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 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer world-class noise cancellation that adapts to your environment, effectively reducing distractions even in busy places. The Aware Mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds, enhancing safety. These earbuds feature CustomTune technology that adjusts the sound and noise cancellation specifically for your ears, resulting in an immersive listening experience with a special audio mode that makes music and movies feel more spacious and detailed.

Battery life provides up to 6 hours per charge, with the case offering three additional full charges. While 6 hours may be sufficient for daily use, it is shorter than some competitors. Charging is convenient via USB-C and wireless options. Comfort is enhanced with nine different ear tip and stability band combinations to help you find a secure and comfortable fit, which also aids noise isolation.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, allowing easy switching between devices like phones and laptops. Call quality is clear due to noise-rejecting microphones, making these earbuds suitable for work calls and casual conversations. Controls are mainly app-based, offering customization and updates but may be less intuitive for those preferring physical buttons. The earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, handling sweat and light rain but not fully waterproof. The build is mainly plastic, keeping them lightweight but less rugged compared to metal-bodied models. These earbuds are ideal for users prioritizing excellent noise cancellation, immersive sound, and comfort for commuting, office work, or entertainment. For those needing longer battery life or full waterproofing, other options might be better suited.

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.