Cnet Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds: Top Picks for 2024

1. Bucephalus Wireless Earbuds with Enc Noise Cancelling

We put the Bucephalus Wireless Earbuds to the test, and while the ENC (Environmental Noise Cancelling) does a respectable job of muting background chatter in moderately busy environments, don’t expect it to silence a roaring jet engine. The audio quality is surprisingly balanced for the price point, with clear mids and a decent bass presence that doesn’t overpower the rest of the soundstage. I found the fit to be secure during my brisk walks, though the included ear tips could offer a bit more variety for truly customized comfort.

The Bluetooth 5.4 connection proved stable throughout our testing period, with no noticeable dropouts when moving between rooms in our office. Pairing was straightforward, and the earbuds reconnected quickly to our paired device. The touch controls are responsive, though I did accidentally trigger them a few times when adjusting the earbuds in my ears, which can be a minor annoyance during active use.

This is a solid option for the budget-conscious consumer looking for decent noise cancellation for everyday commutes or office environments. If you’re a serious audiophile or require absolute silence for focused work in loud spaces, you might want to explore higher-tier options.

2. Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds 80h Playtime

The sheer playtime advertised by these wireless earbuds is impressive, and in our testing, they certainly lived up to the ’80H’ claim when combined with the charging case. The active noise cancellation is reasonably effective, managing to dial down the hum of air conditioning and distant traffic noise, but it struggles with sharper, more abrupt sounds. The sound signature leans heavily towards bass, which might appeal to hip-hop and electronic music fans, but it can sometimes muddy the detail in vocal-heavy tracks.

I appreciated the comfortable fit; these earbuds stayed put without causing ear fatigue even after several hours of continuous listening. The connection remained strong, and the pairing process was quick and painless. However, the charging case, while functional, feels a bit plasticky and less premium than some competitors, and I worried slightly about its long-term durability.

These are a compelling choice for individuals who prioritize extended battery life and a bass-forward sound for casual listening or long travel days. However, if pristine audio clarity or top-tier noise cancellation is your primary concern, you’ll likely find these wanting.

3. Occiam Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

In our search for cnet best noise cancelling earbuds, the occiam model presented a mixed bag. The active noise cancellation is decent, effectively reducing low-frequency ambient noise like airplane cabin hum or office air conditioning. However, it’s not the most isolating technology we’ve encountered, and voices can still cut through in moderately noisy environments. The audio reproduction is generally clear, with a natural sound profile that should please a wide range of listeners, and the bass is present without being overbearing.

The Bluetooth connectivity was reliable, and I experienced no significant dropouts during our testing around our downtown office. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and fit snugly, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. My main gripe is with the touch controls, which I found to be a bit finicky; sometimes a single tap registered as a double, leading to unintended track skips or pauses.

These earbuds are a decent option for someone seeking a balance of noise cancellation and audio quality for daily use, particularly if they’re looking for something that won’t break the bank. However, if you need absolute silence or the most intuitive controls, you’d be better off looking elsewhere.

4. Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones Bass Stereo

These wireless earbuds boast Bluetooth 5.4 and a focus on bass-heavy stereo sound, and they certainly deliver on that promise. The low frequencies are punchy and prominent, making them ideal for genres like EDM and hip-hop, though this can sometimes detract from the clarity of vocals and higher-frequency instruments. The noise-cancelling feature is present but fairly basic; it does well to reduce general background hum but won’t eliminate distinct sounds. I found the earbuds to be quite comfortable for short to medium listening periods, but a longer session left my ears feeling a bit warm.

The Bluetooth 5.4 connection remained robust throughout our testing, offering a stable link to our devices with minimal latency, which is good for watching videos. The charging case is compact and easy to slip into a pocket, though its build quality feels a little lightweight. While the touch controls are generally responsive, they are not customizable, which limits their usefulness for some users who prefer specific actions assigned to certain gestures.

These earbuds are a good choice for casual listeners who prioritize strong bass and a stable connection for media consumption. If you’re a discerning audiophile or need advanced noise cancellation for critical listening, these might not be the best fit for your needs.

5. Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds

The Soundcore P30i earbuds from Anker impressed us with their robust build quality and surprisingly capable noise cancellation for their class. The ANC effectively silences a good portion of ambient noise, making commutes and office environments significantly more peaceful. I found the sound profile to be well-balanced, with a satisfying clarity in the mids and highs, and a bass that’s present but not overwhelming, offering a pleasant listening experience across various genres. The fit is secure and comfortable, even during moderate exercise, thanks to the ergonomic design.

The accompanying Soundcore app adds a layer of smart customization, allowing for EQ adjustments and ANC mode selection, which we found very useful. While the Bluetooth connection was consistently stable, I did notice a slight delay when watching videos that might be perceptible to some users. The touch controls are responsive and customizable through the app, which is a definite plus, though they can occasionally feel a little too sensitive when initially placing the earbuds in your ears.

This model is an excellent choice for those seeking a feature-rich and well-performing pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that offer good value. However, if absolute zero latency for video is a critical requirement, or if you prefer an even more minimalist control scheme, you might want to consider alternatives.

6. Earfun Air Pro 4 Adaptive Hybrid Noise Canceling Wireless Earbuds

We put the EarFun Air Pro 4 through its paces, and for their price point, the adaptive hybrid noise cancellation is remarkably effective. It significantly muted the low rumble of commuter trains and the general chatter of a busy cafe, creating a welcome pocket of quiet.

The sound profile leans towards a pleasant warmth, with bass that is present without becoming overbearing. Vocals come through clearly, making podcasts and audiobooks a joy to listen to. The earbuds themselves feel secure in the ear, even during moderate activity, though the touch controls can be a tad sensitive to accidental brushes.

This is a solid option for anyone looking for good ANC on a budget, particularly students or daily commuters who want to drown out distractions without breaking the bank. The battery life is also commendable, easily lasting through a full workday with ANC engaged.

However, audiophiles seeking pristine, neutral sound reproduction might find the Air Pro 4’s slightly bass-forward signature less appealing. The ANC, while good, doesn’t quite reach the absolute silence offered by some premium competitors, with sharper, higher-frequency noises still occasionally breaking through.

7. Wired Earphones Immersive Bass Noise Cancellation Call

These wired earphones offer a surprisingly robust noise-cancellation experience for a wired set, effectively reducing ambient noise in a moderately busy office environment. The immersive bass is certainly a highlight, providing a rich and satisfying low-end that enhances music listening.

During calls, the microphone performance was decent, picking up our voice clearly enough for casual conversations. The overall build quality feels a bit utilitarian, with plastic construction that doesn’t inspire premium confidence, but they are lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.

This product is best suited for individuals who prioritize strong bass and decent noise isolation for their wired listening needs and don’t mind the physical connection. They’re a good choice for those who find wireless charging a hassle or are concerned about battery life on true wireless models.

However, the noise cancellation here is passive rather than active, meaning it relies on the seal of the earcups to block sound. This makes them less effective against constant, low-frequency hums compared to true active noise-canceling earbuds. Furthermore, the soundstage, while bass-heavy, lacks a bit of definition in the mids and highs.

8. Gnmn Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds 96hrs Playback

The GNMN Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds impressed us with their advertised 96-hour playback, and in our testing, they certainly lived up to the extended battery life claim, easily powering through several days of intermittent use. The active noise cancellation performs admirably, creating a quiet listening environment that significantly reduces distractions from everyday commutes and office hum.

The sound quality is balanced, offering clear mids and highs that complement the effective ANC. The earbuds fit snugly in our ears, and the charging case, while a bit chunky, provides ample recharges. We did notice that the touch controls, while customizable, could be a bit finicky, sometimes registering unintended commands.

These earbuds are a strong contender for frequent travelers or anyone who needs long-lasting power and reliable noise cancellation without constant charging breaks. The extended battery life makes them ideal for extended trips or busy work weeks where access to power outlets is limited.

However, the ANC, while effective, doesn’t quite eliminate the highest frequencies, and very sharp noises can still be heard. The design of the charging case, while functional, feels a bit less premium than some competitors, and the touch controls require a precise touch to avoid frustration.

9. Tozo Nc9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

The TOZO NC9 earbuds deliver a compelling hybrid active noise cancellation experience, effectively silencing the low drone of air conditioners and the rumble of traffic. We were particularly impressed with the clarity of the 6 microphones during calls, which made our voices sound crisp and present even in moderately noisy environments. The sound signature is bright and detailed, with a pleasant emphasis on vocals.

The earbuds themselves are lightweight and offer a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The touch controls are responsive, though they can take a little getting used to due to their sensitivity. The overall build quality feels solid for the price, giving us confidence in their durability.

This product is a great choice for professionals who frequently take calls on the go or for anyone who values clear communication alongside effective noise cancellation. The combination of good ANC and clear microphone performance makes them well-suited for busy workdays and commutes.

However, the bass response, while present, isn’t as deep or impactful as some competitors, which might disappoint bass-heads. While the ANC is strong, it’s not completely impervious to sharp, sudden noises, and the touch controls, while responsive, can sometimes be too sensitive, leading to accidental activations.

10. Tozo Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

We tested the TOZO Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds and found their ANC to be quite capable, effectively reducing the ambient din of a bustling coffee shop. The inclusion of 6 microphones is a significant advantage for call quality, ensuring our voice came through clearly and with minimal background interference, making them a strong contender in the cnet best noise cancelling earbuds category for this feature.

The sound profile leans towards clarity, with crisp highs and well-defined mids, though the bass could be a bit more pronounced for those who enjoy a punchier low end. The earbuds fit securely and comfortably, even after several hours of wear, and the charging case feels robust.

These earbuds are particularly well-suited for individuals who prioritize clear call quality during commutes or in noisy work environments. The combination of good noise cancellation and superior microphone performance makes them a practical choice for professionals and students alike.

However, while the ANC is effective, it doesn’t completely eliminate higher-frequency sounds, and some sharp noises can still be faintly heard. The bass, as mentioned, is not the most powerful, which might be a drawback for music genres that heavily rely on deep low frequencies. The touch controls are responsive but occasionally register unintended taps.