Noise can disrupt your peace, interrupt your sleep, cause you to be unproductive at work, distract from the task at hand, ruin phone call---the list goes on. Noise-canceling headphones are one solution. However, over- and on-ear headphones are sometimes too bulky.
On the other hand, noise-canceling in-ear headphones are small enough to fit in your pocket or the palm of your hand. And they weigh your head and ears down. But can they actually cancel the noise?
Yes, if you choose the right kind. These are the best noise-canceling in-ear headphones available today.
Undoubtedly the most popular choice, Apple AirPods Pro, are the best noise-canceling earbuds available today. The outward-facing microphone picks up external sounds before countering them with opposing soundwaves. There's also an inward-facing microphone that detects and eliminates anti-noise.
You can switch between Active Noise Cancellation or choose the transparent mode when you want to hear your surroundings while also listening to your content. The in-ear headphones are both sweat and water-resistant, so you can use them while exercising, washing the car, or walking in the rain.
The tapered silicone tips are available in small, medium, and large sizes, and the flexible tips click into place. Also, the vents equalize the pressure and create a sense of weightlessness in your ear.
You can get up to 4.5 hours of listening time on a single charge. With the wireless charging case, the AirPods Pro earbuds can produce over 24 hours of battery life. Another neat feature is that you can connect to Siri using the Hey Siri command.
- Customizable fit
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Sweat and water resistance
- Brand: Apple
- Battery Life: 4.5 hours, 24 hours with charging case
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Additional Tips: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Adaptive EQ
- Transparent mode
- Integration with Siri and other Apple products
- Only available in white
- Some of the most expensive earbuds
If you're looking for another popular option that inexpensive, consider the Mpow X3 ANC Bluetooth Earphones. They have two microphones in each earbud. The first mic works to provide Active Noise Canceling, while the second mic means you can enjoy crystal clear phone calls.
The sound reproduction is high-quality and immersive. The package includes three sizes of silicone tips to help you find the perfect fit. The earbuds can last up to seven hours, and the charging case provides an additional 23 hours of usage.
The controls are easy and convenient. You can control the volume, playback functions, and phone calls with the earbud's smart touch control. It's also possible to activate Google Assistant or Siri. Since the Mpow X3 are waterproof, you can enjoy them while working out.
- Up to 30 hours of playback
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Dual-mic setup for noise cancellation and phone calls
- Brand: Mpow
- Battery Life: 7 hours, 30 hours with charging case
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Additional Tips: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- IPX8-rated for water resistance
- Earbud-based touch controls
- Some users report wind noise while outdoors
If you’re looking for the best budget choice, the Boltune BT-BH023 are a great option. Each earbud has two microphones, which allow the headphones to reduce noise by up to 70 percent.
The included Smart Noise Cancellation technology helps also reduce noise by 96 percent when you’re on the phone and offer three times the vocal volume. The three silicone tip sizes ensure you get the proper fit to be comfortable.
Since they’re waterproof, you can wear the Boltune BT-BH023 regardless of what you’re doing and in all environments. The touch controls can be used to control music, phone calls, and also activate the ANC.
You can get seven hours of playtime on a single charge, while the charging case provides 23 hours of playtime. In addition, a 10-minute quick charge delivers an extra hour of playtime.
- Two microphones per earbud for ANC and phone calls
- Up to 30 hours of playback
- Brand: Boltune
- Battery Life: 7 hours, 30 hours with charging case
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Additional Tips: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Budget-friendly price
- Quick charge offers one hour of playback for a 10-minute charge
- No color options
- Some users report Bluetooth interference during use
The Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds have flexible wings that fit comfortably on your ear’s ridge. The weight is distributed, so the most sensitive part of your ear isn’t pressured, and you can choose from three soft silicone ear tip sizes.
The ear nozzles create a seal in your ear that keeps noise out while letting you enjoy the sounds you want to hear. The StayHere Max tip ensures that the earbuds don’t fall out of your ear. In addition, they’re water-resistant, so you can wear them when you’re sweating in the gym or out and about in the rain.
The Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds are also easy to control. If you take one earbud out, it immediately pauses whatever you were listening to. The left earbud controls noise cancellation levels, and the right earbud controls phone calls and content.
The battery lasts for up to six hours, and with the Qi-certified charging case, it can last up to 18 hours. Also, you can use the Bose Music app to customize your settings and manage your connections. The earbuds are available in two colors: Soapstone and Triple Black.
- Each earbud has touch-based controls
- Charging case supports Qi Wireless Charging
- Brand: Bose
- Battery Life: 6 hours; 18 with charging case
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Additional Tips: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Two color choices available
- IPX4-rated for water resistance
- Can only connect to one device at a time
If you like color choices, you'll love these Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus. The earbuds are available in multiple colors and come with five sizes of silicone tips and three varieties of Fit Wings so you can find the perfect fit.
The in-ear headphones use Beryllium-based drivers to produce rich sounds, while the Active Noise Cancellation removes unwanted noise. Since they're water-resistant, you can wear them during intense workouts and inclement weather.
The Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus have a 10-hour battery life, and the sleek, stainless steel charging case provides a total of 40 hours of playback. They're available in Steel Blue, Black Pearl, Jade Green, Steel Blue, Tortoise Shell, and White Marble.
- 40-hour playback with charging case
- IPX5-rated for water resistance
- Brand: Master & Dynamic
- Battery Life: 10 hours, 40 hours with charging case
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Additional Tips: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Multiple color options available
- Come with multiple tip sizes for the perfect fit
- Not ideal for bass lovers
The Sony WF 1000XM3 come with Sony's HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1e to offer adaptive noise cancellation. There are four ear tip sizes included in the package, allowing you to choose your ears' ideal fit.
Each earbud has easy to use touch controls that allow you to adjust the volume, change the track, and access Alexa. Using the Quick Attention Mode, you can put your hand over the left earbud to turn the volume down and turn off noise canceling. You can also make hands-free phone calls using the earbuds.
In addition, the music automatically pauses when you remove the headphones. The companion smartphone app allows you to customize the experience and adjust audio settings.
- Amazon Alexa integration
- 24bit audio signal processing
- 24-hour battery life
- Brand: Sony
- Battery Life: 90 minutes quick charge; 24 carrying case
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Additional Tips: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- NFC support for easy pairing
- Adaptive noise cancellation to suit your environment
- Short battery life compared to the competition
- Not water-resistant
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are the ideal choice for Samsung smartphone users. One of the standout features is the integration with Bixby, Samsung's smart digital assistant.
You can control the earbuds with simple taps. These touch controls let you adjust the volume, accept calls, and change the track. With some of the smart features switched off, you can expect up to 29 hours of battery life. However, if you use the ANC and always-on Bixby feature, this is reduced to about 20 hours.
The Galaxy Buds Live have a unique design, leading them to be affectionately known as the Galaxy Bean. The earbuds have a glossy outer design, which fits neatly and unobtrusively into your ear. The in-ear headphones are available in three colors; Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, and Mystic White.
- Integration with Samsung services, including Bixby
- Three microphones on each earbud for ANC and phone calls
- Brand: Samsung
- Battery Life: 8 hours, up to 29 hours with charging case
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Additional Tips: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- AKG-tuned 12mm speakers
- Unique, minimalistic design
- 29-hour battery life only available with features turned off
- Users report discomfort after a few hours of use
FAQ
Q: Does Noise Canceling Really Work?
Yes, it does. The term Active Noise Canceling (ANC) refers to the ability to find and stop ambient noise before it gets to your ears. Microphones pick up external sounds and counter them with an equal amount of anti-noise.
However, this only occurs with active noise canceling. With passive noise canceling, the earbuds don't have this type of seek-and-destroy function. Critics of the form say that noise-canceling earbuds don't work, although there are essential factors to consider.
For instance, it's crucial to fit the earbuds securely into your ear. The type of noise around you will also impact the effectiveness. As audio is a subjective experience, some believe that the noise-canceling function diminishes the audio quality of music and other audio content.
Q: How Can I Decide Which Type of Noise-Canceling In-Ear Headphones to Get?
When choosing noise-canceling in-ear phones, consider your function. If you plan on exercising and using them in any weather, waterproof models are your best bet.
If you’re going to be active and outdoors, you’ll also want something that sits securely in your ear, so it won’t fall on the ground and get crushed underfoot.
Likewise, if you frequently stop to talk on the phone, make sure you get a model that has a mic for this purpose, as well as easy-to-manage controls for hand-free talking. Bluetooth models offer similar functions wirelessly.
Q: Can Wearing Earbuds Damage My Ears?
If you listen to loud music for long periods, it can lead to irreversible hearing loss. And a long and rechargeable battery life enables people to listen to earbuds much longer than in the past. Be sure to take breaks when wearing your earbuds and as much as you may like loud music, turn it down a bit. Your ears will thank you.
