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Best noise canceling earbuds 2026: The top ANC we've tested
True wireless earbuds have come a long way from the original AirPods, but in terms of features, they tend to lag behind over-ear headphones. However, we’re happy to report that enough companies have brought their A-game to wireless earphones—and by “A” game, we mean active noise canceling (ANC). Up until recently, when it comes to the best noise canceling wireless earbuds, the conversation would usually end up in a three-way fight between Sennheiser, Sony, and Bose. These days, there are lots of great ANC earbuds from a wide assortment of brands. We’ve tested over 100 noise canceling earbuds in our SoundGuys testing lab, collecting objective data on which earbuds actually block out the most noise. Combined with our experts’ real-world experience with each earbud, we have a definitive list of the best options on the market.
- January 23, 2026: We added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 as the best pick for Android.
- October 3, 2025: We updated formatting and added the AirPods Pro 3, Sony WF-C710N, and CMF Buds 2 Plus. We removed the obsolete Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and Anker Soundcore Space A40.
The Quick Answer
For a quick guide to the best noise canceling earbuds that suit your needs and budget, check out our top picks below. Each has a link to our full review.
The best overall:
The best for Android:
The best features:
The best ANC on a budget:
The most affordable option:
The In-depth Answer
Below you’ll find our in-depth coverage of each of the best noise canceling earbuds. Each model has been extensively tested, ensuring you can trust our recommendations.
Best noise canceling: AirPods Pro 3
In our testing, the AirPods Pro 3 reduced ambient noise by an average of 90%, outperforming all competitors. Their ANC isn’t just strong; it adapts well to different environments, making them ideal for commuting, office use, or travel. Apple also improved the fit with foam-infused silicone ear tips, which helped create a better seal for more consistent sound and isolation. While not flawless in terms of fit for everyone, these changes are still a meaningful step forward over the AirPods Pro 2.
But what really pushes the AirPods Pro 3 over the top is their versatility. Beyond superb noise cancelation, they double as clinical-grade hearing aids, a fitness tracker with heart rate monitoring, and even support real-time language translation. Features like Personalized Volume and Conversation Awareness make these earbuds feel smarter and more responsive to your environment than anything else we’ve tested in 2025. While Apple’s lack of an EQ and limited Android support are still frustrating, the AirPods Pro 3 shine for iPhone users who want a powerful blend of performance and convenience.
Read our full AirPods Pro 3 review
Best for Android: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
All else being equal, if you want a solid pair of do-it-all wireless earbuds with top-tier noise canceling, you want to buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2. Bose refined its already excellent noise canceling technology, and our testing shows these earbuds reduce the loudness of external noise by an average of 85%, among the best performance we’ve measured.
The earbuds feature CustomTune technology that uses your ear canal’s unique characteristics to optimize sound and ANC performance. The ovoid nozzle design and stability bands work together to create an excellent seal, which is crucial for both isolation and sound quality. Bose also included intelligent ANC that automatically adjusts based on your environment, reducing the noise floor in quiet spaces for a cleaner listening experience.
The improved feature set includes wireless charging, multipoint connectivity, and transparency mode with loud sound protection—similar to what Apple offers with AirPods Pro. Support for aptX Lossless via Snapdragon Sound means Android users with compatible devices can take advantage of higher-quality audio streaming.
These Bose earbuds may be expensive at $299.99, but they excel at noise canceling and offer a comfortable, secure fit that’s perfect for travel. If you have larger ears and prioritize ANC performance, you won’t be disappointed picking up these premium noise canceling wireless earbuds.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review
Best features: Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 entered a crowded market of active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds and proved itself, posting 83% average noise attenuation in our tests. This makes them an excellent choice for environments like air travel or busy commutes, where effective noise cancelation is crucial.
In usage, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 offers a premium experience with its stylish design, a variety of ear tip sizes and concha fins for a secure fit, and intuitive touch controls customizable via the Sennheiser Smart Control app. This app further enhances the user experience by offering features such as a fit test for optimal ANC effectiveness, a 5-band equalizer, and firmware updates. Priced at $299.95, these earbuds boast a range of features, including an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, support for Auracast and LE Audio, and aptX Lossless.
Read our full Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 review
Best budget noise canceling earbuds: Sony WF-C710N
The Sony WF-C710N are the best ANC earbuds for budget-conscious buyers because they offer genuinely impressive noise canceling without the premium price tag. In our lab tests, the WF-C710N reduced external noise by an average of 85%, including up to 30dB of low-frequency noise — a rare feat for earbuds under $120. Even before ANC kicks in, these earbuds offer strong passive isolation thanks to their well-sealed design. While the fit isn’t as secure for workouts, the earbuds remain comfortable for extended listening, and the build quality is excellent for the price.
Beyond ANC, Sony packed these earbuds with value. You get a customizable EQ, Adaptive Sound Control, and access to features like 360 Reality Audio (if supported by your streaming service). In our sound quality testing, the WF-C710N earned a high overall Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) of 4.8 out of 5, showing great clarity, immersive sound, and low distortion. Battery life clocks in at over 9 hours on a single charge — again, outperforming expectations at this price. If you want powerful ANC and solid sound without spending over $200, the Sony WF-C710N are your best bet.
Read our full Sony WF-C710N review
Best cheap noise canceling earbuds: CMF Buds 2 Plus
The CMF Buds 2 Plus are our pick for the best noise canceling earbuds under $75 because they deliver high-end audio features and solid ANC performance at a price that almost feels too good to be true. During testing, they cut down ambient noise by 83% on average — comparable to earbuds that cost twice as much — and I find the Adaptive ANC mode works surprisingly well for commuting or office use.
What sets them apart isn’t just the ANC, though. You get LDAC support, customizable EQ, a 10+ hour battery life, and personalized sound tuning through the Nothing X app, all wrapped in a sleek, IP55-rated design. Most budget earbuds cut corners somewhere, but the CMF Buds 2 Plus balance sound quality, comfort, and features in a way that makes them feel premium despite their $69 price tag. While I miss the Smart Dial from the previous model, there’s no other pair in this range that offers this much functionality with such refined sound.
Read our full CMF Buds 2 Plus review
The best noise canceling wireless earbuds: Notable mentions
- Apple AirPods 4 with ANC ($179.99 at Amazon): If you have an iPhone, and don’t like the feeling of ear tips in your ears, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are a great option.
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ($99.99 at Amazon): With an IPX4 rating, long battery life, and good ANC, these are worth a go.
- Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 ($249 at Amazon): In my experience, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the best noise canceling earbuds for running and working out with.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 ($279 at Amazon): Bose still makes excellent noise canceling earbuds, even if they aren’t the absolute best on the market.
- 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.
- 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): Our testing shows the Nothing Ear (3) reduce the loudness of external noise by 82%, which is pretty good.
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 ($229 at Amazon): The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are great noise canceling earbuds for those with a Pixel phone.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ($249.99 at Amazon): If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, the Buds 3 Pro deliver an impressive set of features, though the noise canceling performance is a bit lackluster.
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.
How we test the best noise canceling earbuds
At SoundGuys, we test noise canceling earbuds using both objective lab measurements and real-world scenarios to determine how effectively each pair reduces unwanted sound. In our lab, we use a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test head to accurately measure how much noise the earbuds block out. We run tests with ANC both enabled and disabled to isolate its impact from passive isolation, then calculate how much noise is reduced in low, mid, and high frequencies. This data allows us to compare earbuds directly and quantify how well each model performs in realistic conditions, like airplane engine rumble or office chatter. Our ANC scores reflect this technical testing, giving you an unbiased view of performance.
However, data alone doesn’t tell the whole story. We also spend time using each pair of earbuds in daily life—on commutes, during workouts, and in noisy cafés—to see how they handle changing environments. We assess how adaptive ANC modes perform, whether the seal stays consistent during movement, and if wind noise or pressure effects interfere with comfort. This real-world context adds essential nuance to our rankings, especially for features like transparency mode and wind resistance. Our approach ensures the earbuds we recommend not only excel in lab conditions but also enhance your daily listening experience.
To learn more, head over to our explainer article on how we test earbuds and headphones.
Why you should trust SoundGuys
Not only is this our day job, but we’ve tested the best of the best out there for as long as “true wireless” has been a thing. But we’re a little different at SoundGuys: we show our work and take our integrity very seriously. Our singular mission is to lay the facts bare as they are, and we have the expertise, drive, and ethics to do it. At the end of the day, we want you to find what you’re looking for and enjoy it enough to keep it.
We go out of our way to ensure that our reviews and lists are backed up by objective testing wherever possible so that you don’t have to take our word for anything—you can examine the facts for yourself if you want.
Frequently asked questions
No, generally, noise canceling earbuds are not as good at blocking out noise as noise canceling headphones. Headphones generally have better passive isolation, which yields more effective active noise canceling. Headphones are also just bigger and can house more microphones to record and bock out noise through destructive interference.
Sadly, no. In order to update the firmware of your AirPods Pro, you’ll need to connect them to a compatible iOS device—an important limitation to consider when buying these earbuds. If you’re looking for earbuds outside of Apple’s ecosystem, check out our list of the best AirPods Pro alternatives.
Exactly 0 hours and 0 minutes.
No. Lossless audio is not a thing with Bluetooth. However, you may find that you don’t actually experience much benefit from it while you’re commuting or are in other high-noise environments, so it’s not a big concern.
Yes, if you often find yourself in noisy environments (e.g., commuting, traveling, or working in a bustling office) and value clarity in audio or peace in silence, noise canceling earbuds can significantly enhance your listening experience.
Active noise cancelation (ANC) is generally the most effective noise canceling technology for earbuds. It uses microphones to pick up external sounds and produces opposite sound waves to cancel them out.
Yes, in the sense that they can allow you to listen to content at lower volumes since background noise is reduced. This can potentially reduce the risk of hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure to loud sounds. However, like any earbuds, they should be used at safe volumes and not for excessively long periods.
- Cost: They tend to be more expensive than their non-noise-canceling counterparts.
- Battery Dependency: Active noise cancelation requires power, so there’s a need to charge or replace batteries.
- Possible Pressure Sensation: Some users report a sensation of pressure or “ear suck” with certain noise canceling headphones.
Prolonged use of any headphones or earbuds can lead to ear fatigue or even contribute to hearing loss if played too loudly. Noise canceling itself isn’t harmful, but it’s recommended to take regular breaks to give your ears a rest and ensure you’re listening at safe volumes. Also, being overly isolated can be unsafe in certain situations, like walking near traffic.
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