Best noise canceling earbuds 2026: The top ANC we've tested

Not long ago, shopping for the best noise canceling wireless earbuds meant choosing between a handful of big names. Fortunately for our wallets, that’s no longer the case. Brands at nearly every price point now offer true wireless earbuds with active noise canceling (ANC), but some do a much better job of blocking out noise than others.

We’ve tested more than 100 noise canceling earbuds in the SoundGuys lab, and our testing shows that a high price tag doesn’t always mean better ANC. We combine our measurements with real-world experience to find the earbuds worth buying, whether you want some peace on your commute, fewer distractions at work, or a little quiet on your next flight.

The Quick Answer

Short on time? Here’s a quick look at our favorite noise canceling earbuds for different needs and budgets. You can also check out our full reviews for more details.

The best overall:

The best for Android:

The best for Samsung users:

The best for working out:

The best for travel:

The best for audiophiles:

The best features:

The best mid-range:

The best budget:

The In-depth Answer

Now, let’s take a closer look at our top picks. We’ve put each pair through our testing process to help you figure out which noise canceling earbuds are right for you.

Best noise canceling: AirPods Pro 3

If you have an iPhone and want to block out as much outside noise as possible, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are our top pick. In our testing, they reduced the perceived loudness of outside noise by an average of 90%, putting them among the best noise canceling earbuds we’ve measured. Apple also redesigned the earbuds and introduced foam-infused silicone ear tips to improve the seal. The changes help with isolation, although our reviewer still had trouble keeping them securely in place during intense workouts.

There’s a lot more here than excellent ANC. The AirPods Pro 3 offer heart rate tracking, hearing aid features, and Live Translation, although our reviewer found the translation feature too slow and inconsistent to rely on in busy environments. You also get a useful transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, and automatic switching between Apple devices. Battery life is another improvement: our testing delivered 8 hours and 42 minutes with ANC enabled, compared with 5 hours and 43 minutes for the AirPods Pro 2.

• Read our full AirPods Pro 3 review

At $249, the AirPods Pro 3 offer plenty for iPhone users, but they’re not without drawbacks. Our testing found that their bass strength and treble strength change noticeably with volume, and Apple still doesn’t provide a proper EQ to adjust the sound. Most of the advanced features also require Apple devices, making these a poor choice for Android users. Still, if noise cancelation is your top priority and you’re already in Apple’s ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 3 are hard to beat.

Best for Android: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

If you’re an Android user looking for some peace and quiet, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are one of your best options. In our testing, they reduced the perceived loudness of outside noise by an average of 85%, putting them among the best noise canceling earbuds we’ve measured. Bose’s CustomTune technology adjusts ANC to your ears, while the included stability bands and oval-shaped ear tips help create a secure seal. They’re particularly well-suited to flights and noisy commutes, although their bulky design may not fit smaller ears comfortably.

Beyond excellent ANC, Bose gives you plenty of useful features. The Bose app lets you adjust noise canceling levels, customize touch controls, and switch between listening modes. You also get Bluetooth multipoint, wireless charging, and a transparency mode that reduces the impact of sudden loud sounds. Android users with compatible Snapdragon Sound devices can take advantage of aptX Lossless, too. Just keep in mind that this feature isn’t available on every Android phone, including Samsung Galaxy devices.

• Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review
  

At $299.99, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are expensive, and they come with a few compromises. Our testing delivered 5 hours and 34 minutes of battery life, which trails several competitors. We also found that the default sound has elevated bass and treble levels, while the basic three-band EQ offers limited options to adjust them. Still, if you’re willing to pay a premium for excellent ANC and a comfortable fit, these are some of the best noise canceling earbuds you can buy for Android.

Best for Samsung users: Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

If you’ve got a Samsung phone and want some serious noise canceling, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are an easy pick. In our testing, they reduced outside noise by an average of 84% with ANC set to maximum, which is a solid result for premium wireless earbuds. That’s also a noticeable improvement over the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, especially in the midrange frequencies where everyday sounds can be harder to block out. The earbuds are comfortable enough for long listening sessions, though you’ll want to ensure a good seal to get the most out of the ANC.

The real reason to choose the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, though, is how well they work with Samsung phones. Compatible Galaxy devices unlock features like Samsung’s Ultra High-Quality audio, Samsung Seamless Codec, and enhanced calling capabilities. You also get Auracast support, spatial audio, personalized sound settings, and an IP57 rating for protection against dust and water. The Galaxy Wearable app offers plenty of ways to adjust your listening experience, though some of the best features require a relatively recent Samsung phone.

• Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro review

At $249, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer a lot for Samsung users. Our battery testing delivered 6 hours and 1 minute of playback, and the compact charging case supports wireless charging. Sound quality should appeal to plenty of listeners, although the strong bass and relatively weak treble can make the earbuds sound dark, so you may want to experiment with the EQ presets. There’s also no true Bluetooth multipoint, and users outside the Samsung ecosystem miss out on several features. Still, if you already own a compatible Galaxy phone, the combination of effective ANC, useful features, and Samsung integration makes these earbuds a great choice.

Best for working out: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

If you’re looking for noise canceling earbuds that can keep up with your workouts, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are our top pick. In our testing, they reduced the perceived loudness of outside noise by an average of 83%, making them a great choice for blocking out noisy gyms and staying focused on your workout. Their ear hooks wrap around the back of your ears to keep everything securely in place, even during intense exercise. We didn’t experience any slipping during workouts, although the hooks can put some pressure on your ears after a few hours. You also get five ear tip sizes to help you find a good seal, which is important for getting the most out of the ANC.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 also have an excellent transparency mode, so you can hear what’s happening around you when you’re running outdoors or need to talk to someone at the gym. Beyond noise canceling, you get built-in heart rate monitoring that works with compatible fitness apps and equipment, physical volume controls, and IPX4 water resistance for sweat and splashes. Apple’s H2 chip brings convenient features like automatic device switching for Apple users, while the Beats app offers Android users customization options.

• Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review

At $249.99, the Powerbeats Pro 2 aren’t cheap, but they’re a compelling option if you want effective ANC without sacrificing a secure workout fit. Beats rates them for up to 10 hours of listening with ANC off, or up to 45 hours with the charging case. Sound quality is generally good for casual listening, although our testing found that it changes noticeably with ANC disabled, and there’s no custom EQ to make adjustments. The charging case is also on the bulky side. Still, the combination of strong noise canceling, a secure fit, and useful fitness features makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 an easy recommendation for your next workout.

Best for travel: Technics EAH-AZ100

If you spend a lot of time on planes, trains, or public transit, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are some of the best noise canceling earbuds you can bring along. In our testing, they reduced outside noise by 83%, making them an excellent choice for dealing with airplane engines and noisy commutes. They also provide good isolation with ANC turned off, provided you get a proper seal. With five ear tip sizes included, you have plenty of options for finding a comfortable fit that helps you get the most out of the noise canceling.

Battery life is another big reason to consider the Technics EAH-AZ100 for travel. In our standardized testing, they lasted an impressive 10 hours and 40 minutes with ANC enabled, enough to get through many long-haul flights without reaching for the charging case. You also get three-device multipoint connectivity, making it convenient to switch between your phone, tablet, and laptop. The customizable transparency mode is handy when you need to hear announcements or have a quick conversation, while the Attention setting detects nearby voices and automatically pauses your audio.

• Read our full Technics EAH-AZ100 review 

At $299.99, the Technics EAH-AZ100 aren’t cheap, but they offer plenty of useful features for frequent travelers. The charging case supports USB-C and wireless charging, and the earbuds include LDAC support and customizable touch controls. The biggest drawback is sound quality: the default tuning can sound boomy and dark, although adjusting the EQ helps. The charging case is also a little larger than some alternatives, but it’s still pocketable. If you want excellent ANC, outstanding battery life, and convenient features for life on the go, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are an easy recommendation.

Best for audiophiles: Sony WF-1000XM6

If you care just as much about sound quality as noise canceling, the Sony WF-1000XM6 are our pick for audiophiles. In our testing, they reduced outside noise by an average of 88%, putting them among the best ANC earbuds we’ve measured. That’s a slight improvement over the previous generation, and the combination of effective ANC and good isolation makes it easier to focus on your music in noisy environments. Sony’s Adaptive NC Optimizer also adjusts noise canceling based on your surroundings and how the earbuds fit, so you don’t have to constantly change settings yourself.

Sound quality is where the WF-1000XM6 really stand out. Our testing found excellent clarity and detail, making it easy to distinguish individual instruments and vocals even in busy tracks. They also earned an impressive 4.8/5 overall MDAQS score, suggesting most listeners will enjoy their sound. The default tuning has elevated bass strength with ANC enabled, but Sony’s 10-band equalizer gives you plenty of control to adjust things to your liking. Android users also get LDAC support, while spatial audio with head tracking adds another listening option for movies and games.

• Read our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review

At $329.99, the WF-1000XM6 are among the more expensive wireless earbuds you can buy, but there’s plenty to justify the price. We measured 9 hours and 41 minutes of battery life, and you get Bluetooth multipoint, Auracast support, wireless charging, and excellent microphone performance. The larger design might not fit smaller ears comfortably, and we found that sound quality changes noticeably when you turn ANC off. Still, if you want premium noise canceling earbuds that deliver excellent sound quality and plenty of ways to customize your listening experience, the Sony WF-1000XM6 are an easy recommendation.

Best features: Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are our pick for the best features, and there’s a lot to like here. The biggest standout is something we’ve wanted to see in wireless earbuds for years: replaceable batteries. You can swap out the batteries in both earbuds and the charging case instead of replacing the whole product when they eventually wear out. You’ll need a small screwdriver and replacement batteries from Sennheiser, but it’s still a big win for anyone who wants their earbuds to last more than a few years.

There’s plenty more to like beyond the batteries. You get Bluetooth 6.0, aptX Lossless, multipoint connectivity, and an app packed with customization options. The Smart Control Plus app lets you personalize the sound with a hearing test, create and share EQ presets, customize touch controls, and even set up location-based settings that change how the earbuds behave throughout your day. You can also manage paired devices and adjust how much of your own voice you hear during calls. On top of all that, our testing found that the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 reduce outside noise by nearly 85% with ANC enabled, making them a great option for commuting or working in noisy environments.

• Read our full Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 review

Of course, at $299.95, these earbuds aren’t cheap, and there are a few tradeoffs. Battery life lasted 6 hours and 17 minutes in our testing with ANC enabled, which isn’t particularly impressive for the price. We also found that the elevated highs can make certain vocals sound unpleasant, although adjusting the EQ helps. Still, if you want premium noise canceling earbuds with just about every feature you could ask for, plus the ability to replace the batteries down the road, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are an easy recommendation.

Best mid-range: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro

If you want excellent noise canceling without spending $250 or more, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro are an easy recommendation. At $169.99, they deliver ANC performance that gives much more expensive earbuds a run for their money. In our testing, they reduced the perceived loudness of outside noise by nearly 84% with ANC at maximum strength and a good seal. That’s impressive at this price, and we found them particularly effective at reducing the constant low-frequency noise of a bus ride. You can also choose between five ANC strength levels or let the adaptive mode automatically adjust noise canceling to your surroundings.

There’s a surprising amount of technology packed into these earbuds for the price. You get Bluetooth 6.1, LDAC support for compatible Android devices, three-device multipoint connectivity, and a charging case with a built-in touchscreen that lets you switch listening modes without reaching for your phone. The Soundcore app also offers personalized sound settings, an eight-band EQ, and real-time language translation. We found the earbuds comfortable and secure during workouts, and the IP55 rating adds protection against sweat, water, and dust. The transparency mode also includes an Easy Chat feature that automatically lowers your music and lets outside sound in when you start speaking.

• Read our full Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro review

Of course, there are a few compromises. The default tuning has elevated bass strength, and our testing found that sound quality changes noticeably when ANC is turned off. Thankfully, the app’s EQ settings give you plenty of ways to make adjustments. Soundcore rates battery life at up to 6.5 hours with ANC enabled, which is decent but falls short of some competitors, and the charging case is a little bulky. Still, if you want effective noise canceling, useful features, and good value without paying flagship prices, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro are one of the best mid-range options available.

Best budget: CMF Buds 2 Plus

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get effective noise canceling earbuds, and the CMF Buds 2 Plus prove it. They deliver ANC performance that competes with much more expensive options. In our testing, they reduced the perceived loudness of outside noise by 83%, an impressive result for budget earbuds. They’re particularly effective at reducing higher-frequency noise, although they aren’t quite as capable at handling the low-frequency rumble of airplane and bus engines as the CMF Buds Pro 2. You also get adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to your surroundings, along with a transparency mode that makes it easy to hear what’s happening around you.

Sound quality is another reason we recommend the CMF Buds 2 Plus. They earned an impressive 4.8/5 overall MDAQS score in our testing, suggesting most listeners will enjoy their sound. We found that they deliver good clarity, bass precision, and detail without the excessive bass strength of their predecessors. The Nothing X app also offers a personalized hearing test, adjustable EQ, and spatial audio effects. You even get LDAC support on compatible Android devices, which is a welcome addition in this category. With a comfortable fit, IP55 dust and water resistance, and two-device connectivity, these earbuds cover most of the essentials.

• Read our full CMF Buds 2 Plus review

Of course, there are some compromises. The CMF Buds 2 Plus lack wireless charging, and CMF removed the useful Smart Dial from the previous model’s charging case, replacing it with a decorative dial that no longer controls playback. We also found that the microphone struggles with background noise indoors. On the plus side, the earbuds lasted 10 hours and 22 minutes in our battery test with ANC turned off, so they can handle extended listening sessions. If you’re shopping for affordable noise canceling earbuds and want strong ANC, excellent sound quality, and plenty of customization options, the CMF Buds 2 Plus are our top budget recommendation.

The best noise canceling wireless earbuds: Notable mentions

• Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case ($179.99 at Amazon): If you have an iPhone and don’t like the feeling of ear tips in your ears, the AirPods 5 are a great option.
• Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 ($49.99 at Amazon): It’s rare to see active noise canceling (ANC) in $50 earbuds. It is exceptionally rare to see ANC in budget earbuds that actually perform well. The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 earbuds hold their own against popular earbuds that cost four to five times as much money.
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 ($229 at Amazon): The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are great noise canceling earbuds for those with a Pixel phone.
• Master & Dynamic MW09 ($349 at Amazon): If you are looking for premium noise canceling earbuds and don’t mind the price tag, the Master & Dynamic MW09 are a good option.
• Nothing Ear (3) ($179 at Amazon): The Nothing Ear (3) combine a premium metal-accented design with ANC that reduces the perceived loudness of outside noise by 82% in our testing. The charging case doubles as a microphone for voice notes, although we found its Super Mic feature disappointing for calls.
• Nothing Ear (3a) ($99 at Nothing): In our testing, the Nothing Ear (3a) reduced the perceived loudness of outside noise by 80.9%, making it a solid budget-friendly option. They also offer an advanced eight-band EQ and LDAC support, although the default tuning has excessive bass and would benefit from some adjustment.
• Sony WF-C710N ($119.99 at Amazon): The Sony WF-C710N are a great all-around option, reducing the perceived loudness of outside noise by 85% in our testing and lasting 9 hours and 25 minutes on a single charge. They’re comfortable for everyday listening, although their fit isn’t secure enough for workouts.
• Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max ($229.99 at Amazon): In our testing, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max reduced the perceived loudness of outside noise by 83%. Their standout feature is a large touchscreen charging case with built-in AI note-taking and transcription, although they offer little improvement in ANC over the Liberty 5 Pro.

If you are on a budget, see our list of the best cheap noise canceling earbuds. Also, check out our list of the best noise canceling headphones if you prefer more reliable isolation by wearing something over your ears.

What should you look for in noise canceling earbuds?

Choosing noise canceling earbuds involves more than comparing ANC scores. Consider where you’ll use them, how well they fit, and which features will make a difference in your daily routine.

How much noise cancelation do you actually need?

Active noise canceling (ANC) works best against steady, low-frequency sounds, such as airplane engines and air conditioning. It’s generally less effective against unpredictable sounds, including nearby conversations.

Some manufacturers advertise hybrid ANC, which uses microphones inside and outside the earbuds. While this approach has advantages, it doesn’t guarantee better results. Compare our measured noise reduction figures to see how different models perform. Our guide to how ANC works explains the technology in more detail.

Why do fit and ear tips matter?

A poor seal can undermine even excellent ANC. Ear tips physically block outside noise through passive isolation and help the earbuds maintain their intended bass strength.

Try different ear tip sizes to find a comfortable, secure fit that stays consistent when you move. Our ear tip fit guide offers more advice.

Which features are worth paying for?

Frequent travelers should prioritize battery life with ANC enabled, while commuters may appreciate a good transparency mode for hearing announcements and having quick conversations. Multipoint Bluetooth is useful if you regularly switch between a phone and a laptop.

Check phone compatibility before buying, too. Some features are exclusive to particular Android devices or iPhones, and paying extra for features you can’t access rarely makes sense.

How we test the best noise canceling earbuds

At SoundGuys, we combine objective lab measurements with real-world testing to evaluate noise canceling earbuds. We use a Brüel & Kjær 5128 test head to measure how much outside noise reaches the ears, testing with ANC enabled and disabled to distinguish active noise cancelation from passive isolation. We analyze noise reduction across low, mid, and high frequencies, allowing us to compare how effectively different earbuds block unwanted sound.

We also use each pair in everyday situations, including commutes, workouts, and noisy cafés. This helps us assess how well ANC adapts to changing environments, whether the earbuds maintain a consistent seal during movement, and how wind noise or pressure effects influence comfort. We also evaluate transparency modes, which let you hear your surroundings without removing your earbuds.

Together, these measurements and listening experiences inform our recommendations. For more information, read our guide to how we test earbuds and headphones.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

At SoundGuys, we’ve been testing true wireless earbuds since the category emerged. Our reviews combine hands-on experience with objective lab measurements, allowing us to compare products using consistent methods rather than relying solely on manufacturer claims.

We publish our testing results so you can see the evidence behind our recommendations and decide which earbuds best suit your needs. Learn more about why we test headphones and earbuds.

Frequently asked questions