Some things in life just go together: Like noise cancelation and earbuds. When it comes to easy and distraction-free calls and listening, earbuds are personally my go-to choice. Basically, earbuds are comfortable (especially for my small ears), travel well, and recharge rather quickly.
While I’m still a big fan of over-ear headphones, I’m often reaching for my earbuds because of the convenience factor (aka, slips into a small bag or jacket pocket and long battery life).
Impeccable sound quality is tantamount to an all-around impressive listening experience. Which means that noise cancellation is a part of that (and transparency modes, too) effect.
For me, noise cancellation is a must-have feature for my daily life. I live in Brooklyn, so extraneous noises and sounds are distracting whether I’m heads-down on a project or studying in an office setting, commuting by subway or bus, and taking calls. To add to that, I also find overly noisy environments (whether it’s at home or in a bustling coffee shop) overstimulating, so it’s always important for me to have a pair of earbuds or headphones with noise cancellation on hand.
And not to mention, what I also dig about earbuds is my ability to switch seamlessly between listening, taking calls, and joining meetings with ease. So having this feature tucked into a small and simple product like an earbud is a total win-win for my lifestyle.
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- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 100% independently owned and operated
We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our research process here.
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What is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
Essentially, Active Noise Cancellation, also known as ANC, is a system that utilizes relies on built-in microphones which picks up both external and internal sounds, an ANC chipset that inverts these soundwaves, and an internal speaker that emits counteractive waves to cancel out external noise—a process akin to mathematical equilibrium.
Want a more direct example? Think of it as a math equation in which you’ll add +2 from outside to -2 from the inside, resulting in zero (i.e., a balanced silence). So earbuds with ANC technology work to dissipate sound waves as they come in while increasing in-ear sound.
What should I look for in earbuds with ANC?
Obviously, you’re in the market for a product with active noise cancellation so that is your top priority.
Here’s a few things to consider while you’re browsing:
- Price: A budget helps you stay within range for a pair of earbuds that suits your lifestyle and your needs.
- Connectivity: Connectivity is an important feature that makes transitioning from one task to another and listening in itself seamless, pleasant, and convenient.
- Noise cancellation: While this is the main feature you’re seeking, it’s a vital one. This mode helps you stream audio at safe volume levels and provides a clear and consistent channel for calls, listening, and more.
- Passive noise cancellation: The reduction of external noise achieved through the physical design of the earbuds themselves, rather than through electronic means. This includes ear cups and a snug fit which helps support blocking ambient noise.
- Adaptive active noise cancellation: Automatic adjustments of the microphone and speakers to your surroundings.
- Transparency mode: Connect with the world around you any time, without ending a call or removing the earbuds.
- Adjustability: Features and modes that let you adjust and fine tune the level of background noise you hear through manual adjustment (or via an app).
Keep scrolling for our best picks for noise canceling earbuds.
