The Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds for 2025: Top Picks for Every Budget
In today’s fast-paced world, noise-canceling earbuds have become essential for blocking out distractions and enhancing our listening experience. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or just seeking peace and quiet, the right pair of earbuds can make all the difference. Here’s our roundup of the best noise-canceling earbuds available in 2025, featuring top-tier models from industry leaders like Apple, Sony, and Bose, alongside some surprising contenders.
1. Best Overall: Apple AirPods Pro 2
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are a stellar choice for iPhone users, offering industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), a comfortable fit, and seamless integration with iOS. With upgraded USB-C charging and improved adaptive noise cancellation, these earbuds continue to set the benchmark for premium wireless listening. The transparency mode is among the best, ensuring a natural ambient sound experience when needed.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Excellent ANC and sound quality Seamless iOS integration Improved battery life | Limited customization for Android users Pricey |
2. Best for Noise Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
When it comes to pure noise cancellation, Bose still reigns supreme. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds feature class-leading ANC that effectively blocks out a wide range of frequencies. These buds also deliver rich, detailed sound and a secure, comfortable fit that makes them ideal for long listening sessions.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Best-in-class ANC Comfortable and secure fit Clear and balanced audio | Bulkier than some competitors Expensive |
3. Best Sound Quality: Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony has once again delivered an audio masterpiece with the WF-1000XM5. These earbuds offer superior sound quality thanks to their new dynamic driver system and support for high-resolution audio codecs. The ANC performance is excellent, though slightly behind Bose. With customizable EQ settings and spatial audio features, they’re perfect for audiophiles. These headphones also made our esteemed list to qualify as one of the Best Headphones in 2025.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Outstanding audio quality Strong noise cancellation Feature-rich app | Large charging case Slightly expensive |
4. Best for Android Users: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a fantastic option for Android users, particularly those with Samsung devices. These earbuds boast solid noise cancellation, an immersive spatial audio experience, and a snug, comfortable fit. Multipoint connectivity and an impressive ambient sound mode make them a well-rounded choice.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Great sound and ANC Comfortable for long use Works seamlessly with Samsung devices | Some features are Samsung-exclusive ANC slightly behind Bose and Sony |
5. Best Budget Option: Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4
For those looking for high-quality noise cancellation without breaking the bank, the Soundcore Liberty 4 earbuds provide great value. They offer decent ANC, good battery life, and support for LDAC high-resolution audio at a fraction of the price of premium brands.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Affordable with premium features Solid battery life LDAC support for high-resolution audio | ANC not as strong as premium models Slightly bulky design |
6. Best for Call Quality: Status Between 3ANC
If clear voice calls are a priority, the Status Between 3ANC earbuds stand out. These earbuds feature a triple-driver system that delivers well-balanced audio, while the ANC works effectively to block background noise during calls. They also support multipoint connectivity, making them ideal for professionals who switch between devices frequently.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Excellent call clarity Multipoint connectivity Premium sound quality | No LDAC or aptX support Basic companion app |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Noise-Canceling Earbuds
- Budget – Premium earbuds like Sony, Apple, and Bose come at a high cost, while budget options like Anker Liberty 4 offer great value.
- Fit & Comfort – Earbuds should provide a secure and comfortable fit to ensure effective noise isolation and long-term wearability.
- Noise Cancellation – The effectiveness of ANC varies by model. Bose and Sony offer the best ANC, while budget models may not be as strong.
- Sound Quality – Consider earbuds with high-quality drivers and support for advanced audio codecs like LDAC or aptX for superior audio performance.
- Battery Life – Look for models that offer at least 6-8 hours of battery life with ANC enabled.
- Call Quality – If you take a lot of calls, earbuds with advanced microphone arrays and noise-reduction technology are essential.
Final Thoughts
The best noise-canceling earbuds for you will depend on your priorities, whether it’s sound quality, ANC strength, battery life, or price. The Apple AirPods Pro 2, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Sony WF-1000XM5 stand out as top-tier options, but there are excellent choices across all price ranges. Whichever pair you choose, investing in quality ANC earbuds will enhance your listening experience in any environment.
If you want some more serious headphones, check out: The 8 Best Headphones of 2025: From Noise-Cancelling Ninjas to Bass-Boosting Beasts.
FAQ
1. What are the best noise-canceling earbuds in 2025?
The top noise-canceling earbuds of 2025 include:
Best Overall: Apple AirPods Pro 2 (best for iOS users)
Best ANC Performance: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best Sound Quality: Sony WF-1000XM5
Best for Android Users: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Best Budget Option: Soundcore Liberty 4
Best for Calls: Status Between 3ANC
2. How does active noise cancellation (ANC) work in earbuds?
ANC earbuds use built-in microphones to detect external noise and generate inverse sound waves to cancel it out. Premium models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WF-1000XM5 offer multi-microphone systems for superior noise blocking.
3. Are noise-canceling earbuds worth it?
Yes! Noise-canceling earbuds enhance focus, improve call clarity, and provide immersive audio—ideal for travel, work, and workouts. High-end options like AirPods Pro 2 and Sony XM5 deliver premium ANC and sound, while budget picks like Anker Liberty 4 offer great value.
4. Which earbuds have the strongest noise cancellation?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra leads in pure noise cancellation, followed closely by Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2.
5. Can I use noise-canceling earbuds for workouts?
Yes! Many ANC earbuds, like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Soundcore Liberty 4, are sweat-resistant and secure-fitting for workouts. However, check the IPX rating for water resistance before buying.
6. Do noise-canceling earbuds work without music?
Yes! Most ANC earbuds (like Bose QuietComfort Ultra) can block ambient noise even without music playback—great for focus or travel silence.
7. How long do noise-canceling earbuds last on a single charge?
Battery life varies:
AirPods Pro 2: ~6 hours (ANC on)
Sony WF-1000XM5: ~8 hours (ANC on)
Soundcore Liberty 4: ~7 hours (ANC on)
All include charging cases for extra juice.
8. Are there affordable noise-canceling earbuds with good quality?
Absolutely! The Soundcore Liberty 4 offers solid ANC and LDAC audio support at a budget-friendly price.
9. Which earbuds are best for iPhone/Android users?
iPhone: AirPods Pro 2 (best integration)
Android: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5 (better codec support)
10. Do noise-canceling earbuds work well for calls?
Yes! Models like the Status Between 3ANC and AirPods Pro 2 feature advanced mics and wind reduction for crystal-clear calls.