Active noise cancellation has moved from flagship headphones to in-ear buds. However, not all earbuds are made equal, and noise-cancelling ability might vary. One thing is certain: the best noise-canceling wireless earbuds for you will fit your budget, give an immersive music experience, and effectively block out ambient noise.
It’s hard to choose the best overall noise-canceling earbuds. A few models outperform many others. These include the Apple AirPods Pro 2, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and Sony WF-1000XM5 buds. The AirPods Pro 2 were recently updated to include USB-C charging and other minor improvements, while the Bose and Sony models will be available in 2023.
I’ve also recently added the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds to the list, which offer greater noise cancellation and outstanding sound.
Best noise-cancelling earbuds 2024
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- Apple AirPods Pro 2
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose has long been synonymous with noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort Earbuds II live up to that legacy. These earbuds offer some of the best ANC on the market, rivaling top competitors like Sony. Bose’s proprietary CustomTune technology automatically adjusts the noise-cancelling levels based on your ear shape and surrounding environment.
Key Features:
- Customizable ANC with Quiet and Aware modes.
- 6-hour battery life on a single charge, with 24 hours total via the case.
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts.
- Excellent call quality with four external microphones for clear voice transmission.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re looking for absolute peace and quiet, Bose delivers arguably the best noise-cancelling performance on the market. The QuietComfort II buds are perfect for travelers, offering comfort and peace in even the noisiest environments.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony has long been a leader in the noise-cancelling market, and the Sony WF-1000XM5 continues that trend. Offering class-leading noise-cancellation, they effectively block out everything from the hum of airplane engines to office chatter.
Key Features:
- Best-in-class noise cancellation: Sony’s advanced QN2e processor ensures that even subtle background noises are canceled out.
- Superior sound quality: The 8.4mm driver delivers deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, making it perfect for all music genres.
- 24-hour battery life: With 8 hours from the buds and an additional 16 hours from the case, you’ll never run out of juice.
- Multipoint connectivity: Seamlessly switch between two Bluetooth devices.
Why You’ll Love It: The WF-1000XM5 balances exceptional noise cancellation with superior sound quality, making it a top pick for both audiophiles and daily commuters.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 offer a perfect blend of convenience and performance, particularly for Apple ecosystem users. They come equipped with Apple’s H2 chip, which delivers top-tier noise cancellation and superior transparency modes.
Key Features:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The AirPods Pro 2 effectively neutralize background noise, whether you’re on a busy street or a loud subway.
- Transparency Mode: Want to hear what’s going on around you without removing your earbuds? The transparency mode is seamless.
- Personalized Spatial Audio: This provides an immersive surround-sound experience, especially with Apple Music’s Dolby Atmos tracks.
- Battery Life: 6 hours with ANC on, plus 30 more hours with the case.
Why You’ll Love It: Apple lovers will appreciate the H2 chip, which makes pairing with iPhones, Macs, and iPads incredibly smooth. Additionally, the spatial audio and comfortable design are excellent for media consumption and long listening sessions.
Technics EAH-AZ80
The Technics EAH-AZ80 is the perfect blend of luxurious design and top-tier audio quality. Known for their audiophile-grade sound, Technics has packed these earbuds with 10mm drivers that deliver impressive audio across the frequency range. The hybrid noise-cancellation technology provides excellent ANC performance, making these earbuds ideal for work, travel, or commuting. What sets the EAH-AZ80 apart is its LDAC support, offering high-resolution wireless audio for music lovers who crave detail and clarity.
Key Features:
- Key Features: Hybrid ANC, LDAC support, high-res audio, customizable EQ.
- Battery Life: 7.5 hours (with ANC), 25 hours with case.
Jabra Elite 10
The new Jabra Elite 10 is one of the most advanced earbuds in Jabra’s lineup, offering optimized Dolby Atmos sound with Dolby Head Tracking. These earbuds are designed for all-day comfort and come equipped with Jabra’s Advanced ANC technology. The earbuds automatically adjust ANC depending on the environment, providing a perfect balance between noise isolation and sound clarity. The Elite 10 also features a powerful 6-mic system for crystal-clear calls.
Key Features:
- Dolby Atmos with Head Tracking: Immersive spatial audio, perfect for movies and gaming.
- Advanced ANC: Automatically adjusts based on your environment, ensuring optimal noise cancellation.
- 6-mic system: Clear voice calls, even in noisy surroundings.
- Battery Life: 8 hours of playback with ANC, 27 hours with the charging case.
Why You’ll Love It: The Jabra Elite 10 delivers an excellent mix of advanced noise cancellation, immersive sound, and comfort, making it perfect for both casual listeners and audio enthusiasts alike.