Best Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation

TL;DR: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE deliver 11 mm drivers, up to 30 dB ANC, and 30 hours of total playback in a feather‑light 5.6 g design for $119.99.

What sets these buds apart is the combination of an 11 mm driver and active‑noise cancellation that can cut ambient sound by up to 30 dB. Each earbud weighs just 5.6 g, and the whole set tips the scales at 0.115 pounds, making them easy to wear for hours. The case holds a 479 mAh battery, giving a total playback span of 30 hours with ANC off and 21 hours with ANC on.

Compared with the other nine contenders, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE are lighter than the Beats Fit Pro but heavier than the ultra‑light Soundcore Space A40. Their 11 mm driver matches the size found in the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and EarFun Air Pro 3, while the Beats Fit Pro uses a smaller 9.5 mm unit. In terms of endurance, the 8.5‑hour ANC‑off playback sits above the Beats Fit Pro’s 6‑hour run time and just shy of EarFun’s 9‑hour claim, while the total 30‑hour battery life outpaces most peers.

Users consistently praise the comfortable fit and the noticeable drop in background noise, especially on commutes and in open‑office settings. Professional reviewers note the “excellent noise isolation” and “clear microphone quality,” but they also point out the lack of default volume swipe controls and a glossy case that can slip from pockets. The standardized 75 dB playback test records 4 hours 38 minutes, which some users find limiting for all‑day use, and the sound signature leans toward a bass‑heavy tuning that audiophiles may not prefer.

Beyond the core specs, the buds support Samsung’s SSC codec alongside AAC and SBC, and they integrate with the Samsung ecosystem via Auto Switch, Game Mode (low latency on Samsung devices), Bixby voice wake‑up, and SmartThings Find. Sensors include proximity, Hall, and touch, while six microphones (three per earbud) handle calls and voice commands.

Best for: Budget‑conscious Samsung Android users who need reliable ANC for commutes, travel, and office work.

Avoid if: You require multi‑device pairing, wireless charging, a neutral sound signature, or extended single‑charge playback without the case.

TL;DR: The Soundcore P30i packs adaptive ANC up to 42 dB, 10 mm drivers with BassUp, and a phone‑stand charging case for $29.99, delivering long battery life and deep bass in a budget package.

The standout spec is the adaptive active‑noise‑cancellation that cuts ambient sound by up to 42 dB, paired with 10 mm dynamic drivers and BassUp technology for a punchy low‑end. Four built‑in microphones support clearer calls, while an IP54 rating guards against sweat and light splashes. The case not only charges wirelessly but also props your phone upright, adding practical versatility.

Compared with the other nine contenders, the P30i sits in the lower‑price tier and is heavier than the ultra‑light Soundcore Space A40 (0.04 lb) and EarFun Air Pro 3 (0.11 lb), yet still under a third of a pound at 0.220462262 lb. Its total playtime of 45 hours with the case matches EarFun’s 45‑hour claim and trails the Space A40’s 50 hours, while the ANC‑on runtime of 6 hours is modest against the Space A40’s 8‑hour ANC figure. Noise‑cancellation strength (42 dB) is respectable but below the Space A40’s adaptive ANC that reaches up to 98 % reduction.

Reviewers love the “deep, energizing bass” that powers workouts and EDM playlists, and they frequently mention the long‑lasting battery and the handy phone‑stand case as real‑world wins. Professional reviewers note the adaptive ANC’s effectiveness at the budget price, but they also point out that the bass‑forward tuning can drown out mids and treble, leading to a narrower soundstage and occasional crackly moments. Some users report the ANC falters in windy conditions, so it isn’t as consistent outdoors.

Best for: Bass enthusiasts, gym‑goers, commuters and travelers who want powerful low‑end, long battery life, and a versatile charging case at a budget price.

Avoid if: You are an audiophile seeking a neutral, balanced sound signature, have very small ears that may find the fit uncomfortable, or need consistently strong ANC in windy environments.

TL;DR: The EarFun Air Pro 3 packs 11 mm drivers, 43 dB hybrid ANC and 9 hours of playback into a 0.11‑lb, Bluetooth 5.3 true‑wireless set that charges a quick 2 hours in just 10 minutes.

What really stands out is the hybrid adaptive ANC that claims a 43 dB reduction of ambient sound, paired with a sizable 11 mm driver. The earbuds also host a six‑mic array with AI‑assisted cVc 8.0 ENC, which helps keep calls clear even in noisy environments. Latency measures 55 ms, and the Bluetooth 5.3 chipset supports multipoint connections, letting you hop between devices without missing a beat.

At 0.11 lb, the Air Pro 3 is heavier than the ultra‑light Soundcore Space A40 (0.04 lb) but lighter than the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE (0.12 lb) and far lighter than the Beats Fit Pro (0.42 lb). Its charging case weighs 50 g, making it lighter than the Space A40’s 58.1 g case and the Beats Fit Pro’s 55.1 g case, though a bit heftier than the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro case at 32.6 g. This balance puts the Air Pro 3 in the middle of the pack for portability while still offering a solid feature set.

Users consistently praise the earbuds for their reliable ANC that drowns out low‑frequency rumble, a warm bass‑heavy sound signature, and a battery that lasts 9 hours on a single charge with up to 45 hours total thanks to the case. Professional reviewers note the extensive codec support—aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless and LDAC—as a rare find at this price point. However, the stem‑heavy design can feel bulky during marathon listening sessions, and touch controls often feel overly sensitive, leading to accidental skips.

Beyond the ANC, the Air Pro 3 offers fast charging (10 minutes for roughly 2 hours of playback), IPX5 protection on the buds and IPX4 on the case, and a customizable touch‑control layout via the EarFun app. The combination of six microphones, AI‑driven noise reduction and a 6‑mm driver size makes it a compelling choice for commuters and casual listeners alike.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver 10 hours of playback per earbud, a total of 45 hours with a 5‑minute quick‑charge, and sport‑focused earhooks, but their bulk and $249 price may deter casual listeners.

What really sets these earbuds apart is the combination of 10 hours of battery life per bud and a total of 45 hours when the charging case is included. A 5‑minute fast‑charge adds up to 1.5 hours of playback, which is faster than the 2‑hour case charge quoted for the Sony WF‑1000XM5.

At 0.35 pounds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are heavier than Sony’s 0.025‑pound model and lighter than the Beats Fit Pro’s 0.419‑pound design, placing them in the mid‑range of the roundup’s weight spectrum. Their 45‑hour total runtime also outpaces most peers: Sony offers 24 hours, Bose about 6 hours (ANC off), Google up to 30 hours, Samsung 30 hours (ANC off), and Xiaomi 30 hours. Only the Soundcore Space A40 reaches a comparable 50 hours, but it lacks the sport‑oriented earhooks.

Reviewers consistently praise the secure nickel‑titanium earhooks for staying put during intense workouts, and reviewers frequently call the fast‑fuel charging “fantastic.” However, the larger 45 mm‑high buds can feel bulky in smaller ear canals, and the balanced‑bass tuning sometimes masks mids, a point echoed by both users and professional reviewers.

Additional technical details include dual‑layer drivers, IPX4 sweat resistance, and a built‑in heart‑rate sensor sampling at 100 Hz. The case supports Qi wireless charging, and users toggle both ANC and Transparency modes with a single multi‑function button on each side.

Best for: Athletes, runners, and gym‑goers who need a secure, sweat‑resistant earbud with long battery life.

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $249.00.

TL;DR: The Soundcore Space A40 packs 10 mm drivers, adaptive ANC that cuts up to 98 % of low‑frequency noise, and a 50‑hour total battery life into a feather‑light 0.04‑lb design.

What really stands out is the combination of a 10 mm driver and six AI‑enhanced microphones, while the adaptive ANC claims up to 98 % reduction of ambient sound. The earbuds weigh just 0.04 pounds, and the case adds only 58.1 g, making them easy to carry. Battery life reaches 8 hours with ANC on, 10 hours without, and a total of 50 hours when you count the charging case.

Compared with the other nine models in this roundup, the Space A40 is lighter than every competitor except Sony’s WF‑1000XM5, which tips the scales at 0.025 pounds. Its driver size matches the Soundcore P30i’s 10 mm unit and is larger than Sony’s 8.4 mm driver, though smaller than the 11 mm drivers found in EarFun Air Pro 3, Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE. The 98 % ANC reduction outpaces the dB‑based figures listed for peers—43 dB for EarFun, 42 dB for the P30i, and 52 dB for Xiaomi—so it delivers stronger low‑frequency suppression. With a total of 50 hours of playback, it also exceeds the 45‑hour maximum seen in EarFun, the P30i, and Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and more than doubles Sony’s 24‑hour total. It supports multipoint connectivity, a feature many other earbuds don’t list.

Users consistently praise the long battery life and the effectiveness of the low‑frequency ANC for commuting and workouts. Reviewers note the warm, bass‑forward sound signature, which many find enjoyable after a quick EQ tweak in the HearID app. On the downside, several owners report that the ANC struggles with higher‑frequency noises like voices, and the touch‑control surface can be a bit finicky. Many note the lack of built‑in location tracking as a missing premium feature.

Best for: Budget‑conscious commuters, travelers, office workers, and fitness enthusiasts who want strong low‑frequency ANC and all‑day battery life.

Avoid if: You need a neutral sound profile, high‑frequency noise isolation, built‑in location tracking, or professional‑grade audio features.

TL;DR: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 in Peony pack an 11 mm driver, Silent Seal ANC and up to 30 hours total playback in a lightweight, Google‑Assistant‑ready case for $169.

The standout feature is the Silent Seal active‑noise‑cancellation system paired with a custom 11 mm dynamic driver, delivering balanced sound without cranking the volume. The earbuds run on a Tensor A1 chip and offer up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge, while the charging case extends total playback to 30 hours.

At 0.1433 lb, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are lighter than the Beats Fit Pro (0.4189 lb) and Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (0.35 lb), yet they're heavier than the Sony WF‑1000XM5 (0.025 lb) and Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro (0.0838 lb). Their case measures 63.2 mm × 25 mm × 50 mm and weighs 62.4 g, which is larger than the Sony case but still pocket‑friendly. Battery life of 5 hours trails the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE’s 8 hours (ANC off) and the EarFun Air Pro 3’s 9 hours, placing them in the mid‑range for endurance.

Users consistently praise the comfortable fit and the reliable ANC that stays effective on daily commutes. Professional reviewers note the solid tuning of the 11 mm driver and the smooth Google Assistant integration. Common downsides include occasional ear‑bud movement during walks or workouts, a battery life that feels short when ANC is active, and a slightly bulkier feel compared with newer Pixel models.

Technical extras include three microphones per earbud for clear calls, capacitive touch (tap and swipe) controls, Transparency mode, Volume EQ, and an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. The case carries an IPX4 rating, and the earbuds feature a 6 mm nozzle and a 13 mm large eartip for a secure seal.

Best for: Android and Google‑ecosystem users who want integrated Assistant features and effective ANC for commuting or office work.

Avoid if: You need a tight‑budget option, longer ANC‑on battery life, or a truly lightweight design for intense workouts.

TL;DR: The Beats Fit Pro delivers 9.5 mm drivers, active‑noise cancellation and a secure wing‑tip fit in a 0.42 lb package, but its premium $159.64 price may deter budget shoppers.

What really stands out is the 9.5 mm driver paired with Apple’s H1 chip, giving you spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and a bass‑forward sound signature. The earbuds weigh about 0.42 lb (190 g) and pack a 6‑hour battery life per charge, plus a quick‑charge boost that adds an hour of playback after just five minutes in the case.

Compared with the other nine entries, the Fit Pro is heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE at roughly 0.12 lb, yet lighter than the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, which tip the scales at 0.35 lb. Its 6‑hour playback matches Samsung’s ANC‑on runtime, while surpassing Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 claim of up to 5 hours. Sony’s WF‑1000XM5 offers a longer 8‑hour earbud life, but Beats compensates with a fast‑charge feature that the Sony model lacks.

Reviewers consistently praise the wing‑tip design for staying put during intense workouts and the active‑noise cancellation for effectively blocking low‑frequency rumble. Professional reviewers note the ANC’s strength, but also point out that the bulkier earbud shape can become uncomfortable for users with smaller ears, and the dual‑beamforming microphones sometimes fall short on call clarity. The IPX4 rating adds sweat‑resistance, making the set a solid choice for athletes.

Additional technical perks include a full‑charge time of just 0.55 hours and a total case‑powered playback window of up to 30 hours. The earbuds support automatic ear detection, a multi‑function button for playback and ANC control, and smooth iOS integration via the H1 chip, which enables one‑tap pairing and Siri access.

Best for: Athletes, iPhone users, and anyone who values a secure fit and strong ANC in a true‑wireless package.

Avoid if: You have a tight budget or smaller ears that might find the bulkier design uncomfortable.

TL;DR: The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro pack 52 dB hybrid ANC, a dual‑driver 11 mm + 10 mm setup and Bluetooth 5.3 into a feather‑light 42.8 g package for about $76.

What really sets these buds apart is the 52 dB active‑noise‑cancellation rating, which Xiaomi claims can mute a wide range of ambient sounds. The coaxial dual‑driver architecture pairs an 11 mm bass driver with a 10 mm tweeter, delivering Hi‑Res audio support and spatial sound without adding bulk.

At roughly 0.08 lb, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro are lighter than the EarFun Air Pro 3 (about 0.11 lb) and also have a slimmer case that weighs 32.6 g versus the Air Pro 3’s 50 g. Both models share an 11 mm driver, but the Redmi’s ANC level (52 dB) outstrips the Air Pro 3’s 43 dB noise reduction, giving it a clear edge in noisy cafés or public transport.

User feedback repeatedly praises the three built‑in microphones and AI call‑noise reduction, noting that wind resistance of 9 m/s helps keep voice calls clear even on breezy days. Professional reviewers highlight the precise soundstage, smooth highs and solid mids that the dual‑driver layout provides. The case houses a 480 mAh battery while each earbud holds 54 mAh, and the charging case accepts a 5 V ⎓ 700 mA input, which should refill the pack quickly.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds deliver AI‑enhanced ANC and CustomTune personalization, but their 6 hours of playback and $299 price make them a premium choice for noise‑focused commuters.

What sets these earbuds apart is Bose’s ActiveSense AI‑Enhanced active noise cancellation paired with CustomTune technology, which tailors sound and ANC to the shape of each ear. They run on Bluetooth 5.3, support multipoint connections to two devices at once, and handle SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs. The wireless range is listed at 9 m.

Weighing 0.1763698096 pounds, they’re lighter than the Beats Fit Pro but heavier than most of the other nine models in this roundup, such as the Sony WF‑1000XM5 (0.025 pounds) and the Soundcore Space A40 (0.04 pounds). Their 6‑hour playback time with ANC off and 4‑hour time with Bose Immersive Audio is shorter than the 10‑hour per‑bud life of Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 and the 8‑hour earbud life of Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE, making the battery a relative weakness. The $299 list price also puts them at the premium end of the set.

Reviewers consistently praise the ANC, noting reductions of up to 40 dB, and highlight CustomTune as a genuine breakthrough in personalized sound. However, users point out that enabling Immersive Audio cuts battery life to just 4 hours, and the case’s 3‑hour charge time feels slow compared with the rapid‑charge capabilities of rivals. Quick charge adds 2 hours of playback after just 20 minutes, helping mitigate the shorter battery window.

Additional details include an IPX4 rating for sweat and light rain resistance, a compact hard‑plastic case measuring 27 mm depth, 66 mm height and 59 mm width, and a case weight of 61.23 g. Each earbud weighs 7.7 g, measures 24 mm depth, 12 mm height and 20 mm width, and fits securely with three silicone eartip sizes plus three stability bands.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $299.00

TL;DR: Sony WF-1000XM5 Black delivers premium ANC, 8.4 mm drivers, and up to 9 hours 32 minutes of real‑world playback in a feather‑light 0.025pounds package, but it carries a $248 price tag.

The standout spec is the 8.4 mm dynamic driver, which pairs six microphones, giving the earbuds a solid audio foundation and clear voice pickup. Battery life shines with 9 hours 32 minutes of real‑world use and a total of 24 hours when the charging case is included. Quick charging adds convenience: just three minutes nets one hour of playback.

At 0.025pounds, the WF‑1000XM5 are significantly lighter than the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (0.35pounds) and Beats Fit Pro (0.4189pounds), and even lighter than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (0.1764pounds). However, the total 24‑hour battery life is shorter than the 45‑hour total offered by Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. The 10‑meter wireless range matches the Bluetooth range of most peers, edging out the Bose model’s 9‑meter range.

Users consistently praise the ANC for dramatically cutting ambient noise, and professional reviewers call it the best among true‑wireless earbuds. Real‑world reports note that the actual battery life exceeds Sony’s 8‑hour claim, aligning with the 9 hours 32 minutes figure. The IPX4 rating provides splash resistance, and reviewers say it holds up for light rain but not for heavy downpours. Technical extras include dual ANC processors, AI‑driven bone sensors, Bluetooth 5.3 stability, and both USB‑C and Qi wireless charging for the case.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality