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 staple for music enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. With each top brand offering its own spin on ANC technology, the options can be overwhelming. To help consumers navigate this audio landscape, the Mashable team has meticulously reviewed and updated their guide to the best ANC earbuds available on the market. Among the standout picks are the newly released Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, which have already begun to attract attention with early Black Friday sales. For those who are still on the hunt for the perfect pair, Mashable assures readers that they will continue to track the best deals leading up to and during the shopping holiday.
When it comes to sound quality and noise cancellation, Bose and Sony have established themselves as leaders in the field. Their products not only excel in eliminating ambient noise but also enhance the listening experience, making tracks like “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter sound even more vibrant. However, comfort is another crucial factor in choosing earbuds, and this is where Bose particularly shines, often being hailed for the comfort of their designs. While many earbuds can feel intrusive or uncomfortable, Bose’s offerings stand out for their fit and usability. The review highlights that not all earbuds are created equal, emphasizing the importance of finding a pair that feels good during extended use.
Understanding how ANC works can also help consumers make informed decisions. Unlike over-the-ear headphones that passively block noise by covering the ears, earbuds rely on a combination of passive noise cancellation and active noise cancellation. The latter involves internal microphones that detect surrounding sounds and use electronic processing to create sound waves that cancel out the noise. This technology can sometimes produce a faint buzzing sound, which is a byproduct of the ANC system at work. The best ANC earbuds, however, should minimize this background noise, providing a seamless listening experience. As the demand for high-quality audio continues to grow, Mashable’s comprehensive guide offers valuable insights and recommendations for anyone looking to invest in a new pair of ANC earbuds.
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.
