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Many of us consider music to be a key element of a fun and productive workout. Whether you listen while you run, cycle, dance, lift weights, or any other type of training, music adds a depth and rhythm to the workout experience that you just can't get any other way. But the earbuds you wear to listen to music while you work out can make as much of a difference as the type of music you listen to. Do they slip out or stay in place? Do they come with active noise canceling (ANC) to block out background noise? Is there a filtered noise option for running or walking outside? We've collected some of the best noise-canceling earbuds, sorted by type and use, so that you can select the pair that best suits your needs and preferences. We're including only earbuds, so you won't see any over-the-ear headphones here. Here are our favorites.
Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Noise-Canceling Earbuds: JLab JBuds Air ANC
- Best Noise-Canceling Bose Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
- Best Noise-Canceling Sony Earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM3
- Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds for Sleeping: Apple AirPods Pro
- Best Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds: JBL Reflect Mini NC
- Best Quality Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Beats Studio Buds
- Best Designed Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Beats Fit Pro
- Best Fitting Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Galaxy Buds Pro
- Best Budget Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Anker Soundcore Life P2 Earbuds
- Best Noise-Canceling Apple Earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro
- Best Earbuds with ANC: Skullcandy Indy ANC Earbuds
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, so we only feature highly-rated products. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Overall Noise-Canceling Earbuds - JLabs JBuds Air ANC
SPECS
- Earbuds weight: 5g per earbud
- Battery life: 40+ hours
- Charging time: Earbud charge time - 2 hours; case charge time - 2.5 hours
- Bluetooth: Yes, Bluetooth 5.2
- Noise cancellation: Yes
- Water resistance: Yes, IP55 sweat and water resistant
- Special features: ANC, low latency mode
- Warranty: Limited 2-year warranty
The first and perhaps most important set on our list are our best overall earbuds—the JLabs JBuds Air ANC earbuds. These earbuds are the best combination of all of the factors we're looking for in a pair of noise-canceling earbuds. As the name implies, the JBuds Air set includes an active noise-canceling (ANC) mode, which works by providing a gentle hum to drown out the sound of annoying background noise. This feature can be a godsend when you need some peace and quiet. With ANC, it doesn't matter how loud it is around you, you can disappear into your own little world. We like that this pair also includes an "aware mode" to listen to music while still hearing the important noises in your environment. Aware mode is a must for anyone who likes to run outside.
Aside from its ANC and aware mode features, the JBuds Air have some cool features we are excited to share. These earbuds have a battery life of 40-plus hours, so they should last through many workouts without needing to be recharged. They are sweat and water resistant, lightweight, and come with a two-year warranty. They are only available in black, but their sleek look and cool geometric earbud design make up for it. Some users have experienced Bluetooth connectivity issues, which may be a problem, but this should also be fully covered under your warranty. These earbuds manage to have everything we're looking for at a reasonable price, which is why the JLabs JBuds Air ANC Earbuds are our pick for best overall.
PROS
- Great sound quality
- Low latency mode to eliminate audio lag when watching TV or movies
- Long battery life
- Active noise canceling and aware modes
- Affordable price point
- 2-year warranty and customer support
CONS
- Bluetooth connectivity issues reported
- Case not wireless charging friendly
BUY: JLabs JBuds Air ANC Earbuds
Best Noise-Canceling Bose Earbuds - Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
SPECS
- Earbuds weight: 0.3 oz. per earbud
- Battery life: Up to 6 hours
- Charging time: Earbud charge time 2 hours, case charge time 3 hours
- Bluetooth: Yes, up to 30'
- Noise cancellation: Quiet mode (ANC) and aware mode
- Water resistance: Sweat and water resistant
- Special features: Fantastic ANC and sound quality, stylish
- Warranty: N/A, protection plan can be purchased through Amazon
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are comfortable, stylish, and offer incredible sound quality. They offer some of the best active noise canceling of all the pairs we've seen, without sacrificing on sound quality. Music-lovers swear by the Bose brand for some of the best sound quality on the market, and the QuietComfort set offers the sound options (including ANC and aware mode) that users expect from Bose, with the benefit of a soft and snug in-ear fit. These earbuds come with three different size options for the in-ear component to make sure you can find the fit that works best for you. The size-inclusivity will ensure that they don't fall out during your workout, and the water resistance keeps them working predictably even when you sweat.
There are a few potential drawbacks to this pair, however. The cost is perhaps the most notable; at the higher end of the price range, these are not exactly a beginner's set of headphones. But with that high price tag comes a quality and level of sound that is tough to beat. Some users find that the microphone doesn't work well, which is a common complaint for many wireless earbuds. If you're looking to wear these primarily for phone calls, another pair may be better, but for listening to music, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are soft, snug, and sound like a dream.
PROS
- Comfortable to wear for hours
- Super effective ANC
- 30 ft. Bluetooth radius
- Great design and color options
CONS
- Poor microphone quality
- Short battery life
- Expensive
BUY: Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
Best Noise-Canceling Sony Earbuds - Sony WF-1000XM3
SPECS
- Earbuds weight: 0.3 oz. per earbud
- Battery life: 4-9 hours, depending on use
- Charging time: 3.5 hours to charge case
- Bluetooth: Yes, 30' range
- Noise cancellation: Yes
- Water resistance: No
- Special features: Sound quality, compatible app
- Warranty: N/A, protection plan can be purchased through Amazon
If you're loyal to the Sony brand, we recommend the Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds as the best noise-canceling option. These earbuds have a slim, minimal profile but pack a serious punch when it comes to sound quality. If you want something portable and easy to use for the gym, but you're not willing to sacrifice on sound, these are a great option. You can easily control them with customizable settings, so that you can stop and start your music or take calls with the push of a button.
Sony also has a compatible app, which you can use instead of the earbuds' manual controls to adjust settings, if you prefer. These include a cool smart-sense feature that automatically pauses your music when you remove one of your earbuds. It doesn't seem like much, but this small feature alone is incredibly convenient, especially for listening in a busy place like a gym or at work. They have a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet and a decent battery life, so you should be able to go for a while before you need a recharge.
The WF-1000XM3 includes noise canceling and "ambient noise" settings, and the noise canceling option is pretty good. Some users report the microphone is of poor quality in this Sony pair, so if you think you'll be making lots of phone calls, it may be better to go with a different option. Likewise, if you want to pair your earbuds with your Windows computer, keep in mind that the software in these earbuds may not be the most compatible, as some users have trouble with the Bluetooth connection to PC computers. But if you're looking for a pair of Sony wireless earbuds to wear while exercising, and sound quality is your top priority, these earbuds are a great option.
PROS
- Top-notch sound quality
- App and touch controls
- Comfortable
CONS
- Poor microphone
- Does not pair easily with Windows
Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds for Sleeping - Apple AirPods Pro
SPECS
- Earbuds weight: 0.19 oz. per earbud
- Battery life: 4.5+ hours of listening on one charge, 24 hours of listening with recharges from case
- Charging time: Depends
- Bluetooth: Yes, Bluetooth 5.0
- Noise cancellation: Yes; ANC, Transparency, and Conversation Modes available
- Water resistance: Yes, sweat and water resistant
- Special features: Seamless sync with Apple devices, microphone quality, comfort
- Warranty: N/A, AppleCare+ can be purchased through Amazon
If you live in a noisy area or are a light sleeper, a white noise machine or noise-canceling earbuds can make a huge difference in your quality of sleep. If you're looking for a pair of comfortable earbuds with great ANC for sleep, look no further than the Apple AirPods Pro. These earbuds are easy to wear for most ear shapes, and comfortable enough to use all night long without causing ear soreness. Their light silicone tip provides a secure fit, but it doesn't fit as far into your ear canal as some of our other earbud selections do, making it ideal for sleep. They're also one of the lightest earbuds we've seen, weighing in at just 0.19 ounces per earbud.
If you're looking for earbuds to wear to sleep, the other features on the AirPods Pro might seem extraneous, but even if you don't think you need these in your day-to-day life, you absolutely do. Their ease of use is absolutely unbeatable and we love the AirPods Pro for their accessible features, touch and voice controls, and customizability. Unfortunately, we do have to note that Apple's AirPods (both Pro and original models) are only compatible with Apple products. If you're an Android or PC user, you're out of luck. It's also worth noting that even though these have a great battery life, it probably isn't long enough to last through an entire night's sleep if you have the ANC feature turned on. Still, to fall asleep comfortably in a noisy environment, and get a fantastic pair of earbuds in the mix, is absolutely worth the investment.
PROS
- Smart sensors
- Easy touch or voice controls
- Accessibility options, like reading text messages aloud
- Excellent microphone quality
- Comfortable for sleeping
CONS
- Only compatible with Apple products
- ANC won't last all night long
Best Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds - JBL Reflect Mini NC
SPECS
- Earbuds weight: 0.5 oz. per earbud
- Battery life: 6-7 hours
- Charging time: 2 hours
- Bluetooth: Yes, version 5.1
- Noise cancellation: Yes
- Water resistance: IPX7 Waterproof
- Special features: Small size, waterproof
- Warranty: N/A, protection plan can be purchased through Amazon
If you're looking for a slim-fit wireless earbud with noise canceling, check out the JBL Reflect Mini earbuds. These tiny buds will fit most ears and feature a post that sits in the outer shell of your ear for extra security. They have a pretty impressive battery life—6-7 hours—depending on whether you're using the noise-canceling feature. That's better than many of the other pairs on our list. The Bluetooth connection is strong and these earbuds are compatible with many different operating systems. We like that the case comes with a convenient wrist strap. That makes carrying these earbuds to the gym or keeping track of them in your purse much easier.
Some reviewers say that the noise-canceling feature isn't as robust as they'd expect, so if you're picky about ANC and finding earbuds that truly do block out all sound, we'd suggest finding an alternative. They have a waterproof rating of IPX7, so you can count on them being water and sweat resistant, although swimming with these wouldn't be a great idea.
There are users who have found that the audio lags between their earbuds and their computer (although we would note that this slight lag is very common for wireless headphones in general). And of course, some users don't care for the fit. But overall, the JBL Reflect Mini earbuds are portable, have a great battery life, and a strong Bluetooth connection.
PROS
- Small, convenient size
- Long battery life for NC earbuds
- Waterproof
- Sound quality
CONS
- Audio may lag
- Fit uncomfortable for some
Best Quality Noise-Canceling Earbuds - Beats Studio Buds
SPECS
- Earbuds weight: 5g per earbud
- Battery life: Up to 8 hours
- Charging time: Depends
- Bluetooth: Yes, Class 1 Bluetooth
- Noise cancellation: Yes; active noise canceling and transparency modes
- Water resistance: Yes, IPX4 sweat and water resistant
- Special features: Spatial audio, reliability
- Warranty: Comes with warranty card
Finding the best technology to suit your needs is all about balancing quality against price. How much are you willing to spend to get the best product available? With the Beats Studio Buds, you don't have to choose between quality and cost; these earbuds are neither the cheapest nor the most expensive pair out there, allowing you to enjoy Beats-quality sound without spending an arm and a leg. The Beats Studio Buds are lightweight, water resistant, and have a long battery life. They have the same Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity that other Beats wireless headphones do, which makes them pair with your device consistently most of the time, second only to the Apple AirPods in simplicity. The spatial audio feature gives a surround-sound feeling that lets you fully experience content like 3D audio and live music recordings.
Of course, these earbuds won't be the right fit for everyone. If you're planning on using them during vigorous workouts, we would recommend the Beats Fit Pro earbuds instead. Unlike these, which are so minimal that some users complain of them falling out, the Beats Fit Pro have a small post feature that keeps them in place without discomfort. Some users also find the Bluetooth pairing to be unreliable, which is understandably an issue for some. But we see this issue with all wireless earbuds and headphones to some degree, even with the Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro, two options that have the most seamless pairing experience out there. If you don't need earbuds for vigorous workouts and you want to invest in something that will last for years, look no further than the Beats Studio Buds.
PROS
- Spatial audio feature
- ANC and transparency modes
- Affordable price point
- Apple and Android compatible
- Includes 6 months of free AppleMusic
- High-quality sound
CONS
- Less secure in ear
- Pairing isn't always seamless
Best Designed Noise-Canceling Earbuds - Beats Fit Pro
SPECS
- Earbuds weight: 5.6g each
- Battery life: Up to 6 hours with ANC
- Charging time: Depends
- Bluetooth: Yes, Class 1 Bluetooth
- Noise cancellation: Yes, active noise canceling
- Water resistance: Yes, IPX4 water and sweat resistant
- Special features: Intuitive in-ear clip, sound quality, Apple H1 chip
- Warranty: Comes with warranty card
We love these Beats Fit Pro earbuds for so many reasons. Their compact size makes them barely noticeable and they feature a design that's a bit unique from the other earbuds on our list. Instead of relying on a silicone in-ear insert to hold the earbud in place, they combine the silicone bud with a small, comfortable post that sits within the outer shell of your ear. This adds an extra layer of security—a must for working out, especially running—without the bulk of a clip that goes over the top of your ear. Even though these earbuds have the extra security of that post, they are still lightweight at only 5.6 grams per earbud.
In addition to the earbud design, the Beats Fit Pro also has the amazing sound quality and ultramodern look that you expect from Beats products. They're compatible with both Apple and Android products, and they have many high-end features like head tracking and transparency mode.
One area where the design seems to be lacking is the charging case. Users report that the case feels flimsy and prone to breakage despite its size (significantly smaller than most other Beats earbuds). If you're particularly hard on your electronics, you may want to opt for earbuds that come in a sturdier case, like the AirPods Pro. But overall, the design of these earbuds truly is tough to beat.
PROS
- Several color options
- Excellent sound quality
- Apple/Siri and Android compatible
- Dynamic head tracking
- Transparency mode
CONS
- No wireless charging
- Cheaply made case
Best-Fitting Noise-Canceling Earbuds - Galaxy Buds Pro
SPECS
- Earbuds weight: 6.3g per earbud
- Battery life: 5-8 hours
- Charging time: Depends; quick charging option
- Bluetooth: Yes, Bluetooth 5.0
- Noise cancellation: Yes, adjustable ANC
- Water resistance: Yes, IPX7 water and sweat resistant
- Special features: Snug, comfortable fit
- Warranty: N/A
We like to review products by category because we know that how well a product works for you depends on what you use it for. The Galaxy Buds Pro are our pick for the best-fitting earbuds and are the choice option for anyone who has struggled to find a pair of wireless earbuds that don't fall out constantly throughout the day. Why do they fit so well? A couple of reasons. These earbuds have the in-ear silicone tip that you're familiar with from many other wireless earbuds, but they also have a surprising amount of heft, positioned just right to keep the earbuds in place. At 6.3 grams per earbud, these are one of the heavier pairs we've seen. Folks who prefer a lighter option may want to look elsewhere. But lighter earbuds also tend to fall out of the ear easier—and these do not do that. They're available in several colors, can pair with a range of devices, and the case is wireless-charging compatible. Users report that they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Of course, like we said, that same weight that keeps the earbuds snug may bother some users who prefer a lighter-weight option. If that's you, we recommend the Beats Fit Pro or the Apple AirPods Pro. Some folks also find that the sound quality isn't the best in these. But if you're looking for something that will get the job done during your workouts without flying across the room, this is the set to buy.
PROS
- True wireless (wireless charging)
- Dolby Head Tracking
- Adjustable active noise canceling
- Comfortable
CONS
- Heavy/bulky
- Sound quality not the best
Best Budget Noise-Canceling Earbuds - Anker Soundcore Life P2 Earbuds
SPECS
- Battery life: 7 hours
- Charging time: 2+ hours
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Noise cancellation: Yes, ANC and ambient mode
- Water resistance: Yes, IPX7 water and sweat proof
- Special features: Multi-mode noise canceling, 6 microphones, wireless charging, sleep mode, Soundcore app
- Warranty: N/A
We know that not everyone is willing or able to spend $100+ on a pair of noise-canceling earbuds. But it can be hard to find budget options that won't fail after a few months and have the noise-canceling function you need. If you don't want to spend much but still want a quality pair, look no further than the Anker Soundcore Life P2 earbuds. These earbuds have all of the features you're looking for at a much more reasonable price than their competitors. We like how they're designed with call quality in mind, making these a great choice if you plan to use your earbuds for phone and video calls regularly. The earbuds themselves hold about seven hours of charge and the case holds another 30+ hours of listening time.
The Anker Soundcore P2 earbuds have a similar shape and profile to the Apple AirPod Pros. They're available in multiple different colors and have adjustable silicone tips so you can find the perfect fit. Yes, the P2 microphone can't compare to the microphone in the AirPod Pro, but with an impressive difference in cost, the choice is a no-brainer for anyone on a budget.
PROS
- Fast charge
- IPX7 waterproofing
- Affordable price point
- Several color choices
- Impressive play time
CONS
- Limited Bluetooth range
- Not the best ANC out there
BUY: Anker Soundcore P2 Earbuds
Best Noise-Canceling Apple Earbuds - Apple AirPods Pro
SPECS
- Earbuds weight: 0.19 oz. per earbud
- Battery life: 4.5+ hours on one charge, 24 hours with case
- Charging time: Depends
- Bluetooth: Yes, Bluetooth 5.0
- Noise cancellation: Yes; ANC, Transparency, and Conversation Modes available
- Water resistance: Yes, IPX4 sweat and water resistant
- Special features: Seamless sync with Apple devices, microphone quality, comfort
- Warranty: N/A, AppleCare+ can be purchased through Amazon
Yes, it's true—we are featuring the Apple AirPods Pro on this list twice. Simply put, these are some of the best noise-canceling wireless earbuds out there. The AirPods Pro, unlike the traditional AirPods, come with silicone tips for a perfect fit and feature multiple sound options. Their active noise canceling is top-notch even in loud environments, and their transparency mode is helpful for safety and personal awareness. But Apple takes it one step further with their accessibility features. Conversation mode magnifies the voice of the person you're speaking with to make it easier to hear them, even with your earbuds in. And like other AirPods, they include accessibility options like Siri, text-to-speech, and message announcements. The case can hold up to 24 hours of extra charges, which is particularly useful on long trips.
When it comes to Bluetooth pairing, it really doesn't get more seamless than pairing your AirPods to an iPhone or other Apple device. But of course, this feature does exclude a fair number of potential users since the AirPods Pro are not compatible with Android phones or PC computers, so if you're not an Apple user, you're out of luck. The AirPods Pro also have a distinctive look; the white microphone extends past the ear and toward the mouth. We think that is a pretty small price to pay for easy and clear wireless calling, but it's a look not everyone is keen on. If you prefer a lower profile, try the JBL Reflect Minis or the Beats Studio Buds instead. But if you're an Apple devotee, these are your best bet for high-quality, reliable wireless audio on the go.
PROS
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Best wireless earbuds for phone calls; stellar microphone quality
- Secure fit with customizable silicone tips
- Accessibility options
- Easy to use with Apple devices
CONS
- Not compatible with Android or PC
- Obtrusive in ear
Best Earbuds with ANC - Skullcandy Indy ANC Earbuds
SPECS
- Earbuds weight: 76g (including case)
- Battery life: Up to 32 hours total
- Charging time: 2 hours of play from 10-min. charge
- Bluetooth: Yes, Bluetooth 5.0
- Noise cancellation: Yes, digital active noise cancelation and ambient mode
- Water resistance: No
- Special features: Skullcandy App, wireless charging case, Personal sound profile, Tile finding tech
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty and user guide
Skullcandy is known for its cool, colorful designs. But did you know that they're also one of the best, most affordable options for active noise-canceling earbuds? With a long battery life (up to 32 hours including case recharges), true wireless case charging, and a one-year limited warranty, these are a great option for anyone looking for a combination of quality and affordability. You can download the compatible Skullcandy app to easily control your earbuds, or use the built-in buttons to adjust your music and other settings. The case comes with built-in Tile technology, so you can easily find your earbuds if you misplace them. The Indy ANC earbuds include active noise-cancelation and ambient-mode options to choose what works best for your environment. The ANC setting makes it easy to ignore any music or noises you'd rather not hear.
With a more affordable option, however, comes some drawbacks in quality. Some users report that the Bluetooth range on these earbuds is quite poor. Similarly, while some reviewers find these sturdy, others say they start to lose battery life quickly. Skullcandy does offer a one-year warranty, which may offset some of these concerns.
PROS
- True wireless (wireless charging compatible)
- Multiple size adjustments available
- 1-year warranty
- Affordable
- App and Tile compatibility
CONS
- Poor Bluetooth range
- Quality control issues reported
BUY: Skullcandy Indy ANC Earbuds
FAQs About Noise-Canceling Earbuds
What is noise cancellation in earbuds?
Noise cancellation is a feature in some earbuds and headphones that provides a more quiet, private sound experience. The earbud microphones detect sounds and play a contradicting sound that has a neutralizing effect. Active noise cancellation typically doesn't create a completely silent listening experience, but rather a pleasant, quiet hum behind the other audio. This feature makes it easier to concentrate in noisy environments. It can temporarily impact sound quality, however, which is a problem for some audiophiles.
Are noise-canceling earbuds worth it?
Noise-canceling earbuds are a convenient accessory for anyone who spends time in busy or noisy environments. Whether you're trying to work out in peace during peak gym hours, you want to listen to a movie on a plane, or you're trying to focus in a noisy office, a pair of earbuds with ANC can vastly improve your experience. Even if you don't think you spend much time in noisy environments, you may find more occasions to use them than you'd think! Most ANC earbuds also include transparency or aware mode, which neutralizes certain sounds while still allowing others to remain audible for safety reasons. There are lots of reasons to give noise-canceling earbuds to try, and plenty of budget-friendly options if you're not ready to commit to an expensive pair just yet.
Can noise-canceling earbuds hurt my ears?
The neutralizing sound frequencies created by noise-canceling earbuds should not cause any harm to your ears. Though, as always, if you're concerned about your hearing, keep your audio volume reasonable. Maintaining a lower volume is particularly important when using earbuds.
It may take a few tries to find a pair of noise-canceling earbuds that offer a comfortable fit for you, as everyone has a slightly different ear and ear canal shape. What is comfortable for one person may be intolerable for another. Be prepared to experiment, and if you're concerned, start with a pair that doesn't fit as tightly.
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