10 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds

It’s tempting to think that all earphones are “noise-cancelling” if you just turn the volume up loud enough. But in reality, you get far better quality from a device that uses audio technology to cancel out ambient sounds from your surroundings. The best noise-cancelling earbuds have this technology and more. 

Noise cancelling earbuds intelligently assess the ambient sound in your immediate vicinity. Then, they generates counteracting sound waves. These sound waves mix into the audio signal from your desired media player. The result? Outside noise is cancelled, so you can focus on your favorite playlist, podcast, or radio.

Top 10 Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Let’s take a look at the ten best noise-cancelling earbuds on the market today.

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These are the Best Earbuds for Cancelling Sound

1. Bose QuietComfort 20
2. Sony WF-1000 XM3 Noise-Cancelling Truly Wireless Earbuds
3. B&O Beoplay EF Advanced ANC Headphones
4. Bose QuietControl 30
5. TaoTronics ANC Wireless Headphones
6. Audio-Technica QuietPoint ANC In-Ear Headphones
7. Sony WI-1000X Premium Noise-Canceling Wireless In-Ear Headphones
8. Jabra Evolve 65e Earbuds
9. ACIL Bluetooth Noise Canceling Earbuds
10. TaoTronics ANC Earbuds

 

Noise Cancelling Earbud Reviews

Bose QuietComfort 20

Features:

• 3.5 x 1.25 x 0.375 inch battery/control pack
• Micro USB charging port
• “Aware Mode” allows noise deactivation at the touch of a button
• Maximum sound reduction of 45 dB at 160 Hz

Pros:

• Modest cable length between jack and battery pack means less excess cable
• Unique tip design of soundproof earbuds ensures these don’t feel as intrusive as other models
• Extremely effective noise cancellation properties.

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not compatible with Apple products. You’ll need to purchase the Bose QuietComfort 20i for Apple devices, or use an Apple lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter.
• Sound quality not as impressive as non-noise-cancelling products

Verdict

If noise cancellation is more important to you than sound quality, the Bose noise-canceling earbuds are top of the line. They offer the best ambient noise elimination quality for products of this kind. The noise cancellation comfortably outweighs the relatively modest drawback of not being compatible with Apple devices.

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Sony WF-1000 XM3 Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds

Features:

• Boasts Sony’s New QN1e processor for improved noise cancellation and sound quality
• Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 technology
• Long-lasting battery for six hours of playback with noise cancellation and eight hours without.
• Integrated voice activation with Google Assistant and Siri.
• 30 feet wireless range

Pros:

• Attractive, sturdy charging case delivers three full charges to the in-ear wireless earbuds
• Automatic audio-pausing when sensors detect the earbuds have been removed from your ears
• Bluetooth 5.0 technology means that audio transmits to both ears simultaneously
• Exceptional in-ear grip

Cons:

• Unconventional design that some consumers may find somewhat obtrusive
• Earbud tips may not be appropriate for all ears
• Optimal sound quality and sound cancellation depend on a tight in-ear seal.
• No volume controls on the earbuds – volume must be adjusted on the media device.

Verdict:

Exceptional noise cancellation and even more impressive sound quality make this product a significant improvement from previous models of Sony soundproof earbuds. As long as the tips provide an adequate seal, you won’t hear a sound except for the ones you want to hear.

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B&O Beoplay EF Advanced ANC Headphones

Features:

• 1.9 x 1.2 x 0.4 inch battery pack
• “Transparency mode” lets you hear ambient sound if needed
• Drawstring carry pouch included
• 350mAh lithium-ion battery offers 20 hours of playback

Pros:

• Four pairs of silicone tips and one additional pair of foam tips ensure sufficient options for a comfortable fit
• Quality-built materials as can be expected from B&O
• Excellent noise cancellation
• Elegant, minimalist design in all-black

Cons:

• The control box is heavy, oddly placed and can tug on the earphone cables
• No battery-level indicator
• Noise cancellation not particularly effective with ambient voice chatter

 Verdict

Beoplay EF Advanced earphones are a solid choice for audiophiles who value a stylish appearance. The mid-range price tag makes the minor design and usability flaws easy to overlook. This is a world-class product made by a prestigious company at a surprisingly low price.

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Bose QuietControl 30

Features:

• 6.5 x 6.75 x 1.4 inch control case
• Bose Connect App for iOS and Android
• Wireless with a Bluetooth range of up to 10m
• Neckband design
• Lithium battery delivers 10 hours of playback
• Configurable noise-cancellation levels

Pros:

• Best-in-class noise cancellation
• The neckband makes these earphones comfortable to wear
• Variable noise cancellation responsive to your environment
• Very comfortable earbud fit
• The proprietary app enables simple settings management

Cons:

• The neckband may not be a comfortable fit for all wearers
• While the audio quality is excellent, there are products at this price with superior sound
• The app doesn’t include an Equalization feature

Verdict

Do you intend to wear your in-ear headphones on long journeys? Or, is comfort your main priority? Then look no further than the QuietControl 30. The excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort come at a higher price than most of the options on this list. However, many customers may feel the price is warranted for such a premium product.

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TaoTronics ANC Wireless Headphones

Features:

• 16 hours of standard battery life, 8 hours with active noise cancellation
• Splash-proof nano-coating
• Integrated earbud magnets for easy and secure portability
• Ships with three sets of earbud tips and three sets of ear hooks

Pros:

• Great low price for a wireless product
• Lightweight and simple design
• Very stable wireless reception
• Splash-proof coating means no damage will be incurred from light rain or sweat

Cons:

• Sound quality not on par with more expensive options
• Eight hours of battery life is on the low side

Verdict

If you’re on a budget, there is simply no better wireless noise-cancelling earbuds on this list than the TaoTronics ANC Wireless Headphones. Adequate sound quality, excellent sound cancellation, and a comfortable fit for less than $50? These ANC earbuds are an absolute steal.

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Audio-Technica QuietPoint ANC In-Ear Headphones

Features:

• Reduces up to 90% of ambient sound
• Includes a set of Comply foam earbud tips
• 16-hour battery life
• Ships with an airline plug adapter
• Gold plated plug for corrosion resistance and superb connectivity
• Passive Play-Through – continuous listening (minus noise cancellation) even when the battery is depleted

Pros:

• Unbeatable value for money
• Ultra-compact design means a very unobtrusive in-ear fit
• Premium noise cancellation and sound quality at a modest price
• Compact control unit

Cons:

• Operates on traditional AAA batteries
• Control unit does tend to tug on the earbuds

Verdict

The Audio-Technica QuietPoint ANC are the best in-ear soundproof earbuds if you just want to cover the basics. They do the basics with brilliance. It’s a no-fuss option at a no-fuss price. The reliance on traditional batteries may be a deal-breaker for some consumers in today’s waste-sensitive society. However, there are, of course, rechargeable options for the environmentally-conscious.

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Sony WI-1000X Premium Noise-Canceling Wireless In-Ear Headphones

Features:

• Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing for extremely effective noise cancellation on flights
• Adaptive noise canceling automatically selects the appropriate level of ambient sound elimination
• Smart Listening intelligently allows selection of ambient noise suppression
• Wired cable option for in-flight use

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality and noise cancellation
• Numerous technical features for manual and automatic customization
• Comfortable collar-based design
• Relatively affordable given the product’s features and quality

Cons:

• The bulky collar may not appeal to all customers (although it is comfortable)
• Some superfluous and confusing features in the product’s smartphone app
• The adaptive sound cancellation level is slow to respond to changes in the environment

Verdict

The Sony WI-1000X has it all at a price that compares favorably against other premium products on this list. These wired noise cancelling earbuds are packed with intelligent technical features. For music-lovers who spend a lot of time in airports and on flights, look no further than this exceptional product.

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Jabra Evolve 65e Earbuds

Features:

• Comfortable, lightweight around-the-neck fit.
• Skype for Business and UC certifications mean a superior out-of-office phone performance
• Compatible with all major online voice call services like Cisco and Avaya
• USB Bluetooth adapter allows simultaneous PC and smartphone connections
• Sound and call settings are highly customizable with the Jabra Sound+ app
• Busylight acts as a do-not-disturb sign for your colleagues’ benefit
• Four microphones and DSP algorithms ensure optimal audio-to-voice balance

Pros:

• A specialist product for users who need soundproof earbuds to communicate
• Eight hours of talk-time, 13 hours of audio playback
• Customize your audio needs with the Jabra Sound+ app’s equalization tool

Cons:

• At two hours, the Jabra Evolve 65e’s recharge time is somewhat inconvenient
• Sound quality not up to the standard of other in-ear wireless earbuds
• Ships with a modest tip selection

Verdict

If you’re looking for a product that seamlessly merges business with pleasure, look no further than the Jabra Evolve 65e. Numerous features make this the ideal product for a wearer who wants noise-canceling microphone earbuds. The Jabra Evolve ensures an audio connection both in and out of the office. Appreciation of music may not be this product’s primary focus. However, its audio quality is more than adequate for the office worker who appreciates good tunes while hustling.

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ACIL Bluetooth Noise Canceling Earbuds

Features:

• Wireless connections powered by Bluetooth 4.1
• 10.8mm dynamic drivers that result in above-average bass delivery
• Splash-proof coating
• 11-hour battery life 

Pros:

• Very well-priced for a quality wireless product
• Superb sound quality
• Simple pairing process initiated automatically simply by powering up
• Very comfortable fit
• Flat cables that result in fewer tangles

Cons:

• Noise cancelation not on par with other, more expensive products on this list
• Doesn’t ship with a carry bag or container
• 90-minute battery charging time

Verdict

Few products on this list offer better bang for your buck. Alongside Sony, these are some of the best Bluetooth sound cancelling earbuds. It may not be the cheapest option listed here. However, the somewhat below-par noise cancellation is comfortably outweighed by superb sound quality, comfort, and user-friendly operation.

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TaoTronics ANC Earbuds

Features:

• Environmental noise cancellation of up to 25db
• Easily activated Monitoring Mode enables important non-ambient sound to bypass noise cancellation
• MEMS noise-canceling mic
• Ships with an airline adapter 

Pros:

• Modestly priced
• One hour charge time gives you an impressive 15 hours of playback
• Crystal-clear outgoing audio thanks to the advanced microphone technology
• A noise cancellation level slider on headphones

Cons:

• Increased cancellation level slightly affects sound quality
• Bass tones adequate but lack the punch of more expensive products

 Verdict 

Few products in this price range can compete with the all-round quality and value of the TaoTronics ANC Earbuds. They may be a relatively little-known name in the industry but TaoTronics has created a wired product that ranks among the best noise cancelling earbuds.

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Benefits of Noise Cancelling Earbuds

For most people who prioritize high-quality sound, noise from their immediate surroundings can be irritating. The drone of 747 engines on an intercontinental flight, ambient sounds from a noisy call center, the never-ending buzz of a noisy air-conditioner…The list of loud sources is endless. These only represent a tiny fraction of annoyances. Sounds can prevent you from enjoying whatever you’re listening to, regardless of the volume your traditional earbuds can achieve.

Enter noise-cancelling earbuds: modestly sized, in-ear devices that use state-of-the-art audio tech to enhance your listening experience.

How to Choose Soundproof Earbuds

Before choosing the product that you’re going to be inserting into your ears for hours on end, it’s important to educate yourself on the finer points of the technology.

Noise Cancelation

This describes how effective the device is at canceling ambient noise. This may seem like the most important consideration. However, the differences in ANC effectiveness for the products reviewed here are razor-thin. You can confidently choose any of these ten products knowing that their noise-cancellation properties are more than adequate.

Sound Quality

This is the most common consideration for any audio device. With smaller products like earbuds, sound quality can sometimes lag behind their larger counterparts like headphones. However, the products that we list here all deliver terrific sound.

Comfort

This is the most subjective quality. Therefore, it’s the one that is hardest to gauge or describe. How comfortable does the tip fit in your ear? How much tug is there on the cable? Should you choose a wired product? Does a collar feel unnatural to you?

Read our noise-canceling earbuds review above as well as the user reviews on the linked Amazon pages to get a good idea of your options for comfort levels.

Features

• Tips. The flexible component that inserts into the ear. Most reputable earbuds ship with numerous options to cater for various ear sizes and shapes. These usually consist of a material that aids in gripping the ear comfortably to avoid slipping out.

 

• Splash-Proof. As the term suggests, products that are splash-proof won’t suffer damage from limited exposure to moisture like sweat and a light drizzle. It does not mean fully waterproof, so you should still avoid certain activities and environments while wearing them.

 

• MEMS Mic. Next-generation, high-performance microphones. These pick up voice audio in high detail despite their small size.

 

• ANC vs PNC. Active Noise Cancellation; the opposite of Passive Noise Cancellation. This is the difference between noise-canceling vs noise isolating. ANC eliminates certain ambient sounds. It does so by monitoring the environment and broadcasting soundwaves that counteract these and render them inaudible. PNC uses sound-resistant physical materials to eliminate all incoming environmental sounds. You can activate ANC without listening to audio. Simply insert the earbuds and enjoy a time of significantly reduced ambient noise.

 

• ANC Effectiveness. Something important to remember here is that ANC earbuds are not fully “sound-canceling earbuds.” Instead, you can think of them as noise reduction earbuds. Noise cancellation technology cannot mask certain sounds, and that’s not always a bad thing. Voices, car horns, or PA announcements are important to hear. ANC’s primary objective is to eliminate ambient sounds that compromise your state of mind and enjoyment of music or a podcast.

Price

As with most technologies that are becoming increasingly accessible, there is a very wide spectrum of cost for these products. At the lower end, you can expect to pay just below $50 for a decent pair while the best noise isolating earbuds can fetch up to $300.

Bottom Line 

Thanks to advancements in sound technology, it’s no longer necessary for you to put up with sounds that distract or otherwise bother you. The noise-cancellation earbuds we’ve reviewed here are all top of the line in the industry.

Earbuds that counteract ambient noise also don’t need a typical audio signal. This means that you don’t have to listen to music to eliminate disruptive ambient noise. You can wear a comfortable pair of earbuds whenever you’re simply in the mood for some quiet time. Less ambient noise also means a reduced need for higher volume.

Check out the products on this list and when you’ve found the perfect pair, drop by and tell us your experience.