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Apple popularized the true wireless category when it launched the original AirPods back in 2016, so it’s no surprise that the AirPods Pro sparked interest in true wireless earphones with active noise cancellation (ANC). Noise-cancelling earbuds existed well before the AirPods Pro, of course, and PCMag’s audio experts have been independently reviewing them in earnest for around seven years (with wired entries going back even further).Based on our many years of thorough testing, we’ve come up with a list of the best models you can buy below. If you just care about getting the most effective ANC, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are our high-end pick, and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earphones beat everything remotely around $100; both earn our Editors’ Choice award. Still, if you are willing to give up a bit of ANC performance, it’s worth reading through the reviews for all the products here to determine which best meets your needs. Our recommendations cover as many different budgets as possible, and we also explain everything you need to know before making a purchase further down.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best for iPhone Users
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Pros & Cons
Rich, well-balanced audio performance
Excellent active noise cancellation
Conversation Aware feature adjusts your music volume when you speak
Charging case has a built-in speaker, USB-C port
Seamless integration with Apple devices
No hi-res codec support
EQ presets aren’t adjustable
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The refreshed AirPods Pro remain the best value within Apple’s in-ear audio lineup because they offer the most effective noise cancellation and the most pleasing sound. They also have spatial audio with head tracking (which can make non-musical content more immersive) and excellent Adaptive Audio transparency modes. A USB-C port on the case makes charging more convenient than with previous models.
Who It’s For
If you want the best earphones that work seamlessly across Apple’s ecosystem, these are what you should get.
Learn More
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) Review
Best Noise Cancellation Overall
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Pros & Cons
Best-in-class noise cancellation
Crisp, full-bodied audio
Active Aware feature blends noise cancellation and transparency modes
Spatial audio support with head tracking
Good Bluetooth codec support
Case doesn’t support wireless charging
No multipoint connectivity
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
Although Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earphones produce superior sound, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer the most effective noise cancellation overall: They are extremely adept at suppressing both low and high frequencies. We also like their secure fit and the intuitive Bose Music companion app. In addition, they support the higher-quality AptX Adaptive codec for Android users.
Who It’s For
Because of their ability to block out the outside world, these are ideal for travelers and anyone who works in noisy environments. Slightly stronger options exist for audiophiles and hi-res streaming, but these earphones still deliver a top-tier audio experience.
Learn More
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Review
Best for Audiophiles
Sony WF-1000XM5
Pros & Cons
Rich bass response and crisp, detailed highs
Adjustable in-app EQ
Excellent noise cancellation
Top-tier mic clarity
Case supports wireless charging
Hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant
Expensive
Some bloat in companion app
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earphones don’t quite overtake the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in the noise cancellation department, but they are still especially good at blocking out higher frequencies thanks to their hybrid eartips. They also produce superb sound, support the LC3 and LDAC codecs, and offer excellent mic quality.
Who It’s For
The WF-1000XM5 earphones should appeal to audiophiles more than the AirPods Pro or the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds because of their customizable EQ and high-end codec support.
Learn More
Sony WF-1000XM5 Review
Best Noise Cancellation Under $100
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Pros & Cons
Potent bass depth with bright highs
Commendable noise cancellation for the price
LDAC support for Android users
Capable companion app includes EQ
Default sound signature has noticeable sculpting
Average water-resistance rating
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
For their price, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds effectively dial back low-frequency rumble and do a commendable job against the mids and highs. Otherwise, they deliver a detailed audio signature, support the high-end LDAC codec on compatible Android phones, and offer good battery life. We also like that the Soundcore app has adjustable EQ and a section for customizing controls.
Who It’s For
If you have a strict budget of $100, want above-average ANC, and seek quality sound, these Anker earbuds should top your short list.
Learn More
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Review
Most Stylish
Beats Studio Buds +
Pros & Cons
Deep bass and crisp highs
Excellent noise cancellation for the price
Easy iOS integration and support for Google Fast Pair
Hands-free Siri access
No EQ
Lacks spatial audio with head tracking
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The Beats Studio Buds + stand out for their see-through exterior shell and effective noise cancellation. They work seamlessly across Apple’s device ecosystem, as well as support hands-free Siri. Sculpted, dynamic sound and a playback time of up to nine hours per charge (without ANC) are additional positives.
Who It’s For
If you value style just as much as sound quality or ANC, these earbuds are a worthy investment. They pair smoothly with Apple’s devices while looking nothing like any of the AirPods.
Learn More
Beats Studio Buds + Review
Best for Big Bass on a Budget
EarFun Air Pro 3
Pros & Cons
Deep bass response
Quality noise cancellation for the price
App has custom EQ
Case supports wireless charging
Sound signature is far from accurate
App’s design could use more polish
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The Earfun Air Pro 3 earbuds deliver serious bass depth and are among the most successful sub-$100 pairs at canceling distracting noise. They offer excellent connectivity options too, with support for the low-latency AptX Adaptive and LC3 codecs. Their companion app looks slightly outdated, but it has all the important features, including a six-band EQ and an area for downloading firmware updates.
Who It’s For
If you only want to spend around $100, the Air Pro 3 earphones are a natural pick for bass lovers. If ANC performance is your biggest priority, however, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds still have a slight edge.
Learn More
EarFun Air Pro 3 Review
Best ANC Against Low Frequencies
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2
Pros & Cons
Full-bodied bass and bright highs
Excellent noise cancellation, especially against deep lows
Dust-resistant and waterproof
Case can charge wirelessly and stream audio to the earbuds
Expensive
App hides some features
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 earphones cancel low, droning frequencies more effectively than any other model we’ve tested. Their IP57 rating and invigorating audio response make them fantastic for high-intensity exercises, while Jabra’s companion app provides a helpful EQ and HearThrough mode (transparency) adjustments. The charging case is a large part of the appeal, too, thanks to its ability to stream Bluetooth LE audio to the earbuds from any other playback device with a 3.5mm or USB-C connection.
Who It’s For
Get these Jabra earbuds if you want to eliminate any consistent, low-frequency noises during your commute or otherwise. And their dust and water protection means you won’t ever have to think twice about using them in rough weather.
Learn More
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Review
Best for Samsung Galaxy Users
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Pros & Cons
Dual drivers produce fantastic bass depth and clarity
24-bit streaming for (some) Galaxy phone users
Competent active noise cancellation
Case charges wirelessly
Waterproof design
In-app EQ isn’t customizable
So-so battery life
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro back up quality ANC with excellent audio chops. Additionally, their Samsung Seamless Bluetooth codec for hi-res streaming (on some, but not all Galaxy devices) helps the dual drivers in each earpiece shine. And the ANC experience is above average for the price.
Who It’s For
We wish we could say all Android users, but to get the full capabilities here (including 24-bit hi-res streaming), you need a Galaxy smartphone running Android 8.0 and One UI 4.0 or higher with 1.5GB RAM. If your device meets those base specifications, these earbuds are an obvious choice.
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review
Buying Guide: The Best Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earbuds for 2024
Do Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Block All Sound?Active noise cancellation (ANC) debuted in over-ear and on-ear headphones first but is now prevalent in wireless earphones. As the first word of the term suggests, active noise cancellation requires power, as opposed to passive noise reduction. Battery power feeds ANC circuitry that creates a live, inverse signal of the surrounding noise using microphones. Just like how adding a negative number to its positive equivalent nets zero, the goal here is to offset the ambient noise with inverse sound waves.Does it work? That depends on the manufacturer and the character of the surrounding noise. Even competent ANC is typically far more effective against low to mid frequencies, especially unchanging, drone-like sounds such as from an engine or an appliance. The very best ANC does the same for some higher-frequency sounds, like office chatter and keyboard clicks. But a tight in-ear seal is what helps most against these sounds.
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 (Credit: Tim Gideon)
Speaking of an in-ear seal, passive noise cancellation (or passive noise isolation) uses the physical sealing-off of the ear canal to block out surrounding sound. There are no mics or batteries involved in this method, but it is, in many ways, more effective than active noise cancellation because it helps cut back frequencies across the board. Earplugs still exist for a reason—they work. Bad Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: What to AvoidLower-quality ANC circuitry often produces an audible high-frequency hiss—like white noise or tape hiss—that masks some of the higher frequencies it can’t eliminate. The easiest way to tell if this is happening is to activate the ANC in a totally quiet environment—if your headphones seem to make the noise floor louder, they are adding a hiss. Most earbuds we test add some degree of hiss, but the quality of the ANC dictates its prevalence.Another aspect of low-quality ANC, especially in wireless headphones and earphones, is the difference in how music (or any audio) sounds when it is active. The ANC shouldn’t change how music sounds at all, but some models we test produce wildly different sound signatures when ANC is on, such as more bass, more treble, and higher volume levels. The effect (in most cases) isn’t too disruptive, however.What Is the Ambient (or Transparency) Mode?Plenty of true wireless models include a feature that allows you to monitor your surroundings without removing the earpieces. This is useful in offices and airports, as well as for runners who need to be aware of traffic and car horns. Not all true wireless earbuds with an ambient monitoring mode also include noise cancellation, but most of the ones we’ve tested do.Many offer on-ear controls that allow you to cycle through ANC and ambient/transparency modes. We note whether earphones include this feature—along with how well it works—in each of our reviews.
Recommended by Our Editors
Are Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Worth It?The best true wireless earphones that deliver audiophile-pleasing audio and excellent ANC can easily cost over $300, but those aren’t your only options. We’re starting to see some worthwhile, budget-friendly alternatives that deliver commendable noise cancellation and sound quality for under $100.Whether they are worth the money depends on the character of noise is in your environment and how much it prevents you from focusing on whatever it is you need to do. If you can’t think clearly without silence or (at least a greater sense of quiet), noise-cancelling earphones are well worth the peace of mind they can bring. Once you find the perfect pair, head over to our stories on five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you’re using your headphones wrong.
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