The Best Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earbuds for 2023

The good news is that you now have many excellent options across a wide range of prices. The unsurprising news is that, just as with standard Bluetooth over-ear headphones that offer noise cancellation , there are definitely some earbuds to avoid. Below, we list our current favorites for pure noise cancellation power, audio quality, and even exercise. And, farther down, we explain what you need to know before you make a buying decision.

Apple popularized the true wireless earbud category when it launched the original AirPods back in 2016, so it’s no surprise that interest in true wireless pairs with noise cancellation has ballooned since the release of the AirPods Pro. Noise cancellation helps to block out sound around you, both passively by sealing off your ear canal and actively through specialized circuitry; the latter method is called active noise cancellation (ANC).

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Best for iPhone Users

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The refreshed AirPods Pro remain the best value within Apple’s in-ear audio lineup because they offer the most effective noise cancellation and the most pleasing sound. They also have spatial audio with head tracking (which can make non-musical content more immersive) and a game-changing adaptive transparency mode.

Who It’s For

If you want the best earphones that work seamlessly across Apple’s ecosystem, these are your top option.

PROS

• Rich, well-balanced audio performance
• Excellent active noise cancellation
• Adaptive Transparency mode is genuinely impressive
• Charging case has a useful built-in speaker
• Seamless integration with Apple devices

CONS

• No hi-res codec support
• Offers only non-adjustable EQ presets

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Price

Amazon

$249.00

$229.99

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Read Our Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Review

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Best Noise Cancellation

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

Although Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earphones produce superior sound, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer the most effective noise cancellation overall. They are extremely adept at suppressing both low and high frequencies. We also like their secure fit and the intuitive Bose Music companion app.

Who It’s For

Because of their ability to block out the outside world, these are ideal for travelers and anyone who works in noisy environments. Slightly stronger options exist for audiophiles and hi-res streaming, but these earphones deliver a top-tier audio experience as well.

PROS

• Engaging audio performance with deep lows and bright highs
• Fantastic low- and high-frequency noise cancellation
• Useful Active Aware mode
• Water-resistant build

CONS

• No way to turn off noise cancellation altogether
• Case doesn’t support wireless charging

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List Price

Price

Amazon

$299.00

$249.00

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Bose

$299.00

$299.00

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Read Our Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review

Sony WF-1000XM4

Best for Audiophiles

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are no longer the undisputed noise-cancelling leaders, but they are still very effective and don’t add much of a masking hiss to the signal in this mode. They also sound better than any other pair and notably support the hi-res-capable LDAC codec.

Who It’s For

Despite their relative age, these earphones are still competitive with the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. They should appeal to audiophiles more than those other options because of the aforementioned codec support and the companion app’s customizable EQ.

PROS

• Exceptional active noise cancellation
• Powerful bass depth and crisp, defined highs
• Adjustable EQ
• Good battery life

CONS

• Expensive

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Price

Amazon

$278.00

$278.00

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Read Our Sony WF-1000XM4 Review

Jabra Elite 7 Pro

Best for Runners

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

This one is tricky—we love the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, but the Jabra Elite 7 Active earphones offer the same IP rating and a slightly more secure fit for $20 less. Both are both fantastic options for running and other high-intensity exercises. We’re particularly fans of their great companion apps and solid ANC—complete with a Hear Through ambient listening mode that helps you hear your surroundings.

Who It’s For

Beyond providing a bass-forward experience and an app that includes a customizable EQ, the Elite 7 Pro model’s Hear Through mode is ideal for runners—you can toggle between ANC and ambient modes, as well as adjust each level with a fader depending on your environment.

PROS

• Powerful audio performance with deep bass and crisp highs
• Adjustable ANC and EQ settings
• Excellent mic intelligibility
• Fully waterproof, dust-resistant earpieces

CONS

• Tunable ANC requires more work than other models
• Sculpted sound signature not for purists

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Price

Amazon

$149.99

$149.99

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Best Buy

$149.99

$149.99

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Read Our Jabra Elite 7 Pro Review

Anker Soundcore Space A40

Best Noise Cancellation Under $100

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

At a price of $100 or less, you need to keep your expectations for noise cancellation in check (especially since the best models cost more than twice as much). The Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds, for instance, can’t cancel out complex mid-range noise and higher frequencies nearly as well as the Sony WF-1000MX4. But for $100, the Anker model’s ANC circuitry still effectively dials back low-frequency rumble and does a decent (just not amazing) job against the mids and highs. Meanwhile, the Soundcore app lets you customize both the EQ and the ANC mode.

Who It’s For

If you have a strict budget of $100, want quality ANC, and enjoy a balanced audio signature, the Space A40 in-ears are an excellent choice. Out of the box, they deliver a realistic sound signature and even support the high-end LDAC codec for hi-res audio on Android. Rounding out the experience is the aforementioned companion app and strong battery life (depending on your use of ANC and codec choice).

PROS

• Rich, detailed audio performance
• Quality active noise cancellation for the price
• App includes customizable EQ and controls
• Strong battery life
• Water-resistant build

CONS

• Light on sub-bass
• Noise cancellation mode slightly affects sound signature

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Price

Amazon

$89.00

$89.00

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Read Our Anker Soundcore Space A40 Review

Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Best for High-Fidelity Audio

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The luxurious PI7 earbuds put audio performance above all else. Like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, each earpiece features dual drivers—in this case, a 9.2mm dynamic driver and a single balanced armature driver for the higher frequencies. Each driver also benefits from a dedicated amplifier. The ANC is quite good here, and like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the earpieces provide a decent amount of passive noise isolation, too. We’re particularly fans of this pair’s classy design.

Who It’s For

Because other in-ears with better ANC are available for less, this Bowers & Wilkins model is best for those who care more about audio performance (and style) than any other aspect. And with support for the AptX, AAC, and SBC Bluetooth codecs, the earphones notably let you stream hi-res audio music (up to 24-bit, 48kHz) from streaming services like Qobuz.

PROS

• Excellent audio performance with robust lows and detailed highs
• Strong noise cancellation
• Unique cable allows for streaming non-Bluetooth audio
• Optimized for hi-res audio playback
• Dust- and water-resistant design
• Secure, comfortable fit

CONS

• Expensive
• No adjustable EQ
• Charging cable is USB-C only

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List Price

Price

Amazon

$399.00

$279.00

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B&H Photo Video

$399.99

$399.99

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Read Our Bowers & Wilkins PI7 Review

JBL Live Pro 2 TWS

Best for Big Bass on a Budget

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS earphones aren’t the only pair in the $100 rangee on this list—they’re part of a growing trend of lower-cost true wireless in-ears with competent ANC. Otherwise, this model delivers some serious bass depth and its app features an adjustable, 10-band EQ. The earphones also have commendable battery life.

Who It’s For

If you only want to spend about $100, we currently recommend either the Anker Space A40 or this pair. The former is better for people who prefer a natural sound signature, whereas this model is ideal for bass lovers (though the sound is still balanced overall here). The noise cancellation also handles unwanted noise pretty well for frequent commuters.

PROS

• Powerful, bass-forward sound signature
• Adjustable 10-band EQ
• Quality noise cancellation performance for price
• Full-featured app with hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant

CONS

• Sound signature not for purists
• On-ear controls lag slightly and are not fully customizable

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Price

Amazon

$149.95

$74.95

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Walmart

$180.00

$74.95

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Read Our JBL Live Pro 2 TWS Review

Monoprice Horizon ANC

Lowest Price

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Noise-cancelling models have become increasingly affordable over the last few years and the Monoprice Horizon ANC earbuds deliver surprisingly competent performance for their budget price. They also sound quite good, too.

Who It’s For

If you want quality active noise cancellation for as little money as possible, these are an excellent choice. You can get better performance by spending a bit more, but these keep you closer to $50 than $100.

PROS

• Rich, detailed audio performance with bright highs
• Good Bluetooth codec support
• Affordable

CONS

• No app
• Cumbersome touch controls

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Price

Amazon

$45.74

$43.78

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Read Our Monoprice Horizon ANC Review

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

Best for Samsung Galaxy Users

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro back up quality ANC with excellent audio chops. Additionally, the new Samsung Seamless Bluetooth codec allows for hi-res streaming on (some, but not all) Galaxy devices. Listening to a lossless streaming service through the earphones on a compatible Galaxy device is a fantastic experience because of the dual drivers in each earpiece. And the ANC experience is above average for the price.

Who It’s For

We wish we could say all Android users, but to get all the capabilities here (including 24-bit hi-res streaming), you need a Galaxy smartphone running Android 8.0 and One UI 4.0 or higher with 1.5GB RAM. If your device meets those base specifications, these earbuds are an obvious choice.

PROS

• Dual drivers produce fantastic bass depth and clarity
• 24-bit streaming for (some) Galaxy phone users
• Competent active noise cancellation
• Case charges wirelessly
• Waterproof design

CONS

• In-app EQ isn’t customizable
• So-so battery life

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Price

Amazon

$229.99

$189.99

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Best Buy

$229.99

$229.99

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Read Our Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3

Best for Accurate Sound

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The latest ANC in-ears from Sennheiser pick up where their predecessors left off, with excellent audio and high-quality ANC for the price. The earbuds fit securely and the 7mm dynamic drivers deliver a frequency range of 5Hz to 21KHz. The Momentum True Wireless 3 earphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.2, plus support an inclusive array of Bluetooth codecs, including AAC, AptX, AptX Adaptive, and SBC. This model is also notably more affordable than the B&W PI7, another top-tier ANC favorite for audiophiles.

Who It’s For

If you want even the absolute best Bluetooth codec support, look for a model that supports LDAC or Samsung’s proprietary hi-res codec. But this Sennheiser pair still offers far more than the minimum Bluetooth support and its drivers sound wonderful. The app offers a customizable (but basic) EQ, too, though you probably don’t even need to adjust the sound signature because the earphones sound superb without any tweaks.

PROS

• Excellent audio performance with rich bass and detailed highs
• Solid active noise cancellation
• App features adjustable EQ and control customizations
• Case supports wireless charging

CONS

• Sculpted default sound signature
• Limited EQ settings

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Price

Amazon

$249.95

$191.40

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Sennheiser

$249.95

$249.95

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Read Our Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 Review

Buying Guide: The Best Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earbuds for 2023

Do Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Block All Sound?

Active noise cancellation debuted in over-ear and on-ear headphones first but is now prevalent in both wired and wireless earphones. As the first word of the term suggests, active noise cancellation requires power, as opposed to passive noise reduction. Battery power feeds ANC circuitry that, using microphone signal feeds, creates a live, inverse signal of the surrounding noise. Just as a negative number added to its positive equivalent equals zero, the goal here is to offset the actual surrounding noise with inverse sound waves.

Does it work? That depends on the manufacturer and the character of the surrounding noise. Even good ANC is typically far more effective at tamping down low to mid frequencies, especially unchanging, drone-like sounds such as airplane engines and train rumble, or the whir of an AC unit. The very best ANC does the same for some higher-frequency sounds, like office chatter, keyboard clicks, and the like. But a combination of the active circuitry and an in-ear seal are most effective against these sounds.

Speaking of an in-ear seal, passive noise cancellation (or passive noise isolation or passive noise reduction) uses the physical sealing-off of the ear canal to block out surrounding sound. There are no mics or batteries involved in this method, but it is, in many ways, more effective than active noise cancellation because it helps cut back frequencies across the board. Earplugs still exist for a reason—they work. 

How to Buy Wireless Headphones

How to Buy Wireless Headphones

Bad Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: What to Avoid

Lower-quality ANC circuitry often reproduces an audible high-frequency hiss—like white noise or tape hiss—that masks some of the higher frequencies it can’t eliminate. The easiest way to tell if this is happening is to activate the ANC in a totally quiet environment—if it seems to make the noise floor louder, it’s adding a hiss. Most pairs we test add in some degree of hiss, but the quality of the ANC dictates its prevalence.

Another aspect of low-quality ANC—especially in wireless headphones and earphones—is the difference in how music (or any audio) sounds when it is active. The ANC shouldn’t change how music sounds at all, but some models we test produce wildly different sound signatures when the ANC is on, such as more bass, more treble, and higher volumes. The effect (in most cases) isn’t too disruptive, but quality ANC should have no impact on audio performance.

What Is Ambient Monitoring Mode?

Plenty of true wireless models include a feature that allows you to monitor your surroundings without removing the earpieces. This is useful in offices and airports, as well as for runners who need to be aware of traffic and car horns. Not all true wireless pairs with an ambient monitoring mode also include noise cancellation, but most of the pairs we’ve tested do.

Many pairs offer on-ear controls that allow you to cycle through ANC and ambient monitoring modes. We note whether earphones include this feature—along with how well it works—in each of our reviews.

Are Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Worth It?

The best true wireless earphones that deliver audiophile-pleasing audio and excellent ANC can easily cost over $200, but those aren’t your only options. We’re starting to see some good, budget-friendly alternatives that deliver solid noise cancellation and sound quality for closer to, and even under, $100.

Our recommendations here cover as many different budgets as possible, so you can choose the one that works best for you. Consult our in-depth reviews to find the perfect pair and then head over to our stories on five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you’re using your headphones wrong.