10 Best Anc Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver some of the best noise cancelling available in wireless earbuds, thanks to their ActiveSense technology. This makes them a great choice for anyone needing effective blocking of background noise, whether in busy environments or for focused listening. The CustomTune feature personalizes sound and noise cancellation based on your ear shape, which enhances the listening experience with clear, immersive audio. Bose's Immersive Audio also adds a spacious feel, making music and videos sound more natural and detailed.

Battery life offers up to 6 hours on a single charge, with the wireless charging case providing three extra charges, which should comfortably cover a full day of use. Comfort is a strong point here, as the earbuds come with multiple sizes of eartips and stability bands, helping you find a secure and pleasant fit even during extended wear. For phone calls, the earbuds use noise-rejecting microphones that make your voice clear by filtering out background sounds and wind. Connectivity is modern and flexible, featuring Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint pairing, so you can easily switch between devices like your phone and laptop without hassle. The earbuds are water resistant with an IPX4 rating, protecting them against sweat and light rain, suitable for workouts or daily use. Control is mainly handled through the Bose app, which also keeps the software updated and unlocks extra features like Cinema Mode for a theater-like sound experience.

On the downside, the battery life is good but not the longest in the category, and the earbuds may feel a bit bulky for those with smaller ears despite the multiple fitting options. Also, controls relying mostly on the app might be less convenient if you prefer physical buttons. While the IPX4 rating protects against splashes, it’s not fully waterproof, so heavy rain or swimming is not recommended. These earbuds are well suited for users who prioritize top-notch noise cancelling, sound quality, and comfortable fit, especially for daily commuting, office use, or casual workouts. If you want superb call clarity and seamless device switching, they handle those tasks very well. However, if you need longer battery life or fully waterproof earbuds, you might want to consider other options.

The Apple AirPods 4 are designed to deliver an impressive audio experience, especially for those who appreciate rich sound and effective noise cancellation. One of their standout features is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which efficiently reduces external noise, allowing users to fully enjoy their music or podcasts. The addition of Adaptive Audio also enhances the listening experience by automatically adjusting sound settings based on the environment. Sound quality is further improved with features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Voice Isolation, which ensures clear communication even in noisy settings.

Comfort is a significant focus in the design of the AirPods 4. They are rebuilt for all-day wear with a refined shape that fits securely in your ears. However, the fit may vary depending on ear shape, so some users might find them less comfortable during extended use.

Battery life stands out too, offering up to 4 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled, and 20 hours when using the charging case. This is quite decent, although some competitors provide longer playback times. The convenience of USB-C charging and wireless charging options also adds to their appeal.

In terms of durability, the AirPods 4 are rated IP54, making them resistant to dust, sweat, and light water splashes. This rating is beneficial for users who may use them during workouts or in light rain.

On the downside, although the AirPods 4 boast many advanced features, they are likely best suited for those already in the Apple ecosystem, given their seamless connectivity with other Apple devices. Additionally, while the price reflects their premium features, it may not be justifiable for users seeking basic functionality without the extra bells and whistles.

The AirPods 4 cater well to users looking for high-quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and smart features, making them ideal for fitness enthusiasts, commuters, or anyone seeking a premium listening experience—provided they are comfortable investing in a premium device.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a strong contender in the ANC earbuds category, especially for users who value exceptional sound quality and noise cancellation. The active noise cancellation effectively reduces background noise, making them ideal for commuting or working in noisy environments. Transparency mode is a thoughtful addition that allows users to hear their surroundings when needed, enhancing safety and social interaction. The new H2 chip provides immersive sound with a balanced bass and clear treble, which is great for music lovers and those who make calls frequently.

Comfort and fit are also well-addressed; four different sizes of silicone tips ensure a snug fit for a variety of ear shapes, making them suitable for longer listening sessions. The AirPods Pro 2 boast impressive battery life, offering up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancellation activated, and a total of 30 hours when using the charging case. This makes them perfect for extended use.

On the downside, the AirPods Pro 2 are relatively expensive compared to other options in the market, which may deter budget-conscious consumers. Additionally, while they are water and sweat-resistant (IP54), heavy-duty sports users might find them less durable than other rugged alternatives. The reliance on Apple’s ecosystem for features may also limit their appeal to users with non-Apple devices, as some functionalities work best with Apple products.