings, and busy environments. The result? Crisper conversations and less distraction, without needing expensive headphones. Perfect for everyday clarity on a budget.
Noise-Canceling Mic Test in a Café: Nuroum HP31D vs. Standard Lapel Mic
In a noisy café environment, Biboy compared the audio performance of two microphones. From 2:33 to 4:03 in the test clip, the Nuroum HP31D noise-canceling mic demonstrated impressive noise suppression—effectively minimizing background sounds like coffee machine grinding and chatter while maintaining clear, studio-like voice capture. On the other hand, the basic lapel mic (which isn't made for noise reduction) naturally captured more of the café sounds.
As he noted: "The microphone in this headset is nowhere as clear as this lapel mic... prioritizing voice isolation with its environment noise-canceling feature." Nuroum uses ENC tech to filter out background noise. ENC isn’t just marketing fluff here. It genuinely works and makes this one of the best budget noise cancelling headphones with a mic.
So our noise-reducing headset is better suited for:
✅Remote work/meetings: Maintains call clarity in loud spaces (e.g., cafés, co-working areas)
✅Field interviews/recordings: Quick setup with reliable noise reduction for unpredictable environments
✅Casual content creation: Enhances voice clarity in non-studio conditions
For professional audio work like voiceovers or music recordings where sound quality is crucial, the HP31D's strong noise reduction might lose some subtle details. In these cases, a professional studio microphone would work better.
Sound Quality – Surprisingly Good for a Budget Noise Cancelling Headphone
Before testing, Biboy emphasized that he's particularly sensitive to bass response in headphones. Upon wearing this Noise Cancellation Headphones, he was immediately shocked by its audio performance: "Upon testing this initially, I was surprised with how much bass this has - rumbles are really powerful in this!"
He noted how the drivers sit very close to the ears with the cushions sealing directly on top, a design he suspects creates this impactful low-end.
Our Nuroum noise-cancellation headphones delivers a rich yet controlled sound profile that's remarkable at this price. While the bass delivers satisfying punch (validating Biboy's first impression), it maintains precision rather than becoming muddy - a critical balance for bass-sensitive listeners. Mids cut through cleanly for vocals and instruments, while highs retain crisp detail without sibilance. Whether you're analyzing bass-heavy EDM like Biboy did, enjoying podcasts, or in virtual meetings, reproduction remains accurate across content types.
Are they audiophile-grade? No. But for under $100, this combination of visceral bass response and overall coherence punches far above its weight. That initial 'wow' moment speaks volumes - easily one of the best budget noise-cancelling headphones for those seeking impactful yet balanced sound.
Game Without Limits – Budget Noise Cancelling Headsets with Bluetooth 5.4 & Zero Latency
Bibol raved in his review:"I was impressed by its almost non-existent latency... Bluetooth 5.4 did not disappoint."
The cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.4 chip they're equipped with is specifically engineered for optimized low-energy broadcast communication. It not only enhances data transmission security but also significantly reduces power consumption, making it the perfect choice for IoT devices like electronic shelf labels and smart sensors.
During testing, Bibol used the earbuds for fast-paced competitive games like Call of Duty—skill activations and sound effects were perfectly synced, with finger movements and audio feedback feeling completely seamless.
Even more impressive, the earbuds outperformed their advertised 10-meter range in real-world conditions. They maintained stable, uninterrupted audio even through two load-bearing walls, completely shattering the stereotype that Bluetooth devices "always cut out through walls."
Final Verdict – Is This the Best Budget Noise Cancellation Headset for You?
So, is the Nuroum HP31D worth your money?
This is what Biboy said in the end of the video "neurum would be the shop I'd turn to... Their customer support is great." "priced starting at only $90... great value."
I believe his answer will be YES! Between the strong mic, reliable noise suppressing, long battery life, and comfortable design, this headset delivers real value without breaking the bank.
If you're looking for the best budget noise cancellation headphones with mic, or a quality noise cancelling headset for calls, work, or casual listening, this one should be on your radar.
You can check out the Nuroum HP31D directly here: Nuroum HP31D Headset
FAQs
Q: Are budget noise cancelling headsets really effective? Yes! While they may not match the level of top-tier ANC models, many budget headsets like the Nuroum HP31D offer very solid passive and environmental noise cancelling.
Q: Is the mic good enough for work-from-home meetings or streaming? Definitely. The ENC mic in the Nuroum HP31D competes with dedicated lapel mics and performs especially well in noisy environments.
Q: How long does the battery last? Expect up to 45 hours of use on a full charge. That’s several days of active use without needing to recharge.
Q: Can I use this headset while gaming? Yes, thanks to Bluetooth 5.4. The low-latency connection makes it perfect for gaming and video watching.
Q: Are these comfortable for long listening sessions? Very much so. The soft ear cushions and adjustable headband are designed with comfort in mind.
