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 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.

The Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds stand out with their unique open-ear design, letting you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying rich sound. Unlike typical noise-cancelling earbuds, these do not block outside noise, making them great if you want to keep connected to what’s going on around you, such as while running or commuting in busy areas. Battery life is a strong point here, offering up to 7 hours of playtime per charge, with an additional 2.5 charges via the case, totaling up to 48 hours—this means you won’t have to recharge often during daily use. Comfort is well thought out with a clip-on style that hooks gently around your ears, designed to stay secure without feeling tight, which is good for longer wear.

Sound quality is enhanced by Bose’s Immersive Audio technology, delivering clear and spacious music, though it may lack the deep bass punch found in some closed earbuds. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint support, allowing easy switching between devices like phones and laptops. Controls are straightforward, managed through buttons on the earbuds and the Bose app, which also helps with updates and customization. These earbuds are water-resistant (IPX4), so they can handle sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for workouts.

On the downside, the lack of active noise cancellation means they won’t block out noisy environments, and the open-ear design might let in wind noise during outdoor use. Also, they require a brief charging time and use a plastic build that feels lightweight but might not be as rugged as some sport-focused models. These earbuds are best suited for users who prioritize situational awareness and comfort while enjoying good sound and long battery life, rather than complete noise isolation.