The best noise-canceling earbuds are a great way to reduce distractions from offices, make your commute more comfortable, and finally get rid of the annoying air conditioning whine in the local library. Active noise cancelation technology lets you cocoon yourself in your favorite tunes/podcasts/AMSR playlist, so that the outside world melts into nothing.
I personally love active noise-canceling earbuds because I live in a busy house filled with lots of distracting noises. I need to be able to work and listen to my music in peace — and my top pick, the AirPods Pro 2, remain the best way to isolate myself from the outside world while I work. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra come a very close second, but they don't manage to round out the package quite like Apple's sublime earbud effort.
With the help of a dedicated team of listeners and testers, we have racked up hundreds of hours listening to dozens of noise-cancelling earbuds to make sure they're worth your hard-earned money. We've risked life and limb, walking near building sites and sitting next to busy roads to make sure your commute is as silent as possible and then sat with them in busy cafes, offices, and train stations to make sure you get the best noise cancelling earbuds possible.
Recent updates
Updated September 16 with the AirPods 4
The quick list
ANC ★★★★★
Price ★★★★☆
Sound ★★★★☆
The Airpods Pro 2 might not be the cheapest buds around, but they beat more expensive options for noise canceling handily. They sound excellent too, although some might want more bass.
ANC ★★★★★
Price ★★★☆☆
Sound ★★★☆☆
The Bose noise canceling on offer here is all-conquering — but it comes at the cost of sound quality and feature set. If you just want good ANC, then these are the buds for you.
ANC ★★★☆☆
Price ★★★★★
Sound ★★★☆☆
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.
ANC ★★★★☆
Price ★★★☆☆
Sound ★★★★★
Sony's next-gen WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds build on the strengths of their predecessor with strong ANC, but really wow with some incredible battery life.
ANC★★★☆☆
Price ★★★★★
Sound ★★★★☆
If you're not a fan of silicon ear tips, then the AirPods 4 are the best option out there. They're a comfortable pair of open earbuds, and the noise canceling is surprisingly effective.
ANC ★★★★☆
Price ★★★★☆
Sound ★★★★☆
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is ANC?
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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.
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'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-canceling earbuds you can buy right now
Best Overall
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, and, by extension, the best noise-canceling buds you can buy. 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 a 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 they easily clear almost all of the competition.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Not the cheapest, but an excellent performance for the price. | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort & Fit | An incredibly comfortable pair of earbuds. | ★★★★★ |
| Noise Canceling | Impeccable noise-canceling, blocking out loads of noise. | ★★★★★ |
| Sound Quality | Very neutral sound signature, although some may want more bass. | ★★★★☆ |
- Read the full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review
Best ANC
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.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | The Bose QC Ultra are quite expensive. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort & Fit | Suitable for all-day work wear. | ★★★★★ |
| Noise Canceling | The best ANC around. | ★★★★★ |
| Sound Quality | This is where they fall down, lacking depth. | ★★★☆☆ |
- Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review
Best Budget
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.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Sub-$100 is always a sweet spot. | ★★★★★ |
| Comfort & Fit | You won't find them fatiguing. | ★★★★☆ |
| Noise Canceling | Solid ANC for the price. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Sound Quality | They're going to sound fine to most people. | ★★★☆☆ |
- Read the full Sony WF-C700N review
Best Battery Life
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.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | They're not cheap, and not often reduced | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort & Fit | Loads of custom ear-tip options | ★★★★★ |
| Noise Canceling | Solid ANC for the price. | ★★★★★ |
| Sound Quality | Solid, bassy sound. | ★★★★☆ |
- Read the full Sony WF-1000XM5 review
Best Open-fit
AirPods 4 upgrade Apple's entry-level wireless earbuds in a big way. Not only do they bring an overdue update to the very product line that put AirPods on the map, but they come in a version with active noise cancellation that cost under $180. You'd think without a true seal in more of this “open ear” style bud, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation wouldn't be effective. But they’re actually quite impressive when it comes to reducing ambient sounds, and the adaptive audio feature blends ANC with transparency for a listening experience.
The $129 version without ANC gets you redesigned acoustic architecture with the addition of modern AirPods features like USB-C charging, Personalized Spatial Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Head Gestures — all very Pro-level features coming in for over $100 less than AirPods Pro 2. The reasons we’d still rank AirPods Pro 2 higher than the AirPods 4 is a better battery life, and more recently, the FDA-cleared ability for the Pro buds to double as hearing aids via a software update.
If you just need a pair of daily buds that fit comfortably and work well with all your Apple devices, the AirPods 4 are easy to recommend.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Well priced, entry level ANC AirPods. | ★★★★★ |
| Comfort & Fit | The new open-fit might be divisive for some. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Noise Canceling | You'll be surprised how much noise they block. | ★★★★☆ |
| Sound Quality | A good, neutral sound signature. | ★★★★☆ |
- Read our full AirPods 4 review
Best for Working Out
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.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | There are cheaper options out there | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort & Fit | The wings are great for keeping them in place. | ★★★★☆ |
| Noise Canceling | Solid, AirPods Pro first generation-like performance | ★★★★☆ |
| Sound Quality | Punchy sound for fitness fanatics. | ★★★★☆ |
- Read our full Beats Fit Pro review
Best noise-cancelling earbuds: Specs compared
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Battery life | Connectivity | Wireless charging case | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C | 6 hours; 30 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC | Yes | IP54 (earbuds and charging case) |
| 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) |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | 5 hours (ANC off); 30 hours (charging case with ANC off) | Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC | 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.
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 noise-canceling earbuds deals
