10 Best Noise Cancelling Ear Buds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are strong contenders in the noise-cancelling earbuds category, especially for those already using Apple devices. Their active noise cancellation is impressive, reportedly twice as effective as the previous generation, which helps block out background sounds so you can focus on music or calls. The sound quality is clear and rich, with enhanced bass and spatial audio creating an immersive listening experience. Comfort is addressed well with five different ear tip sizes, ensuring a secure and personalized fit for most users. Battery life offers up to 8 hours of listening with noise cancellation on, which should be enough for a full day’s use for many people.

Connectivity is seamless, particularly within Apple’s ecosystem, allowing automatic device switching and audio sharing between multiple AirPods. The earbuds are also water resistant, making them suitable for workouts or rainy days. Additional features like heart rate sensing, live translation, and hearing aid support add unique value, though these may be more useful to specific users. On the downside, the charging case does not include a USB-C cable, which must be purchased separately if you don’t already own one.

These advanced features shine mostly when used with Apple devices, so Android users might not get the full benefit. Also, while the fit options are better than before, some users with very small or large ears might still find comfort a challenge. These earbuds are a great pick for Apple fans wanting excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, and smart health features, but they might be less appealing for those outside the Apple ecosystem or looking for budget options.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a solid choice for anyone looking for true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation. They feature Adaptive ANC powered by Galaxy AI, which adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment, helping you focus or stay aware when needed. Comfort has been redesigned for long wear, so they fit securely without feeling heavy. Sound quality is enhanced by an Adaptive Equalizer that personalizes audio to your ears, delivering immersive and clear sound. Connectivity is stable with Bluetooth 5.4, and the earbuds offer convenient touch controls that you can customize to pause music, take calls, or skip tracks easily. Battery life lasts about 6 hours on a single charge, which is decent but slightly shorter compared to some competitors. The charging case supports wireless and fast charging, making recharges hassle-free. The earbuds are water resistant, so they handle sweat or light rain, but not full submersion.

Additional features like real-time translation during calls are innovative and useful for travelers or multilingual users. On the downside, while the design is sleek and lightweight, some may find the battery not lasting through very long days and the price a bit on the premium side. These earbuds are best suited for users who want smart noise cancellation, good comfort, and adaptive sound, especially if you value smart features like translation and a 2-year warranty.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed primarily for active users who want secure, comfortable earbuds that can keep up with intense workouts. Thanks to the reinforced earhooks and five ear tip sizes, they offer a stable fit that stays put during movement, which is great for running or cycling. Their Active Noise Cancellation is one of Beats’ best, helping block out distractions, but you can also switch to Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings—handy for outdoor training.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours total including the charging case, and a quick 5-minute charge gives you up to 1.5 hours of playback, so they won’t leave you hanging during long days. Sound quality is boosted by the Apple H2 chip, delivering clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass, along with personalized spatial audio that adapts to your head movements for an immersive experience. Connectivity is smooth with Class 1 Bluetooth, supporting both Apple and Android devices, and includes quick pairing plus handy features like hands-free Siri and call clarity improvements. These earbuds are sweat and water-resistant (IPX4), so they can handle rain and sweat but aren’t meant for swimming. The onboard controls offer multiple options—buttons, voice, and touch—to easily adjust volume or manage calls without interrupting your workout flow.

The addition of real-time heart rate monitoring makes them a smart choice for fitness enthusiasts who want to track performance without extra devices. The charging case is smaller but does not include a charging cable, so you’ll need to provide a USB-C cable yourself. While the sound quality is excellent for this type of earbud, users seeking more detailed audio may prefer over-ear headphones. These earbuds are best suited for those who prioritize a secure fit, long battery life, and fitness features combined with solid noise cancellation and sound quality.