Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds (2026): Bose, Apple, Samsung, Beats, and More
Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds (2026): Bose, Apple, Samsung, Beats, and More. 3Battery life (ANC on)6 hours, 24 with caseWater/dust resistanceIPX4Wireless chargingYesIf you’re seeking the absolute best active noise canceling (ANC), the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) should be at the top of your shortlist.
What happened
The noise-canceling is excellent, and while not as strong as Bose, Apple, or Sony, these earbuds are much smaller and lighter. Skip to main contentSave this storySave this storyThe best noise-canceling earbuds are indispensable tech we all use daily for listening to any and everything—from phone calls, podcasts, and TV shows to workouts, commuting, and air travel. My top picks come from brands like Bose, Anker, Apple, and Beats, and while none is best overall, a few great options fit different needs.
For more choices, check out our Best Noise-Canceling Headphones (which includes non-earbuds), Best Cheap Headphones, and Best Workout Headphones guides. While the noise-canceling isn’t as ironclad as the Bose, I actually find these earbuds more versatile. If you buy only one pair of headphones, you should make it a good pair of noise-canceling earbuds. Best ANC EarbudsPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Parker HallPhotograph: Parker HallPhotograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistBoseQuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)$299 Amazon$299 Best Buy$299 BoseSpecsAccordionItemContainerButtonConnectivityBluetooth 5.
The wider picture
In all my testing, I've yet to find a pair of noise-canceling earbuds that can knock these off the throne, though some models come close. 5 hours, 28 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP55Wireless chargingYesIt’s hard to find effective noise-canceling earbuds at lower price points, but the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro bucks the trend, delivering excellent ANC for well under $200. What keeps Bose at the top spot is its more effective noise-canceling and detailed sound. Best ANC Earbuds for iPhonePhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Parker HallPhotograph: Parker HallPhotograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistAppleAirPods Pro 3$249 $199 (20% off) Amazon$250 $190 (24% off) Best Buy$249 AppleSpecsAccordionItemContainerButtonConnectivityBluetooth 5.
But they’re also just good earbuds, with excellent noise-canceling and a particularly impressive transparency mode. Best ANC Earbuds for SamsungPhotograph: Ryan WaniataPhotograph: Ryan WaniataPhotograph: Ryan WaniataPhotograph: Ryan WaniataSave to wishlistSamsungGalaxy Buds4 Pro$250 Amazon$250 Walmart$250 SamsungSpecsAccordionItemContainerButtonConnectivityBluetooth 6. Best ANC Earbuds for Working OutPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Ryan WaniataSave to wishlistBeatsPowerbeats Pro 2$250 $200 (20% off) Amazon$250 $200 (20% off) Best Buy$250 Beats by DreSpecsAccordionItemContainerButtonConnectivityBluetooth 5. 4Battery life (ANC on)6 hours, 21 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP55Wireless chargingNoLet me level with you: I have yet to find competing noise-canceling earbuds for under $50.
What has been reported
These JLab earbuds come close, and while the noise-canceling is so-so, they get everything else right. Apple AirPods are some of the best; it can feel like you're not wearing earbuds at all when using their transparency mode. How I Test Noise-Canceling EarbudsAccordionItemContainerButtonI test all kinds of headphones, including noise-canceling ones, the way regular people might use them. I’ve tested dozens of wireless earbuds. These are the best for when you want to tune out the world, wherever you are.
Most wireless earbuds come with built-in noise cancellation, but the difference between a good pair and a great pair is vast. In any environment, whether it’s a noisy subway platform or an international flight, these earbuds largely block out noise. Best Budget ANC EarbudsPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzSave to wishlistSoundcore by AnkerLiberty 5 Pro$170 Amazon$170 Best Buy$170 SoundcoreSpecsAccordionItemContainerButtonConnectivityBluetooth 6. They have a similar shape and size to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (though they are a bit smaller), with similar touch-sensitive controls on each bud.
What happens next
But the biggest differentiator is call quality—these are some of the best earbuds for calls, full stop. 3Battery life (ANC on)8 hours, 24 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP57Wireless chargingYesIf you have an iPhone, you should probably just get the Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds. Best ANC Earbuds for AndroidPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuPhotograph: Parker HallPhotograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistGooglePixel Buds Pro 2$229 $189 (17% off) Amazon$229 $210 (8% off) Best Buy$229 GoogleSpecsAccordionItemContainerButtonConnectivityBluetooth 5. Best ANC Earbuds for Sound QualityPhotograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistSonyWF-1000XM6$328 Amazon$330 SonySpecsAccordionItemContainerButtonConnectivityBluetooth 5.
4Battery life (ANC on)8 hours, 24 with caseWater/dust resistanceIPX4Wireless chargingYesIf you want excellent noise-canceling and excellent sound quality, the Sony WF-1000XM6 is what you're looking for. With the right fit, they are perhaps the best-sounding wireless earbuds that I’ve tested. Still, the crown goes to Bose for the best ANC, simply because the 1000XM6 can be tricky to fit perfectly—I had to swap out ear tips a few times before they felt comfortable.
The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across wired.com. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.