The 10 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds of 2025

Top Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM5

Features

Industry-Leading Noise Cancelling : Advanced ANC technology effectively blocks out ambient noise.
Exceptional Audio Quality: Integrated with Sony’s custom-designed V2 processor and LDAC support for high-resolution audio.
Compact and Lightweight Design: Smaller and lighter than its predecessor, offering a comfortable fit for extended use.
Long Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 16 hours from the charging case.
Adaptive Sound Control: Automatically adjusts the noise-canceling levels based on your activity and location.
Speak-to-Chat Feature: Automatically pauses music when you start speaking.
Multipoint Bluetooth Connectivity: Seamlessly connects to two devices at once.
IPX4 Water Resistance: Suitable for light workouts and daily use.

Pros

Outstanding noise cancellation rivals over-ear headphones.
Rich, balanced sound quality with deep bass and crisp highs.
Comfortable fit with customizable ear tips for a secure seal.
Extensive app features for customization, including equalizer settings.
Reliable battery performance with fast-charging support.

Cons

Premium price point may not suit all budgets.
Touch controls can be overly sensitive at times.
Limited improvement in call quality compared to competitors.

Apple AirPods Pro (3rd Generation)

Features

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Improved ANC technology for better noise isolation, especially in crowded or Noise Cancelling.
Transparency Mode: Allows outside sounds to pass through while keeping the music playing, perfect for conversations or awareness of surroundings.
Adaptive Transparency: Automatically adjusts the level of Transparency Mode depending on the surrounding noise.
Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: Creates a surround sound experience that moves with the user’s head movements for a more immersive experience.
Customizable Fit: Comes with multiple sizes of silicone tips for a snug and secure fit.
Apple H2 Chip: Enables efficient performance, enhanced audio, and better battery management.
Long Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, with an additional 30 hours from the charging case.
Sweat and Water Resistance: Rated IPX4, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.
Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration: Easy pairing, automatic switching, and quick access to features via Apple devices.
Improved Call Quality: Better noise isolation for clearer calls.

Pros

Excellent noise cancellation and transparency features.
Superior integration within the Apple ecosystem.
Immersive sound quality with clear highs, deep bass, and crisp mids.
Comfortable and secure fit with customizable ear tips.
High water and sweat resistance ideal for active users.
Long battery life and fast charging.

Cons

Relatively high price for wireless earbuds.
Limited customization of sound settings outside of the Apple ecosystem.
No option for multi-point connectivity.
ANC performance can be slightly less powerful compared to other top models like Sony’s.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Features

Advanced Noise Cancelling: Uses proprietary technology for top-tier active noise cancellation, adapting to your environment for personalized sound.
Bose Custom Tune Technology: Automatically adjusts the audio based on the shape of your ears for a tailored listening experience.
Superior Sound Quality: Clear, balanced sound with deep bass and crisp highs, ideal for music, podcasts, and calls.
StayHear Max Ear Tips: Soft, silicone ear tips that offer a secure and comfortable fit, blocking out external noise effectively.
IPX4 Rating: Water-resistant, making them suitable for exercise and light rain.
Touch Controls: Simple, intuitive touch controls for adjusting volume, playback, and calls.
Long Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, and an additional 18 hours with the charging case.
Transparent Mode: Allows you to hear ambient sounds when needed without removing the earbuds.
Multipoint Connectivity: Connects to two devices simultaneously, enabling seamless transitions between calls and music.
Quick Charge: Provides up to 2 hours of battery life with just a 15-minute charge.

Pros

Excellent noise cancellation performance, especially in noisy environments.
High-quality sound with clear, full-range audio.
Comfortable and secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes.
Effective transparency mode for situational awareness.
Multipoint connectivity is convenient for using multiple devices.
Reliable battery life with quick charging.

Cons

Larger design may be less discreet than other earbuds.
Premium price, making them a high-end option.
No support for high-res audio formats like LDAC or aptX.
Touch controls can sometimes be unresponsive or overly sensitive.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2

Features

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Dual microphones and advanced ANC technology help block out external noise for an immersive listening experience.
Ambient Sound Mode: Allows you to hear important surroundings while still enjoying your music or calls.
High-Quality Sound: Equipped with an 11mm woofer and a 6.5mm tweeter for rich sound with deep bass and clear treble.
360 Audio: Features spatial audio support with head tracking for an immersive soundstage that adjusts as you move.
Customizable Fit: Comes with multiple ear tip sizes and ergonomic design for a secure and comfortable fit.
Battery Life: Up to 5 hours of playback with ANC on, and up to 18 hours with the charging case.
IPX7 Water Resistance: Fully protected from immersion in water, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Voice Pickup Unit: Improved microphone array for clearer voice calls, even in noisy environments.
Seamless Integration with Samsung Devices: Easy pairing and quick switching between Samsung devices through the Galaxy Wearable app.
Bluetooth 5.3: Stable connection with lower latency and increased reliability.

Pros

Excellent ANC performance, ideal for noisy environments.
Rich, immersive sound with well-balanced bass and highs.
Comfortable and secure fit, especially with customizable ear tips.
High water resistance (IPX7) allows for use in various environments.
360 Audio and spatial sound for a cinema-like experience.
Long-lasting battery with fast charging support.
Clear voice calls with noise reduction.

Cons

ANC performance can be slightly weaker than premium competitors like Sony and Bose.
No support for high-res audio codecs like LDAC.
The larger case may be slightly bulky for some users.
Limited noise isolation in transparency mode compared to other models.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Features

Advanced Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Adaptive ANC with multiple modes to filter out ambient noise for an immersive experience.
Exceptional Sound Quality: Uses Sennheiser’s proprietary audio technology with deep bass, natural mids, and detailed highs, supported by aptX Adaptive for high-resolution sound.
Customizable Sound: Includes an equalizer and sound modes through the Sennheiser Smart Control app, allowing you to fine-tune audio preferences.
Transparent Hearing Mode: Allows external sounds to be heard clearly, ensuring situational awareness without removing the earbuds.
Comfortable Fit: Ergonomically designed with multiple ear tip options for a snug and secure fit.
Long Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC on, and an additional 24 hours from the charging case.
Touch Controls: Responsive touch controls for volume, playback, and calls, with customizable gestures via the app.
IPX4 Rating: Water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for light workouts and outdoor activities.
Multipoint Connectivity: Seamlessly connect to two devices at once for multitasking between music, calls, and apps.
Voice Assistant Support: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant for hands-free control.

Pros

Excellent sound quality with rich, balanced audio and aptX Adaptive support.
Effective ANC, reducing noise in various environments.
Comfortable fit with customizable ear tips for secure wear.
Long-lasting battery life with the ability to fast charge.
Customizable controls and sound settings through the app.
Multipoint connectivity for simultaneous connections to two devices.

Cons

The price is on the higher end, which might be out of reach for some buyers.
Touch controls can sometimes be difficult to use or overly sensitive.
ANC, while good, may not be as powerful as leading competitors like Sony or Bose.
Larger design and charging case compared to some more compact options.

Jabra Elite 8 Active

Features

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Adaptive ANC with multiple levels to block out background noise, ideal for both daily use and intense environments like the gym.
IP68 Rating: Highly resistant to dust and water, making them ideal for extreme outdoor activities and heavy workouts.
Durable Build: Designed with rugged materials to withstand impacts, sweat, and rain, ensuring long-lasting durability.
Superior Sound Quality: Customizable sound profiles through the Jabra Sound+ app with a focus on clarity, bass, and balanced audio.
Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of playback with ANC on, and up to 24 hours with the charging case.
Secure Fit: Compressed, ergonomic design with multiple ear tips that ensure a snug and secure fit, even during high-intensity activities.
HearThrough Mode: Allows external sounds to filter in for awareness of your surroundings, useful for safety during outdoor activities.
Multipoint Connectivity: Connect to two devices simultaneously for seamless transitions between calls and music.
Voice Assistant Integration: Quick access to voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant for hands-free control.
Improved Call Quality: Multi-microphone system for clear voice calls, even in noisy environments.

Pros

Excellent sound quality with customizable sound profiles.
Effective ANC with good noise reduction, especially for outdoor and fitness environments.
Extremely durable and water-resistant, ideal for intense workouts and outdoor activities.
Comfortable and secure fit with options for different ear shapes and sizes.
Long battery life and quick charging capabilities.
Multipoint connectivity for ease of switching between devices.
Good call quality with noise-canceling microphones.

Cons

The design may be bulkier compared to other more compact models.
ANC is effective but not as strong as the leading models from Bose or Sony.
Price is on the higher side for a sport-focused earbud.
The Jabra Sound+ app can be buggy or require regular updates for optimal use.

Google Pixel Buds Pro

Features

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Offers effective Noise Cancelling for immersive audio and a more focused listening experience.
Transparency Mode: Allows ambient sound to pass through for situational awareness, ideal for safety in public spaces.
High-Quality Sound: Equipped with custom-designed drivers and support for high-fidelity audio, delivering clear, rich sound with deep bass and balanced mids.
Comfortable Fit: Multiple ear tip sizes and an ergonomic design ensure a snug and comfortable fit for all-day wear.
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours of listening time with ANC on, and up to 20 hours with the charging case.
IPX4 Rating: Water and sweat-resistant, suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Google Assistant Integration: Built-in Google Assistant for hands-free voice control and access to Google’s ecosystem.
Multipoint Connectivity: Seamlessly connects to two devices at once, allowing for quick switching between devices like a smartphone and laptop.
Low-Latency Audio: Reduced lag for a more fluid experience during calls or media playback.
Quick Pairing: Instant pairing with Android devices through Google Fast Pair for a hassle-free setup.

Pros

High-quality sound with a deep bass response and clear, detailed audio.
Strong ANC performance, especially for everyday environments.
Comfortable, ergonomic fit with customizable ear tips.
Seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem and Google Assistant.
Good water and sweat resistance for active users.
Long battery life with the option for quick charging.
Easy and fast pairing with Android devices.

Cons

ANC is effective but may not be as powerful as premium competitors like Bose or Sony.
No support for high-res audio codecs like LDAC.
Transparency mode could be improved for clearer external sound pass-through.
Lacks some advanced customization options that other premium brands offer.

Beats Fit Pro

Features

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Delivers strong ANC performance, blocking out background noise for a focused listening experience.
Transparency Mode: Allows you to hear the environment around you without removing the earbuds, useful for outdoor activities or safety and Noise Cancelling.
High-Quality Sound: Powered by custom drivers with a rich bass response and clear mids and highs, delivering immersive audio.
Secure Fit: Wingtip design ensures a secure fit, making them ideal for sports, running, and workouts.
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, and an additional 18 hours with the charging case.
IPX4 Rating: Sweat and water-resistant, perfect for exercise and light outdoor use.
Apple H1 Chip: Seamless integration with Apple devices, including automatic pairing, quick switching between devices, and support for “Hey Siri” voice commands.
Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: Creates an immersive, 3D sound experience for supported content.
Quick Charge: Provides up to 1 hour of playback with just a 5-minute charge.
Multipoint Connectivity: Connects to two devices simultaneously for seamless switching between calls and media.

Pros

Secure, comfortable fit with wingtip design that stays in place during vigorous activities.
Strong ANC performance, reducing background noise effectively.
Rich, balanced sound with deep bass and clear highs.
Excellent integration with the Apple ecosystem, including support for Siri.
IPX4 rating makes them sweat and water-resistant, suitable for workouts.
Quick charging and long battery life with the option for fast recharging.
Immersive spatial audio experience for supported content.

Cons

ANC, while strong, may not be as effective as some premium competitors like Bose or Sony.
Price point may be high for users who don’t require full Apple ecosystem integration.
Not as customizable in terms of sound profiles or ANC levels compared to other premium earbuds.
The fit may not be as comfortable for users with smaller ears.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

Features

Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Dual microphones and advanced noise-canceling technology to effectively reduce ambient noise, ensuring an immersive listening experience.
Transparency Mode: Allows ambient sounds to filter in, keeping you aware of your surroundings without needing to remove the earbuds.
High-Quality Sound: Equipped with custom 10mm drivers, offering clear highs, balanced mids, and deep bass. Supports aptX for high-fidelity audio.
Personalized Sound: Customizable sound profiles through the Soundcore app, with an adjustable equalizer for a tailored listening experience.
Comfortable Fit: Multiple ear tip sizes and an ergonomic design ensure a comfortable, secure fit for all-day wear.
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours of listening time with ANC on, and an additional 21 hours with the charging case.
IPX4 Rating: Water and sweat-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Multipoint Connectivity: Can connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing you to switch between them seamlessly.
Touch Controls: Responsive touch controls for adjusting volume, playback, and calls.
Quick Charge: 10-minute charging offers up to 1.5 hours of listening time.

Pros

Effective ANC and Transparency Mode for varied listening environments.
Rich sound quality with deep bass and a balanced sound profile, enhanced by aptX support.
Comfortable and secure fit, ideal for long listening sessions or workouts.
Good battery life with quick charging capabilities.
Customizable sound profiles and equalizer settings for personalized audio.
IPX4 rating for water resistance, making them suitable for exercise and outdoor use.
Multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between devices.

Cons

ANC performance may not match premium models like Sony or Bose.
The fit may not be ideal for users with very small ears.
Touch controls can be overly sensitive or prone to accidental activation.
The design may feel bulkier compared to more compact, sleek options.

Shure Aonic Free

Features

Advanced Sound Isolation: Offers passive noise isolation with a custom, ergonomic design that blocks out ambient noise without relying on active Noise Cancelling.
High-Quality Sound: Features Shure’s signature sound with a balanced, natural audio profile, delivering clear vocals, detailed highs, and deep lows.
True Wireless Design: Compact, lightweight, and truly wireless, providing freedom of movement with no cords.
Secure Fit: Comes with multiple ear tip options to ensure a comfortable and secure fit, optimized for long listening sessions and active use.
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge, and an additional 21 hours with the charging case.
IPX4 Rating: Water and sweat-resistant, suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Customizable Controls: Includes programmable buttons for controlling playback, calls, and volume without needing to touch the earbuds.
Bluetooth 5.0: Ensures stable connectivity, low latency, and better range.
Voice Assistant Support: Compatible with major voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant for hands-free operation.

Pros

Excellent sound quality with a balanced and natural audio profile, ideal for audiophiles.
High-quality sound isolation, blocking out external noise without needing ANC.
Secure and comfortable fit with customizable ear tips for different ear shapes.
Long-lasting battery life, with a reliable charging case.
Sweat and water-resistant, making them great for workouts and outdoor use.
Customizable controls that enhance usability during various activities.

Cons

Lacks active noise cancellation, which may be a drawback for users seeking total isolation in noisy environments.
Higher price compared to other wireless earbuds with similar features.
May not have as many customizable features or app integrations as other premium models.
The fit may not be ideal for everyone, particularly for users with smaller ears.
The design is bulkier compared to some other compact true wireless options.

Comparison Table

Side-by-Side Comparison of Key Features

Feature	Sony WF-1000XM5	Apple AirPods Pro (3rd Gen)	Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II	Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2	Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4	Jabra Elite 8 Active	Google Pixel Buds Pro	Beats Fit Pro	Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC	Shure Aonic Free
Noise Cancelling	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Transparency Mode	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sound Quality	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Excellent
Battery Life (ANC on)	8 hours	6 hours	6 hours	5 hours	8 hours	8 hours	7 hours	6 hours	7 hours	7 hours
IP Rating	IPX4	IPX4	IPX4	IPX7	IPX4	IP68	IPX4	IPX4	IPX4	IPX4
Multipoint Connectivity	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
App Support	Yes (Sony Headphones)	Yes (Apple)	Yes (Bose Music)	Yes (Galaxy Wearable)	Yes (Sennheiser Smart Control)	Yes (Sound+ App)	Yes (Pixel Buds App)	Yes (Beats App)	Yes (Soundcore App)	No
Quick Charge	Yes (10 mins for 1.5 hours)	Yes (5 mins for 1 hour)	Yes (15 mins for 2 hours)	Yes (10 mins for 1 hour)	Yes (15 mins for 1.5 hours)	Yes (10 mins for 1.5 hours)	Yes (10 mins for 1.5 hours)	Yes (5 mins for 1 hour)	Yes (10 mins for 1.5 hours)	No
Price Range	Premium	Premium	Premium	Mid-Premium	Premium	Mid-Premium	Mid-Premium	Premium	Budget-Friendly	Premium

How to Choose the Best Earbuds for You

When selecting the best noise-canceling earbuds for your needs, there are a few key factors to consider:

1. Comfort

Fit: Look for earbuds that come with multiple ear tip sizes or adjustable wings for a secure and comfortable fit. This ensures the earbuds stay in place during activities like running or working out.
Ergonomics: Consider how the earbuds feel during extended wear. Some models are designed for a snug fit, while others are made for a more relaxed experience.

2. Battery Life

If you’re often on the go, battery life can be a crucial factor. Choose earbuds that offer at least 6-8 hours of playback time, with an additional charge from the case for longer listening sessions. For travel or heavy use, look for models with up to 24 hours of total battery life.

3. Budget

Earbuds range from budget-friendly to premium options. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, models like the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offer great value. For those who want the best in terms of sound, ANC, and comfort, models like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are worth the investment.

Additional Considerations

Active Noise Cancellation: If you’re often in noisy environments, strong ANC will significantly enhance your listening experience. High-end models like Sony and Bose excel in this category.
Multipoint Connectivity: If you need to switch between devices quickly, consider earbuds with multipoint connectivity.
Water Resistance: For those who use earbuds during workouts or outdoor activities, IPX4 or higher water resistance is a must.

By weighing these factors—comfort, battery life, budget, and additional features—you can find the earbuds that best suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are noise-cancelling earbuds worth it?

Yes, noise-canceling earbuds can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you frequently find yourself in noisy environments such as commuting, traveling, or working in open spaces. They block out external sounds, allowing you to enjoy music, podcasts, or calls without distractions. ANC technology can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall listening quality. However, if you primarily use earbuds for casual listening in quiet spaces, you might not need the premium features of ANC.

Can you use them for workouts?

Yes, many noise-canceling earbuds are designed to be sweat- and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts. Look for earbuds with at least an IPX4 rating (sweat and splash resistant), or better yet, IPX7 for full water resistance if you plan to use them in intense activities like running in the rain or sweating through an intense gym session. Models like the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Beats Fit Pro are specifically designed for fitness enthusiasts, with secure, comfortable fits and durability for workouts.

Conclusion

Noise-canceling earbuds provide significant advantages in terms of improving sound quality, focus, and comfort in noisy environments. Whether you’re commuting, working, or enjoying music, the ability to block out unwanted sounds and immerse yourself in your audio experience is a game-changer.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

When choosing the best noise-canceling earbuds, your decision will depend on several key factors:

Sound Quality: If you’re an audiophile, earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 offer superior sound performance.
Fit and Comfort: For active users, Beats Fit Pro and Jabra Elite 8 Active provide secure, comfortable fits perfect for workouts.
Battery Life: For long-lasting power, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 and Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offer extended battery life with quick charge capabilities.
Price: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers great performance without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle and needs. If you prioritize top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality, Sony or Bose are excellent choices. For more active lifestyles, Beats Fit Pro and Jabra Elite 8 Active stand out for their durability and secure fit. Regardless of which you choose, noise-canceling earbuds can dramatically enhance your listening experience and reduce distractions in your day-to-day life.