Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: Top 5 Compared

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, HeadphoneReviewsGuide earns from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

Noise-cancelling earbuds put much of what large headphones do into something that fits in a coin pocket. They are ideal for commuting, flights and open offices, where steady background noise makes you turn the volume up without noticing.

The five pairs below are established favourites. Newer generations of some of them are now on sale, so it is worth comparing prices: the previous model is often the better deal.

Quick Comparison

Our Picks in Detail

1. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) – Best for iPhone

For iPhone users, the AirPods Pro are the easiest choice. Pairing is instant, switching between Apple devices is automatic and the Transparency mode sounds very natural.

Choose the AirPods Pro if you use an iPhone, iPad or Mac. Automatic switching, one-tap pairing and the Find My network are conveniences that rival brands cannot fully match on Apple devices.

Check the current price of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) on Amazon

2. Sony WF-1000XM5 – Best Sound Quality

The WF-1000XM5 combines detailed, rich sound with noise cancelling that is close to the best. LDAC support benefits Android users, and the app offers deep customisation.

The WF-1000XM5 is for listeners who put sound quality first and want long battery life per charge. It is the most balanced choice for Android users who do not own a Samsung phone.

Check the current price of the Sony WF-1000XM5 on Amazon

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds – Best Noise Cancelling

If silence is the priority, Bose remains the benchmark. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds reduce low rumble and voices very effectively and stay secure thanks to their stability bands.

Pick the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if you fly often, commute on loud trains or work in an open office and simply want the most silence you can get from earbuds.

Check the current price of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds on Amazon

4. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro – Best for Samsung Phones

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro are small, comfortable and well integrated with Samsung phones, including automatic switching between Galaxy devices and high-quality audio over Samsung’s codec.

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro are for owners of Samsung phones who want small, light earbuds. The fit is particularly good for smaller ears and for resting your head against a seat on flights.

Check the current price of the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro on Amazon

5. Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC – Best Budget Pick

The Liberty 4 NC brings effective noise cancelling to a much lower price. Battery life is excellent, and the Soundcore app offers a hearing-based sound profile and custom EQ.

The Liberty 4 NC is for buyers who want strong noise cancelling without the premium price, and who value battery life above a famous brand name.

Check the current price of the Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC on Amazon

How We Chose These Earbuds

We compared manufacturer specifications, feature sets and typical selling prices, and gave priority to earbuds from established brands with a long track record and easy access to spare parts or support. We have not listed prices because they change often; use the links to see what each model costs today. Where a newer generation exists, we say so, because the previous model is often the better value.

How to Get the Best Noise Cancelling From Earbuds

Active noise cancelling works with the physical seal of the ear tip. If the tip does not fit, even the most expensive earbuds will let noise in.

• Try every tip size and use the fit test in the app if one is offered.
• Match the earbuds to your phone: AirPods for iPhone, Galaxy Buds for Samsung, Sony or Soundcore for other Android phones.
• Check battery life with noise cancelling on, because that is how you will use them.
• Look for a transparency or ambient mode if you walk or cycle near traffic.

How Active Noise Cancelling Works

Tiny microphones on the outside of each earbud listen to the noise around you. A processor then produces the opposite sound wave through the speaker, and the two cancel each other out. Additional microphones inside the ear check the result and correct it many times a second.

This works best on constant, low-pitched noise such as engines, air conditioning and the rumble of a train. It is less effective on sudden or high-pitched sounds such as voices, keyboards and announcements, where the physical seal of the ear tip does most of the work. That is why fit is so important.

Transparency and Adaptive Modes

Every pair on this list has a transparency or ambient mode, which uses the microphones to let outside sound in. Use it when you cross roads, order a coffee or listen for a platform announcement. Adaptive modes go a step further and adjust the amount of noise cancelling automatically as your surroundings change. They are convenient, although some people prefer to choose a fixed setting.

Noise Cancelling and Battery Life

Noise cancelling uses power, so battery life is always shorter with it switched on. Figures quoted by manufacturers are measured at moderate volume, and extra features such as spatial audio or high-bitrate codecs reduce them further. If you take long flights, look at the single-charge figure first, and remember that a short top-up in the case usually gives around an hour of listening.

Tips for Flights and Commutes

• Run the ear tip fit test before you travel, not on the plane.
• Carry the charging cable; most cases need charging after three or four full top-ups.
• Switch to transparency mode during safety briefings and when walking near traffic.
• For in-flight entertainment, you need a Bluetooth transmitter or a pair of wired headphones, because many seat-back screens do not support Bluetooth.
• Clean the tips regularly; wax blocks the feedback microphone and weakens noise cancelling.

Earbuds and Hearing Health

Noise cancelling lets you listen at lower volume, which is good for your hearing. As a general guide, keep the volume below about sixty per cent for long sessions and take a short break every hour. Both iPhone and Android phones can show your listening level and warn you when it has been high for too long; it is worth switching those warnings on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do noise-cancelling earbuds block voices?

They reduce them, but steady low-frequency noise such as engines is cancelled far more effectively than speech.

Is noise cancelling safe for your ears?

Yes. It can even help, because you no longer need to raise the volume to cover background noise.

Earbuds or over-ear headphones for flights?

Over-ear headphones still cancel slightly more noise and last longer. Earbuds are easier to carry and more comfortable for sleeping.

Can noise-cancelling earbuds cause pressure or discomfort?

Some people notice a feeling of pressure with strong noise cancelling. It is harmless. Trying a lower setting or an adaptive mode usually helps.

Do I need the newest generation?

No. New versions bring gradual improvements, and the outgoing model is often discounted. Compare prices before you decide.

Do they work without music playing?

Yes. You can switch on noise cancelling with nothing playing to make a noisy place quieter.

Can I use only one earbud?

Yes. All five models work with a single earbud, which is useful for calls. Noise cancelling is less effective with one ear open.

Final Thoughts

Choose the AirPods Pro for an iPhone, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for the quietest experience and the Sony WF-1000XM5 for sound quality. On a tighter budget, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC gets surprisingly close.

Related guides: Best Budget Wireless Earbuds | Best Wireless Headphones Under $100 | Best Headphones for Working From Home

Specifications are taken from manufacturer information and can change between production runs. Prices and availability vary, so check the current listing before you buy.