The best noise cancelling earbuds
With our entire lives digitized, we seem to attend calls, take classes, chat with friends, and even entertain ourselves on these small bright screens. So, we do need something that can help us understand the audio better without the worldly commotion around us that we cannot escape. This is where earbuds come in. They do not engulf your ears but fit steadily and quietly inside your ear and offer you the best audio quality that you can think of.
Just like potatoes, noise cancelling earbuds also come in all shapes and forms. You can get small earbuds that have a button-like shape and fit sneakily inside your ear canal, or you can get the kind with ear-loops so that you can jump around without fearing that you will drop them. No matter what your preference is, we think you will find one you like in the list below.
If you are trying to escape the hustle-bustle of the metropolis and dive into a world of peace, or dynamic tunes and music, then SAMSUNG Galaxy BUDS Pro Wireless Earbuds are for you. The buds provide the best raw quality of any type of audio with improved bass. We could detect almost all the beats, irrespective of how prominent or somber they were!
The tiny buds block out almost all of the background noises around you. It works just as fantastically even if you have no audio playing. Hence, if you are someone who likes complete silence at the office, while studying, or while working, buy these! The buds are extremely lightweight and have a sleek, button-like design that fits firmly in your ears.
Best overall
SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds Pro noise cancelling earbuds
These are perfect for all those people who want a pocket-friendly earbud that provides astounding sound quality.
- Noise cancelling:
- Sound quality:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
If you are trying to escape the hustle-bustle of the metropolis and dive into a world of peace, or dynamic tunes and music, then SAMSUNG Galaxy BUDS Pro Wireless Earbuds are for you. The buds provide the best raw quality of any type of audio with improved bass. We could detect almost all the beats, irrespective of how prominent or somber they were!
The tiny buds block out almost all of the background noises around you. It works just as fantastically even if you have no audio playing. Hence, if you are someone who likes complete silence at the office, while studying, or while working, buy these! The buds are extremely lightweight and have a sleek, button-like design that fits firmly in your ears.
Best wired
Sephia SP3060 noise cancelling earbuds
If you are looking for sleek earbuds that come with a durable Y-shaped cable and standard audio jack that offer exceptional audio quality then these are the ones.
- Noise cancelling:
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If you are looking for wired earbuds that offer you an immersive and isolated audio stage then Sephia SP3060 Metal Earbuds are your best choice. Using a sturdy and anti-tangible Y-shaped cable and 3.5 mm standard audio jack, the buds provide satisfactory noise cancellation and impressive audio quality. Music sounds crisp, clear, and downright phenomenal!
The fit of the earbuds is nice as well. The default tips are comfortable and provide a proper seal in the ear canal so you can definitely use them while you are working out. Although, if these annoy you, you can change them with the seven replacement tip pairs that the unit comes with.
Best with microphone
EarFun Audio Air Pro noise cancelling earbuds
These are best if you are seeking decent sound quality and long battery life in earbuds.
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EarFun Air Pro Wireless Earbuds are lightweight yet durable. They offer superb audio quality thanks to their powerful 10mm composite driver. No matter the type of audio, it sounds clear and vibrant. Although, we noticed that the audio is heavily influenced by bass so if you listen to bass-heavy songs then you will love these!
The lightweight buds can cancel out approximately 80% of the ambient noises around you. In terms of calls, it uses 6-microphone environment noise cancellation call technology. In simple words, this mighty technology makes the calls sound three times clearer than usual. You would be able to easily communicate and the hearer would be able to understand you as well.
Best affordable
Motast I09 noise cancelling earbuds
These earbuds are for everyone. Whether you want one for the gym, daily commute, office, or zoom meetings, this small gadget is perfect for all purposes.
- Noise cancelling:
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Motast I09 Wireless Earbuds are small, lightweight, and powerful set which offers some of the best features that you could ask for! The unit as well as the charging case is small enough to fit in your pocket so you can take them with you anywhere you want! It is waterproof and can be used for 126 hours continuously. Furthermore, it features Bluetooth 5.0 and DSR HD rendering technology which provides undisrupted audio with deep bass and crystal-clear treble.
Sporting CVC 8.0 Technology, the buds cancel out most of the ambient noises around you. It can eradicate any sound below 330 decibels. However, you can hear screaming children or the intercom if you are standing right next to the source. Whether you are looking for a device for casual use, professional listening, or just attend meetings, these earbuds can fit in all categories flawlessly!
Best wireless
TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active noise cancelling earbuds
These earbuds are ideal for people who can control if they want to hear background noises or not.
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Sporting Hybrid 3-layer active noise cancellation, one-step pairing, wireless charging, and a built-in microphone, the TOZO NC9 wireless earbuds are the knight in shining armor for all bass-lovers. The sound quality is ethereal; the bass is enriched and it just makes all types of songs sound so much livelier than they actually are.
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology and the transparent mode make using the buds pretty convenient. All you have to do is select the setting and voila! You can either have an immersive and isolated soundstage or an extra quiet and peaceful one that lets you focus on your tasks. The buds offer eight hours of continuous playback. Although, this can be increased to an entire day if you have the charging case with you at all times.
Best for work
Soundcore Life P2 noise cancelling earbuds
If you are looking for truly wireless earbuds that can be used to make calls clearly and also listen to music peacefully, then these are the ones.
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Anker Soundcore Life P2 Earbuds are true wireless units with beamforming noise reduction, graphene drivers, BassUp Technology, CVC 8.0 technology, and IPX7 waterproofing. These are also a great option for people who want to cancel out all of the background noises while they are working. We personally think these are the best for people who work in offices and want as little disturbance as possible.
The CVC 8.0 filters out all noises up to 30 decibels from the background whereas the graphene drivers provide an audio quality that is uniquely accurate and gives you a realistic immersive experience. On the other hand, the BassUP technology enhances the bass which makes listening to music on this an experience like no other.
Best for sleeping
Soundcore Life A2 NC noise cancelling earbuds
These are one of the best wireless earbuds to buy if you want to completely shut off the outside world.
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With multi-mode and hybrid ANC technology, you can have the most perfect listening experience anywhere and everywhere. The Soundcore A2 NC Noise Cancelling Earbuds possess two microphones per earbud; one is internally placed while the other is externally placed. Both help to block 90% of the ambient noise. So, if you are someone who wants pin-drop silence while you sleep, then get your hands on this before it goes out of stock!
On the other hand, the audio quality is just as amazing. Its 11mm bio-cellulose drivers give you an overall balanced soundstage with deep bass. Whether you’re on a call or listening to your favorite song on these, it makes the audio sound exactly how it was meant to be. Moreover, the earbuds seal your ear canals perfectly so you can wear them for hours without feeling fatigued.
Best premium
Sony WF-1000XM3 noise cancelling earbuds
These are ideal for everyone who wants earbuds for casual listening.
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Sony WF-1000XM Earbuds are perfect for casual listening. It sports 24-bit audio signal processing which greatly enhances the quality of the audio. You can hear the lows, mids, and highs accurately and clearly. The treble, as well as the bass, are just as incredible and you can enjoy every genre of music on this.
Unfortunately, the audio quality is not as great on calls but it is not unbearable either. The noise cancellation is pretty great. The foam tips also help to passively block out the noises. Besides this, though the earbuds fit comfortably in your ears, they have a bulky design and pop out of the ear if you are running out. So, these are not for fitness enthusiasts.
Best for phone calls
Otium Audio Wireless Sports noise cancelling earbuds
It is perfect for people who want earbuds that they can use while going to the gym, a hike, or any other sport which causes you to have sweat.
- Noise cancelling:
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- Comfort:
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Otium Audio Wireless On-Ear Earbuds are secure, fool-proof, and water-proof. They provide a superb audio stage and make sure that you get an amazing experience that is hard to find anywhere else. We were impressed by the ear loops since they helped to keep the earbuds in place no matter what you do; so, if you have a habit of pacing around while attending calls or you like to work out, these are perfect for you.
The CVC 6.0 transmits clear and vibrant audio quality and also ensures that the ambient noises are blocked out considerably. While making calls, you can clearly hear the other person and they can hear you just as clearly as well. Last but not the least, they stand strong against sweat which makes them great for sports as well!
Best for running
Motast Sports Wireless noise cancelling earbuds
These are perfect for workout sessions! With IPX7 waterproofing and ear hooks, these earbuds will check all the requirements off your list.
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Motast Wireless Sports Earbuds have secure ear hooks, a waterproof design, 100 hours of playtime, Bluetooth 5.0 and so many other features that will benefit you if you love sports and workout sessions! It adorns CVC 8.0 technology which cancels out most of the background noises. The powerful drivers give you an upbeat audio quality that is bass-enriched.
We were absolutely in love with the over-ear hooks. They are comfortable and smooth fit over your ear. They keep the earbuds in your ear and you do not have to worry about them falling off your ear during a high-intensity workout session. Though these can handle sweat quite impressively, we do not think these can be used for swimming. They do work well but you might hear a clicking sound while you move in the water.
What’s important when choosing noise cancelling earbuds
Type of earbuds design
There are three common earbuds designs; wired, wireless, and on-ear.
- The wired earbuds have a Y-shaped cable and a standard audio jack. They provide the clearest and crisp audio quality. However, the wires can deteriorate quickly if you do not take care of them. Furthermore, the wires get in the way of working out.
- The Wireless earbuds connect with your device via Bluetooth. Though they do have a pretty phenomenal audio quality, audiophiles prefer the wired version more. On the contrary, these are perfect for people who do not want to deal with wires; you can move a considerable distance away from your audio source which makes it perfect for workouts! You will have to keep check of the battery life, and Bluetooth connectivity at all times. Furthermore, people tend to lose these a lot more quickly.
- On-Ear is an all-time favorite for sports! The earbuds fit inside your ear while the ear loops or ear hooks close over your ear and make sure that the earbuds remain firmly in your ear even if you are running or skipping ropes. Furthermore, you never have to worry about losing your earbuds! However, while buying these, make sure to check whether the hooks fit over your ear securely or if they are loose. If it’s the latter, check if you can adjust them.
Size of the noise cancelling earbuds
As you might have noticed from our reviews, while a few earbuds offered exemplary audio quality, the design was too bulky and they tend to pop off your ear if you are walking or running. Thus, make sure to check the size of the earbuds.
For this, you need to first ascertain the reason for buying earbuds. If you are just going behind a desk, then bulky earbuds can work. However, if you tend to move around a lot, you need small ones which do not fall off your ear every time you move. Although if you are not paying attention, you might not even feel a small and lightweight earbud falls off your ear. On the other hand, you will probably feel the bulky earbuds fall off.
Specialization
Earbuds come in all types of forms and shapes and for all purposes. So, you need to define exactly why you need the earbuds and which type of activity you will be using the buds for.
If you are thinking of jogging around the park in your area, you need earbuds with a secure fit. You might like the type of earbuds that offer a good audio soundstage but also allow you to hear some of the background noises so you are aware of your surroundings.
If you are in a library or the office, you need the kind that offers sound isolation and offers you pro ANC technology. Also, if you are often part of online meetings, you need ones that feature a microphone. And if you are just looking for earbuds that provide good audio quality, your main focal assessment should be about the sound quality rather than noise cancellation.
Noise cancellation
There are three major categories of noise cancellation; Passive, Active, and Adaptive.
- Passive Noise Cancellation (PNC):
This type of noise cancellation is basically due to a physical barrier between your ears and the outside world that cancels out most of the ambient noises. One of the most common types of passive noise cancellation is through the ear tips of your buds. These small silicone tips fit firmly inside your ear canal and create a barrier that deflects most of the outside noises and gives you a peaceful isolated soundstage.
However, keep in mind that this does not mean that all types of noises will be blocked. To understand the concept of passive noise cancellation. Just stick your fingers inside your ear. This is the amount of audio blockage with earbuds that only have passive noise cancellation. If you want to completely shut off the outside world, you need to buy units with active and adaptive
noise-canceling technology.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
We have probably mentioned ANC technology a couple of times in the above reviews. So what exactly is it? This type of technology detects all kinds of ambient noises that are surrounding you and then they produce an anti-phase sound wave that cancels out these noises and you can get a completely isolated soundstage.
Microphones play a major role in these earbuds. Mostly, a microphone is located externally of the earbuds which pick up ambient sound waves and cancel them out. However, most units with ANC technology only offer two options; you can either completely ignore the external noises or you hear everything.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation:
This type of technology is relatively new. It is quite similar to ANC in terms of technicality. It uses the similar phenomenon of producing an opposing sound wave which cancels out the external sound wave. However, Adaptive technology is much more effective in eliminating additive sounds from the contaminated signals.
It uses highly advanced algorithms that detect the noises and then create a pitch-perfect signal that only cancels out those noises. This means that it ‘adapts’ to your environment and makes sure that you get the best audio fidelity one can imagine.
A few experts have mentioned that this technology not only detects the soundwaves around you but also inspects the leakages caused by glasses, ear tips, or even when you move your head as you go about your tasks.
Thus, before you select any type of earbuds, make sure to assess the type of noise cancellation you want. Can you go about your day irrespective of the background noises or do you want to completely shut off the outside world?
Once you’ve got your answer, ask yourself how much you are willing to pay for noise cancellation. Due to the advanced technology, these earbuds tend to cost much more than regular earbuds. Lastly, if you are buying earbuds for meetings, then check if you will get noise cancellation during calls. There are many products, like the EarFun Air Pro Wireless Earbuds, that offer this feature.
Battery life (in case of wireless earbuds)
If you are thinking of wireless options, make sure to check the battery life. The more battery life the earbuds have, the longer you will be able to use them. Also, check the continuous playtime without the charging case and how long the charging case lasts. An ideal pair should have at least four to five hours of battery life without the case.
Moreover, you also need to assess how long the charging case takes to charge. There are a lot of options that can offer almost an hour of playback time with only 10-15 minutes of charge!
FAQ
Should I buy headphones or earbuds?
The choice should depend on your preference as well as comfort level with the gadget. Some people like headphones because of how they engulf the ears and provide you a boosted sound experience. Whereas, other people specifically despise how the headphones swallow up the entire ear.
Generally, headphones deliver the most optimal audio quality and noise cancellation one can ask for. Furthermore, they are visible and you have less chance of losing them as compared to earbuds. On the flip side, people choose earbuds because they are more compact, inexpensive, and small enough to fit in your jeans pocket.
Are truly wireless earbuds worth it?
Yes, truly wireless earbuds are worth it! These are ideal for people who are into fitness or travel because the lack of wires makes you move in whichever direction you want without knocking off your phone or iPod. They offer an amazing Bluetooth range, battery life, and audio quality.
Why do my Bluetooth earbuds die so fast?
This can happen if you tend to overcharge your earbuds. Usually, overcharged batteries can lose their efficiency over time and this can lead to frequent dead batteries. Also, it can be since you do not turn off the Bluetooth when the earbuds are not being used.
Do earbuds lose quality over time?
Yes, earbuds do lose quality over time. This is because they are just electronics with complicated components. These tiny parts can easily wear and tear as time passes. On average, earbuds can last three to six months. Sometimes, they last for a longer time but this solely depends on how you are using them.
If you do not yank the wire and gently store the wired earbuds when they are not being used or in the case of wireless buds, if you are turning the Bluetooth off when they are not in use and not keep them in extremely hot or cold temperature, they can last for longer periods.
Why do earbuds lose volume?
One of the most common reasons for this can be poor connectivity between your earbuds and your device. The connection can be frazzled or lost. If this is not the case, either the wire of the earbuds is damaged or the earbuds themselves have been compromised.
Is it worth getting noise-canceling earbuds?
Yes, it is totally worth getting noise-canceling earbuds! These earbuds not only protect your hearing but also reduce environmental distractions and offer an overall better audio experience than the earbuds that do not have this feature. If you love a truly immersive and isolate soundstage, then these will give you the best results!
Final verdict
With so many options in the market, it can be hard to select just one type of earbuds. However, we are certain that our list concludes the top 10 best noise cancelling earbuds you can choose. Also, the buying guide will be of great help to you. Just make sure to check the type, specialization, and size of the earbuds before purchasing them!
Overall, the best kind of earbuds is the one that provides an audio quality that makes you move your feet and they feel comfortable in the ears. They shouldn’t hurt your ears no matter how long you wear them. So, look for something that has all of these small yet important features.
