Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds 2025: Silence the World and Immerse Yourself in Pure Audio

Whether you're commuting through noisy city streets, working in a bustling coffee shop, or just trying to focus in a loud office, the right pair of noise-canceling earbuds can be absolutely transformative. We've tested dozens of the latest models to bring you the best noise-canceling earbuds of 2025 that deliver exceptional audio quality, powerful active noise cancellation, and all-day comfort.

From budget-friendly options that punch above their weight class to premium flagship models with cutting-edge adaptive ANC technology, here are our top picks that will help you tune out the world and tune into what matters.

What We Look For in Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Before we dive into our picks, here's what separates great noise-canceling earbuds from the rest:

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Performance: How effectively they eliminate low-frequency rumble (planes, trains, traffic) and mid-range noise (conversations, office chatter)
• Sound Quality: Rich, balanced audio that doesn't sacrifice clarity for bass
• Transparency/Ambient Mode: The ability to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds
• Battery Life: How long they last with ANC enabled
• Comfort & Fit: Secure, comfortable fit for extended wear
• Call Quality: Clear voice pickup for calls and video meetings
• Smart Features: App customization, adaptive ANC, multipoint connectivity

Our Top Picks

Sony WF-1000XM5 - Best Overall

Price: $299

What we like: The gold standard for noise-canceling earbuds. Sony's latest flagship delivers industry-leading ANC that makes airplane engines virtually disappear, combined with exceptional audio quality that audiophiles will appreciate. The adaptive sound control automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on your activity and location—walking, commuting, or sitting still.

Other things to know: 8 hours of battery life with ANC on (24 hours with the case). Smaller, more comfortable design than previous generations. Excellent call quality with AI-powered noise reduction. LDAC support for hi-res audio on compatible devices. Premium price, but worth every penny for serious users.

---

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) - Best for Apple Users

Price: $249

What we like: If you're in the Apple ecosystem, these are hard to beat. The H2 chip delivers significantly improved ANC that's twice as effective as the first generation, plus adaptive transparency mode that reduces harsh environmental noise while still letting you hear what's around you. Seamless switching between Apple devices is magical.

Other things to know: 6 hours with ANC (30 hours total with MagSafe charging case). Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive experience. Touch controls are intuitive. USB-C charging finally arrives. IPX4 water resistance for workouts. The fit works great for most ear shapes, but not everyone.

---

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds - Best ANC Performance

Price: $299

What we like: Bose wrote the book on noise cancellation, and these earbuds prove they're still at the top of their game. The ANC is simply phenomenal—possibly the most effective we've tested. They excel at eliminating both constant droning and sudden sharp noises. Immersive audio mode adds spatial sound that genuinely enhances your listening experience.

Other things to know: 6 hours battery with ANC (24 hours with case). Nine different ear tip and stability band combinations ensure a perfect fit. CustomTune technology calibrates sound to your ears. Slightly bulkier than competitors but incredibly comfortable. Premium materials and build quality.

---

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro - Best for Android

Price: $229

What we like: Samsung's flagship earbuds deliver excellent ANC and rich, detailed sound at a more accessible price point. Seamless integration with Samsung and Android devices, including instant pairing and quick settings access. The 360 Audio with head tracking works brilliantly with compatible content. Comfortable fit that stays secure during workouts.

Other things to know: 5 hours with ANC (18 hours with case). IPX7 water resistance—the highest rating in this category. Voice Detect automatically switches to ambient mode when you start speaking. Available in multiple colors. Best experience with Samsung Galaxy phones, but works great with any Android device.

---

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 - Best Sound Quality

Price: $299

What we like: For pure audio quality, these are hard to beat. Sennheiser's legendary sound engineering delivers rich, detailed audio with excellent clarity across all frequencies. The ANC is very good (though not quite Sony or Bose level), and the adaptive ANC adjusts to your environment automatically. Excellent app with detailed EQ customization.

Other things to know: 7.5 hours with ANC (30 hours total). Premium materials including fabric-covered case. Aptx Adaptive codec support for Android users. Comfortable for long listening sessions. Call quality is exceptional with four microphones and wind noise reduction.

---

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC - Best Budget Option

Price: $99

What we like: Incredible value that delivers 98.5% noise reduction (according to Anker's testing) at a fraction of the price of premium models. While the ANC isn't quite as sophisticated as the flagships, it's remarkably effective for the price—easily handling airplane noise, traffic, and office chatter. Sound quality is impressive with strong bass and clear vocals.

Other things to know: 10 hours with ANC on (50 hours with case)—best battery life in this roundup. Adaptive ANC 2.0 adjusts in real-time. Six microphones with AI algorithm for clear calls. Highly customizable EQ in the app. Wireless charging support. At this price, they're a steal for casual users or as a backup pair.

---

Jabra Elite 10 - Best for Calls

Price: $249

What we like: If you take a lot of calls or video meetings, these are your best bet. Six-microphone array with advanced wind protection delivers crystal-clear voice quality even in challenging environments. The ANC is excellent, and the spatial sound feature adds immersive depth. Comfortable semi-open design reduces ear pressure during extended wear.

Other things to know: 6 hours with ANC (27 hours with case). IP57 rating for dust and water resistance. Dolby Atmos support. Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously. Excellent app with detailed customization. Slightly larger case than some competitors.

---

How to Choose the Right Noise-Canceling Earbuds for You

For Apple Users: The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) offer the best integration with your devices, though Sony WF-1000XM5 will work great too if you prioritize ANC performance.

For Android Users: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro for Samsung phones, or Sony WF-1000XM5 for the ultimate experience regardless of brand.

For Frequent Travelers: Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer the most effective ANC for planes and trains.

For Audiophiles: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 deliver the most refined sound quality with extensive customization options.

For Remote Workers: Jabra Elite 10 provide exceptional call quality and all-day comfort for back-to-back video meetings.

On a Budget: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC deliver impressive ANC and sound quality at an unbeatable price.

Key Features to Consider

Active Noise Cancellation Modes

Most premium earbuds now offer multiple ANC modes:

• Maximum ANC: Blocks out as much noise as possible
• Adaptive ANC: Automatically adjusts based on your environment
• Transparency/Ambient Mode: Lets external sound in so you can hear announcements or have conversations
• Wind Reduction: Reduces wind noise during outdoor activities

Battery Life Reality Check

Manufacturers' battery claims are typically based on 50% volume with ANC off. Expect real-world battery life to be:

• With ANC on: Usually 5-8 hours per charge
• Total with case: 20-30 hours typically
• Quick charge: Most offer 1-2 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge

Fit and Comfort Matter

Even the best ANC is useless if your earbuds don't fit properly. Look for:

• Multiple ear tip sizes (usually 3-5 options)
• Fit test features in companion apps
• Lightweight design (under 6 grams per earbud is ideal)
• Ergonomic shape that distributes pressure evenly

Final Thoughts

The noise-canceling earbud market has never been better. Whether you're investing in flagship models like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, or opting for impressive budget options like the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, you're getting technology that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.

Our top recommendation for most people is the Sony WF-1000XM5. They offer the best overall combination of industry-leading ANC, excellent sound quality, smart features, and all-day comfort. But every pair on this list has earned its place for specific use cases and preferences.

The right pair of noise-canceling earbuds can transform your daily routine—making commutes more peaceful, focus sessions more productive, and your favorite music more immersive. Choose based on your ecosystem, priorities, and budget, and you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.