Belkin Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Review: Do They Deliver on Sound and ANC?

Belkin has long been a trusted name in accessories, from chargers to cables. But when they stepped into the true wireless earbuds arena, many wondered: can they compete with the big players? We spent two weeks with their noise-cancelling earbuds to find out if they deliver on sound, ANC, and overall value.

In this Belkin noise-cancelling earbuds review, we'll break down design, comfort, sound quality, active noise cancellation, battery life, and how they compare to other budget options. If you're looking for the best noise cancelling earbuds under $100, this review will help you decide if Belkin is the right choice.

Design and Comfort

The Belkin earbuds feature a sleek, matte finish with a compact charging case that easily slips into a pocket. The earbuds themselves are lightweight (about 4.5g each) and come with three sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a snug fit. During our testing, they stayed secure during workouts and long commutes, and the IPX5 water resistance means they can handle sweat and light rain.

Comfort is a standout for these earbuds. The ergonomic shape sits flush in the ear without causing pressure points, even after hours of use. The touch controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing you to manage playback, calls, and ANC with simple taps.

• Lightweight design (4.5g per earbud) for all-day comfort
• IPX5 water resistance for workouts and outdoor use
• Three ear tip sizes for a customized seal

Sound Quality

Belkin tuned these earbuds with a balanced sound signature that appeals to most listeners. The bass is punchy without overwhelming the mids and highs, making them versatile for everything from pop to podcasts. Vocals are clear and instruments are well-separated, providing an immersive listening experience.

When compared to other wireless earbuds in the same price range, the Belkin earbuds hold their own. They support AAC and SBC codecs, ensuring solid audio quality on both iOS and Android devices. While they don't support aptX, the sound is still detailed and enjoyable for daily use.

• Balanced sound with punchy bass and clear mids
• Good instrument separation for an immersive experience
• AAC and SBC codec support for reliable wireless audio

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Performance

The ANC on the Belkin earbuds is surprisingly effective for the price. It reduces low-frequency noises like engine rumble and air conditioning hum significantly, making them great for commuting or focusing in a busy office. In our tests, they blocked out about 70-80% of ambient noise, which is impressive for budget earbuds.

There's also a transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings when needed, perfect for quick conversations or staying aware of traffic. The transition between ANC and transparency is seamless, and both modes work well without introducing noticeable hiss.

• Effective ANC for low-frequency noises (engines, AC hum)
• Transparency mode for situational awareness
• Minimal hiss in both modes

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is solid: you get up to 7 hours of playtime with ANC on, and the charging case provides an additional 21 hours, for a total of 28 hours. That's competitive with other earbuds in this price range. The case charges via USB-C, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you about 1 hour of playback – handy when you're in a rush.

Wireless charging is not supported, but that's a minor omission at this price point. The case itself is compact and easy to carry, so you'll rarely run out of juice during a long day.

• 7 hours of playtime with ANC, 28 hours total with case
• USB-C fast charging: 10 min = 1 hour of playback
• No wireless charging, but acceptable for the price

Connectivity and Features

Pairing is straightforward with Bluetooth 5.2, and the connection remained stable throughout our testing, even at a distance of 30 feet with walls in between. The earbuds support single earbud use, which is handy for calls or when you want to keep one ear free.

Touch controls let you manage music, calls, and ANC, but you can't customize them via an app – Belkin doesn't offer a companion app. That's a downside for those who like to tweak EQ or reassign controls, but the default settings are intuitive enough for most users.

• Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, long-range connection
• Support for single earbud use
• No companion app for customization

Comparison with Other Budget ANC Earbuds

When compared to other best noise cancelling earbuds under $100, the Belkin earbuds offer a compelling package. They beat the Soundcore Life P3 in ANC effectiveness but fall slightly behind in bass response. Against the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro, they offer similar features at a lower price, making them a great value.

The Belkin earbuds also excel in comfort and build quality, often feeling more premium than their price suggests. If you're looking for a reliable pair of wireless earbuds with solid ANC, these are definitely worth considering.

• Better ANC than many competitors in the same price range
• Superior comfort and build quality
• Lower price than similar offerings from Anker

In conclusion, the Belkin noise-cancelling earbuds deliver on their promise of good sound, effective ANC, and comfortable fit – all at a price that won't break the bank. While they lack some premium features like wireless charging and an app, their performance makes them one of the best noise cancelling earbuds under $100. If you're in the market for reliable budget earbuds, these are a solid choice.