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 Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed especially with active users in mind, offering a secure fit thanks to reinforced, flexible earhooks that stay put during intense workouts. They deliver advanced Active Noise Cancellation, which is quite effective for blocking out distractions, alongside a Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings—useful if you exercise outdoors. Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours including the charging case, and quick charging gives you over an hour of playback with just five minutes plugged in. Sound quality benefits from Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio, providing clear highs, strong mids, and solid bass, making music feel immersive.

For connectivity, these earbuds support the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and work smoothly with both Apple and Android devices, including features like one-touch pairing, hands-free Siri, and customizable controls via the Beats app. The earbuds also include heart rate monitoring sensors, which is a bonus for fitness tracking. Controls are user-friendly with physical buttons and voice commands, helping you adjust volume or take calls without interrupting your workout.

On the durability side, the IPX4 water resistance means they can handle sweat and light rain, but they aren’t fully waterproof for swimming or heavy exposure to water. One downside is the lack of an included USB-C charging cable, which you’ll need to get separately for wireless charging. If you want earbuds that combine solid noise cancelling, long battery life, and a secure, comfortable fit tailored for exercise, Powerbeats Pro 2 is a strong choice. However, if you need fully waterproof earbuds or a more compact design without earhooks, other options might better suit those preferences.

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) excel in noise cancellation, offering some of the best performance Bose has made thanks to ActiveSense and CustomTune technologies that adapt to your ears for a personalized sound experience. These earbuds are great if you want to block out distractions or stay aware of surroundings using their Quiet and Aware Modes. The sound quality is immersive, with features like Immersion and Cinema Modes enhancing music and video listening by creating a spacious audio effect.

Comfort is well addressed, as the earbuds come with nine different tip and stability band combinations, helping you find a secure yet comfortable fit for long listening sessions. Battery life lasts about 6 hours on a single charge, which is decent but not leading in the category; the wireless charging case provides three extra charges, making it easier to keep them powered throughout the day. Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, meaning you can switch smoothly between devices like your phone and laptop. Controls are managed mainly through the Bose app, offering updates and customization, though some might prefer physical buttons for quicker access.

The earbuds have a water resistance rating of IPX4, so they can handle light sweat and rain, suitable for fitness or daily use. The build quality feels solid and premium, matching Bose’s reputation, but the charging time of 2 hours is slightly longer than some competitors. These earbuds are ideal for users who prioritize top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality in environments like commuting, work, or entertainment. They also suit those who value a customizable fit and easy device switching. If you need extremely long battery life or quick physical controls, you might find minor drawbacks here, but for immersive listening and clear calls, they perform very well.