Introduction to Noise Cancelling Earbuds
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of quiet can seem nearly impossible. Whether you’re commuting on a noisy train, working in a bustling office, or trying to focus in a busy café, unwanted noise can be a constant distraction. This is where noise cancelling earbuds come into play, offering a personal sanctuary of sound wherever you go.
Noise cancelling technology has evolved dramatically in recent years, with earbuds now rivaling over-ear headphones in their ability to block out ambient noise. Using sophisticated microphones and processing, these tiny devices detect external sounds and generate opposing sound waves to neutralize them before they reach your ears. The result is a remarkably quiet listening experience that lets you focus on your music, podcasts, or calls without cranking up the volume to potentially harmful levels.
The market for noise cancelling earbuds has exploded, with options ranging from premium flagship models to budget-friendly alternatives. In this guide, we’ll explore the very best noise cancelling earbuds available in 2025, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you find the perfect pair for your needs and lifestyle.
Top 5 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds of 2025
1. Sony WF-1000XM5
Price Range: $279-299
The Sony WF-1000XM5 represents the fifth generation of Sony’s industry-leading noise cancelling earbuds, and they continue to set the standard for what premium earbuds can achieve. Building on the success of their predecessors, these earbuds feature Sony’s most advanced noise cancelling technology yet.
Key Features:
- Exceptional noise cancellation with Sony’s V2 processor and dual feedback microphones
- Rich, detailed sound with LDAC high-resolution audio support
- Up to 8 hours of battery life with ANC on (24 hours total with charging case)
- Comfortable, lightweight design (20% smaller than previous model)
- Speak-to-chat function that automatically pauses music when you speak
- Multipoint connection for seamless switching between devices
- IPX4 water resistance for workout protection
What We Love: The WF-1000XM5’s noise cancellation is simply outstanding, particularly for low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and subway rumble. The sound quality is equally impressive, with a well-balanced signature that suits virtually all music genres. Sony’s companion app offers extensive customization options, including a full equalizer and adaptive sound control that adjusts settings based on your location and activity.
What Could Be Better: At nearly $300, these are among the most expensive earbuds on the market. The touch controls, while improved from previous generations, can still be a bit finicky. Some users with smaller ears might find them slightly less comfortable for extended wear.
Perfect For: Frequent travelers, audiophiles, and those who prioritize best-in-class noise cancellation and don’t mind paying a premium for it.
Buy Sony WF-1000XM5 from Amazon
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Price Range: $249-279
Bose has long been synonymous with noise cancellation, and their QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds continue this tradition with a focus on comfort and versatility. These earbuds represent a significant upgrade from the popular QuietComfort Earbuds II with expanded features and refined performance.
Key Features:
- CustomTune technology that personalizes noise cancellation to your ear shape
- Immersive, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- 6 hours of battery life with ANC on (24 hours total with case)
- Exceptionally comfortable StayHear Max ear tips in multiple sizes
- Aware Mode with ActiveSense for natural-sounding transparency
- Simple, intuitive touch controls
- IPX4 water and sweat resistance
What We Love: The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds excel at providing a secure, comfortable fit that you can wear for hours. Their noise cancellation is remarkably effective, especially for voices and mid-range frequencies that many competitors struggle with. The spatial audio feature creates an impressively wide soundstage, making these earbuds excellent for movie watching and immersive listening.
What Could Be Better: The case is larger than many competitors, making it less pocket-friendly. Battery life is good but not class-leading. The Bose Music app, while improved, still lacks some of the customization options offered by Sony and Apple.
Perfect For: Those who prioritize comfort for long listening sessions, commuters who need to block out human voices, and users who appreciate spatial audio features.
Buy Bose QuietComfort Ultra from Amazon
3. Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Gen)
Price Range: $229-249
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have received several firmware updates since their initial release, keeping them competitive in 2025. For iPhone users especially, they remain one of the most compelling options thanks to their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Key Features:
- H2 chip powering advanced computational audio and noise cancellation
- Adaptive Transparency mode that reduces harmful loud noises
- 6 hours of listening time with ANC on (30 hours total with case)
- Precision finding feature to locate lost earbuds
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Sweat and water resistance (IPX4)
- USB-C charging case with built-in speaker for Find My alerts
What We Love: The integration with Apple devices is unmatched, with features like automatic switching between devices, hands-free Siri, and audio sharing. The noise cancellation is twice as effective as the original AirPods Pro, making them excellent for daily use. The sound quality is well-balanced with good clarity, and the Adaptive EQ adjusts automatically to your ear shape.
What Could Be Better: While they work with Android devices, you lose many of the special features that make them stand out. The stem-based control system isn’t as intuitive as touch controls for some users. They don’t support higher-resolution audio codecs like aptX or LDAC.
Perfect For: iPhone and Apple ecosystem users who want the most seamless experience possible, casual listeners who appreciate convenience features, and those who make lots of calls.
Buy Apple AirPods Pro 2 from Amazon
4. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Price Range: $199-229
Samsung’s latest flagship earbuds represent a significant step up from previous Galaxy Buds models, especially in noise cancellation performance. For Android users, particularly those with Samsung phones, they offer features and integration similar to what AirPods provide for iPhone users.
Key Features:
- Dual-driver design with woofer and tweeter for improved sound quality
- Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation with three microphones per bud
- 360 Audio with direct multi-channel for spatial sound
- Voice Detect automatically switches to Ambient mode when you speak
- 5 hours battery life with ANC on (20 hours total with case)
- IPX7 water resistance (fully submersible)
- Wireless PowerShare charging with compatible Samsung phones
What We Love: The sound quality is exceptional, with a dual-driver setup that delivers clear highs and powerful bass. Noise cancellation has improved dramatically from previous models, now rivaling the top performers. The IPX7 rating makes these the most water-resistant option on our list, perfect for intense workouts or rainy conditions.
What Could Be Better: Battery life is somewhat below average for this price point. The companion app offers less customization than Sony’s. Non-Samsung Android users miss out on some features, similar to how non-Apple users miss features with AirPods.
Perfect For: Samsung phone users, fitness enthusiasts who need serious water resistance, and those who prefer a balanced sound profile with punchy bass.
Buy Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro from Amazon
5. Jabra Elite 10 Active
Price Range: $179-199
Jabra has built a reputation for creating feature-packed earbuds at competitive prices, and the Elite 10 Active continues this tradition. These earbuds strike an excellent balance between performance, durability, and value.
Key Features:
- ComfortCore design with wing-free secure fit for active use
- Advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
- HearThrough transparency mode with wind noise reduction
- 6 hours battery life with ANC on (27 hours with case)
- Multipoint connection for pairing with two devices simultaneously
- IP57 dust and water resistance
- Wireless charging case
What We Love: The Elite 10 Active earbuds excel at staying in place during workouts without the need for ear hooks or wings. Their noise cancellation performance is impressive for the price point, and they handle calls exceptionally well with clear voice pickup even in noisy environments. The Sound+ app offers useful customization including a 5-band EQ and personalized hearing profiles.
What Could Be Better: Sound quality, while good, doesn’t quite match the premium models from Sony and Bose. The case is a bit bulkier than some competitors. Touch controls require a firm press, which can be uncomfortable for some users.
Perfect For: Active users who need earbuds that stay in place during workouts, those who make frequent calls, and budget-conscious shoppers who still want premium features.
Buy Jabra Elite 10 Active from Amazon
Benefits of Using Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Noise cancelling earbuds offer several advantages beyond simply blocking out unwanted sounds:
Hearing Protection: By reducing ambient noise, these earbuds allow you to listen at lower volumes, potentially preventing hearing damage over time. Research suggests that many people listen to music too loudly to overcome background noise, which can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Improved Focus and Productivity: Whether you’re working from home, studying in a café, or trying to concentrate on a project in a shared office, noise cancelling earbuds can create a bubble of quiet that helps maintain focus and reduce distractions.
Stress Reduction: Constant exposure to noise can increase stress levels and contribute to mental fatigue. Noise cancelling technology can provide relief from the persistent sounds of urban environments, commuter traffic, or busy workplaces.
Better Sleep and Travel Experience: For frequent travelers, noise cancelling earbuds can make long flights and train journeys more comfortable by reducing engine noise and cabin chatter. They can also help you sleep in noisy environments like hotels or apartments with thin walls.
Enhanced Audio Experience: By reducing background noise, these earbuds allow you to appreciate more details in your music, podcasts, or calls without having to increase the volume to potentially harmful levels.
How to Choose the Right Noise Cancelling Earbuds
With so many options available, finding the perfect noise cancelling earbuds requires considering several factors:
Considerations for Comfort and Fit
Ear Tip Variety: Look for earbuds that come with multiple sizes of ear tips, preferably in different materials like silicone and foam. Everyone’s ear canals are different, and finding the right fit is crucial not only for comfort but also for effective noise cancellation and sound quality.
Weight and Design: Lighter earbuds tend to be more comfortable for extended wear. Consider the shape and whether it’s designed to fit securely in your ear, especially if you plan to use them while exercising.
Pressure Relief: Some high-end models include pressure relief vents to reduce the “plugged ear” feeling that can occur with noise cancelling earbuds. This feature can make a significant difference in comfort during long listening sessions.
Control Accessibility: Consider how the earbuds are controlled (touch, physical buttons, or stem squeezes) and whether the control method is comfortable for you to use repeatedly.
Evaluating Sound Quality and Battery Life
Sound Profile: Different earbuds have different sound signatures. Some emphasize bass, others prioritize vocal clarity, and some aim for a neutral, balanced profile. Consider what kinds of music or content you typically listen to when choosing.
Audio Codecs: For the best wireless sound quality, look for support for advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, or AAC (especially important for iPhone users).
Battery Longevity: Consider both the earbuds’ battery life with noise cancellation activated and the additional charges provided by the case. For all-day use, you’ll want earbuds that can last at least 5-6 hours with ANC on, with a case that provides at least 2-3 additional charges.
Quick Charging: Many modern earbuds offer fast charging features, providing several hours of playback from just 5-10 minutes of charging. This can be invaluable when you’re short on time.
Other Important Factors to Consider:
Water and Dust Resistance: If you plan to use your earbuds during workouts or outdoors, look for an IP rating that indicates water and dust resistance. IPX4 is sufficient for sweat and light rain, while higher ratings like IP57 or IPX7 provide protection against submersion.
Connectivity Features: Consider whether multipoint connection (connecting to multiple devices simultaneously) or quick switching between devices is important for your use case. Some earbuds also offer companion apps with extensive customization options.
Call Quality: If you frequently take calls with your earbuds, look for models with multiple microphones and noise reduction technology specifically for voice calls.
Transparency Mode: A good transparency or ambient mode lets you hear your surroundings without removing your earbuds, which can be useful for brief conversations or situational awareness when walking outside.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Noise Cancelling Earbuds
The best noise cancelling earbuds for you ultimately depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers the best overall package with class-leading noise cancellation and sound quality, though at a premium price. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds excel in comfort and voice blocking, making them ideal for office environments. Apple users will find the AirPods Pro 2 hard to beat for their seamless ecosystem integration, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer similar advantages for Samsung users with superior water resistance. For active users seeking a balance of performance and value, the Jabra Elite 10 Active represents an excellent choice.
As technology continues to advance, noise cancelling earbuds are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering features that were unimaginable just a few years ago. When making your selection, consider how and where you’ll use them most frequently, what features matter most to you, and how they fit within your budget.
Remember that even the best noise cancelling technology has its limitations—no earbuds can completely eliminate all external sounds, particularly unpredictable, high-pitched noises. However, the right pair can dramatically improve your listening experience, help protect your hearing, and provide a welcome respite from our increasingly noisy world.