Best noise canceling wireless earbuds

True wireless earbuds as a category have come a long way from the original AirPods, but in terms of features, they tend to lag behind on- or 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). As we have several talented testers digging into the best noise canceling wireless earbuds, we’re constantly updating this list to make sure that the best ANC wireless options on the market appear here.

Editor’s note: this list was updated on May 8, 2023, to ensure the top picks are still timely, and add a mention of the Tozo NC2.

Why is the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro the best pair of noise canceling wireless earbuds for most people?

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has some of the best noise canceling we’ve tested and undercuts other flagships with its price, which isn’t cheap by any means. If you want a pocketable pair of ANC earbuds, this is your best bet. Sound quality is also very good and requires little tinkering. Note: you can’t create a custom EQ in the Galaxy Wearables app (Android only), but you can choose from a handful of EQ presets. Plus, when you pair the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with a Samsung device running One UI 4.0 or later, you can use Samsung’s Seamless Codec. This way, you can fully enjoy 24-bit audio streamed right to your new Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro drops the shiny exterior of the Galaxy Buds 2, and features a rubberized matte finish instead. These earbuds seal to the ear with the help of oblong silicone ear tips. Like the previous Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro buds merit an IPX7 rating, which means they withstand a drop in the pool.

Battery life is fine on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, but it’s not its strength. The earphones last 4 hours, 50 minutes on a single charge with ANC enabled, and the case supports USB-C and wireless charging. Battery life is longer when you disable ANC. Still, we highly recommend the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for its excellent ANC, comfort, and features.

For iPhone users, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is the best noise canceling option

Apple updated its iconic AirPods Pro line with the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), with even better noise canceling this time. The AirPods Pro has four ear tip options to ensure a good seal, so you can get the most out of the ANC. The IPX4-rated earbuds also have an IPX4-rated case, making it even more workout friendly. You can also more easily find your lost earbuds with the new H2 chip and speaker in the case, which makes a sound to help you locate it when you’ve lost it.

The ANC can reduce most noises anywhere between 20 to 30dB, depending on the range, which is a massive improvement from the previous generation. For even better ANC in AirPods, we recommend either stepping up to the Apple AirPods Max—which outperforms even the best from Bose, Sennheiser, and Sony.

Unlike the Samsung model mentioned above, the batteries last north of 5 hours, and the Apple earphones also offer a few hidden perks like a constantly running DSP engine that alters the units’ performance to best match your ear. Additionally, you can take a break from blocking out the world to listen in to conversations by pinching one of the stems to activate transparency mode.

iPhone owners, if you want the best noise canceling wireless earbuds, get the AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

The Sony WF-1000XM4 packs in plenty of features that work on Android and iOS

All else being equal, if you want a solid pair of do-it-all wireless earbuds, you want to buy the Sony WF-1000XM4. Sony made huge improvements to its noise canceling technology, and these earphones reign as kind regarding raw ANC performance.

Wireless earbuds tend not to do such a great job at attenuating outside noise because they simply can’t devote a lot of power to the task, but Bluetooth 5.2 improves power efficiency. You get the best of both worlds here: a near 8-hour battery life and effective ANC. The USB-C case provides two additional charge cycles and can fast charge the earphones. You can also place it atop a Qi wireless charging mat.

The sound quality is fine though there are a few quirks: bass and midrange notes are significantly louder than treble notes. If you want a more accurate frequency response, you may want to equalize the bass and midrange response down a bit to make it easier to hear higher notes. You can do this, again, from the OS-agnostic Sony Headphones Connect app. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, you can tinker with the EQ.

These Sony earbuds may be expensive, but they do everything very well. The buds earned an IPX4 rating, so you can bring them to the gym or on your next run. You also get a more compact, attractive design than the previous generation. If you have the money, we highly recommend these luxurious earphones.

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 is a great budget option

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 delivers excellent ANC without hurting your wallet. Not everyone has the dough to buy the flagships that pop up on so many lists, and Anker cleverly undercuts the prices of premium earbuds. The Soundcore Space A40 does not skimp on what’s important: good sound, excellent (at any price) noise cancellation, and connectivity. The ANC concentrates mainly on low pitch noise. For example, at 100Hz, the Soundcore Space A40 filters up to 40dB of noise.

Out of the box the earbuds sound fairly subdued, without any substantial exaggerations, however, the accompanying app has a large selection of EQ options to suit most people’s liking too. That the Anker Soundcore Space A40 utilizes Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs is a boon for Android and Apple users alike, as is the Bluetooth multipoint feature included.

Covering most people’s case uses, the buds are certified with an IPX4 rating. Finally, the battery life reaches 7 hours, 55 minutes according to our tests, which ought to get you through most work shifts. The only real qualm is that the charging case has somewhat unreliable hinges, requiring some extra attention.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 sounds great and works on any OS

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 (MTW3) has a great frequency response with bass and mids that closely follow our house curve. You can see this in the last two images of the gallery below. The treble response is slightly under-emphasized compared to our house curve, but this is easy to fix in the Smart Control app’s (iOS/Android) limited EQ module.

The headset uses Bluetooth 5.2 and supports the SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codecs. This means you can enjoy high-quality audio to any source device, and with aptX Adaptive, your music quality will automatically adjust to balance connection stability (Android only).

The active noise canceling is very good and rivals that of Bose and Sony. Sub-bass and bass frequencies sound up to one-eighth their original loudness when you have the MTW3 earbuds in with noise canceling on. Sennheiser provides three ear tip sizes to get you started though there’s no fit test here.

There’s nothing too fancy about these earbuds, though they do sport an IPX4 rating which makes them a fine pair of buds for the gym. Commuters will also enjoy this pair of earphones, again for its excellent noise cancellation and passive isolation performance. This is a great all-rounder headset if you can swallow the $249 USD price.

When is it better to buy the Beats Fit Pro instead of the AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

You’ll want to pick up the Beats Fit Pro over the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) if you switch between Android, Windows, and iOS regularly. The Beats Fit Pro does sport an H1 chip, so Apple users will get some features like spatial audio, but the experience on Android isn’t bad by any stretch. Android users get the Beats app, so you can toggle listening modes, do an ear tip fit test, and get firmware updates.

Noise canceling is pretty good, though not quite as good as the AirPods Pro (2nd generation.) It uses adaptive ANC, so the intensity of the noise canceling is calibrated in real time. The sound is also pretty good, though it does have a boost in the bass range, in typical Beats fashion. It’s not as close to our target curve as the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), but people who like bass will probably like this sound profile.

This pair of earbuds made by Apple works just as well on Android phones as it does on iPhones, making it a good option for people who switch phones often.

Should you buy Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II?

As of April 14, 2023, we recommend buying the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II over the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds even if the former isn’t head and shoulders better than the latter. With the latest update, you can now listen to either Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II bud independently of the other. With the first-gen QC Earbuds, you get great noise canceling and a better frequency response, but extremely dedicated bassheads will like how the Bose QC Earbuds II sounds out of the box. Everyone else will need to patiently play with an EQ app to make the earbuds sound bearable.

It’s true the low frequency noise cancellation is better with the QC Earbuds II compared to the original QC Earbuds, but the first-gen ANC is still great. In fact, we’re willing to bet some people will trade slightly less effective ANC for better sound quality.

Bose may update the QC Earbuds II to change the default frequency response, however. At first, you couldn’t equalize the sound from the OS-agnostic Bose Music app, but Bose has since released a software update that lets you equalize the frequency response, so it’s known to improve its products over time.

We like Bose QC Earbuds for its comfortable ear tips and IPX4 rating. The touch controls have a perfect degree of sensitivity which can’t be said of even our favorite ANC earbuds the Galaxy Buds Pro from Samsung, or most of its wireless earbuds, really.

Get the Google Pixel Buds Pro for smart features and good ANC

While the Google Pixel Buds Pro looks very similar to the Google Pixel Buds A-Series, a few key differences separate these earbuds. With the Pixel Buds Pro, you get active noise canceling, wireless charging, better battery life, and multipoint connectivity. The noise canceling makes the Pixel Buds Pro a solid set of earbuds for your daily commute, which we can’t quite say for the A-Series. Indeed, the Pixel Buds Pro noise canceling isn’t as good as the Sony WF-1000XM4 or Bose QC Earbuds ANC, but few headsets are.

Android users will appreciate the Pixel Buds app, sparse as it may be, because it lets you access firmware updates and customize the experience a bit. Unfortunately, the app doesn’t have a native equalizer, so you’re stuck with the bass-heavy sound unless you seek outside help.

Uniquely, the case comes with an IPX2 water resistance rating, and the earbuds have an IPX4 rating. An IPX4 rating is common for earbuds, but few cases have any kind of water resistance. This is a standout feature for those who live in unpredictably rainy climes. The Pixel Buds Pro isn’t a mind-blowing set of earbuds, but it comes in a nice package and works well. If you have a Pixel phone you can access spatial audio with head tracking, which is a recent addition via an update.

What makes the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) a great value?

Amazon unveils its noise canceling technology with the Echo Buds (2nd Gen). If you’re a smart home fanatic with an array of smart products, these seem like a promising pair of affordable earbuds.

Alexa integration is the backbone of the new Echo Buds, and when you download the Alexa app, you get immediate access to a host of features like a custom EQ module, voice assistant preference, and Amazon’s Ear Tip Fit Test. This test tells you if the ear tips create a proper seal to your ear, and instruct you to swap them out for another size if not. Apple offers this feature too but it’s limited to its AirPods Pro series and only works with an iOS or iPadOS device, while the Amazon Alexa app is available on Android and iOS.

Active noise canceling is quite good and outperforms that of the AirPods Pro (1st generation) for significantly less money. If you want a solid set of wireless earphones with an IPX4 rating and a slew of software features, the Echo Buds is an affordable pick. Its limited availability dethrones it from our Best list, as it’s frequently out of stock, but worth a shot if you find it in stock.

The best noise canceling wireless earbuds: Notable mentions

• 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini: 1MORE hits it out of the park with this well priced ($99.99 at Amazon) set of buds. You get standout ANC, IPX5-rated earphones, and a wireless charging case. When you turn ANC off, you get a sound that closely follows our studio curve, and when ANC is on, there’s a greater boost to the bass and midrange.
• Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro: Anker packs plenty of high-end features into this compact package. Adjustable EQ and ANC alongside a multitude of ear tips and ear wings provide a truly customizable fit.
• Beats Studio Buds: This pair of earbuds made by Apple works just as well on Android phones as it does on iPhones, making it a good option for people who switch phones often for $99 at Amazon. It doesn’t have an H1 chip so you miss out on some special features like battery optimization or hands-free Siri, and the ANC isn’t as good as the AirPods Pro.
• Grell Audio TWS 1: This is the first pair of buds from Grell Audio, a company of former Sennheiser chief headphone engineer Axel Grell. The TWS 1 focuses on sound quality above all else: there’s no fancy packaging or gimmicks. It supports the unusual combo of SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, and LHDC codecs. You get a solid set of ANC earbuds with a beautiful design and a reasonable price of $99 at Drop.
• HONOR Earbuds 2 Lite: While the touch controls could be better and there’s a wonky app situation for North Americans, these buds offer a lot for €69 at Honor. You get decent ANC and a good frequency response, with that AirPods Pro-inspired aesthetic available to Android users.
• Jabra Elite 7 Pro: A tight fit brings a ton of passive isolation to the Jabra Elite 7 Pro ($99.99 at Amazon). Throw in ANC on top, and these earbuds have no problems blocking out environmental noise.
• Jaybird Vista 2: Jaybird adds noise canceling to its beloved Vista wireless earbuds and manages to make the whole package even more durable, from the earbuds to the case for $144.99 at Amazon.
• Logitech G Fits: While not a noise canceling product, it uses a custom-molded tip to form directly to your ear to achieve very good isolation. For anyone who doesn’t like the sensation of ANC, this might be a viable alternative.
• Nothing Ear 1: There’s plenty to say about Nothing and its debut wireless earbuds. Directly competing against the AirPods Pro and other powerhouse products, the Ear 1 brings ANC, an IPX4 rating, wireless charging, and a comfortable fit for $53.99 at Amazon.
• OnePlus Buds Z2: If you don’t mind the default sound these IP55 earbuds have good noise canceling, and auto play/pause functionality, you’ll find plenty to like about this headset for $49.99 at Amazon.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: The Buds 2 earphones are a great pick for Android phone owners who don’t want to spend on the Buds 2 Pro from Samsung. You get very good ANC from these earphones, and many of the same features as the latest flagship but for much less, $109.99 at Amazon.
• Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless: These earbuds build upon the success of the previous CX True Wireless, and this time around, Sennheiser includes noise canceling, which performs rather well on these nice sounding earbuds for $69.95 at Amazon.
• Sony LinkBuds S: This pair of earbuds costs $148 at Amazon and has ANC that rivals the flagship WF-1000XM4 from Sony. If you don’t mind the plain design and average battery life, this hits a nice sweet spot.
• Tozo NC2: If you really need the best ANC possible for the least money out of your pocket, this product is it. The sound is a little odd, but at $40 $39.99 at Amazon that’s hard to complain about.

What you should know about the best noise canceling wireless earbuds

If you’re in the market for noise canceling wireless earbuds, you need to know a few things about what you’re getting into. Wireless earbud fans probably already know what to expect from their new sets, but if you’re taking the plunge for the first time there are a few things to go over. We don’t want you running into something unexpected, after all.

How should the best noise canceling wireless earbuds sound?

Noise canceling earbuds shouldn’t necessarily sound a certain way, but you’ll see commonalities between how the most popular headsets sound. Why? A majority of consumers prefer a sound profile with boosted bass and treble relative to the mids. Seeing how all of the earbuds we recommend here are marketed toward the general consumer, you’ll find a similar frequency response among these headsets.

In the chart above, you can see an example of a pretty standard frequency response from the Grell Audio TWS 1 noise canceling earbuds. This headset very closely follows our target consumer curve, though it boosts sub-bas a bit more than we recommend but it remains tasteful. Perhaps you’re in the minority who really likes bass, or have an aversion to it, in that case, you may need to EQ the sound.

Are noise canceling earbuds actually good?

Yes, noise canceling earbuds can be quite good and effective, but one constant we’ve found among ANC wireless earphones is that the ANC performance is inconsistent. Active noise canceling works best against loud, droning sounds that don’t have a lot of changes to them over time. You’ll find that people talking near you still come through, but computer fans, office noise, and engine sounds get muted out.

Because wireless earbuds generally don’t have the space to cram in the hardware necessary to cancel out a ton of noise, it’s a miracle they’re able to work at all. Major props to any company that can get an ANC unit working reasonably well in this form factor! Bear in mind, that you also need to get a proper fit with your earbuds in order to get the best isolation. Good isolation yields the best possible ANC because it means there’s a physical barrier between your ear canals and the outside world.

Active noise canceling is extremely important to listeners because it not only allows you to listen at a lower volume, but it also improves the perceived quality of your music. That said, you may find that the difference between having ANC on and off isn’t really all that big, and in fact, you may want to turn the feature off sometimes to squeak out some extra battery life. While you only get on average 20-40 minutes more, it could help out in a pinch.

Battery life isn’t great, even on the best noise canceling wireless earbuds, so get used to it

Because wireless earphones can only fit so much battery into a teeny-tiny housing, they’re unsurprisingly terrible at the whole “not needing to recharge” thing. That’s why most wireless earphones stash a bigger battery in their carrying case to recharge the individual buds when you’re not using them. This way, they appear to have much better battery life than they actually do. If you’re on a long commute, however, you’ll notice that your buds drain faster than they ought to.

Thankfully, battery life tends to last more than the average four hours required by most people to get to and from work without a recharge. Well, that would be true if the nature of wireless earphones didn’t put immense wear on the tiny cells they have.

Noise canceling earbuds are not hearing protection

Though the products may cancel noise, earbuds with ANC are not hearing protection and should not be counted on for this purpose. If you want something to protect you from the din of a concert or commute, you need something that’s actually meant for the job. You need hearing protection.

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