Noise cancelling earbuds are increasingly popular for their ability to deliver immersive audio and distraction-free listening through active noise cancellation (ANC). Whether commuting, traveling, or working, these earbuds block out ambient noise while offering features like transparency modes and Android/iOS compatibility.
Our top five picks—Sony WF-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, Apple AirPods Pro 2, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC—stand out for superior ANC, sound quality, and comfort.
Key considerations include ANC effectiveness, audio performance, battery life (6–50 hours with case), comfort, price range ($100–$300), and device compatibility. These selections prioritize ANC while catering to various budgets and ecosystems.
ALSO READ: Best Wireless Earbuds Under $50
Why Choose Noise Cancelling Earbuds?
Benefits of Noise Cancelling Earbuds
ANC earbuds block external noises like traffic, office chatter, or airplane hum, enabling focused listening, clearer calls, and immersive music experiences. They’re ideal for commuting, air travel, office work, studying, and even workouts with transparency modes for situational awareness.
Advancements include adaptive ANC, Bluetooth 5.3/5.4 for stable connections, IPX4–IPX7 water resistance, and customizable EQ via companion apps. They pair seamlessly with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and support voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant.
Top 5 Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Below are five top noise cancelling earbuds, compared for ANC performance, sound quality, battery life, price, and compatibility.
1. Sony WF-1000XM5 – Best Overall Noise Cancelling Earbuds
- NOISE CANCELLATION: Experience a personal concert with the bluetooth earbuds noise cancelling feature of Sony WF-1000XM5…
- SOUND QUALITY: Uncover the richness of sound with the noise cancelling earbuds of Sony WF-1000XM5, specially designed fo…
- CALL CLARITY: Maintain clear conversations with the bluetooth earbuds of Sony WF-1000XM5, featuring Sony’s best ever cal…
- Features: 8.4mm drivers, LDAC/AAC codecs, adaptive ANC (~35 dB), 8 hours battery (24 hours with case), IPX4, Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app.
- Pros: Industry-leading ANC, rich sound, customizable EQ, ~$300.
- Cons: Premium price, larger case.
- Best For: Audiophiles and commuters needing top-tier ANC and audio.
2. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II – Best for ANC Performance
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in …
- Features: 9.3mm drivers, AAC/SBC codecs, CustomTune adaptive ANC (~40 dB), 6 hours battery (24 hours with case), IPX4, Bluetooth 5.3, adjustable EQ, Bose Music app.
- Pros: Best-in-class ANC, balanced audio, comfortable fit, ~$280.
- Cons: No multipoint, no spatial audio.
- Best For: Travelers and professionals prioritizing noise cancellation.
3. Apple AirPods Pro 2 – Best for iPhone Users
- PIONEERING HEARING — AirPods Pro 2 unlock the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience: a scientifically valid…
- INTELLIGENT NOISE CONTROL — Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 2x more background noise.* Transparency mode lets yo…
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — The Apple-designed H2 chip helps to create deeply immersive sound. The low-distortion,…
- Features: H2 chip, 11mm drivers, adaptive ANC (~35 dB), 6 hours battery (30 hours with case), IPX4, Bluetooth 5.3, spatial audio, adaptive transparency, Find My, iOS integration.
- Pros: Excellent ANC, seamless iOS pairing, spatial audio, ~$250.
- Cons: Limited codec support (AAC only), fewer features on Android.
- Best For: iPhone users seeking ANC and iOS ecosystem integration.
4. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro – Best for Samsung Android Users
- REDESIGNED WITH THE BEST SOUND IN MIND: Keep your Galaxy Buds3 Pro in with a design that delivers long-lasting comfort f…
- A SLEEK DESIGN MADE TO SHINE: Let your sound shine as much as you do with Buds3 Pro that light up¹
- AUDIO THAT ADAPTS TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS: Immerse yourself while staying alert to your surroundings thanks to Adaptive Act…
- Features: 10.5mm drivers, Samsung Seamless Codec/AAC, adaptive ANC (~30 dB), 6 hours battery (30 hours with case), IP57, Bluetooth 5.3, 360 Audio, Galaxy AI, Samsung Wearable app.
- Pros: Strong ANC, immersive sound, durable, Galaxy-exclusive features, ~$230.
- Cons: Some features Samsung-only, stemmed design may not suit all.
- Best For: Samsung Galaxy phone users needing ANC and ecosystem perks.
5. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC – Best Budget ANC Earbuds
- Reduce Noise By Up to 98.5%: Liberty 4 NC noise cancelling earbuds have a high sensitivity in-ear sound sensor, an overs…
- Noise Cancelling Adapts to Ears and Environments: Adaptive ANC 2.0 makes real-time calculations and adjusts to your ear …
- Crisp Sound with 3× More Detail: 11mm custom-tuned drivers deliver consistently crisp and detailed sound. Experience Hi-…
- Features: 11mm drivers, LDAC/AAC codecs, adaptive ANC (~30 dB), 10 hours battery (50 hours with case), IPX4, Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, Soundcore app.
- Pros: Impressive ANC, long battery, hi-res audio, affordable, ~$100.
- Cons: ANC less effective than premium models, plastic build.
- Best For: Budget-conscious users wanting solid ANC and battery life.
How We Chose the Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Criteria for Selecting Top ANC Earbuds
We evaluated earbuds based on:
- ANC Performance: Adaptive ANC, effectiveness against low/high-frequency noise, transparency modes.
- Sound Quality: Driver size, codec support (AAC, LDAC, aptX), EQ customization.
- Battery & Features: Battery life (6–10 hours earbuds, 24–50 hours case), multipoint, voice assistants.
- Performance: User feedback on comfort, connectivity, durability from Amazon/Best Buy.
Data from RTINGS.com, TechRadar, CNET, SoundGuys, and What Hi-Fi? (2024–2025) informed our choices.
Comparison Table of Noise Cancelling Earbuds
| Model | Price | Battery Life | Codecs | ANC Features | Best Use |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | ~$300 | 8/24 hours | LDAC/AAC | Adaptive ANC, Multipoint | Audiophiles, Commuters |
| Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II | ~$280 | 6/24 hours | AAC/SBC | CustomTune ANC | Travelers, Professionals |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 | ~$250 | 6/30 hours | AAC | Adaptive ANC, Spatial Audio | iPhone Users |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | ~$230 | 6/30 hours | Samsung Seamless/AAC | Adaptive ANC, 360 Audio | Samsung Users |
| Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | ~$100 | 10/50 hours | LDAC/AAC | Adaptive ANC, Multipoint | Budget Buyers |
Benefits of Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Why Invest in Noise Cancelling Earbuds?
ANC earbuds block ambient noise for focused listening, enhance call clarity in noisy environments, and provide immersive audio for music or podcasts. Adaptive ANC adjusts to surroundings, while transparency modes allow conversations without removing earbuds.
Priced from $100–$300, they offer advanced ANC rivaling over-ear headphones with greater portability and convenience.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
What Users Say About These Noise Cancelling Earbuds
- Sony WF-1000XM5: Amazon (4.5/5, 3,000+ reviews) praises sound and ANC, price criticized (X posts).
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Best Buy (4.4/5) lauds ANC, bulky case noted.
- AirPods Pro 2: Amazon (4.6/5) seamless for iPhone, Android limitations mentioned.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Best Buy (4.3/5) great for Samsung, fit varies.
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: Amazon (4.2/5) value-packed, ANC less robust.
Concerns include fit, battery life, and ecosystem-specific limitations.
Tips for Using Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Maximize Your Noise Cancelling Earbuds Performance
- Setup: Choose correct ear tip size for optimal ANC, enable adaptive ANC in apps, toggle transparency mode for safety.
- Customization: Install companion apps (Sony Headphones Connect, Bose Music, Samsung Wearable, Soundcore), update firmware, customize EQ for music preferences.
- Maintenance: Clean earbuds regularly, store in case, charge case weekly to maintain battery health.
Conclusion
The best noise cancelling earbuds in 2025 cater to diverse preferences: Sony WF-1000XM5 for sound, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for ANC, Apple AirPods Pro 2 for iPhone users, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for Samsung ecosystems, and Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC for budget buyers. Match your earbuds to your needs—ANC performance, ecosystem, sound, or affordability. Shop now on Amazon or Best Buy to enjoy distraction-free audio in 2025!
