Generally speaking, earbuds are the go-to earphones for many people because of their compact form. They charge in their case and you can pop them in your pocket or purse for glorious sound without lugging a big pair of headphones around. But for a truly immersive and stress-relieving experience, what you really need is a pair of the best noise-canceling earbuds.
Today's active noise cancellation (ANC) earbuds can kill unwanted nearby noises with varying levels of intensity. They also feature sound passthrough features, also known as transparency mode, that allow you to let in, and even amplify, outside sounds and conversations; many even do this automatically.
Tons of brands offer ANC earbuds, including big names like Bose, Beats, Sony, Jabra, Apple, and Sennheiser, as well as lesser-known names like Earfun and 1More. They come in all shapes, sizes, and prices.
We've tested bushels of them, and although everyone has their own specific needs and wants, we believe that the Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best noise-canceling earbuds you can buy.
Still, earbuds, perhaps more than any other tech we regularly use, are highly personal choices. So consider the WF-1000XM5 as a starting point as you check out this roundup of the best noise-canceling earbuds you can buy right now.
The best overall noise-canceling earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Small and comfortable
- Top-notch sound
- Excellent noise canceling
- Superb call quality
- Bluetooth multipoint with LDAC
- Fit isn't super secure
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5.9g per earbud |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | Adaptive ANC, ANC, and transparency |
| Battery life | 8 hours with ANC (12 without), 36 additional hours with case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
It's no surprise to us that Sony's latest version of its superb WF-1000XM-series earbuds, the XM5, have taken over the top spot on our best noise canceling earbuds list from its predecessor, the still excellent XM4 (which you should still totally buy if you want to save a few bucks).
So, what's new with the XM5s? Not much, it turns out, but enough to warrant the $50 price increase that makes the $300 wireless earbuds Sony's most expensive yet. The XM5s address one of the main concerns of the XM4s, which was that they are a bit too big. The XM5s shave 25% off the size, making them smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable, too.
ANC has also been improved, and that's why you're here, right? A new dual processor (the XM4s only have one) features a dedicated chip to specifically handle noise canceling, and they work with six onboard microphones and redesigned drivers to achieve what our reviewer found to be 10% to 15% improved ANC. With the right eartips selected (the Sony Headphones app has a fit test you can use), the Sony WF-1000XM5s easily go toe-to-toe with the $249 Apple AirPods Pro 2 and the $279 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
Transparency mode in the XM5 is also top notch. It sounds natural and there's a feature that can detect when you're talking so it can pause your music and automatically switch the earbuds from ANC to transparency mode so you can have a conversation.
With deep bass, as well as clear mids and highs, the XM5 keeps in step with the XM4's excellent sound, courtesy of their 40% bigger drivers. The XM5 also support spatial audio with head tracking. Call quality is also very good on the XM5, and it uses dual processing tech and AI to separate your voice from background noise. They also support Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity.
Sony didn't see fit to touch the XM4's battery life for the XM5, which offer eight hours of playtime with ANC turned on and 12 hours with it off, Plus, the charging case doles out two full charges for a total of 24 hours.
With their compact form, snug and comfortable fit suitable for all-day use, full Sony sound, and some of the best ANC around, you can't go wrong with these formidable noise-canceling true wireless earbuds.
Best affordable noise-canceling earbuds
Earfun Air Pro 4
- Great sound
- Choice of hi-res codecs
- Excellent noise canceling
- Wear sensors
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- Auracast-ready
- Tons of customization
- Awkward LE Audio/Auracast setup
- Average call quality without Snapdragon Sound
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5g |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC, Adaptive ANC, Transparency |
| Battery life | 11 hours without ANC + 41 hours from the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
Here's a fact that may surprise you: You don't need to spend more than $100 to get a great set of noise-canceling wireless earbuds. The Earfun Air Pro 4 are the proof.
These buds are absolutely packed with features, including several that make them future-proofed for years to come like Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast compatibility. But the real selling point is just how good the Air Pro 4 are for all of the things we expect from our wireless earbuds on a daily basis.
They have great ANC that comes very close to the level established by the best on this list. Transparency mode is also excellent for hearing the world around, but not quite as good for hearing your own voice in a conversation.
But even if ANC isn't your prime concern, there's plenty more to like here. Their stem-shaped design is comfortable for long-term wear, and their IPX5 water-resistance is better protection that you'll find on typical non-sports-oriented earbdus.
Call quality can be excellent if your Android phone supports Snapdragon Sound, and speaking of that, the Air Pro 4 are now one of the very few wireless earbuds that offer a choice of high-quality Bluetooth codecs: LDAC or aptX Adaptive, including aptX Lossless, which can help maximize on the earbuds' already great sound quality when listening to lossless sources of music such as Apple Music, Tidal, or Qobuz.
Throw in wear sensors, wireless charging, Bluetooth multipoint, and impressive battery life, and it's suddenly no mystery why we awarded the Earfun Air Pro 4 a 9/10 in our review. Did we mention they cost less than $100?
If you want something even more affordable, the Back Bay FirstClass 70 are worth a look. They lack a lot of the features on the Air Pro 4, but they have the basics like sound quality and noise cancellation, making them a very good value for just $55.
Best ANC tech in noise-canceling earbuds for all users
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- Very comfortable
- Excellent sound quality
- Top-notch noise canceling
- Hi-res and lossless audio
- Excellent spatial audio
- No wireless charging
- Outdoor call quality could be better
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 8g per earbud |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC, Adaptive ANC, Transparency |
| Battery life | 6 hours + 18 in the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
There are three models on this list that offer the very best ANC you can get. Sony's WF-1000XM5, Apple AirPods Pro 2, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
Given that Bose essentially invented ANC, that's not a surprise. But the Ultra Earbuds are about more than silence. They're compatible with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound platform, which means you can enjoy hi-res or lossless CD-quality audio from compatible Android phones. As with previous Bose earbuds, the sound is top-notch.
The ANC includes both Quiet and Aware transparency modes along with an adjustable EQ that offers several presets for boosts or reductions. The IPX4 rating also removes any fears of using these buds outdoors, no matter the weather. The touch controls are a cinch to use — especially volume control, which uses a swiping gesture.
They also sport one of the best spatial audio modes we've ever tested, giving you a new way to enjoy stereo sound — immersively, with head tracking.
You also get Bose's CustomTune technology, which tests your ears each time you insert the earbuds and creates an optimal EQ setting for your unique hearing profile (or so Bose says — you can't turn it off, so it's hard to tell).
Not everything is perfect with Bose’s latest entry: The battery life remains average at up to six hours plus three full charges in the case, which for some reason doesn’t support wireless charging. But if you’re looking for earbuds that put the “cancellation” in ANC — and want something with better sound quality than Apple's entry — Bose has the quiet you’re listening for.
Best noise-canceling earbuds for Apple users
Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C
- Excellent noise canceling
- Best conversation mode we've tested
- Solid audio quality
- Capable of wireless lossless audio
- Yes, USB-C
- Best features only for Apple products
- Still no biofeedback
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5.3g per earbud |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency |
| Battery life | 6 hours without ANC + 24 hours in the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | N |
As popular as the cheaper Apple AirPods are, the AirPods Pro 2 eclipse them in every way. According to our experienced reviewers, the ANC in these high-end earbuds is best in class. They create a cone of silence effect that has to be experienced to be appreciated - and the new USB-C charging is a real treat, too.
The AirPods Pro 2 feature super-simple pairing (its own version of multipoint, that works quite well) and hands-free Siri access when connected to an iPhone, as well as an IPX4 water-resistance rating that protects against sweat and splashes during workouts. Apple also added an adaptive EQ technology that adjusts the frequency response to your listening conditions, something that few other companies offer. The 2023 version includes updated touch controls including a volume slider, and improved technology for spatial audio, among other tricks, and the newest version adopts USB-C charging in place of its longtime Lightning format.
Battery life for the AirPods Pro 2 is enough for a full day at around five hours per charge and 24 hours of total life with the earbuds’ included case, though this is on the low end when you look at other models in this roundup.
There’s no doubt that these buds are pricey at $249, but when you consider their ease of use, overall sound quality, and the soon-to-be-released hearing aid functionality, for Apple users in particular, they represent an astonishing value.
Best ANC for under $200
Beats Studio Buds+
- Very comfortable
- Great battery life
- Excellent noise canceling
- Solid call quality
- Clear transparency mode
- No wireless charging
- No Bluetooth Multipoint
- No EQ controls
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5g per earbud |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC, Transparency |
| Battery life | 9 hours without ANC + 27 hours in the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
Just to be clear before we start, the Beats Studio Buds+ are not the second-gen model of the Beats Studio Buds. They're $20 more at $170 and better in almost every way (we'll get into that in a sec). They're so good, we're not even sure why Beats continues to sell the original Studio.
Beats says that 95% of the internal components of the Buds+ are new, and it shows. It also claims that the ANC is 160% better, but our reviewer thinks it's more like 200%, even giving the AirPods Pro 2 a run for their money. They do a great job at blocking outside sounds, transparency mode has gotten a bump, and the call quality benefits, too -- all thanks to new mics and noise-processing algorithms.
As for sound quality, the drivers in the Buds+ are actually one of the only parts that didn't get upgraded, but that's OK because the sound in the Studio Buds was pretty good as well, with excellent clarity and accuracy, and the Buds+ are no different — if anything, the Bud+ offer a wider, and more detailed soundstage. However, there's no option for EQ adjustment and there's only support for SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs, which will be fine for most people. Don't worry, they still sound great.
"These remain some of the most comfortable in-ear buds I have ever worn," our reviewer stated, which is good because, as mentioned above, the battery of the Beats Studio Buds+ get a substantial improvement. While the per-charge playtime has only gone from eight to nine hours, its the total battery life where things get a big bump, going from 24 to 36 total hours (both numbers are without ANC). Worth the extra $20? You betcha.
Best sound quality for the price
Technics EAH-AZ100
- Superb audio quality
- Light, comfy design
- Top-notch noise cancellation
- Improved call quality
- Tons of customization
- Best-in-class Multipoint
- No Auracast support for iPhones
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 6g per earbud |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC, Transparent, Attention |
| Battery life | 10 hours with ANC (12 hours without) + up to 17 hours in case. |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
The AZ100s are one of our new absolute favorite pairs of true wireless earbuds; So much so that in our review we struggled to find anything negative to say about them. The sound quality is stellar, they're light and comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and their noise cancellation is among the best we've ever heard. They let you connect to multiple devices at the same time, too.
Transparency mode is activated easily with a long press on the right earbud, and the Technics Audio Connect app allows for ample fine-tuning, including a feature that lets you bump up and enhance voices for when you're having a conversation.
As you would expect from Technics, the makers of some of the most legendary audio equipment ever, the sound quality from the EAH-AZ100s is superb, making these earbuds one of the best-sounding pairs on our list. As with the Sony WF-1000XM5s, these Technics also support Sony's hi-res LDAC Bluetooth codec, which you can experience when connected to a compatible phone or device (though notably, not Apple devices).
Their battery life isn't the strongest on this list, but it's perfectly adequate at roughly seven hours per charge with ANC activated and a total of 24 to 25 hours of playtime with the charging case (which isn't wireless, by the way). Using the LDAC will yield even less playtime. But that's a reasonable tradeoff considering the sound quality for the price.
The only real drawback to them is the lack of Auracast support on iPhones, but that's not a problem for the majority of potential users. With great call quality, an overall comfortable and lightweight design, and stellar sound quality, these are some of the best noise cancelling earbuds you can buy in 2025.
Best noise-cancelling earbuds for running
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
- Solid, satisfying sound
- Extremely secure, comfortable fit
- Physical buttons
- Heart rate monitoring
- Works well with iOS and Android OS
- Case is still bulky
- ANC is not quite as good as competitors
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 8.7g per earbud |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC, Transparency |
| Battery life | 8 hours + 28 hours in the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
Noise-cancelling earbuds for running need to be secure, durable, and be easy to use without looking at your phone: In a nutshell, the Powerbeats Pro 2 tick all of those boxes and most of any others you can think of. With their earhook design, they are going absolutely nowhere, no matter how fast or hard you run, jog, jump, or workout. The nickel titanium design is both flexible and sturdy, so you can really give these earbuds a punish and they will quickly reform back to their default shape when you're done.
While they aren't falling out of your ears, these earbuds sound pretty great, too. They aren't going to replace your daily driver earbuds for every use, but for working out they sound excellent, and the noise cancellation is great for drowning out busy environments to help you focus on the task at hand. There's a capable transparency mode, too, so if you are crossing the street or need to listen to someone temporarily, you can enable that so you're more aware of your surroundings.
A real godsend for these earbuds are the physical buttons. The layout will be familiar to anyone who use the first-generation Powerbeats Pro, but these are more refined and give you excellent hands-free control while they're in use without being uncomfortable to push into your ear.
These also come with a range of useful new features, like personalized spatial audio support, wireless charging, and a heartrate monitor. It's not going to replace your Fitbit, but if just want simple hands-free tracking, these will do just fine.
Best ANC earbuds for Android users
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
- Incredibly light and comfy
- Stellar noise canceling
- Great sound quality
- Fun Google Gemini integration
- No hi-res codecs
- Limited spatial audio
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 4.7g |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC, Ambient sound |
| Battery life | 12 hours without ANC + 36 hours in the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
Google's new generation Pixel Buds Pro 2 are fantastic little earbuds that punch well above their weight. Google made these new buds so small that we were concerned they'd fall out, but whatever Google has done to these little grippy guys has worked wonders. They're incredible stable, and in fact, because of their small size and smooth design, they're some of the most comfortable earbuds we've ever used.
The new core of these earbuds is the Tensor A1 chip, which we're told "doubles" the performance of the ANC system. While that's a metric that's a little hard to measure, there's no denying that the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 have fantastic noise cancelling capabilities.
"It’s most noticeable in mid-to-high frequencies," said our reviewer, Simon Cohen. "In my review of the first-gen Pros, I noted that they didn’t cancel these types of sounds as well as the first-gen AirPods Pro. Remarkably, the ANC on the Buds Pro 2 isn’t just better than the firts-gen AirPods Pro — it’s better than the AirPods Pro 2, and it’s only fractionally less potent than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which I currently consider to be the leaders for ANC on wireless earbuds."
There are a range of ambient noise modes to choose from, too, so you can select the setting that's right for what you're doing. They also have additional features that integrate well with Pixel Phones, so if you have one of those, these are a no-brainer.
Another fun feature to look out for though, is Gemini support. If you have Gemini Advanced, you can have hands-free conversations with the AI using your voice, although it has some other integrations for standard Gemini users too.
Best AirPods Pro alternative
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9
- Excellent sound quality
- Very comfy and secure fit
- Effective noise cancellation
- Keeps your voice clear (indoors)
- Kills bacteria with UV light
- Erratic multipoint behavior
- Limited control customization
- Shorter than average battery life
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5.4g per earbud |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC, Home, Office/Study, On The Go, Train, Airplane |
| Battery life | 6 hours without ANC + 12 hours in the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
Apple AirPods are really good true wireless earbuds, to be sure. But if you're not too keen on jumping into the Apple ecosystem and you're looking for a set of earbuds that have great sound and noise canceling that rivals Apple's little white buds, the folks at Audio-Technica have more than earned their reputation as one of the world's best brands.
Sure, the Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9, are $50 more than the AirPods Pro at $299, but they sound amazing (like you'd expect from A-T), with customizable EQ through the A-T app, so you can tweak them to your preferences. But during our review of them, Digital Trends' headphone expert, Simon Cohen, was so happy with their punchy bass and precise and clean highs out of the box that he preferred not to use the EQ — they sound that good.
With support for up to 24-bit/96kHz hi-res audio with aptX Adaptive Bluetooth on a compatible device (Android only), you can enjoy the best that music streaming services like Tidal and Apple Music have to offer.
But let's get to the reason you're here — ANC. The TWX9s are outstanding here as well, with five modes you can choose based on your situation, such as airplanes, trains, and noisy offices. There's also an "Optimized" mode that measures the ambient noise around you and adjusts the ANC to suit the situation. The earbuds also have an automatic calibration process that analyzes how the buds fit in your ears, adjusting the sound and ANC accordingly.
The ATH-TWX9 have a sleek, textured matte black finish that is just the right amount of grippy and distinctly anti-AirPod in its look. The buds are comfy and fit really well, so they can be worn for long stretches at a time. The battery will yield around six hours per charge and a total of 18 hours with the wireless charging case and ANC on, which is less than the AirPods Pro's 6/30 hours, but we don't think that's a deal breaker.
Most comfortable ANC earbuds
Technics EAH-AZ80
- Really comfortable
- Warm, detailed sound
- Top-notch noise cancellation
- Class-leading call quality
- Convenient 3-way Bluetooth
- A bit pricey
- Slightly lacking in clarity
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 7g |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | Ambient, Attention, ANC |
| Battery life | 7 hours with ANC + 24 hours with case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
If you've eyeballed the mid-range Technics AZ60s on our list above but found yourself wondering what spending a little more cash on the company's flagship earbuds will get you, we can tell you right now that you'll get a premium set of buds that are considerably more comfortable than even the the top-rated Sony WF-1000XM4s and even the $350 Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2.
With seven sizes and shapes of silicone eartips, you can dial in the perfect, secure fit, and in our review the AZ80s remained comfy after several continuous hours of use. This excellent fit lends itself perfectly to the AZ80's ANC capabilities, which our reviewer Simon Cohen says is up there with the big kids, Sony, Bose, and Apple, and performs similarly well to the WF-1000XM4, QuietComfort II, and AirPods Pro 2, which is some high praise. They do a great job at blocking out street noise and the rabble of large crowds, and they're equally effective at handling wind noise, too. The AZ80's transparency mode is solid, too, with two modes available: the customizable "Transparent" mode that allows you to set the percentage of the sounds you let in, and "Attention," which is not configurable, but is best for calls or conversations.
Sound quality out of the box is detailed with "a satisfying balance of frequencies, with a decidedly warm overall tone," Cohen says. We're talking about Technics here, so rest assured the sound is in the hands of some pros. That said, no one knows what you like but you, so the Audio Connect app also gives you EQ control with presets and manual options. And if you're an Android user, the AZ80s have support for Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec, so you can bask in the detail of hi-res audio.
Rounding out the features of the Technics AZ80s, these wireless noise-canceling earbuds are IPX4 rated, which means they'll stand up to sweat and rain and a battery life of up to 7.5 hours per charge (25 with the case) with ANC off, and 4.5/16 with it on. Oh, one unique trick that the AZ80s can do is Bluetooth multipoint connectivity with up to three devices at a time, with seamless switching between them.
Great audio in noise-canceling earbuds
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
- Excellent comfort and fit
- Great sound quality
- Much improved noise cancellation
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- No side-tone for calls
- Limited phone support for aptX Lossless
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 6.2g per earbud |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC, Transparent Hearing, Wind reduction |
| Battery life | 7.5 hours with ANC + 23 hours in case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
For some folks, the name Sennheiser is synonymous with great sound quality. That reputation is well earned and it's on full display in the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4.
However, Sennheiser's previous Momentum models have also been stellar for sound. The reason we're calling out the fourth (and newest) generation on this list is their big leap forward in ANC.
The Momentum 3 had adequate noise cancellation — it certainly helped in noisy situations — but it couldn't compete with Bose, Sony, and Apple. The Momentum 4 still lags behind those competitors, but the gap is now far narrower. Momentum 4 owners won't feel like they had to give up silence for that Sennheiser sound.
Sadly, the price did go up by $50 from the third-gen model; however, ANC isn't the only feature that has benefitted. Sennheiser's great acoustics are now supported by Snapdragon Sound on compatible phones (including aptX Lossless). Water and dust protection has been increased to IP54, Bluetooth multipoint works right out of the box, and the new earbuds are LE Audio and Auracast compatible.
Battery life is now 7.5 hours per charge with 30 hours total, which should be fine for most folks, and Sennheiser's Smart Control app has tons of customizations for the touch controls, EQ settings, and Auracast.
Best affordable ANC earbuds for Apple users
Apple AirPods 4
- Comfy, with no silicone eartips
- Great call quality
- The best semi-open sound quality
- Fun head gestures and spatial audio
- Not great for noisy locations
- No wireless charging
- No Bluetooth Multipoint or Auracast
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 4.3g per earbud |
| Type | "Open" |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC, Transparency |
| Battery life | 5 hours + up to 25 hours in the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | N |
You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a great pair of ANC earbuds for your iPhone or iPad. Apple's AirPods 4 are a fantastic, more-affordable version of the higher-end Pro variants, and still offer excellent ANC, a comfortable fit (without eartips!), and impressive sound quality for the price.
Apple calls these an "Open" design because they don't require eartips. That might stretch the definition -- these don't have a cut through for external sound, for example -- but the fact Apple has made such a comfortable, sturdy earbud design without needing eartips is an impressive feat. It might mean they don't fit everyone's ears perfectly, but Apple is said to have taken feedback from thousands of ears to try to make these as universal as possible.
These new earbuds come with Apple's H2 chip, which adds features like personalized spatial audio, voice isolation for eliminating background noise during calls, and Siri gesture support, so you can nor ot shake your responses silently to the onboard AI.
The battery life is decent, though not stellar. You'll get around five hours with ANC off and a further 25 hours in the case, or around 20 hours in total with ANC enabled.
Ultimately, these are just great value for money, as our reviewer, Caleb Denison said: "Snap, shine, clarity, shimmer, punch, and richness. Yeah, I think the sound quality paired with the ANC performance, bundled with all the Apple-friendly features, definitely gets you your $179 worth."
Frequently Asked Questions
Noise-canceling earbuds are in-ear audio products that utilize a number of internal microphones and inverted noise waves to pick up ambient sound and cancel out the most externally distracting frequencies, leaving you with crystal-clear audio without the background noise of bustling cities, airplane engines, and more.
That depends on your preferred listening experience. Headphones typically provide a cushioned barrier between your ears and the music/content streaming into your canals. Additionally, if you spend your days predominately in one space, headphones may be ideal for all-day comfort. If you find yourself constantly on the go or can't stand the bulk of a set of headphones, earbuds are certainly a more minimalist alternative. While a bit more intrusive to your ear canals, earbuds are easy to travel with, simpler to recharge, and provide equal listening experiences to some of the best-quality headphones available today.
While the best earbuds are designed for comfort in most body and ear positions (standing, sitting, lying, etc.), it's especially important to regulate the volume level of your buds while you're asleep. Loud music through earbuds can cause damage to several parts of the ear, especially when buds are in place over several hours. That being said, earbuds are routinely used to help restless sleepers with white noise apps, relaxing music, and other calming audio sources.
Any headphones or earbuds can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) if you listen at loud volumes over extended periods of time.
Many are water-resistant; few can be fully submerged. We recommend learning about IP ratings and then ensuring your chosen earbuds have the protection you need.
Yes, in fact some would argue they can sound even better thanks to the high degree of sound isolation they offer. In either category, there's almost no limit to what you can spend in the pursuit of better sound quality.
Comfortably and securely. A good fit is essential to getting the best sound quality from any set of earbuds. If the eartips that come with your earbuds don't provide a good fit, Amazon carries plenty of third-party eartips that can help. You may want to find a pair with earfins or earclips if you are planning on working out.
No. It is dangerous and illegal in many places.
Yes. Today's top earbuds often come with two options. You can either turn ANC off altogether, or you can switch to a transparency mode, which lets a certain degree of sound filter through (how much depends on the specific technology). Either allows you to hear environmental cues that may be important for safety or convenience. It may also extend battery life.
Noise cancellation technology can have many forms. Active noise cancellation refers to what we described above, with mics picking up nearby sound waves and canceling them out. Environmental noise cancellation is commonly used to refer to reducing background sounds when you are on a call so mics can pick you up clearly. Passive noise cancellation typically refers to the design of the earbuds themselves and how capable they are at blocking noise via their materials. A combination of methods works best, as seen with our top Sony WF-1000XM5 pick.
We test headphones and earbuds the way normal people live.
We run every pair of earbuds through a rigorous process over several days. That includes playing them in all sorts of scenarios — be it on a bus, in the listening room, or at the office — and playing back from a wide array of sources. We know most people use their headphones with a smartphone, often with lower-quality MP3 resolution tracks, so we test that, too.
However, we also move up to high-resolution audio files, as well as a wide variety of sources, including plugging in directly to a PC or Mac, using USB DACs (digital-to-analog converters), and employing high-quality dedicated portable players and amplifiers. Finally, we compare the earbuds to some of our go-to models, both in their class and price point, as well as a level or two above to find out if they can punch above their weight.
Glossary
Driver: The unit that produces sound in a headphone, made up of magnets, voice coils, and other materials. Typically, the larger the driver, the more power a headphone has, and generally bigger drivers in in-ear headphones indicate a better range of frequencies can be reproduced.
Dynamic driver: A single driver capable of covering the entire frequency range. The diaphragm is connected directly to a voice coil in the headphone, with the voice coil moving between magnets to produce sound.
Balanced armature driver: In a balanced armature (B.A.) driver, the headphone’s diaphragm is connected to the armature, with micro-vibrations producing the sound. Most balanced armature drivers are best within a specific frequency range, which is why many headphones contain multiple B.A. drivers, with certain frequencies divided between drivers for full-spectrum sound. If you see a model advertised as a "triple-driver" or "quad-driver," it's likely referring to multiple balance armatures.
Soundstage: The perceived size and depth of the sound coming through the headphones.
Passive noise isolation: Noise that is blocked out by the headphone's ear cushions or silicone eartips as opposed to technology like ANC.
Active noise cancellation (ANC): A technology that blocks outside sounds by producing sound waves that are the exact opposite in terms of frequency and amplitude, thereby "canceling" the unwanted sound before it reaches your eardrum.
Frequency response: The spectrum of frequencies that headphones can reliably reproduce.
