Earbuds have become the go-to audio companions for many, offering portability and convenience. But for those seeking a truly immersive and stress-free listening experience, noise-canceling earbuds reign supreme. With advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, these earbuds effectively block out unwanted sounds, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music or podcasts. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right pair can be overwhelming. We’ve tested a multitude of noise-canceling earbuds to bring you the best picks for 2023.
Sony WF-1000XM5: A Master of Silence and Sound
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds, the latest iteration of their celebrated WF-1000XM series, have claimed the top spot on our list. Building upon the already impressive WF-1000XM4, the XM5s refine the design, making them 25% smaller and even more comfortable for extended wear. But it’s not just about aesthetics; the XM5s boast a new dual processor dedicated to noise cancellation, resulting in a 10-15% improvement over their predecessors. Coupled with six onboard microphones and redesigned drivers, the XM5s effectively drown out background noise.
The XM5s also excel in transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings naturally. A smart feature automatically switches between ANC and transparency mode when you’re talking, ensuring seamless communication without taking your earbuds out. The sound quality is exceptional, delivering deep bass and clear mids and highs.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Silence Defined
Bose, a pioneer in noise cancellation technology, delivers another top contender with the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. These earbuds, designed to prioritize silence, are compatible with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform, enabling you to enjoy high-resolution audio from compatible Android devices. The Ultra Earbuds boast adjustable EQ presets for customized sound profiles.
Apple AirPods Pro 2: Apple’s Best Yet
The AirPods Pro 2 takes Apple’s earbuds to a whole new level, offering best-in-class ANC that creates a truly immersive and silent experience. These earbuds seamlessly integrate with Apple devices, providing simple pairing, hands-free Siri access, and an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them suitable for workouts.
Beats Studio Buds+: Punchy Sound, Powerful ANC
The Beats Studio Buds+ are a worthy upgrade from their predecessors, offering a significant improvement in noise cancellation and sound quality. They provide exceptional clarity and accuracy, with a wide and detailed soundstage. The Buds+ boast a comfortable fit and an impressive battery life, making them a strong contender in the noise-canceling earbuds market.
Technics EAH-AZ60: Sound Quality Meets Affordability
The Technics EAH-AZ60 earbuds offer exceptional sound quality and impressive ANC at a more affordable price point. Comfortable and lightweight, these earbuds are easy to wear for extended periods, with soft silicone eartips that provide a secure seal to complement the ANC. The AZ60s offer a rich and detailed sound experience, customizable through the Technics Audio Connect app.
JBL Reflect Flow Pro: Built for Your Workouts
For fitness enthusiasts, the JBL Reflect Flow Pro earbuds are an excellent choice. These earbuds provide a secure and comfortable fit, even during intense workouts, thanks to their multiple eartip and wingtip options. With an IP68 rating, these earbuds are waterproof and dustproof, capable of handling any sweat or rain. The Reflect Flow Pro earbuds deliver a powerful sound with a focus on bass, perfect for motivating your workouts.
Google Pixel Buds Pro: A Great Choice for Android Fans
Android users will appreciate the Google Pixel Buds Pro, which offer exceptional compatibility with Pixel phones. These earbuds prioritize a secure and comfortable fit, with a vented design and customizable eartips. The Pixel Buds Pro deliver a rich and immersive sound experience, with spatial audio support.
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9: High-Fidelity Sound and ANC
Audio-Technica, renowned for its high-fidelity audio equipment, delivers the ATH-TWX9 earbuds, which rival Apple AirPods Pro in sound quality and ANC. These earbuds boast a customizable EQ, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preferences. They offer support for high-resolution audio, ensuring a pristine listening experience.
Technics EAH-AZ80: Premium Comfort and ANC
Technics’ flagship EAH-AZ80 earbuds offer exceptional comfort, thanks to their wide variety of silicone eartips. These earbuds deliver top-tier ANC, effectively blocking out ambient noise and wind noise. The AZ80s boast a rich and detailed sound profile, customizable through the Audio Connect app.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Sennheiser Sound Meets Improved ANC
Sennheiser, known for its exceptional sound quality, has taken a significant step forward in ANC with the Momentum True Wireless 4. While still not quite reaching the top tier of ANC performers, the Momentum 4 earbuds offer a substantial improvement over their predecessors. They provide a refined listening experience with a rich and detailed sound.
Earfun Air Pro 4: Exceptional Value, Excellent Features
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get excellent noise-canceling earbuds. The Earfun Air Pro 4 earbuds offer a compelling combination of features, sound quality, and ANC at an affordable price. They boast a comfortable fit, a wide range of features, and a surprisingly good ANC performance.
Choosing the Right Earbuds for You
The best noise-canceling earbuds for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your budget, desired ANC performance, sound quality, and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line experience or a budget-friendly option, the choices on this list offer exceptional sound quality and effective noise cancellation, allowing you to fully enjoy your favorite audio content.
