While most earbuds come with some form of ANC, the best noise-canceling earbuds are the most effective at blocking out the sound of the world around you. All are discreet to wear, while having unbelievably powerful active noise cancelation technology that makes distracting external sounds fade into the background.
Our top pick for the best ANC performance overall goes to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. The company has long been a champion of ANC tech, and the pool of silence these buds manage to create (no matter how noisy the surroundings), make them the one to beat.
Sony's models also perform really well at blocking out noisy surroundings in our tests. The Sony WF-C700N are my best value entry-level ANC option, while the flagship Sony WF-1000XM5 are my top Bose alternative recommendation and have better sound quality and stronger battery life.
We've spent hundred of hours listening to each of these earbuds in all kinds of noisy situations. From commuting on public transport to trying them out on our fitness routines, at the office or trying to block out the sound of our neighbor's power tools while we relax in the yard.
With models spanning $60 to $300 there really is something for everyone in this round up. Read on to discover which of these top-performing noise-canceling earbuds have the right credentials for your needs.
The quick list
Bose brings unrivaled ANC performance to its QC Ultra Earbuds and introduces Immersive Audio. Despite the flagship status though, they sacrifice some nice-to-have features in favour of world-class noise canceling.
The Sony WF-C700N may be an entry-level set of ANC wireless earbuds, but they have many similar features and a brand experience as you get with the company's WF-1000XM5.
Sony's next-gen WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds build on the strengths of their predecessor with strong ANC, outstanding sound, and one of the best user experiences around.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 take performance to the next level for iOS users with a raft of adaptive and personalized audio enhancements and battery life has been improved, too.
Samsung’s ANC holds its own against the category best and blocks out close to 90% of ambient noise. The updated design also provides improved comfort and noise isolation.
This fourth generation model takes the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless series to the next level with top-tier connectivity and audio support, and a re-tuned sound signature that sound awesome.
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While the superb ANC and transparency mode are thanks to Apple's H1 chipset, the wingtip fit makes these a secure option for anyone with an active lifestyle. Their punchy sound ensures exercisers stay motivated.
About the author
Hi, I'm Lee and I cover all things audio for Tom's Guide, including maintaining the best noise-canceling earbuds, best wireless earbuds, best headphones, and best audiophile headphones buying guides. I was among the first to listen to the Bose QC1 noise-canceling headphones when they launched in the early 2000s, and I've been hooked on listening to music without being distracted by my surroundings ever since. I've been testing noise-canceling headphones and earbuds since I joined Tom's Guide, and I've listened to every noise-canceling earbud in this guide to find out which ones offer the best performance for a particular criteria and price point.
These are best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy right now
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Best noise-canceling earbuds overall
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have gone straight to the top of our buying guide for their outstanding noise canceling capabilities. They replace the still available Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 that launched in September 2022, and perform even better. These are a remarkable follow-up that brings the same top-tier noise-canceling performance while introducing immersive audio. With better stabilizing fin alignment, they deliver improved fit and stability and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds could be ones you wear all day long.
In comparison to near rivals though, our review found that the QC Ultra Earbuds were missing some nice-to-have features. I'm disappointed that there's still no wireless charging or multipoint connectivity on the Bose flagship earbuds at the price.
I can't argue with the strength of the noise-canceling, though. Where many approach ANC as a mode that's either on or off, I love that the Bose earbuds allow you customize sound profiles with 10 different degrees of isolation as presets that balance ANC and awareness depending on your activity. The Ultra's Aware transparency passthrough mode sounds highly natural, while ActiveSense automatically lowers ambient sounds when loud noise is detected.
Lastly, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds include aptX Adaptive support, making them compatible with high-performance audio codecs increasingly supported by the best Android phones. If you're after the best-in-class ANC from a pair of wireless earbuds, these are the best I've tried.
- Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review
Best value noise-canceling earbuds
The Sony WF-C700N may be an entry-level set of ANC wireless earbuds, but they have many similar features and a brand experience as you get with the company's WF-1000XM5 (below). Despite the budget price tag, our review found that the adaptive ANC technology worked much better than anticipated at the price. It learns your behavior and tweaks noise neutralization to your environment, while the 20 levels of ambient listening is boon for everyone who needs to maintain a level of awareness while wearing these earbuds.
They have an IPX4 rating meaning that they're protected from moisture ingress, and is the same level as the more costly WF-1000XM5. When it comes to sound balance with music, you're in good hands. During our tests, the Sony’s punchy low end handled complex bass-filled tracks with ease, while the Headphones Connect app provided plenty of sound customization via EQ and DSEE to boost fidelity on lo-fi recordings. Upgrades to battery life, strong ANC and overall performance make these buds a sweet pickup for brand enthusiasts on a budget.
- Read the full Sony WF-C700N review
Best battery life, control app and personalization features
Sony's XM-series earbuds go from strength to strength with each new generation. As the latest flagship, the WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are smaller and lighter, yet they're equipped with some of the strongest features and performance I've ever seen from a pair of wireless earbuds. In my review, I found they had some of the most dynamic and engaging sound I've heard, and their noise-canceling performance easily matched that of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Apple AirPods Pro 2.
Battery life hasn't been stepped up over the outgoing XM4 predecessor. But at 8 hours with ANC enabled, these top-tier Sony wireless earbuds still outperform close rivals and have some of the highest battery life of any set of more recently launched earbuds. There's LDAC support for higher-quality music streams form compatible devices, adaptive listening mode, Google and Alexa digital assistant support, and full EQ customization.
Call quality is greatly improved, thanks to a new noise reduction engine with AI that's able to make voices clear even in noisy surroundings. Wind noise was kept to a minimum too, thanks to the mesh on the feed forward microphone helping to reduce its influence during calls. Ultimately, I found these to be Sony's best-ever and one of the most versatile wireless earbuds you can buy right now.
- Read the full Sony WF-1000XM5 review
Best Apple noise-canceling earbuds
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 bring significant upgrades to the popular AirPods Pro original. Along with the USB-C version and a new suite of adaptive audio features, the AirPods Pro 2 are Apple's best-ever ANC earbuds. I regularly use them on my routine work commutes and at the gym.
Externally, they look pretty similar to the first generation but battery life has been increased to offer 6 hours on a single charge from the earbuds and a further 30 hours from the wireless charging case. The Lightning version of the Pro 2 earbuds are IPX4-rated, while the USB-C version has been upgraded to IP54 for both the earbuds and the wireless charging case.
Designed for iPhone owners looking for a more tailored listening experience, these are the pinnacle of Apple technology and the USB-C version may sound even better. On the audio front, Apple has included a new H2 chip with custom amp and driver that delivers better lower and higher frequencies, and you can use the iPhone's TrueDepth camera to create a personalized spatial audio sound to listen to some of the best Dolby Atmos sound in any pair of earbuds. Noise cancelation is double what the original AirPods Pro offered, and gets remarkably close to the pool of silence conjured up by the #1 Bose QC Ultra Earbuds.
- Read the full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review
Best Galaxy earbuds
For Galaxy phone owners, Samsung’s ANC tech holds its own against the category best. In our review we found it blocked out close to 90% of ambient noise, while the updated design provided good comfort and noise isolation. Each earbud houses three mics that work to analyze external sounds and block them out at the highest level.
In our review we were disappointed to see Samsung’s noise-canceling model rated with short ANC playtimes — at 5 hours these are one of the shortest ANC performers on test — although in practise I didn't notice them needing significantly more frequent top ups than the AirPods Pro 2.
Sound alone makes the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro worth the investment though, giving you a high-quality audio experience thanks to Samsung's Scalable Codec, and compelling 3D sound with precise head tracking. Despite the claimed short ANC playback times, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are a stellar option to consider and have excellent mic quality for calls too, and a recent firmware update enables 360-degree recording with Galaxy phones.
- Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review
Best for Android devices
The fourth generation of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 buds look identical to the their predecessor. They have the same slightly bulky case as the TW3, but cram in a raft of improvements to take stability and sound quality to the next level with the same high level of comfort. In fact, comfort levels are so high that I was able to wear these earbuds for my review for longer listening periods, which is just as well because they sound spectacular.
Sennheiser's Smart Control options are extensive and reliable, and the Sound Personalization and Sounds Zones work exceptionally well. Adaptive noise cancelation, especially where wind noise is concerned, remains competitive. It does have a very tendency to alter the sound presentation and quite manage the pool of silence achieved by the top rankers in this list. The sound quality on the other hands is an exceptional combination of detail and an engaging approach to rhythms and tempos. If you're seeking top sound quality from a pair of ANC wireless earbuds with high comfort levels, these deserve your full attention.
- Read our full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 review
Best ANC earbuds with a secure fit for exercisers
Beats Fit Pro are designed for those with active lifestyles and rank top in our best sports earbuds for their secure fit even when carrying out demanding activities. In our review, we found they delivered great noise canceling performance thanks to the use of Apple's H1 chipset. They integrate plenty of iOS features like automatic switching, audio sharing, and FindMy support to locate misplaced buds. Adding wingtips is a huge plus for exercisers, ensuring the buds remain locked on the ears when moving around. AirPods Pro features like active noise cancellation and Spatial Audio for 3D-like sound are on board and perform at high levels.
Android users end up losing out on several iOS-exclusive features like “Hey Siri” voice activation and head-tracking. The Eartip Fit Test also isn’t as accurate as the AirPods Pro’s version, granted the wingtips and bundled ear tips in different sizes should accommodate all ear shapes.
- Read our full Beats Fit Pro review
Best noise-cancelling earbuds: Specs compared
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Battery life | Connectivity | Wireless charging case | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | 6 hours; 24 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive support | No (optional) | IPX4 (earbuds) |
| Sony WF-C700N | 7.5 hours; 24 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC | No | IPX4 (earbuds) |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | 8 hours; 24 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, and LDAC | Yes | IPX4 (earbuds) |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C | 6 hours; 30 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC | Yes | IP54 (earbuds and charging case) |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro | 5 hours; 18 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, and SSC | Yes | IPX7 (earbuds) |
| Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 | 7.5 hours (ANC off); 30 hours (charging case with ANC off) | Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive Audio, Bluetooth LE Audio, LC3 | Yes | IP54 (earbuds) |
| Beats Fit Pro | 6 hours; 27 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC, AAC | No | IPX4 (earbuds) |
Also tested...
At Tom's Guide we test a lot of noise-canceling earbuds, but not everything can make it into our buying guides. Whether that's down to better performance or stronger features from rival models in a particular category and price, some miss ranking in this list by the slightest of margins. With that in mind, these models are strong contenders and great alternative considerations.
Frequently asked questions
What is ANC?
ANC explained: Active noise cancellation (ANC) models employ built-in mics to pick up ambient sounds around the wearer. An identical but inverted audio signal of the noise is played back to the listener through the headphones. Listeners aren't aware of this happening of course, as the inverted (or out of phase) signal effectively 'cancels out' the noise of the surroundings for the headphone wearer. The process removes the external sounds, which results in a significant reduction in the level of background noise at the very least.
For more information check out our complete guide to active noise-canceling.
Do noise-canceling earbuds actually work?
In most cases, noise-canceling earbuds are very effective at reducing ambient sounds. There are limits, though, and some designs are less effective at silencing certain types of sounds than others. The process is fast but it can’t physically occur in real time, so ANC works best with consistent low-frequency sounds as opposed to higher-pitched, inconsistent sounds like human speech. Vehicle engines and droning air conditioners are easy to cancel out, but the shorter wavelength of high-frequency sounds, like a sudden blast from a car horn, makes it tougher for the ANC’s anti-noise waves to perfectly mask these bursts.
Even so, all sounds will be at least a little quieter when you’re wearing noise-canceling headphones, and many sounds can be completely silenced even on low-cost pairs or earbuds. Check out our explainer on active noise cancellation for more information.
What do IP-ratings mean?
IP-ratings refer to the level of Ingress Protection (IP) from liquids and dirt that a device is protected from. This is part of a device's durability.
IP-ratings explained: The first digit refers to the level of protection from solid particles, such as dust and sand. The scale ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight) for full protection. For example, an IP6X rating ensures that the device is completely dust-tight, making it ideal for harsh outdoor conditions or industrial settings where fine dust particles are common.
The second digit refers to a devices resistance to moisture, and the scale ranges from 0 (no protection) to 8 for the highest level of protection. For example, with an IPX4 rating, earbuds are protected from water splashes from any direction, while an IPX7 rating ensures that the device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter (around 3 feet) for 30 minutes without any damage.
Most common IP ratings explained
| Rating | Level of protection | Header Cell - Column 2 |
|---|---|---|
| IPX4 | This rating shows that the device has been tested and offers protection against splashes of water, making them suitable for workouts or light rain. | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
| IPX6 | This rating indicates that the device can withstands power jets of water from any direction. | Row 1 - Cell 2 |
| IPX8 | The device is waterproof and fully submersible up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 mins. | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
How to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you
5 things to consider before you buy the best noise-canceling earbuds
The first item to check off the list when shopping for the best noise-canceling earbuds is their active noise cancellation performance, which shouldn’t be confused with passive noise cancellation. What are the differences?
1. Active vs. passive noise cancellation: ANC uses advanced circuitry and microphones to pick up noise signals and create inverse waves that cancel out these sonic disruptions, whereas PNC physically isolates high-pitched sounds through the headphone design and materials. Most headphones advertised with noise cancellation are categorized under ANC.
2. Battery life: Noise-canceling earbuds have a reputation for sucking up lots of power, so you’ll want a pair that holds a charge long enough to get you through a long business flight or weekly commutes. Noise-canceling wireless earbuds are usually rated for 4.5 to 8 hours, but with included charging cases the total possible playback time might be much more competitive.
Think about how long and how often you’d want to wear your earbuds for on lengthy trips. A longer “per charge” battery life is better, but if you only want some entertainment on short commutes then it not quite so important, as you’ll probably be storing the buds in their case more regularly.
3. Sound quality: ANC technology can compress sound and reduce dynamics, which may affect audio performance when turned on. In some cases, you’ll notice a background hiss when listening to music. However, the best noise-canceling earbuds limit these disruptions to deliver full, crisp sound.
4. Design: The look, build and feel of a pair of in-ear 'buds is massively important when selecting the best noise-canceling earbuds, so consider how they look and feel and whether the style is right for you. In our best noise-canceling headphones round up we mention that over-ear headphones tend to give the best noise cancellation, but some of the more recent wireless in-ear models are proving to be just as effective.
5. Pricing considerations: Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best noise-canceling earbuds. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor.
As the saying goes: timing is everything; and right now many of our favorite models are being discounted by online retailers, meaning you can bag a bargain for even less. Bookmark our best headphone deals page to keep track on the latest price drops.
How we test noise-canceling earbuds
We've judged the best noise-canceling earbuds on several factors: audio performance, battery life, Bluetooth range, call quality, comfort and fit, and the effectiveness of the noise cancellation. We also weigh special features, such as included apps, and how easy they are to use.
During the testing phase, our reviewers wear each pair of headphones for 2 hours at a time throughout the course of a week, to test comfort over time.
ANC, meanwhile, is tested in both indoor and outdoor environments where ambient sounds are produced at high levels. This includes airplanes, city parks, convenience shops, offices, and public transportation. ANC headphones programmed with transparency modes are also tested thoroughly to determine how well the listener can hear their surroundings.
For sound quality, we listen to many different sample tracks and span as many music genres as possible, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and R&B, while evaluating volume, clarity and fullness. Find out what we listen for during our testing process and how to get the best headphone sound for you.
And now that more streaming music services are offering high-resolution audio, be sure to read our audio codec FAQ for all you need to know.
Finally, we’ll rate noise-canceling earbuds on our five-point system, with 1 being the worst and 5 the best. If a pair is particularly excellent, with a robust range of qualities, we may award it an Editor's Choice badge.
Find out how we test for more information on our reviewing procedures.
More from Tom's Guide
- Best noise-canceling headphones overall
- Montblanc unveils AirPods Pro 2 challenger
- How to set up the Sony WF-1000XM5 for the best sound
Best ANC earbuds deals
