Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds (for travel, work, and everyday use)
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Struggling to hear your music or calls over buses, AC hum, and office chatter? I tested and cross-checked today’s top ANC earbuds to find the easiest picks for quiet commutes, focused work, and flights—without getting salesy or wasting your time.
How I researched
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I prioritized independent measurements of noise isolation, then cross-checked features (codecs, IP rating, battery), call quality, and comfort from long-form reviews and official spec sheets.
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I focused on real-world use: flights, open offices, city walking, and mixed ecosystems (iPhone, Android, Windows).
Top picks
1. Sony WF-1000XM5 — Best for most people
Sony balances excellent ANC, refined sound, comfy fit, and useful app controls. ANC trails Bose slightly, but overall versatility (LDAC support, multipoint, IPX4) makes these the “no-brainer” for mixed use.
- NOISE CANCELLATION: Experience a personal concert with the bluetooth earbuds noise cancelling feature of Sony WF-1000XM5, designed to cancel out more external noise than ever before. Perfect for those who want to enjoy their favorite tunes without the distraction of ambient noise, these ear buds come equipped with dual feedback microphones and Noise Isolation Earbud Tips.
- SOUND QUALITY: Uncover the richness of sound with the noise cancelling earbuds of Sony WF-1000XM5, specially designed for wide frequency reproduction. These earphones wireless bluetooth enhance your listening experience by delivering detailed vocals and fine nuances that make every song unique.
- CALL CLARITY: Maintain clear conversations with the bluetooth earbuds of Sony WF-1000XM5, featuring Sony's best ever call quality. These earbuds wireless bluetooth noise cancelling ensure that your voice is heard clearly on the other end, even in noisy situations.
Pros
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Strong ANC and sound quality with extensive EQ/app tuning
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Hi-res codec support (LDAC) + LE Audio/LC3; IPX4 splash resistance
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Comfortable, lighter design than the previous generation
Cons
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ANC not quite as strong as Bose
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Call quality is good, not class-leading
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
If you want the absolute deepest hush on planes, see the Bose pick below. If you’re all-Apple, AirPods Pro (2) integrate better.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) — Best for maximum ANC
Bose’s newest QC Ultra Earbuds push in-ear noise cancellation to the front of the pack and add Immersive Audio for a larger soundstage. Battery life is average, but if silence is priority #1, these are the ones.
- WIRELESS BLUETOOTH EARBUDS: When music means everything, every listen deserves personalised audio, the best Bose in-ear noise cancelling, and a seamless experience from your Bluetooth earbuds. So you can feel all the feels with every song.
- CUSTOMTUNE TECHNOLOGY: CustomTune technology analyses your ears and adapts your in-ear headphones to their shape. The result? World-class noise cancellation and custom sound for bigger chills every time you press play.
- WORLD-CLASS NOISE CANCELLATION: The best noise cancelling of any Bose earbuds is now even better than before. ActiveSense technology smooths spikes in surrounding sound, so even in Aware Mode distractions won’t get in the way.
Pros
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Class-leading noise blocking across low rumbles and office chatter
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Immersive Audio and a polished app experience
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Secure, comfortable fit with multiple eartips
Cons
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Around 6 hours per charge (less with Immersive Audio)
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Charging case is a bit bulky vs. Apple/Sony
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
Choose these if you want the quietest. If you need longer single-charge life or hi-res LDAC, Sony may suit you better.
3. AirPods Pro (2nd gen, USB-C) — Best for iPhone
For iPhone users, AirPods Pro (2) nail the experience: effortless pairing, spatial audio, and Adaptive Audio that blends ANC and transparency intelligently. Noise reduction is excellent and the case is tiny.
- RICHER AUDIO EXPERIENCE — The Apple-designed H2 chip helps to create more intelligent noise cancellation and deeply immersive sound. The low-distortion, custom-built driver delivers crisp, clear high notes and full, rich bass in stunning definition.
- NEXT-LEVEL ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation for dramatically less noise when you want to focus. Transparency mode lets you hear the world around you, and Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode for the best listening experience in any environment.
- CUSTOMIZABLE FIT — Includes four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) to fit a wide range of ears and provide all-day comfort. The tips create an acoustic seal to help keep out noise and secure AirPods Pro in place.
Pros
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Top-tier ANC with natural transparency; seamless Apple integration
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Adaptive Audio auto-adjusts to your environment (iOS 17+)
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Compact case, solid mic quality for calls
Cons
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No hi-res Bluetooth codecs (LDAC/aptX)
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Best features require Apple devices
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
If you’re on Android, you’ll lose many smart perks—go Sony or Samsung instead.
4. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — Best for Galaxy phones & Android spatial
Samsung’s Buds3 Pro bring strong ANC, Voice Detect, and tight Galaxy integration, including safety filtering for alarms/sirens. Pair them with a recent Galaxy phone for the smoothest experience.
![Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro AI True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Noise Cancelling, Sound Optimization, Redesigned Comfort Fit, Silver [US Version, Amazon Exclusive, 2Yr Warranty]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41lJzPsRHjL.jpg)
- REDESIGNED WITH THE BEST SOUND IN MIND: Keep your Galaxy Buds3 Pro in with a design that delivers long-lasting comfort for an immersive listening experience
- A SLEEK DESIGN MADE TO SHINE: Let your sound shine as much as you do with Buds3 Pro that light up¹
- AUDIO THAT ADAPTS TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS: Immerse yourself while staying alert to your surroundings thanks to Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation with Galaxy AI²; Your Buds will automatically adapt to help you hear what matters²
Pros
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Effective ANC with smart ambient controls (Voice Detect)
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Deep Samsung ecosystem features; quick pairing on modern Galaxy phones
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Comfortable, travel-friendly sound and isolation
Cons
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Feature set is best on Galaxy—some perks won’t carry over to iPhone
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Requires Samsung/Android app for full setup
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
iPhone users should choose AirPods Pro (2). If you want LDAC instead of Samsung’s ecosystem benefits, pick Sony.
5. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC — Best budget noise-cancelling earbuds
If you want real ANC without the premium price, these are the sweet spot. Review labs consistently report impressive low-frequency reduction (plane/bus rumble) plus long battery life and a customizable app.
- Reduce Noise By Up to 98.5%: Liberty 4 NC noise cancelling earbuds have a high sensitivity in-ear sound sensor, an oversized driver, and an innovative noise isolation chamber that cancels up to 98.5% of noise for peaceful travel.
- Noise Cancelling Adapts to Ears and Environments: Adaptive ANC 2.0 makes real-time calculations and adjusts to your ear canals and external environment for maximum quiet amongst the hustle and bustle.
- Crisp Sound with 3× More Detail: 11mm custom-tuned drivers deliver consistently crisp and detailed sound. Experience Hi-Res wireless audio and LDAC technology that transfers 3× more data than regular Bluetooth—bringing wireless music to life.
Pros
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Shockingly strong ANC for the money; good for travel
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App EQ, multipoint, and loads of controls; long total battery with case
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Comfortable fit with stem design
Cons
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Sound skews bass-heavy unless you tweak EQ
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Not as polished for calls as the big brands
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
If you demand the quietest possible cabin hush or Apple-level polish, step up to Bose or AirPods Pro (2).
Buying guide
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Pick by ecosystem first. iPhone → AirPods Pro (2). Galaxy → Buds3 Pro. Mixed/Windows or hi-res fans → Sony. Want pure silence → Bose.
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ANC strength vs. comfort. Bose cancels the most but is average on battery; Sony and Apple are a touch less silent but lighter and more flexible.
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Codecs & audio. If you care about LDAC/hi-res, choose Sony. Apple sticks to AAC; Samsung optimizes for Galaxy.
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Budget reality. Under $100, expect very good (not best-in-class) ANC—Liberty 4 NC is the standout.
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Fit matters more than specs. A proper seal is everything for ANC; try multiple tips.
FAQs
Q: Which earbuds have the strongest ANC right now?
A: Among in-ears, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are at the top for pure noise blocking, with Sony WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro (2) close behind.
Q: Do I need LDAC or hi-res Bluetooth?
A: Only if you use compatible Android devices and have high-quality sources. Sony WF-1000XM5 support LDAC; AirPods Pro (2) do not. Most listeners are happy with AAC.
Q: How long do these last on a flight?
A: Expect roughly 6 hours per charge on Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (less with Immersive Audio), up to about 8 hours on Sony (volume/codec dependent), and around 6 hours on AirPods Pro (2). Use the case for multiple re-charges.
Q: What is Adaptive Audio on AirPods?
A: It blends ANC and Transparency in real time to match your surroundings—great for city walking and quick conversations.
Q: Budget pick or save up for Bose/Sony?
A: If you fly often or work in loud spaces, you’ll notice Bose/Sony’s edge. For everyday commuting on a budget, Liberty 4 NC gets you most of the hush for far less.
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