The Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Earphones quickly gained popularity over headphones due to their portability and performance. However, they required a wired connection to the audio output port for driving its speaker. When Bluetooth was introduced, manufacturers immediately got down to their blackboards and chalked out Bluetooth-based earbuds. They still required a wire running between the left and right earbud. Now truly wireless audio devices have been introduced, and the best noise cancelling earbuds are on top. We have studied destructive interference, and the best wireless earbuds utilize this phenomenon; they pick up constant background noises and produce a counter-phased audio wave to cancel the noise. It is a proven method that does not damage your hearing. To ensure that the cancellation occurs in a fraction of second fast audio processors were installed within earbuds in small dimensions giving the device brain to understand and counter the noise. Currently, noise-canceling earbuds are the fastest-selling audio product.

To pick out an audio device called the best sounding wireless earbuds, you will need to research the speaker’s diameter, audio codec capability, range, build quality, earbud material, and noise cancellation hardware to finalize a product to buy. However, when picking an earbud, you want it to be durable, so it should have some IP rating to make them the best earbuds for running. Running causes sweating, and sometimes you might be running while it’s raining; this may lead to failure of the device due to water ingress, but we will make sure that the devices on our list have mentioned IP rating so that the user knows the risk of their device getting wet. You can make the top-performing earbud easy, but making them the best cheap wireless earbuds is a mammoth task. Adding high-end features while remaining cost-effective can be difficult to achieve, but engineers in the manufacturing industry always have a solution.

Our top picks

Quick Shopping Tips:

Our list includes premium products and cost-effective solutions but truly understands each spec’s importance. Let’s discuss some quick shopping tips:

Bluetooth Version: All the earbuds on our list are Bluetooth-based but might have different versions depending on their release dates. Currently, the latest and most advanced version is BT 5.2. It gives the transmitter the ability to handle two devices simultaneously due to its rapid speed. An earbud that supports 5.2 will perform better in connectivity to older 5.0 or 5.1.

Microphones: Mics are the most critical component for a noise-cancelling earbud. It listens to the surroundings and provides processor input to produce cancelling sound waves. The number of microphones represents its ability to hear from multiple directions. A higher number of microphones require better processors, increasing the price but providing premium sound quality.

Driver: Sound is produced through the speaker or driver inside the earbud assembly. The diameter of the driver can affect the sound output of the device. A larger diameter will lead to deeper bass and smoother lows, but highs might not be as crisp. The most popular size is 6mm, but the magnet affects its sound. The bigger magnet will lead to deeper lows.

IP Rating: Ingress protection is critical for earbuds. They are normally exposed to harsh conditions, and most people utilize them as their daily drivers. A higher number of IP ratings is better. The first digit in the IP rating represents its dust protection capability, and the second number represents the ability to resist liquid. All the devices on our list are sweat-resistant, but their water immersion capability is different, so we mentioned them in our products.

The Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: First look

The Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: In-depth Review

Bose has been the leading brand in providing sound drivers ideal for people looking to play music. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is one of their elite earbuds with four microphones that receive surrounding noise and create an opposite sound to cancel them from your music-making them the best noise cancelling earbuds. You can use these earbuds for your daily jogging routine as they fit firmly into the ear canal. You must be aware of your surroundings while on the road to enable the aware mode for hearing the background while running or jogging. Aware mode automatically adjusts the background sound level if it gets too loud.

Creating bass in an earbud from a single driver is easy, but if you want high-fidelity sound quality alongside bass, it’s complicated to achieve technologically. Bose has optimized the lows and the highs with an active sound equalizer system that decreases the bass at a low sound volume so that the flawless experience is provided with the best noise cancelling earphones. With time dust and sweat clog the mesh that protects the driver port, but Bose utilizes the IPX4 rating by using an acoustically designed mesh to keep dust out. You can control the music by simple gestures like tap, touch, and swipe.

Jabra Elite Active 75t provides the highest possible dust protection, which means your driver will remain dust-protected for years. IP57 allows 1 meter of water submersion for 30 minutes which is high enough to be used in rainy conditions. They are priced humbly and are lightweight with small dimensions that fit in the root canal, making them the best all-round noise cancelling earbuds. Despite having a powerful noise cancellation system that eliminates any constant background noise with accuracy, it provides 24 hours of operation with four charges from the case. It has both SBC and AAC codecs for sound transmission.

Four MEMS microphones are installed strategically at a location that restricts surrounding noise, efficiently landing them as a candidate for best noise cancelling wireless earbuds. The 6mm driver provides deep bass and a more extensive sound palette giving a rich sound that your ears deserve. Jabra also mixes up colors in their product; they have added some trendy blue, copper, copper-black mix, and the classic black color for all kinds of users. We do not recommend them for gaming on android OS as they will provide a lower response time. Jabra gives a warranty of 2 years against dust and water, making them perfect for rugged use.

People jumped into buying the first truly wireless earbuds by Apple. Apple AirPods Pro ensures that the sound you hear is as intended. There is a microphone that is fitted in front of the driver to ensure what you are hearing is accurate. It comes fitted with an H1 chip based on 10-cores for processing audio, enabling it to be the best noise-cancelling earbuds for iOS. The chip is smart and requires less power for operation, thus extending operational life to 24 hours with the case. The case that houses the pods is made accurately with small dimensions that fit inside a pocket easily.

It is chargeable and compatible with wireless MagSafe Chargers. AirPods are the easiest to connect when it comes to earbuds. They are detected as soon as they are inside the case by your iOS operating system and given the option to connect. The microphone inside the earpiece can detect airtightness and fitting of the bud, allowing them to land as the best noise cancelling earbuds. Users can change them for a better listening experience. The earbuds are rated IPX4 and are resistant to sweat and water without any wear and tear.

Sony stands at a place where it has gained massive respect due to its everlasting designs and robustness. Sony WF-1000XM4 is durable and produces the powerful sound required by audiophiles. They lie in the high-end spectrum of noise-cancelling earbuds and are the best performance noise cancelling earbuds with a balanced sound that is unmatched by any other brand. They are a premium design, and built quality is visible. It supports the LDAC audio codec with a 990 kbps bitrate. Android and iOS both support the latest version of the LDAC codec. You can also use the SBC codec for older phones.

Sony uses its all-new integrated processor, V1, for unparalleled noise cancellation. Each bud consists of two microphones that take feed from the earbud’s front and back, cancelling any background noise in various conditions. Regarding drivers, the size is not the only thing that makes them sound grand. The larger magnet size improves the low-frequency sound. Its all-new earbud design is soft and provides better isolation than other brands, making them sit amongst the best noise cancelling earphones. DSEE Extreme is an innovative new technique that enhances low-bitrate audio by recognizing sounds and making them better until they reach your earbuds.

Master & Dynamic is slowly gaining market share in audio-based products with high-quality products. Master & Dynamic MW08 provides premium quality features at a reasonable price. This item is the brand’s best design noise cancelling earbuds, deserving of being mentioned among the top sounding buds. Their scratch-resistant surface makes them ideal for an active lifestyle. MW went with the old school large diameter 11mm Beryllium Drivers to provide deep bass. The large size of drivers allows for better acoustics that mimics live performance. A premium quality stainless steel case is used for a corrosion-free durable surface.

It features the all-new BT 5.2 for better transmission that is topped with external antennas for flawless audio transmission. Their IPX5 rating provides better protection against water and has no problem dealing with any sweat. Premium Hi-Res aptX codec allows 24-bit/96kHz sound transmission. It’s a very high 42 hours of playback time; keep them in the best noise cancelling wireless earbuds list. They can provide 100ft transmission under specific conditions making them ideal for a gym where you can place your phone anywhere within your periphery and still receive flawless audio quality. Overall it can easily be called a premium quality underdog product.

OnePlus has significantly improved its products, landing them in the flagship category. Their all-new OnePlus Buds Pro are the latest addition to their list of tech with premium quality and top performance. Oneplus phones are the best to sync with these earbuds, and as reported by users, it is the best noise-cancelling buds for OnePlus. The 94ms low latency Bluetooth transmission provides a flawless change in audio signals and soundtracks. They are the second earbuds with an 11mm driver providing deep bass but within a compact design. Black and white are the two-color tones used in the production of this tech.

OnePlus Audio ID is their all-new sound engineering implementation to ensure users hear what a creator intends. The personalized hearing profiles can be set up as per user requirements to ensure you hear every detail in your favorite soundtrack. Its LHDC codec supports the next generation of high-definition audio streaming. The 40dB smart adaptive noise cancelleation and calibration against wind make them the best noise cancelling earbuds. Whitenoise is the best way to improve your focus while working or studying. OnePlus provides the HeyMelody application with comprehensive options to improve sleep and reduce stress.

Samsung has been the king in android based devices, and their Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro comes in a pearlescent-colored unique case. They have been developed with AKG, one of the largest brands in the market for audio devices. Among all the technological audio devices, these earbuds are the best noise cancelling earbuds for Samsung. Compared to the previous generation, the case has been made slightly bigger to enhance charging capacity. It features Dolby head Tracking technology that ensures 360 audio for powerful sound with a better sense of realism. An auto switch is featured in these buds that pauses and continues the movie or song from where you were.

Its IPX7 rating allows it to be used in conditions where it is exposed to liquid. However, Samsung recommends not using them in pools or beaches. It features a fast-charging capability that lasts 1 hour with only 5 minutes of being plugged into a charger. It consists of three microphones in each bud that contribute to the ANC and cause the item to be the best noise cancelling earphones. With the unique Wireless PowerShare technology, you can charge your case by placing them at the back of your Galaxy smartphone. Its glossy and pearlescent color will make you stand out in the crowd.

We like to start and end our list with a bang. Jabra Elite 85t are the best price-to-performance ratio ANC earbuds on our list. At a very reasonable price, they provide a premium quality product with an adjustable hear-through option easily adjustable with the help of the Jabra Sound+ app. Jabra utilizes a four-core dedicated processor making them the best quality noise cancelling earbuds with the truly wireless audio transmission. It features four microphones with beamforming capability that filters out to make your voice sound better and surrounding noise disappear. Jabra has researched enough to gain their buyer’s confidence making them the best option.

It has the biggest size 12mm sound driver making them the best noise cancelling wireless earbuds with deep bass. There is very little chance that these earbuds won’t fit your ear as Jabra used an advanced algorithmic simulator after scanning 62,000 ears. They came up with a premium compact design that packs a punch. However, there is no LDAC or aptX audio codec support for high bitrate transmission capability. Still, it does feature SBS and AAC, the most commonly supported audio codecs by phone, thus making them more probable to work smoothly with your device.

Final Words

We aim to provide you with the top-performing products in the market. Some are hot sellers, while some premium products are on our list that only a few people can purchase. We provided an unbiased review of all the best noise cancelling earbuds with good built quality that will last years, but there is a difference in their abilities to cancel noise. Our final verdict will be if you are a student looking to buy a device for studies, music, and traveling, then go for a device that provides longer battery life. You would not have enough time to keep your earbuds plugged into a charger. Suppose you are a professional who frequently needs to communicate with people and wants your noise cancellation to stop and start when detecting your voice. In that case, we recommend going for an earbud with voice detection-based noise cancellation. It is about your preference when it comes to buying technological products.

Earbuds are a big hit among the physically active tech-savvy community. They are light and easily fit within the ear canal. Due to the wireless nature of the earbuds, they do not limit movement when exercising, running, climbing, or cycling. Noise cancellation is not the only thing you should consider when purchasing an earbud. Look for its speaker’s capability and audio processor generation. A larger or smaller driver with a bigger magnet will produce deeper bass. There are websites where you can see the frequency profile of different earbuds. A frequency profile is an objective way of judging an earbuds sound signature. However, how your eardrum reacts to that profile might be subjective. So manufacturers came out with tweaking tools that produce different sounds and judge your sensitivity level for each frequency. Then it adjusts the frequency output amplification per your hearing ability and sets an identification. All these advanced features are made to enhance user experience, and we hope you find the right product on our list to enhance yours.

Frequently Asked Questions