5 best active noise cancelling earbuds

In a world filled with constant distractions, from the low hum of an air conditioner to the roar of a jet engine, finding a moment of peace can feel like a luxury.

The modern lifestyle is defined by movement and noise commuting on a crowded train, working in a bustling office, or hitting the gym with music blaring from nearby speakers.

In this environment, the demand for Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) earbuds has surged.

They are no longer just a premium gadget for audiophiles; they are an essential tool for anyone seeking a personal sound sanctuary.

ANC earbuds allow users to create a private, distraction-free bubble, whether they’re trying to focus on a work task, lose themselves in a podcast, or simply enjoy their music with crystal-clear fidelity. By actively combating the chaos of the outside world, these tiny devices empower us to take control of our auditory experience, turning a noisy commute into a moment of calm and a loud gym session into a focused workout.

Best Overall ANC Earbuds in 2025: The Ultimate All-Rounder

 

When you need a single pair of earbuds to handle everything—your commute, your calls, and your favorite music—the “Best Overall” category is for you. This choice is about balance, delivering a top-tier experience without compromising on any key feature. It’s the pair that consistently impresses, no matter the environment.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Pros:

• Unrivaled Noise Cancellation: Still the class leader, effectively silencing a wide range of frequencies from low-end rumble to human chatter.
• Exceptional Comfort: The design with stability fins provides a secure and comfortable fit without requiring you to jam them deep into your ear canal.
• Premium Sound Quality: Delivers a powerful, musical, and detailed sound profile with rich bass and clear highs.
• Excellent Features: Includes seamless Bluetooth multipoint pairing, high-quality codec support (including aptX Adaptive), and wireless charging.

Cons:

• Bulky Case: The charging case is noticeably larger than competitors from Sony and Apple, making it less pocket-friendly.
• Finicky Touch Controls: The large touch-sensitive surface is prone to accidental activation when adjusting the earbuds’ fit.
• Limited EQ: The app’s equalizer is basic and less customizable than what’s offered by some competitors.
• Slight Buzz: There can be a very subtle buzz in the left earbud when no audio is playing, though it’s often easy to ignore.

 

5. Best Premium Choice for Audiophiles: Where Sound is King

 

This category is for the true music lover. You care about every detail, from the clarity of the vocals to the depth of the bass. This choice combines elite sound reproduction with top-tier ANC and premium features, offering a listening experience that is as immersive as it is pristine.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Pros:

• Superior Sound Fidelity: Delivers a rich, detailed, and immersive sound that is a step above most competitors, especially with high-res audio.
• High-Quality Codecs: Supports aptX Lossless and LE Audio, providing the best possible wireless audio quality.
• Robust Feature Set: Offers a comprehensive app with extensive EQ customization and other useful features like Auracast support.
• Strong ANC: Provides very effective noise cancellation, performing well against a variety of environmental sounds.

Cons:

• ANC Not Quite Top-Tier: While very good, the ANC is still not as powerful as what Bose offers.
• Bulky Case: The fabric-covered charging case, while stylish, is on the larger side and can be inconvenient for pockets.
• No Head-Tracking Spatial Audio: Lacks a truly device-agnostic spatial audio with head tracking, a feature found in some competitors.

 

6. Best Budget-Friendly ANC Earbuds: Great Performance on a Budget

 

Don’t let the price tag fool you. These earbuds prove that you can get a powerful ANC experience without breaking the bank. This category is for the savvy shopper who wants value, focusing on models that deliver solid noise cancellation and a great set of features for an affordable price.

EarFun Air Pro 4

Pros:

• Exceptional Value: Offers an incredible feature-to-price ratio, with performance that rivals more expensive models.
• Strong ANC for the Price: The noise cancellation is surprisingly effective, especially against low-frequency ambient noise.
• Feature-Rich App: The companion app is well-designed and provides extensive customization, including full control over touch gestures.
• Good Battery Life: Delivers solid battery performance with ANC on and off, with the added convenience of wireless charging.
• Wide Codec Support: A rare find in this price range, it supports advanced codecs like LDAC and aptX Adaptive.

Cons:

• Less-Refined ANC: While effective, it can struggle with sudden high-frequency noises, and the wind reduction can be inconsistent.
• Middling Call Quality: The microphone and noise reduction algorithms can be overly aggressive, sometimes making your voice sound muffled to the person on the other end.
• Occlusion Effect: The design can create a noticeable “occlusion effect” when running or talking on the phone, though this can be mitigated with third-party ear tips.

 

7. Best for Travelers and Frequent Flyers: Your Personal Quiet Zone

 

For the globetrotter, the ideal earbuds are a refuge from the constant noise of travel. This choice is about long-lasting comfort, powerful ANC to block out airplane engines and loud chatter, and a compact design that fits easily in a pocket.

Sony WF-1000XM5

Pros:

• Best at Blocking Human Voices: The most effective earbuds at canceling out a wide range of voices, making them perfect for busy airports and trains.
• Compact Design: The earbuds and case are smaller and lighter than their predecessors, making them highly portable.
• Excellent Sound: Delivers a detailed and balanced sound profile with support for high-resolution LDAC streaming.
• Smart Features: Packed with intelligent features like Adaptive Sound Control and head-gesture controls for calls.

Cons:

• Tricky Fit: The default foam tips require a very deep and precise fit to achieve optimal noise cancellation and sound quality, which can be challenging for some users.
• Less Secure Fit: The smooth, glossy finish can make them feel less secure in the ear compared to models with stability fins.
• Occasional Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported minor connectivity drop-outs.

 

8. Best for Workouts and Outdoor Use: Built to Endure

 

Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or hiking a trail, these earbuds are designed to keep up. This category prioritizes a secure, comfortable fit that won’t slip, a high level of water and sweat resistance, and a great transparency mode for staying aware of your surroundings.

Jabra Elite 8 Active

Pros:

• Extreme Durability: IP68-rated earbuds and an IP54-rated case make them completely dustproof, sweatproof, and waterproof.
• Unshakeable Fit: The unique “ShakeGrip” coating ensures they stay securely in your ears during even the most intense physical activities.
• Excellent Transparency Mode: The “HearThrough” mode is a crucial safety feature for outdoor activities, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings.
• Tactile Buttons: Features physical buttons instead of touch controls, which prevents accidental presses and gives a satisfying click.

Cons:

• ANC is Not Top-Tier: While good, the ANC is not on the same level as what Bose or Sony offers. It struggles with higher-frequency sounds like clanging.
• No High-Resolution Codecs: Lacks support for high-quality codecs like aptX or LDAC, which might be a drawback for audiophiles.
• Less Refined Sound: While the sound is great for workouts, it may not be as detailed or refined as other premium options.

How Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Technology Works

At its core, ANC technology is a clever combination of physics and engineering. It’s a method of noise reduction that goes beyond the passive sound-blocking capabilities of a physical earbud.

The process begins with tiny, built-in microphones on the exterior of each earbud. These microphones continuously “listen” to the ambient noise around you—the chatter of people, the drone of a plane, or the hum of traffic. The internal processor then analyzes this incoming noise in real-time. Based on this analysis, the earbud generates a new, “anti-noise” sound wave that is an exact mirror image, or inverted version, of the external noise.

When the external sound wave and the anti-noise wave meet, they cancel each other out through a phenomenon called “destructive interference.” This is often explained with a simple analogy: imagine a +2 sound wave from a noisy environment. The earbud creates a -2 sound wave. When they combine, the result is zero, or in this case, a significant reduction in noise.

It’s a continuous, dynamic process that happens thousands of times per second, allowing the earbuds to adapt to changing sound environments and effectively neutralize a wide range of low to mid-frequency noises. While ANC is most effective against constant, low-frequency sounds, the best models also incorporate advanced algorithms to tackle more unpredictable, high-frequency noises, ensuring a more comprehensive listening experience.

Key Features to Look for in ANC Earbuds

Before you dive into the endless list of available models, understanding the most crucial features will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect pair for your needs.

a) Sound Quality

While ANC is the star feature, it’s nothing without great audio. The best ANC earbuds don’t just block noise; they allow you to fully appreciate the details of your music, podcasts, and calls. When evaluating sound quality, look for a balanced sound signature—one that doesn’t overemphasize bass at the expense of clear mids and crisp highs. A well-balanced sound profile ensures that vocals sound natural, instruments are distinct, and the overall listening experience is enjoyable.

For the audiophiles, support for high-quality audio codecs is a significant factor. Standard Bluetooth uses a basic codec called SBC, but many modern earbuds support more advanced options like AAC (common for Apple devices), aptX (popular with Android), or LDAC (Sony’s proprietary high-resolution codec). These codecs allow for a greater amount of data to be transmitted over Bluetooth, resulting in a richer, more detailed sound that’s closer to the original recording.

b) Comfort & Fit

 

An earbud can have the most powerful ANC and the best sound quality in the world, but if it doesn’t fit comfortably, it’s worthless. Comfort and fit are paramount, especially for long listening sessions like a transatlantic flight or a full day of work. A secure fit is also essential for ANC to work effectively, as it creates a passive seal that blocks some noise before the active technology even kicks in.

Earbuds generally come in two main styles:

• In-ear with silicone tips: This is the most common design for ANC earbuds. The silicone tips create a tight seal in your ear canal, which provides excellent passive noise isolation and is a necessary component for most ANC systems. Look for earbuds that come with multiple sizes of tips to ensure you get a perfect seal. Some models even offer a “fit test” via their app to help you choose the right tip.
• Open-fit: A less common design for ANC, this style rests in the outer ear rather than sealing the ear canal. While they are often praised for their comfort and “airy” feel, their ANC performance is generally less effective because they lack that crucial passive seal.

c) Battery Performance

 

ANC is a power-intensive feature, and it will drain your battery faster than normal playback. When considering battery life, look for two key numbers: the hours of playback on a single charge with ANC on, and the total hours with the charging case.

A good pair of ANC earbuds should offer at least 5-6 hours of playback with ANC enabled, with the case providing at least two to three additional charges. This ensures that you can get through a full workday or a long trip without having to worry about finding a power outlet. Fast charging capabilities are also a huge plus, allowing you to get a few hours of listening from a quick 10-15 minute charge.

d) Connectivity

 

The quality of a wireless earbud’s connection can make or break the user experience. Look for models that use the latest Bluetooth standards, such as Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3. These newer versions offer improved stability, faster pairing, and better energy efficiency.

One of the most valuable features for modern users is multipoint pairing, which allows the earbuds to be connected to two devices at once (e.g., your laptop and your smartphone). This means you can seamlessly switch from listening to music on your computer to answering a call on your phone without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. A stable connection is also crucial in crowded areas with a lot of wireless interference, such as airports or coffee shops.

e) Price Range

 

The market for ANC earbuds is vast, with options available at almost every price point. Setting a budget helps narrow down your choices and manage expectations.

• Premium Models ($200+): This category includes flagship earbuds from brands like Sony, Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser. These models offer the most powerful and effective ANC, top-tier sound quality, and advanced features like personalized audio, advanced codecs, and seamless ecosystem integration. They represent the best of what the technology has to offer.
• Mid-Range ($100–$200): This is a highly competitive and dynamic market segment. You can find excellent ANC performance and a solid set of features from brands like Anker Soundcore, Jabra, and Nothing. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of their premium counterparts, they often deliver a fantastic balance of performance and value, making them a great choice for most consumers.
• Budget Picks (Under $100): Don’t dismiss this category. While the ANC won’t be as robust as a premium pair, many budget earbuds offer surprisingly effective noise reduction, especially for constant low-frequency noise. They are perfect for first-time buyers or those who want ANC without a significant financial commitment. Brands like Anker, Earfun, and TOZO often have great options that punch above their weight.

By understanding these key features, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the market and choose a pair of ANC earbuds that perfectly suits your lifestyle and listening needs.