Best noise-cancelling earbuds 2025
Entertaining earbuds with amazing noise-cancelling skills

Reality is overrated. Why listen to the chatter of fellow passengers when you can block them out and focus on a playlist instead? Or just enjoy the silence?
That's the promise of noise cancellation. The tech was once the preserve of expensive over-ear headphones, but in recent years it has come to cheaper pairs and even wireless earbuds. It's pretty good, too.
All of the below pairs are highly rated by us, and fare very well in what is a fiercely competitive market. Some of them are surprisingly affordable, too – although you do get a better performance when you spend more.
All the best pairs we've tested across a range of prices will be found in the list below, together with a full explanation of what we're looking for in our 'how we test' section.
In our opinion, the best noise-cancelling earbuds on the market right now are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).
But if you're looking for a cheaper model, try the Sony WF-C710N for size. They're small, comfortable and pack a mighty sonic punch for the money.
But there are plenty of options besides. Whatever your needs, there's a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds for you.
26th September 2025: We swapped in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for the 1st Gen model following the publication of our review. We also replaced the Sony WF-C700N with the newer C710N, which we labelled as 'best budget', combining the 'best cheap' and 'best mid-price' categories. And we replaced the B&W Pi8 with the Technics EAH-AZ100 because of the latter's more customisable and better ANC (the Pi8 are now in the 'Also consider' section). Plus we updated the 'Noise-cancelling earbuds coming soon' section with the AirPods Pro 3 and Sony XM6. Phew.
5 Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
Best noise-cancelling earbuds overall
These cut even more noise than their five-star predecessors. No other pair is as up to the job.
Best budget noise-cancelling earbuds
They're not the cheapest ANC buds around, but you'll have to spend quite a bit more to better the performance.
The best noise-cancelling earbuds for audiophiles
The turntable-maker has created a pair of noise-cancelling buds that should worry Sony and Bose.
Best noise-cancelling earbuds for battery life
Struggle with battery anxiety? The M100 should help put you at ease with ten hours of playback per charge.
Best noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple users
With improved ANC and a wonderfully rich and engaging sound, these are the best-sounding in-ear AirPods.

I have been testing audio products for What Hi-Fi? for nearly two decades. Over the last few years, the noise-cancelling earbuds category has exploded and I have reviewed some great (and some not-so-great) pairs including multiple generations from some of the biggest brands in the business, such as Apple, Bose, JBL and Sony. I've heard all the pairs on this list and can vouch for the quality and value of every single one, so you can buy with confidence.
The best noise-cancelling earbuds overall








Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Bose is still the king of noise cancellation. The American firm invented the tech for use by pilots before bringing it to consumer headphones. Both its over-ears and in-ear models have consistently rated as among the best noise-cancelling headphones around. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are its best in-ears yet.
Bose focussed on improving two key areas: sound quality and noise cancellation. And it's succeeded on both counts.
The ANC is now smoother at negating sudden spikes of noise like car horns beeping or sirens. But they're still very adept at muffling general background sound like chatter or the rumble of a plane engine (the tech's origins coming into play here).
In fact, for some people it might be too much. If complete and utter silence sounds a bit foreboding, you might be happier with a slightly lesser, more natural effect from a competitor model. But if you want to be cut off from the outside world entirely, these earbuds are certainly up to the task.
"Noises across the sonic spectrum, be they clacking keyboards, chattering colleagues or cars beeping their horns on the street, simply dissolve into near-insignificance, with harsher and more intrusive sounds shut out even more effectively than before," we wrote in our review.
The improvement in sound quality is another success. The 2nd Gen keep the same driver as their predecessors, but Bose has managed to squeeze a bit of extra performance out of it. Its fine tuning has resulted in a better bass response and smoother high end.
Notes have more texture, and we noticed improvements in crispness and richness, lending the sound more authority.
Wireless charging is now standard, whereas the original QC Ultra Earbuds required an accessory to enable cable-free juicing up. Not only was this less convenient, it added an extra cost, too.
It's a shame Bose didn't extend the battery life, as 24 hours (including the carry case) is looking a little meagre in the face of the competition. But the six-hour runtime from the earbuds themselves still stands up.
Again, comfort levels are up there with the best earbuds around. That's largely thanks to the stability bands, which keep them securely in place. And the touch controls are once again a joy to use.
Bose's Immersive Audio spatial feature remains a little underwhelming, but it really depends on the individual track you're listening to. But for noise cancellation in a pair of wireless earbuds, there really is none better.
Read the full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review

Bose has always delivered excellent noise cancelling in its wireless earbuds and the Ultra are no exception. Not only is the ANC on point, but I'm also a big fan of the comfort levels offered by their silicone tips and also the flexibility that comes with the Bose Music control app. You can alter the level of noise cancelling and save several presets which you can switch between should you want to vary the amount of noise let through.
Best budget noise-cancelling earbuds







Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The WF-C700N won multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards in their time, and for their follow-ups, Sony has created another compelling pair of noise-cancelling earbuds.
The ANC benefits from Dual Noise Sensor filters, which makes them a cut above their predecessors in terms of world silencing. As we wrote in our review: "You can hear the earbuds increase the intensity of the ANC and extract an extra layer or two of noise, especially in the lower mid and bass frequencies."
True, they're not as adept as pricier pairs like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024), especially for cancelling the upper echelons of the frequency range. But given their much cheaper price, the C710N perform fantastically.
They're a real step up on their Award-winning predecessors, which is a real plaudit.
They once again offer a wind noise reduction structure around the mic and Precise Voice Pickup Technology, both of which make calls clearer.
Sonically, they're another improvement. "There’s a weight, solidity and fullness in the bass which makes the WF-C700N sound lightweight and a little top-heavy," we wrote in our review. "The new model fleshes things out better."
They dig up an immense amount of detail given their price, with a tight, punchy bass that's never short of punch and always remains balanced. Voices retain their natural warmth, while notes come with lots of texture. And as we often find with Sony earbuds, they have a fine sense of musicality.
They have a natty new Transparent Blue finish which helps them stand out from the sea of lookalike wireless earbuds. Touch controls now come as standard, and the battery life has doubled to 30 hours including the carry case (you get the same 8.5 hours from the buds as with the C700N).
All of these improvements, and they keep the same launch price as the C700N. If you're on a budget, these are the best noise-cancelling earbuds bar none.
Read the full Sony WF-C710N review
Best noise-cancelling earbuds for audiophiles








Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you prize sound quality above all else in your noise-cancelling earbuds, these Technics should be top of your list.
The brand (which is owned by Panasonic) might be better known for its direct drive turntables and hi-fi electronics, but these flagship earbuds were the company's first five-star pair in quite some time. And that's largely thanks to the excellent sound quality.
"Wonderfully clear and open," was our verdict when we reviewed them. They also pack in a ton of detail.
"The plucking of strings in Agnes Obel’s The Curse is clearly defined and packed with tactility, while the layers of nuance in her strong but delicate voice are revealed effortlessly," we wrote.
They're livelier and more nimble than their predecessors, the AZ80, with more punch and a greater sense of dynamic subtlety. They're even more spacious and open than the Sony XM5, which have long been among the best wireless earbuds around.
This sound is made possible by the 10mm "Magnetic Fluid Driver" previously used in the £1100 EAH-TZ700 wired in-ears. This features an oil-like substance with magnetic properties that improves power handling and helps to damp any unwanted rocking motion of the diaphragm (without adding mass). That Technics was able to use this in the smaller drivers of a wireless earbud, and without driving up the price, is a marvel of engineering.
This improved stability makes for greater low-end power, while the stiff aluminium diaphragm delivers smoother mids and high frequencies and keeps distortion low.
The noise cancellation is similarly excellent, especially with mid and low frequencies. It's more natural feeling than Bose's, and they now have an Adaptive option, which automatically adjusts to offer the best noise-cancelling level for your fit and environment.
You can even customise the amount of ANC and ambient noise out of 100, and choose to focus on voices.
The buds themselves are small and comfortable enough to wear for hours, and with five sizes of eartips included, they should fit most people. They're packed with features too, like Technics' three-way multipoint which lets you swap seamlessly between three paired devices. And they support Sony's higher quality LDAC codec.
These earbuds were made as part of Technics' diamond anniversary celebrations. What a fitting tribute to the brand's heritage.
Read the full Technics EAH-AZ100 review
Best noise-cancelling earbuds for battery life




Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you suffer from battery life anxiety, the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 are here to save you. With ANC turned on they’ll last a whopping ten hours, (which goes up to 16 if you switch ANC off). Add the charging case into the equation and the total battery life is 33 hours with ANC on and 52 hours without. At this level, there aren't many rivals that come close, even in this list.
But these noise-cancelling earbuds aren't all about battery life. For a start, we found them lightweight and comfortable to wear, which was aided by the fact you get five pairs of tips in the box to help with fit and seal. The M100 are also IPX4-rated which means they're sweat-resistant and good to go when it comes to exercise.
Touch controls on the side of each bud handle a wide range of controls, and it's the usual combination of single and double taps plus long presses to get the buds to do your bidding.
Cambridge has also given its earbuds an element of future-proofing via Bluetooth 5.3 support and the inclusion of LE Audio, aptX Lossless, Auracast and the LC3 codec, for when they become available further down the line.
Noise cancelling is very good for the money and almost up to the standard of the Apple AirPods Pro 2. You can take your pick from High, Medium and Low options depending on how much outside noise you want to be audible. Their Transparency mode could be clearer, though, and it should be easier to hear announcements over your music.
Sonically, the Melomania M100 deliver a clean, spacious and inviting sound which isn't fatiguing over time. Bass is shapely, substantial and well-defined, while highs are crisp and nicely controlled and lack any harshness that you might get from lesser models.
They aren't quite as dynamically strong as other five-star pairs at the money, though. This means they have to work a bit harder to maintain your interest. but we still think they're a smart pair of earbuds well worth considering at this price.
Read the full Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review
Best noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple users





Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
It will come as no surprise to you that we're recommending the AirPods Pro 2 as the best noise-cancelling buds for keen iPhone and Apple users. The original AirPods Pro were pretty good, but we think the Pro 2 have taken things to new heights, not just regarding sound quality, but with their noise-cancelling abilities, too.
Not only is noise-cancelling far better than before, but battery life is considerably longer, and you'll enjoy new features like Adaptive Audio which reacts to the noise levels in your surroundings and adjusts the level of ANC dynamically, as well as more in-depth customisation and app support.
Best of all, they cost the same as the original AirPods Pro, which we think makes them a really attractive option considering that Apple isn't always keen to keep its prices stable.
During testing we found the fit to be very good, and the tweaked design feels a lot less intrusive than some in-ears. Apple has finally added on-bud volume controls, which also help elevate that user experience and keep you in control on the fly.
Even though the Bose Ultra Earbuds are still the ones to beat, Apple's noise-cancelling works a treat, while Adaptive Transparency reduces the impact of loud noises when letting in ambient sounds.
As far as sound quality goes, this is as good as Apple has managed from a pair of wireless buds, offering up weight, detail and a good dose of dynamic subtlety to produce a pair of accomplished performers that make a huge step up from their predecessors.
Add to this the fact they just work so seamlessly with Apple devices and they become a no-brainer if you're immersed in the brand's ever-popular ecosystem. They have now been replaced by the AirPods Pro 3 – look out for our review soon.
Read the full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

Out of all of Muse's tracks, Madness might seem like a strange, slightly minimalist choice given the other stadium-rocking anthems in the band's back catalogue. But this tune can be especially taxing for earbuds if they struggle to provide clarity and separation.The track also demands a lot in terms of bass control and extension. The Pi8 do a great job of peeling back the layers and textures in each pulsing bass note and hitting the dynamic spot during the song's dramatic climax. View the album on Amazon.
Also consider
Looking for an alternative to the best noise-cancelling earbuds we've tested? Only the very top products in this category make it onto the list above. However, some five-star and four-star earbuds come extremely close but just miss out and we have listed these below.
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: These Award-winning earbuds tick all the boxes, but it's the sound quality that helps them stand apart. We described the detail and refinement as "breathtaking". They previously featured on this list, but were pipped by the Technics EAH-AZ100 because of the latter pair's more customisable noise cancellation.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024): If you want a chunk of what the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer but in a more affordable package, then you should probably consider Bose's entry-level ANC earbuds. The QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) have Bluetooth 5.3 on board and deliver eight hours of battery life. The noise cancelling and sound quality on offer aren't quite as good as their more expensive siblings but we wouldn't expect it to be and these still deserve their five-star rating.
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: Apple has a ready-made alternative to the AirPods Pro 2 in the shape of the AirPods 4. They are an open earbud design and a good alternative to traditional models that burrow into your ears. Sound quality is clean, detailed and powerful and the noise-cancelling works surprisingly well too.
Sony WF-1000XM5: The Sonys were once our top pick for the best noise-cancelling earbuds for audiophiles, such is their excellent sound quality. And they remain a great option, and can often be found on a deal, which means they still warrant a spot as an 'also consider' option.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: The latest generation of premium noise-cancelling earbuds from Sennheiser is arguably its finest yet. These capable all-rounders sound rich, refined and are easy to get along with, whatever your musical taste. They don't cancel noise as well as the Bose QC Ultra, but they're a very talented pair with a comfy fit, 7.5hr battery life and a very flexible control app. You'll often find them heavily discounted, which can make for a great buy.
JBL Live Pro 2 TWS: They might have been bumped out of our main list by the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 and their monster battery life, but these affordable JBL buds are still no slouches. And their eight and a half hours per charge should be enough for most people. They're also solid all-round performers and promote a lively, entertaining sound.
Noise-cancelling earbuds coming soon
Unveiled alongside the iPhone 17, the new AirPods promise to be four times more efficient at noise cancellation than their five-star predecessors. We'll have a full review soon.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: what's the difference?
These flagships have been rumoured for some time, but given Sony's usual release schedule, we might not see them until the spring. Unless Sony surprises us...
How to choose the best noise-cancelling earbuds for you
Obviously, the quality of noise-cancelling is key when it comes to choosing the right pair of ANC earbuds. Thankfully, you can be confident that we've tested the noise cancelling in all of the pairs on our list and that the five-star models do the best job cutting out noise. Yes, there can even be differences between the noise-cancelling of five-star products, but they are usually very subtle.
Active noise cancelling puts extra demands on battery life, so you'll want to make sure the buds you want will have enough juice for your travels. Charging cases can help here so you just need to think about how, where and when the wireless earbuds are going to be used. All can be charged via USB while some pairs offer wireless charging too.
As is the case with any pair of wireless earbuds, fit and comfort are vital. We can give you our experience of testing a pair, but it's no substitute for trying them out for yourself. Try the different sizes of silicone tips and maybe even combinations of different sizes to find the best fit for you. If you can't hear any bass, chances are you don't have a good enough seal.
You'll find that noise-cancelling earbuds tend to cost a bit more than the best wireless earbuds without the feature, so you'll have to budget accordingly. The good news is we've tested some exceptionally talented and affordable options which you'll find in this list and thanks to the way the market works, even previously pricey pairs have now been discounted so there are bargains out there.
Our list of the best noise-cancelling earbuds spans a range of prices, so there's sure to be a pair here that's right for you and your budget.
How we test noise-cancelling earbuds
We treat noise-cancelling earbuds just as we would normal wireless earbuds with fit, comfort, ease of use, battery life and call quality all taken into account. Sound quality is high on our list, but for this category of earbuds, we also need to judge just how effective they are at cutting out external noise.
Testing ANC earbuds requires using them in many different environments to see how the buds handle certain frequencies.
We'll use our office, the city streets and public transport to get a feel for just how effective the noise-cancelling is. We'll also compare them to one or two of our favourite pairs at the money to see how they stand up to the competition in terms of ANC and sound quality.
Many noise-cancelling earbuds come with a control app that allows you to tweak their performance and their controls, so we'll see how it impacts the user experience too.
The team agrees upon all our review verdicts rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and ensure we're being as thorough as possible.
F.A.Q
When can you find the best noise-cancelling earbuds deals?
As is the case with the best wireless earbuds deals, the lowest prices on noise-cancelling buds seem to land around the big sales events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day. Obviously, price drops can and do happen throughout the course of the year, but the lowest-ever prices do to tend to hit during these events.
Which are better, noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones?
I've tested many great pairs of noise-cancelling earbuds that do a brilliant job of blocking out external rumbles. However, in my experience, the best noise-cancelling headphones will outperform similarly-priced earbuds. The size and design of normal headphones allow for more powerful ANC tech to be used, including more mics to "listen" to the noise around you. As a result, the ANC effect can be more pronounced with a greater range of frequencies cancelled out. However, I tend to reach for a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds mainly because they're more portable although I need to be sure I have a proper seal, otherwise, the ANC won't be effective.
Is it worth getting noise-cancelling earbuds?
If you don't want to wear traditional over-ear noise-cancelling headphones, then earbuds are an option. They won't cancel out as much noise as traditional over-ears but they are arguably more portable and discreet, which makes them easier to carry around. I tend to use earbuds when I'm out and about for this very reason, and the very best models do a great job of isolating you from outside interference.
Which earbuds cancel the most noise?
In my opinion, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) cancel the most noise out of all the models we've tested. I found them great at blocking out a range of low-frequency rumbles and softening the effects of intrusive higher frequencies too. They also offer excellent flexibility so you can customise the ANC to a greater level than some of their rivals.
Can you still hear with noise-cancelling earbuds?
It depends on the volume you are listening at. If you have noise cancelling turned on and are listening at high volumes, you will struggle to hear outside noise, such as announcements at a train station and even sirens.
However, the vast majority of noise-cancelling earbuds also offer a transparency mode which allows varying levels of outside noise into your ears so you can hear what's happening around you. Different earbuds also offer varying levels of ANC customisation, so you can dial down the intensity depending on where they are used.
Recent updates
- 26th September 2025: We swapped in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) for the 1st Gen model following the publication of our review. We also replaced the Sony WF-C700N with the newer C710N, which we labelled as 'best budget', combining the 'best cheap' and 'best mid-price' categories. And we replaced the B&W Pi8 with the Technics EAH-AZ100 because of the latter's more customisable and better ANC (the Pi8 are now in the 'Also consider' section). Plus we updated the 'Noise-cancelling earbuds coming soon' section with the AirPods Pro 3 and Sony XM6.
- 6th February 2025: We have reviewed and rated the Technics EAH-AZ100 at five stars. They don't make the main list but we have added them to the 'also consider' section as a great alternative to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
- 28th November: Checked availability and pricing of all the pairs in this list. We have added the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) to the 'also consider' section We have also reviewed the JBL Tour Pro 3 and Sony LinkBuds Fit, both of which received four stars during testing but haven't made our list.
- 20th September: Checked availability and pricing. We’ve tested the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 and added them as ‘best for audiophiles’, replacing the Sony WF-1000XM5 which we have moved to the ‘also consider’ section. We’ve also included mention of the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, Apple AirPods 4 and JBL Pro Tour 3 and removed the QuietComfort Earbuds II as an also consider option, as these now appear to be end-of-life.
- 24th July: We haven't tested any new models since our last update, but Samsung has announced two new models; the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds Pro 3. We have a review sample of the latter, so keep your eyes peeled for our in-depth review.
- 24th June: We've tested two new models since our last update, the Google Pixel Buds Pro and the Sennheiser Momentum Sport, both of which we rate at three stars and will not be being added to our list.
- 13th May: Replaced JBL Live Pro 2 TWS with Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 as 'best battery life'
- 24th April: added mention of recent EarFun Air 2 review and Google Pixel Buds A-Series
- 11th March 2024: added F.A.Q section, also considers, top tip, photo galleries
- 5th January 2024: updated how to choose and how we test sections
- 4th October 2024: added Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, removed Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds
Today's best noise-cancelling earbuds deals
The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.
Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.
- Tom Wiggins
- Harry McKerrellSenior staff writer