10 Best Budget Noise Cancelling Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are strong contenders if you're looking for earbuds with active noise cancellation without breaking the bank. They offer impressively effective noise cancellation, reportedly twice as good as their previous version, helping you focus or relax in noisy places. Sound quality is excellent, with clear vocals and rich bass, and the spatial audio feature adds an immersive feel, making music and movies more enjoyable.

Battery life is solid, providing up to 8 hours with noise cancellation on, which is quite good for daily use, and the charging case supports convenient wireless and USB-C charging. Comfort-wise, the AirPods Pro 3 come with five ear tip sizes, which helps many users find a secure, personalized fit, though some may find the in-ear design less comfortable after long hours. They offer seamless connectivity especially within the Apple ecosystem, with automatic switching between devices and easy pairing, but might be less convenient if you use non-Apple devices.

Controls are intuitive, using touch and voice commands, and include useful features such as live translation and heart rate monitoring, which are unique extras. The earbuds are sweat- and water-resistant, making them a good choice for workouts, but they lack a bundled USB-C charging cable, so you may need to buy one separately. While they may not be the cheapest option in the budget noise-cancelling category, these earbuds deliver a premium experience with smart features that justify the price for Apple users or those wanting high-quality sound and solid noise cancellation.

The Apple AirPods 4 are designed to offer a premium experience in the noise-cancelling earbuds category, featuring active noise cancellation that effectively blocks outside sounds to help you focus on your music or calls. Thanks to the powerful H2 chip, they blend noise cancellation and Transparency modes smoothly, allowing you to still hear your surroundings when needed. Sound quality is impressive with personalized spatial audio that makes music and movies feel immersive.

Comfort is a strong point here — the earbuds have been redesigned with a shorter stem and contoured fit, making them stable and comfortable for all-day wear. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3 and quick pairing to Apple devices, along with handy features like automatic play/pause when you put them in or take them out. Controls are intuitive and versatile, including physical buttons and voice commands with Siri, even allowing you to respond using nods or shakes of your head.

Battery life stands at up to 4 hours with noise cancellation on and 20 hours total with the charging case, which is decent but might be shorter than some budget earbuds that prioritize longer playback. The charging case is compact and supports USB-C and wireless charging, which adds convenience. Durability is good with an IP54 rating, meaning you can use them during workouts or in light rain without worry. Positioned at a higher price compared to typical budget options, these AirPods suit users who want comfort, reliable noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices rather than a strictly budget pick. They excel in noise control, sound, and comfort, though battery life and price may be less competitive for those seeking the cheapest noise-cancelling earbuds.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are premium wireless earbuds with strong noise cancellation that removes twice as much background noise compared to the previous generation. They offer up to 6 hours of listening time per charge and a total of 30 hours with the charging case, which is quite good for all-day use. Thanks to the Apple H2 chip, the sound quality is clear and immersive, with rich bass and crisp highs, plus personalized spatial audio for a more natural listening experience.

Comfort is addressed with four sizes of silicone tips, helping these earbuds fit securely and block outside noise well. Their IP54 rating means they resist dust, sweat, and water splashes, making them suitable for exercise and light outdoor use. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3 and easy pairing with Apple devices, but some features may be limited on non-Apple gadgets. Touch controls are responsive and support volume adjustments, playback, and voice commands through Siri, adding convenience.

The charging case includes a speaker and supports multiple charging methods including USB-C, MagSafe, and even Apple Watch chargers, which is a nice touch. On the downside, the AirPods Pro 2 are priced higher than typical budget earbuds, so they may not fit everyone's wallet. Also, while they offer great noise cancellation, some competing brands provide longer battery lives or better water resistance for intense workouts or heavy rain. These earbuds are a solid choice if you prioritize noise cancellation, sound quality, and a comfortable fit, especially if you are already in the Apple ecosystem, but they might be more than you need if budget is a strict concern.