The 5 best noise-cancelling earbuds include the most comfortable buds weve ever tested
In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, active noise-cancelling (ANC) earbuds have become a must-have accessory for music lovers and commuters alike. With numerous brands vying for attention, Mashable has curated a comprehensive guide to the best ANC earbuds available today, updated with their latest favorites, including the highly anticipated Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. As the holiday shopping season approaches, these earbuds are already seeing early discounts, particularly the Bose model, which has launched sales ahead of Black Friday. For consumers looking to make informed decisions, Mashable’s team is dedicated to tracking the best deals on headphones and earbuds, ensuring that shoppers can find quality products at competitive prices.
When it comes to performance, Bose and Sony stand out as leaders in the audio industry, providing exceptional sound quality and noise cancellation that enhance the listening experience. For instance, the upbeat track “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter becomes even more enjoyable when played through these high-quality earbuds. However, comfort is a crucial factor in choosing earbuds, as many users have experienced discomfort with various models. Bose is noted for its superior comfort, making it a top choice for extended use. While passive noise cancellation is a feature of all earbuds, ANC technology plays a significant role in effectively minimizing background noise. This technology employs internal microphones to detect ambient sounds and generate inverse sound waves to cancel them out. The best ANC earbuds manage to do this without the distracting buzzing or humming that can sometimes accompany the technology, providing a seamless listening experience.
In summary, as consumers navigate the crowded market of ANC earbuds, understanding the differences in features, comfort, and sound quality is essential. With expert recommendations from Mashable and the promise of upcoming deals, now is an excellent time for shoppers to invest in a pair of quality earbuds that will elevate their audio experience, whether at home, on the go, or during their daily commutes.
Every top brand has its own take on ANC earbuds, each with a unique style and a plethora of features. Since you can’t possibly try
all the latest earbuds
, the Mashable team has taken on the task of reviewing the best ANC earbuds for you.
We’ve recently updated this guide with our new favorite picks, including the
Apple AirPods Pro 3
and
second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds
. The latter have already gone on sale ahead of
Black Friday
, but don’t worry if the others haven’t just yet — our team will be tracking the
best headphones and earbuds
deals all the way up to and through the shopping holiday.
SEE ALSO:
I found 30+ early Black Friday tech deals I’d recommend to friends and family: Save on Apple, Samsung, DJI
What are the best noise-cancelling earbuds?
Not all earbuds are created equal — some are far more comfortable than others.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
While there are plenty of audio brands that provide good sound quality and noise cancellation, audio leaders Bose and Sony are in a league of their own. Not only do they offer phenomenal ANC, but they also make music and podcasts sound better. On a good pair of headphones, “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter sounds even catchier, somehow.
Earbuds usually aren’t as comfortable as over-the-ear headphones. I know this well, as I’ve found many pairs of earbuds that just plain don’t fit in my ear. Others are downright uncomfortable. Once again, Bose offers the
most comfortable headphones
and
earbuds
. However, Bose and Sony aren’t the only brands out there. That’s why we set out to test the best the market offers and see what makes a great pair of wireless earbuds.
How do noise-cancelling earbuds work?
Noise-cancelling earbuds are small enough to slip in your pocket.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
All
noise-cancelling headphones
, including earbuds, have some passive noise cancellation. While over-the-ear
headphones
naturally block out noise by wrapping around the ears, earbuds don’t block sound as effectively. Instead of covering your ears, wireless earbuds deliver sound directly into the ear canal to drown out other noises. They rely more on active noise cancellation (ANC) to reduce environmental noise.
ANC is an electronic process within the headphones. Internal microphones listen to your surroundings and then invert the sound, effectively canceling it. Sometimes, with noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds, you’ll hear a slight buzzing or humming in the background, and that’s the ANC at work. The best ANC earbuds shouldn’t have this buzzing, however.
