10 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a strong choice if you want high-quality noise-cancelling earbuds that excel in several key areas. Their active noise cancellation is notably improved, blocking twice as much unwanted sound compared to the previous model, which helps you focus whether you’re in a noisy environment or just enjoying music. Battery life is solid, offering up to 8 hours with noise cancellation active, and even longer if you switch to a more transparent listening mode. Comfort has been addressed well with five different ear tip sizes, making it easier to find a secure fit that stays comfortable during extended wear. Sound quality stands out for its depth and clarity, with detailed bass and vocals that make listening more immersive.

The earbuds also offer useful extras like heart rate tracking for workouts, live translation to help with language barriers, and hearing aid features that improve conversation clarity and protect your ears from loud sounds. Connectivity is seamless, especially with Apple devices, thanks to features like automatic switching and audio sharing. Controls are intuitive through touch and voice commands, making it easy to manage calls, music, and noise settings on the go.

The AirPods Pro 3 are water-resistant and come with a durable charging case featuring USB-C support, though the cable itself isn’t included in the box. These earbuds work best within the Apple ecosystem, so some features may not fully function if you use non-Apple devices. The price tends to be on the higher side for earbuds, but if you prioritize excellent noise cancellation, premium sound, and extra health-related features—and mainly use Apple products—these earbuds are a worthwhile option.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds stand out in the noise-cancelling earbuds category due to their advanced features and user experience. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that effectively reduces background noise, these earbuds can create a tranquil listening environment, making them suitable for commuters or those working in noisy settings. The addition of Transparency mode allows users to be aware of their surroundings, which is great for safety without sacrificing sound quality.

Sound quality is another strong point, thanks to the H2 chip, which enhances audio clarity, providing crisp highs and rich bass. Users will appreciate features like Voice Isolation for calls and personalized spatial audio, which delivers an immersive listening experience, especially for music and movies.

Comfort and fit are well-addressed with multiple silicone tip sizes, ensuring a snug fit for different ear shapes, which is crucial for long listening sessions. Battery life is decent, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, and a total of 30 hours with the charging case. This is competitive, but some might desire longer individual listening times, especially for extended use. Durability is another highlight, as the AirPods Pro 2 are rated IP54 for water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor use. On the control front, touch-sensitive controls and Siri integration provide a seamless experience, although users accustomed to physical buttons might find this less intuitive. The AirPods Pro 2 are an excellent choice for Apple users looking for high-quality, versatile noise-cancelling earbuds that excel in sound quality, comfort, and smart features. However, they may not be the best fit for those who need exceptionally long battery life or prefer a more robust design.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed especially with active users in mind, offering a secure fit thanks to reinforced, flexible earhooks that stay put during intense workouts. They deliver advanced Active Noise Cancellation, which is quite effective for blocking out distractions, alongside a Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings—useful if you exercise outdoors. Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours including the charging case, and quick charging gives you over an hour of playback with just five minutes plugged in. Sound quality benefits from Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio, providing clear highs, strong mids, and solid bass, making music feel immersive.

For connectivity, these earbuds support the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and work smoothly with both Apple and Android devices, including features like one-touch pairing, hands-free Siri, and customizable controls via the Beats app. The earbuds also include heart rate monitoring sensors, which is a bonus for fitness tracking. Controls are user-friendly with physical buttons and voice commands, helping you adjust volume or take calls without interrupting your workout.

On the durability side, the IPX4 water resistance means they can handle sweat and light rain, but they aren’t fully waterproof for swimming or heavy exposure to water. One downside is the lack of an included USB-C charging cable, which you’ll need to get separately for wireless charging. If you want earbuds that combine solid noise cancelling, long battery life, and a secure, comfortable fit tailored for exercise, Powerbeats Pro 2 is a strong choice. However, if you need fully waterproof earbuds or a more compact design without earhooks, other options might better suit those preferences.