Best Noise Canceling Earbuds in 2026: Which One Should You Buy?

Silence the world around you with the best noise cancelling earbuds recommended by our audio professionals

A pair of the best noise canceling earbuds is an excellent option to avoid distractions when you travel, work, or take a break. All this is possible with noise cancellation technology, which reduces the sound emanating from the outside world by using extremely sophisticated algorithms to receive your preferred music or podcasts, and other audio.

After several earbud tests, we offer a list of the best noise canceling earbuds. The ANC (active noise cancelling earbuds) is among the top we’ve ever had, blocking nearly all sounds around us. They sound fantastic and come in some great colours.

Best Noise Canceling Earbuds — Quick Comparison (2026)

Best Noise Canceling Earbuds in 2026

1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 bring improvements in the overall formula and every important aspect. If you took the time to buy a new pair of wireless noise canceling earbuds and compare them to the previous model, you’d be concerned about whether you’d be a bit shortchanged.

Put them in your ear, and you’ll soon see the improvement. They’ve even improved ANC over the older model, and some of the best noise canceling earbuds. The devices block all noise. I used them during a long train trip and discovered that all the sounds of my train were completely invisible, even when I was not listening to music. It’s almost like magic, as the orchestra’s sound rises and the background noise fades away.

Pros

• Best-in-class noise cancellation
• Extremely comfortable for long wear
• Clear, reliable call quality
• Good touch controls
• Great overall sound quality

Cons

• Quite large and bulky
• Battery life still average (~6 hrs ANC)
• Immersive audio mode drains battery with little benefit
• Wireless charging not included (optional)

Also read: Best Gaming Earbuds 2025: Top Picks for Every Gamer

2. AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3, Apple knocked Bose’s earbuds from the list of best ANC earbuds. They were released just before the new AirPods were released. The AirPods Pro 3 are still significantly better than their predecessors.

The ANC is, as Apple states, “2x as good as the AirPods Pro 2. We’ve discovered it to be found that ANC is actually significantly better than the ANC of older models. It is better at blocking sounds across the frequency spectrum; however, it focuses on the sounds you’ll encounter during your daily routine.

Additional features on AirPods Pro 3. The heart rate monitor and Live Translation, although we considered these to be interesting extras rather than “good reasons to buy noise cancelling earbuds.’

Pros

• Significantly improved ANC vs previous generation
• Excellent transparency mode
• Better fit with new XXS/XS eartips
• Long battery life (~8 hrs)
• Improved mic and call performance
• Wireless charging included
• Strong Apple ecosystem integration

Cons

• Best features work only with iPhone/Apple devices
• No included charging cable
• Only available in white (can discolor over time)

3. Sony WF-C710N

With their new transparent blue hue, the WF-C710N enters the party with style and features that will make earbuds that cost more blush. They’re a significant upgrade from the model before them, with plenty of reasons why you may want to consider these affordable noise canceling earbuds over others. Battery lifespan? Check. Sound quality? Check. Excellent ANC? Do you check them again? They might turn out to be the next pair of buds.

The ANC is a massive highlight. They block out about half the amount of noise as a somewhat more costly Bose alternative, and they offer a similar comfort level. Offices are kept quiet, and car horns are neutralized, and other sounds are absorbed into the background thanks to Sony’s top-of-the-line ANC algorithm. Some more raucous-sounding noises may occur at times. However, they’re incredibly difficult to tangle up.

Pros

• Excellent ANC for a budget model
• Long battery life (up to ~8.5 hrs ANC)
• Comfortable for extended listening
• Solid bass and overall sound quality
• Great value for price

Cons

• Charging case feels plasticky
• No LDAC or aptX codecs
• Not as refined an ANC as premium buds

4. Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony’s flagship earbuds are frequently among our favorite in-ear models, and the most recent version we’ve reviewed, the WF1000XM5, is no different. They feature excellent noise cancellation that’s better than the older model, a battery life, and premium audio quality.

The sound quality is the best part of the earbuds. It’s slightly bass-weighted, and we noticed during our tests that it excelled at making rock and pop. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to other music, far from it. It’s also a feature of the Sony buds. The buds themselves can provide eight hours of audio when ANC is activated.

Pros

• Powerful noise cancellation
• Exceptional sound quality
• Strong battery life (~8 hrs with ANC)
• Wireless charging included
• Excellent companion app and customization
• Comfortable with multiple tip options

Cons

• Premium price
• Smaller earbuds can affect seal and fit for some
• Not quite as ANC-strong as Bose QC Ultra

5. Noble Fokus Amadeus

The Noble Focus Amadeus brings elegance to the proceedings. They’re covered in an elegant red hue. The buds are finished with a resin that makes them appear like jewelry. I am in love withthem.

Sound is definitely the most important aspect, though. Put them in your ear, and you’ll be presented with the best audio experience that’s available for $400. The highs are exceptionally precise, the mids are impressive, while the bass can also be awe-inspiring. They sound fantastic, and that’s why they’re listed.

They lack some of the features offered by competitors, like AirPods’ Spatial Audio and 360 Reality Audio, which you get on Sony buds. They make up for it with their incredible audio quality.

Pros

• Outstanding sound quality (audiophile-level)
• Excellent noise cancellation
• Long battery life (12.5+ hrs nominal)
• Comes with many ear tip options
• Very comfortable fit

Cons

• High price
• Limited availability
• Bulky charging case
• Lacks some modern features (e.g., spatial audio)

6. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

They used them for long runs or other workouts and discovered they blocked out the sound very effectively. Fitness centers were hushed, and traffic noise was reduced to a halt. If you’d like to ensure that your Smith machine exercises, jogging, cycling, or swimming isn’t interrupted, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are the best noise canceling earbuds for you.

I was also extremely impressed with the life span of the buds. According to Beats, you can expect the equivalent of 10 hours of ANC on the battery life of the buds. And my tests showed that to be almost in the middle. This extends to 45 hours if you return them to the (very massive) charging case. This longest battery life on the market. It’ll depend on how much volume you’re using it and also the category, but expect good endurance.

Pros

• Secure, active-friendly fit (ear hooks)
• Long battery life (≈10 hrs ANC)
• Strong bass and energetic sound
• Comfortable for workouts
• Wireless charging included

Cons

• Large charging case
• Sound quality is not as refined as premium buds
• Heart rate monitor can be inconsistent
• ANC is not as strong as top-tier models

Also read: 10 Best Earbuds for Android in 2025 (Top Picks for Every Budget)

How We Test Best Noise Canceling Earbuds

We don’t just listen — we push earbuds to real-world limits.

• ANC in action: Tested on busy streets, trains, offices, and cafés to see how well they block everyday noise.
• Sound quality: Played across multiple music genres to check bass, clarity, and balance with ANC on.
• Comfort check: Worn for hours to ensure no pain, slipping, or ear fatigue.
• Battery life: Measured against real usage, not just brand claims.
• Call clarity: Tested calls in noisy and quiet environments.
• Features & apps: Evaluated EQ, transparency mode, spatial audio, and ease of use.

Conclusion

Choosing the best noise canceling earbuds depends on what you value most—silence, sound quality, battery life, or comfort. Premium options like Bose and Sony lead in ANC performance, while budget models still deliver impressive results. If your lifestyle or budget, today’s best noise canceling earbuds offer powerful noise reduction, clear audio, and all-day comfort for everyday listening.

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