10 Best In Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 stand out with their advanced active noise cancellation, claiming to remove twice as much unwanted noise compared to the previous generation, which makes them excellent for focusing in noisy environments. The sound quality is impressive, featuring spatial audio and a new design that delivers richer bass and clear vocals, making music and calls sound more immersive. Battery life is solid, offering up to 8 hours of listening with noise cancellation active, and even longer when using transparency or hearing aid features, which is helpful for all-day use without frequent recharging.

Comfort is improved through five different ear tip sizes, allowing a more secure and personalized fit, which also helps enhance sound quality and noise blocking. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth and Apple’s automatic device switching, making it convenient if you use multiple Apple devices. The touch and voice controls, including Siri integration, provide easy access to volume, calls, and noise control without needing to reach for your phone. Besides typical headphone features, it includes unique additions like heart rate sensing and live translation, making it more than an audio device and appealing if you want extra health or communication tools integrated.

On the downside, the AirPods Pro 3 come in one color (white) and do not include a USB-C charging cable in the box, meaning you may need to buy one separately. Also, while water-resistant, they’re not fully waterproof, so heavy sweating or rain might require caution. Durability is consistent with Apple’s build quality, but as small earbuds, they need careful handling. These earbuds are a great choice if you want premium noise cancellation, excellent sound, and smart features, especially if you're immersed in the Apple ecosystem. For users focused mainly on budget or non-Apple device compatibility, there may be better alternatives.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed primarily for active users who want wireless earphones that can keep up with intense workouts and daily use. Their standout feature is a strong Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) system, which helps block out distractions, plus a Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings when needed. The sound quality benefits from Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio, offering clear highs, rich mids, and solid bass — making music enjoyable beyond just workouts.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours when including the compact charging case, and quick charging offers about 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charge. This means you won't be interrupted often, which is great for long sessions or travel. The earhooks provide a secure, comfortable fit, reinforced with flexible nickel titanium alloy, and come with multiple ear tip sizes to suit different ears. They’re also sweat and water-resistant (IPX4), suitable for rain or sweat-heavy exercise.

Connectivity is reliable, using Class 1 Bluetooth with seamless pairing on both Apple and Android devices. Apple users get extra perks like hands-free Siri and Find My integration, while Android users can customize controls and monitor heart rate through the Beats app. Speaking of heart rate, the earbuds include a real-time sensor, a bonus feature for fitness tracking. Controls are user-friendly with physical buttons and voice commands, allowing you to adjust volume, manage calls, and access assistants without breaking your stride. Although the package does not include a USB-C charging cable, which you’ll need to provide separately, the earbuds are lightweight and built to withstand active lifestyles. The IPX4 rating means they resist splashes rather than full water immersion. For those seeking in-ear noise-cancelling earbuds that prioritize workout stability, strong sound, and long battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 present a solid option. Those looking for maximum noise isolation or a fully waterproof design might consider other products.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a top choice for anyone seeking high-quality in-ear noise-cancelling headphones. Their Active Noise Cancellation feature effectively blocks out background noise, making them perfect for commuting or busy environments. The Transparency mode is also a handy addition, allowing users to hear their surroundings while still enjoying their audio. With the integration of the H2 chip, sound quality is impressive, boasting clear highs and deep bass, along with enhancements for voice calls in loud conditions.

Comfort is another strong point, as Apple includes multiple sizes of silicone tips to ensure a good fit for various ear shapes. This helps in creating an acoustic seal that enhances the noise cancellation experience. The earbuds are also rated IP54 for water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for workouts.

Battery life is decent but might require some attention. While you can enjoy around 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation on, the total combined with the case reaches 30 hours. However, for long listening sessions, the 6-hour limit may necessitate frequent recharging if not using the case. The AirPods Pro 2 are designed primarily for Apple users due to their seamless integration with Apple devices. This might limit compatibility for those who use Android or other non-Apple systems. Additionally, while the touch controls are intuitive, they may take some time to master, especially for those unfamiliar with gesture-based controls.