If it’s been awhile since you looked at noise cancelling audio equipment, you might be surprised at what’s out there. There was a time when the noise cancelling feature was the exception, not the norm. It was a premium feature and carried a pretty hefty price tag.
Today, audio cancelling audio equipment is not only easier to come by, but it’s also more affordable. Noise cancelling earbuds are a huge part of this trend, and there are many options out there to fit any budget. A budget pair of earbuds isn’t going to be as effective at noise cancellation as a premium pair, but even those at the low end of the price range are pretty effective. They usually come with their own charging case, and can cancel out ambient noise and background noise, creating a quality, true wireless listening experience.
Let’s take a look at five of the best options out there so you can find a pair that suits you, no matter what your budget.
1. Premium Pick: Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to audio equipment. That’s why our pick for the best premium noise cancelling earbuds is Bose’s QuietComfort 20. They use Bose’s exclusive TriPort technology to provide dynamic sound that you can take with you wherever you go.
These Bose headphones use the brand’s proprietary StayHear+ tips for a comfortable, secure fit so you can listen at home, while exercising, or on your morning commute. Small, medium, and large sizes are included to ensure a proper fit.
If you’re bicycling or running near a busy street and want to be able to hear ambient sound or external noise, you can turn on Aware mode at the push of a button. An inline microphone lets you take phone calls, and since there are models for both iPhone and Android, you can stay in touch no matter what type of smartphone you have.
This product comes with a clothing clip, USB charging cable, and carrying case. The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts 16 hours with a full charge. You do need the battery to use the noise cancelling feature, but because these headphones are wired and plug into your device, they continue to work as regular earbuds even after the battery runs out.
2. Runner Up: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
Another great option for noise cancelling earbuds are the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. The AKG-tuned 12mm speaker and enhanced bass deliver phenomenal sound, and the open design creates the feeling that you’re listening to live music. When you need it, just turn on the noise cancellation with a simple tap. It works through Bluetooth or apps available on iPhone and Android.
The always-on Bixby assistant can help you send messages or play your favorite playlist hands-free. Plus, you get a convenient storage case that doubles as a wireless charger. A full battery lasts up to eight hours, depending on usage.
These are one of the most stylish options out there, and they’re available in four colors: black, white, red, and bronze.
3. Best for the Money: Boltune Bluetooth Earbuds
If you’re looking for something that’s a little more affordable, consider these earbuds from Boltune. The active noise cancellation identifies and cancels sounds with a maximum of 28dB, allowing you to enjoy your music without having to crank up the volume.
The sound quality is pretty impressive, and features Boltune’s BH023 enhanced bass and SBS/AAC audio decoding for clear stereo sound. Each earbud also has two mics for enhanced voice pickup, enabling clear communication while talking on the phone.
When fully charged, these earbuds provide seven hours of playtime. Plus, the included case doubles as a portable charger and provides 23 more hours of power. The USB-C quick charging system gives you an hour of playtime with a 10-minute charge.
These wireless earbuds automatically sync with Bluetooth and you can make volume adjustments with the touch of a finger. They are IPX8 waterproof, perfect for sweaty workouts, and include three sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a proper fit.
4. Budget Pick: Donner Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds
Our budget pick is from Holyhigh. If you want a pair of earbuds with active noise cancellation that will comfortably fit into most budgets, these are a great choice. They automatically pair with your device through Bluetooth and use Bluetooth 5.0 technology for a more stable connection.
A built-in MEMS microphone and noise reduction make phone calls crystal clear, even when you’re outside. The sound quality is pretty impressive and delivers a good mix of highs, mids, and lows. Use the small touch-panel to play and pause music, skip songs, answer calls, or adjust the volume.
A single charge gets you about 6.5 hours of playtime, and the portable charging case powers an additional 18.5 hours, enough to last you all day. They’re QPX7 waterproof and tolerate rain, splashes, or sweat. Four pairs of ear tips are included in multiple sizes so you can choose the one that gives you the most comfortable fit.
5. Also Try: Otium Bluetooth Earbuds
Some people prefer wrap-around style earbuds for exercise, and this pair from Otium is a good choice if you want an affordable pair in this style with decent noise cancellation. The IPX7 waterproof rating means they’ll stand up to splashes, rain, and sweat, making them a good choice for outdoor workouts.
Bluetooth 5.1 technology connects easily to your devices, and the stereo output produces rich, balanced sound. The CVC8.0 Noise Suppression Technology works pretty well, but don’t expect Bose-level noise cancellation performance. A full battery lasts for about 10 hours, and it takes 1.5 hours to get a full charge.
Noise Cancelling Headphones for Every Budget
As you can see, there are a lot of options out there for noise cancelling earbuds. Whether you have hundreds of dollars to spend or are trying to stick to a tight budget, one of our five picks for best active noise cancelling headphones are sure to meet your needs.
Previous ANC Earbuds from this list
- Holyhigh Bluetooth earphones
A passion for writing and ongoing research projects gives Catherine an incredibly broad knowledge of all things. She has authored an incredible number of articles and can be found in the wilderness when not attached to technology or listening to podcasts.
This post was last updated on 2024-12-08 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.