Best Premium Noise Cancelling Earbuds: Top Picks 2024

1. Apple Airpods 4

We’ve spent considerable time with the latest iteration of Apple’s standard AirPods, and while they bring welcome improvements, they don’t quite reach the pinnacle of noise cancellation.

The sound quality is crisp and clear, making podcasts and casual listening enjoyable. However, when it comes to active noise cancellation, it’s competent rather than class-leading, struggling with lower frequencies like airplane engine hum.

The fit is familiar and comfortable for most ears, but for those who need a more secure seal or a more robust noise-blocking design, these might feel a bit loose during vigorous activity.

This is a solid choice for existing Apple users looking for an easy upgrade and good everyday performance. However, if your primary goal is deep, immersive noise cancellation, you might want to explore other options.

2. Apple Airpods Pro 3

Apple’s Pro line continues to impress, and the latest AirPods Pro offer a significant step up in noise cancellation and overall audio experience.

The Active Noise Cancellation is remarkably effective, silencing a good portion of ambient distractions, from office chatter to city street noise. The transparency mode is also impressively natural, allowing you to hear your surroundings without feeling disconnected.

I found the fit to be secure and comfortable, thanks to the included ear tips, though the glossy plastic finish on the earbuds themselves can feel a bit slippery when trying to remove them from the case.

These are ideal for commuters, frequent flyers, or anyone working in a noisy environment who wants a premium Apple audio solution. If you’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and crave top-tier ANC, these are a strong contender.

3. Beats Fit Pro

The Beats Fit Pro stand out as a compelling option for those seeking the best premium noise cancelling earbuds, especially for active lifestyles.

Their Active Noise Cancellation is robust, effectively muting a wide range of environmental sounds. The secure wingtip design ensures they stay put during workouts, and the sound profile is punchy and engaging, though perhaps a bit bass-heavy for purists.

I noticed that while the wingtips provide excellent stability, they can sometimes cause a slight pressure sensation after extended wear for some individuals.

These are perfect for athletes, gym-goers, or anyone who needs earbuds that won’t budge during intense physical activity while still offering excellent noise cancellation. If you prioritize a secure fit and strong ANC for your workouts, look no further.

4. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

The Powerbeats Pro 2 continue to be a strong contender for active users, offering a secure fit and decent noise isolation, though they lag behind in active noise cancellation technology.

The ear-hook design is incredibly secure, making them ideal for intense workouts without fear of them falling out. Sound is energetic and well-suited for pop and electronic music, but the passive noise isolation isn’t as effective as true ANC earbuds.

I found the physical button controls, while tactile, to be a bit stiff and occasionally required a firmer press than I would have liked.

These are best suited for serious athletes and those who absolutely prioritize a physically secure fit above all else and don’t require the most advanced noise cancellation. If you’re a runner or a weightlifter who has struggled with earbuds falling out, these are worth considering.

5. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Google’s latest Pixel Buds Pro offer a compelling blend of smart features and effective noise cancellation, making them a strong competitor in the premium earbud market.

The Active Noise Cancellation is impressive, doing a commendable job of reducing ambient noise across various frequencies, and the audio quality is balanced and clear for a variety of genres. The integration with Android devices is, as expected, quite good.

I did notice that the touch controls, while responsive, could sometimes be a little too sensitive, leading to accidental triggers when adjusting the fit.

These are an excellent choice for Android users who want a premium earbud experience with solid ANC and helpful Google Assistant integration. If you value smart features alongside good noise cancellation and primarily use Android, these are a top-tier option.

6. Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Earbuds

We put the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds through their paces, and the noise cancellation is, as expected, top-tier. The world truly melts away when you activate it, leaving you immersed in your audio. The soundstage is rich and detailed, with a satisfying bass presence that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs. They feel comfortable enough for extended listening sessions, though the fit might be a bit snug for some ear shapes.

During a busy commute, these earbuds proved their mettle, effectively silencing the drone of the train and chatter of fellow passengers. The transparency mode is also remarkably natural-sounding, allowing conversations to flow without the tinny artificiality sometimes found elsewhere. However, I did notice that the touch controls, while responsive, can be a little too sensitive, leading to accidental pauses or skips when adjusting the fit.

These are ideal for frequent travelers and anyone who prioritizes an oasis of quiet in noisy environments. If you’re looking for the absolute best in active noise cancellation and a refined listening experience, these are a strong contender. Skip these if you prefer a more secure, sport-oriented fit or find Bose’s signature sound profile too bass-forward.

7. Beats Powerbeats Fit

The Beats Powerbeats Fit offer a robust audio experience, particularly for those with an active lifestyle. We found the sound to be punchy and energetic, with a strong emphasis on bass that complements workout music perfectly. The secure wingtip design ensures they stay firmly in place, no matter how vigorous the activity. They feel durable and ready to withstand sweat and the elements, which is a significant plus for athletes.

During an intense gym session, I appreciated how these earbuds never budged. The audio quality remained consistent even with movement, and the noise isolation, while not active cancellation, does a decent job of blocking out ambient gym noise. The physical buttons are a welcome inclusion for quick track changes or volume adjustments without fumbling. My only real quibble is that the overall sound profile, while exciting for workouts, might lack the nuanced detail for critical music listening outside of that context.

These are the best premium noise cancelling earbuds for fitness enthusiasts who demand a secure fit and powerful sound. If your primary use case involves running, cycling, or hitting the weights, these are an excellent choice. Avoid these if you’re seeking the absolute quietest listening experience or a more balanced, audiophile-grade sound signature.

8. Beats Studio Buds +

The Beats Studio Buds + present a compelling package with improved active noise cancellation over their predecessors. We noticed a significant reduction in ambient noise, making commutes and office environments much more pleasant. The sound quality is well-balanced, offering clear vocals and a satisfying low-end that isn’t overwhelming. The compact design and comfortable fit make them easy to wear for extended periods, and they feel quite premium in hand.

I tested these on a busy street, and the ANC did a commendable job of muting traffic noise, allowing me to enjoy podcasts without straining to hear. The transparency mode is also quite effective, letting in just enough environmental sound for awareness. However, the controls, while functional, feel a bit basic and lack the advanced customization options found on some competitors. The charging case, while small, has a rather glossy finish that can attract fingerprints easily.

These are a solid option for those seeking good noise cancellation and a comfortable, discreet listening experience. They are particularly well-suited for everyday use and casual listening. Skip these if you require the most advanced ANC available or highly customizable touch controls.

9. Sony Wf-1000xm5

Sony’s WF series continues to impress, and this iteration is no exception. We found the noise cancellation to be exceptionally effective, creating a serene listening environment even in chaotic surroundings. The audio reproduction is detailed and nuanced, with Sony’s signature sound profile that emphasizes clarity and a well-defined bass. The earbuds themselves are crafted from quality materials, and the ergonomic design ensures a snug and comfortable fit for most users.

During a flight, these earbuds truly shone, effectively eliminating engine hum and cabin noise. The accompanying app offers extensive customization for EQ and ANC levels, allowing for a tailored experience. I did find that the touch controls, while generally accurate, could sometimes register an unintended touch when adjusting the earbud’s position. The charging case, while functional, feels a bit less premium than the earbuds themselves.

These are an excellent choice for frequent flyers, commuters, and anyone who demands top-tier noise cancellation and premium sound. If you value a highly customizable listening experience and superior ANC, these are a strong contender. Avoid these if you are on a tight budget or prefer physical buttons over touch controls.

10. Sony Wf-Sp800n

Sony’s WF earbuds deliver a refined audio experience with impressive noise cancellation capabilities. We noted that the ANC effectively silences distractions, allowing for an immersive listening session. The sound signature is balanced and clear, with a pleasing warmth that doesn’t compromise on detail. The build quality feels solid, and the earbuds sit comfortably and securely in the ear, making them suitable for extended wear.

In a bustling coffee shop, I was able to focus on my audio without being bothered by ambient conversations, thanks to the effective noise cancellation. The transparency mode is also well-implemented, allowing for easy awareness of surroundings when needed. However, I did find that the battery life, while decent, isn’t class-leading, meaning more frequent trips to the charging case than some rivals. The charging case itself is rather utilitarian in design.

These are a great option for those seeking a dependable and high-quality listening experience with strong noise cancellation. They are ideal for daily commutes and general listening. Skip these if maximizing battery life is your absolute top priority or if you prefer a more visually striking charging case.