Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds 2021: Our Top Picks For November

Published: 16 Nov 2021 4:12 PM +00:00 Updated: 16 Nov 2021 4:12 PM +00:00

If you're looking for the best earbuds that offer active noise-cancelling technology, you're in the right place.

Noise-cancelling technology fights to remove background and ambient sounds to provide a deeper, more immersive listening experience, and there are many impressive contenders to choose from.

We've done the research for you and chosen the earbuds that we thought stood out from the crowd based on specs, reviews and any other additional features they offer.

So whether you're looking for a brilliant pick for iPhone with the Apple AirPods Pro or you're on the hunt for some cracking all-rounders with the Sony WF-1000XM4, we've got you covered.

Let's dive in!

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds Premium - Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

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If you're an audiophile you'll have heard of Bose, reputable for producing some of the best wireless speakers and it probably won't come as a shock to you that their QuietComfort Earbuds appear on this list.

The active noise cancellation allows you to adjust the level of how much or how little of the outside world you hear, which may be incredibly useful if you need to be aware of your surroundings.

On top of this, these earbuds also feature transparency mode which allows you to turn off the noise cancellation altogether so that you're able to hear people talking or the outside world in general without having to remove them.

In terms of comfort, these earbuds boast soft silicone and StayHear Max tips with three sizes to suit your desired feel which should allow for longer listening without causing strain.

Overall, we think the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are seriously impressive and if you can stretch to the price, could be worth every penny.

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds For iPhone - Apple AirPods Pro

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds Apple — Image Credit: Apple

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If you're an iPhone user, the Apple AirPods Pro may be the best choice for you.

In terms of noise cancellation, these earbuds boast anti-noise technology which counters unwanted ambient sound before you can hear it.

When it comes to sound, the H1 chip and amplifier work together to produce a wide range of frequencies from 20 - 20,000Hz which is designed for high-quality bass and treble tones.

Made with the iPhone in mind, these earbuds are also compatible with Siri, meaning you can change the song, adjust the volume or even have your messages read aloud, using only your voice.

If you're an Apple fan and have already got yourself one of the best iPhones the Apple AirPods Pro could be the best earbuds to match. With the Apple AirPods 3 just around the corner, you may be able to get them for a lower price, too.

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds All-Rounder - Sony WF-1000XM4

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds Sony — Image Credit: Sony

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If you're looking for a fantastic pair of earbuds that offer noise cancellation and much more, the Sony WF-1000XM4 could be for you.

When it comes to noise cancellation, these earbuds feature dual microphones which work to pick up ambient noise coming from multiple directions in order to counter it.

These earbuds also include impressive 'speak-to-chat' technology, which means your music will pause automatically and noise cancellation will turn off as soon as you speak, ideal for small talk.

In terms of sound, these earbuds boast high resolution, crystal-clear audio, thanks to the LDAC and DSEE Extreme technology, which work together and should be worthy of any audiophile.

As well as this, Sony's new integrated V1 chip claims to cancel out more noise, produce higher volumes and consume less power than previous iterations.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 boast some seriously impressive specs, and is among the best earbuds available in 2021.

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds Budget Choice - EarFun Air Pro

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds EarFun — Image Credit: EarFun

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If you're looking for noise cancellation earbuds but don't want to burn too deep a hole in your pocket, the EarFun Air Pro may be for you.

These earbuds use six built-in microphones to reduce unwanted ambient noise by up to 38dB which should provide you with clear audio even in louder, outdoor environments.

They also boast a pretty impressive battery life, lasting up to 9 hours without needing to be charged, with an additional 23 hours from the charging case.

We think the EarFun Air Pro are one of the best budget wireless earbuds and give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds For Battery Life - Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds Sennheiser — Image Credit: Sennheiser

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If you're looking for noise cancellation earbuds that offer outstanding audio output and substantial battery life, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 could be what you're after.

Boasting supreme sound quality with richly defined tones across bass, middle and treble alongside a Smart Control App that allows you to adjust the levels to find your desired sound.

In terms of battery life, you're getting up to 7 hours playback with another 3 charges from the case, providing you with a total of 28 hours playback, which should provide plenty of listening pleasure.

Thanks to the ergonomic design the Sennheiser Momentum TW2 should perform great whether you're lounging at home or moving about outside.

Frequently Asked Questions For Noise Cancelling Earbuds

When purchasing noise cancelling earbuds, or even looking at the best noise-cancelling headphones, there are a number of questions worth considering before proceeding.

What is the difference between Passive Noise Cancelling (PNC) and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)?

There are two different types of noise-cancelling technology, Passive Noise Cancelling (PNC) and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC).

Passive Noise Cancelling and is the most common form, it uses the material to physically soundproof the ear, to attempt to cut off unwanted noise.

Active Noise Cancelling uses microphones to pick up ambient sound and send out a signal that is the opposite to counter it, which then collides with the incoming audio waves to create silence.

How many dB can noise cancelling earbuds block?

While earbuds that feature ANC technology can be incredibly effective, they certainly cannot block all sound.

Noise-cancelling earbuds can reduce up to around 45 dB with 20-30dB of reduction being the most common.

Does ANC affect battery life?

Traditionally, having ANC fully on can decrease battery life by a few hours on certain earbuds.

If you are wanting to block out a lot of noise, then be prepared to experience some drain, but with charging cases available to power the likes of the Apple AirPods Pro, then you'll be back up and running in minimal time.

How much should you spend on noise cancelling earbuds?

This depends on what you're wanting to get out of a set. Spending out on a premium set such as the Sony WF-1000XM4 for 150+ will get you more features and better noise-cancelling tech, for instance.

However, opting for a more wallet-friendly pair like the EarFun Air Pros should still provide a good all-round experience with balanced audio and powerful ANC for the price.

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