10 Best Noise Canceling Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are designed to excel in the noise-canceling earbuds category, featuring advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology that effectively reduces background noise, making them ideal for use in busy environments. With a customizable fit due to four sizes of silicone tips, they offer comfort for extended wear. The sound quality is impressive, thanks to the Apple-designed H2 chip that enhances both music and call clarity, delivering crisp highs and rich bass. Battery life is another highlight; they provide up to six hours of listening time with ANC activated, and up to 30 hours when using the charging case, which is convenient for on-the-go usage.

In terms of connectivity, they utilize Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable connection with compatible devices, and the controls are user-friendly, allowing easy management of playback and calls. The addition of personalized spatial audio creates an immersive experience that many users will appreciate.

For anyone looking for premium noise-canceling earbuds packed with features and excellent sound quality, the AirPods Pro 2 are a strong contender, but it’s essential to weigh the features based on personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

The Apple AirPods 4 stand out in the noise-canceling earbuds category with several impressive features. They utilize Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to effectively minimize outside sounds, allowing for a more immersive listening experience. The integration of Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode is a great advantage, as it lets users switch between fully blocking noise and still being aware of their surroundings, which is particularly useful in various environments. The powerful H2 chip enhances sound and call quality significantly, making conversations clearer in noisy settings due to Voice Isolation technology.

Comfort and fit are also prioritized in the AirPods 4 design, which has been reworked for better stability and extended wear without discomfort. Additionally, the battery life is commendable, offering up to 5 hours of listening time per charge with ANC enabled, and an impressive total of up to 30 hours with the charging case.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the sound quality is generally excellent, some audiophiles may find it lacks a bit of depth compared to higher-end brands. The reliance on Apple’s ecosystem can also be limiting if you use non-Apple devices, as certain features may not be fully compatible. Furthermore, while the IP54 rating protects against dust and sweat, they may not be the best choice for extreme water exposure. Controls are intuitive, featuring touch and voice activation with Siri; however, users who prefer physical buttons might find this interface a bit cumbersome. Lastly, the price point is on the higher side, which could deter budget-conscious buyers.

The Apple AirPods 4 serve as a commendable option for those seeking high-quality noise-canceling earbuds, particularly for Apple device users and those valuing convenience and comfort for everyday use.

These wireless earbuds offer strong active noise cancellation (ANC) that can block up to 45 dB of outside noise, which is excellent for noisy environments like subways. They also include a Transparency Mode to stay aware of surroundings without removing the earbuds. Sound quality is solid, with 13 mm drivers delivering good bass, balanced mids, and clear highs, plus five EQ presets to suit different music tastes.

Call quality is enhanced by dual microphones that reduce background noise significantly, making them a good choice for hands-free calls in busy or windy places. Battery life is impressive, providing 8 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 40 hours with the touchscreen charging case. The case is a unique feature, offering touch controls to manage music, calls, and even locate earbuds without reaching for your phone. Comfort is well addressed with an ergonomic design and multiple ear tip sizes, ensuring a secure fit that’s light enough to wear all day.

The earbuds also have a high IPX7 waterproof rating, so they can handle sweat and rain, ideal for sports and outdoor use. Connectivity uses Bluetooth 5.0, which generally ensures a stable connection within about 33 feet, though the brief mention of Bluetooth 6.0 in features might be a mix-up. Controls are fully touch-based, which is modern but may require some getting used to if you prefer physical buttons. One minor drawback is a slightly higher audio latency (60 ms) that might be noticeable in fast-paced gaming or video lip-sync but should be fine for music and calls. These earbuds are well suited for users seeking versatile, high-quality wireless earbuds with strong noise cancellation and long battery life, especially for active lifestyles and frequent call use.