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Angled shot of author John Higgins wearing a Sony WF-1000XM5 earbud in his right ear. Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

The Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds of 2024

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Angled shot of author John Higgins wearing a Sony WF-1000XM5 earbud in his right ear. Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

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1
Editor's Choice Product image of Sony WF-1000XM5
Best Overall

Sony WF-1000XM5

Check Price at Amazon

The Sony WF-1000XM5 deliver class-leading noise-canceling performance with excellent sound quality and an app that offers a bunch of customizability. Read More

Pros

  • Class leading ANC
  • Excellent, balanced sound
  • Works for both Apple and Android

Cons

  • Fit takes fiddling
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Anker Soundcore Space A40
Best Value

Anker Soundcore Space A40

Check Price at Amazon

The Soundcore Space A40 set a new mark for earbuds under $100 thanks to great sound and noise canceling that outperforms many pricier options. Read More

Pros

  • Amazing ANC for the price
  • Customizable sound profiles
  • Great battery life

Cons

  • Little sizzly out of the box
  • Lows can cover vocals
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Best for iPhone

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Check Price at Amazon

Apple’s updated AirPods Pro may look the same, but features like Adaptive Transparency and next-gen noise canceling make them the best buds around. Read More

Pros

  • Next-gen noise canceling
  • Adaptive Transparency mode
  • Sound and battery boost

Cons

  • No EQ or ANC adjustment
  • No separate app for Android
4
Editor's Choice Product image of Jabra Elite 7 Active
Best Workout Earbuds

Jabra Elite 7 Active

Check Price at Amazon

Jabra's Elite 7 Active provide a stable fit, sporty performance, and great features, from solid ANC and multipoint pairing to rugged waterproofing. Read More

Pros

  • Snug and stable fit
  • Great battery and waterproofing
  • Loaded with features

Cons

  • So-so default sound
5
Editor's Choice Product image of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Check Price at Amazon

The Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds have some of the best active noise canceling we've ever heard, but aren't the best for making calls. Read More

Pros

  • Incredible noise canceling
  • Clear sound
  • Secure and light fit

Cons

  • Lackluster call performance
  • Missing some standard features
  • Best Overall Sony WF-1000XM5
  • Best Value Anker Soundcore Space A40
  • Best for iPhone Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
  • Best Workout Earbuds Jabra Elite 7 Active
  • Other Top Noise-Canceling Earbuds We Tested
  • How We Test Noise-Canceling Earbuds
  • What You Should Know About Buying Noise-Canceling Earbuds
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

For years, great active noise cancellation (ANC) was reserved for over-ear headphones, but that’s no longer the case. Now true wireless earbuds offer surprisingly good noise canceling, perfect for all kinds of use cases.

We’ve tested dozens of pairs to find the cream of the crop. If you want the best active noise canceling performance available, the Sony WF-1000XM5 (available at Amazon for $278.00) are at the top of the ANC mountain, while also delivering excellent sound, customizability options in the Sony Headphones app, and great touch controls.

If the WF-1000XM5 aren’t what you’re looking for, there are plenty of other top performers listed below at multiple price points, so you can find the perfect pair of noise-canceling earbuds to grant you the lovely sound of silence.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 in their charing case being held in someone's fingers above green grass.
Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

Not only do the Sony WF-1000XM5 deliver the best noise-canceling performance, they sound excellent, too.

Best Overall
Sony WF-1000XM5
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, adaptive transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 8 hours with ANC; up to 24 hours with the case

When Bose released its QuietComfort Earbuds II at the end of 2022, Sony and the WF-1000XM4 were bumped from the top of our best noise-canceling list. But Sony has now responded to reclaim the throne with the WF-1000XM5.

Overall, the noise-canceling performance slightly exceeds the Bose QCEII and Apple AirPods Pro 2. While the XM5 let in a little more of a low-frequency airplane drone, they don’t have the added high-end hiss found on the Bose and Apple. Plus, they do a better job attenuating troublesome midrange frequencies like coffeehouse chatter.

While the ANC is more of an incremental improvement than a leap in performance, the WF-1000XM5 do beat the QCEII and AirPods Pro 2 in two important ways. The sound quality for both music and calls far exceeds the performance of the Bose, and unlike the AirPods, the XM5 function just as well with Apple products as they do with Android. Getting a solid fit can take some effort, but overall there isn’t a better pair of earbuds available.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review.

Pros

  • Class leading ANC

  • Excellent, balanced sound

  • Works for both Apple and Android

Cons

  • Fit takes fiddling

$278.00 from Amazon

$279.99 from Best Buy

$279.99 from Target

$232.92 from Walmart
A man wearing the Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds while standing outside in front of a tree.`
Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds deliver the best ANC performance you can get for under $100.

Best Value
Anker Soundcore Space A40
  • Ambient sound modes: Adaptive ANC, transparency mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IPX4 rating
  • Battery life: 10 hours; up to 50 with the case

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 set a new standard for noise-canceling earbuds performance under $100, ably handling low drones with their adaptive active noise canceling and taking the edge off of midrange conversation that you’d find at a coffee shop.

The A40 have an overall nice sound profile—the highs can be a tad piercing and mids are a little covered by the low end, but the Soundcore app includes an 8-band EQ to fix these issues. The app also lets you choose between two transparency modes, one full range and one that puts the focus on letting voices through.

Anker’s HearID Sound is included in the app, as well. This profiles your hearing perception in each ear and creates a custom EQ curve. It works pretty well and delivers a nice improvement over the default profile. Hi-res audio and LDAC are both supported.

Touch controls—single tap, double tap, and hold for two seconds—can be turned on and off per control, and they’re also fully customizable, assignable to volume, track controls, and for the two-second hold the added options of Ambient Sound Mode select, Voice Assistant activation, and Game Mode toggle.

These earbuds, which even have wireless charging, are Anker’s best yet and are at least as good as earbuds that cost $150, like the Jabra Elite 5.

Pros

  • Amazing ANC for the price

  • Customizable sound profiles

  • Great battery life

Cons

  • Little sizzly out of the box

  • Lows can cover vocals

$59.00 from Amazon

$74.99 from Walmart
An image of the Apple AirPods Pro in a case on grass.
Credit: Reviewed / Ryan Waniata

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) deliver significant upgrades to noise canceling, transparency mode, and sound.

Best for iPhone
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, adaptive transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 6 hours with ANC, up to 7 without; up to 31 hours with the case

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) offer significant upgrades over their popular predecessors, with improvements to noise canceling, sound, and battery life, all in the same, sleek design. If you own an iPhone and you can afford the AirPods Pro, it’s time to upgrade—only Sony’s WF-1000XM5 beats them.

The AirPod’s adaptive transparency mode also is impressive, clearer and more natural sounding. It can also help protect your hearing from unwanted environmental blasts by attenuating incoming sounds to 85dB in real time, according to Apple. (These are not intended for hearing protection, though, so please still use proper ear protection when necessary.)

Apple has a recipe for success with the AirPods, with improved bass response, a clearer and more fine-tuned stereo spacing, fantastic call quality, and a barely-there 5.4-gram weight. And while the design hasn’t changed much, the new case does add a speaker system so you can find it in your house, precision tracking in the Find My app, and an update in September 2023 changed the charging port from Lightning to USB-C.

While the battery life is solid, it could be better. We wish there was more control over audio such as an EQ and ANC control. There’s also no separate app for Android. None of those complaints are deal-breakers, though.

Read our full Apple Airpods Pro (2nd generation) review.

Pros

  • Next-gen noise canceling

  • Adaptive Transparency mode

  • Sound and battery boost

Cons

  • No EQ or ANC adjustment

  • No separate app for Android

$199.00 from Amazon

$269.00 from Walmart
A pair of blue earbuds sits on a wooden plank with their case open.
Credit: Reviewed/Ryan Waniata

The Jabra Elite 7 Active are fantastic workout earbuds.

Best Workout Earbuds
Jabra Elite 7 Active
  • Ambient sound modes: ANC, transparency mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IP57
  • Battery life: Up to 8 hours with ANC; 35 hours with the charging case

The Jabra Elite 7 Active offer solid active noise canceling and excellent usability features. Our favorite workout headphones, they have a nimble design, stable fit, and hearty IP57-rated dust and water resistance so you can rinse them after working out.

The Elite 7 Active are loaded with bells and whistles—a finder function, transparency mode, customizable mid-tier noise canceling, multipoint pairing.

With solid audio performance, the Elite 7 Active will satisfy most listeners, especially once you take Jabra's personalization sound test. However, their brighter sound signature may need some EQ to smooth things out.

Thanks to the loaded Jabra Sound+ app, the Elite 7 Active's playback controls are intuitive and customizable for a great true wireless user experience. The updated design may be more intrusive, but it proved more stable and comfortable than the 75t in our testing.

The Jabra Elite 7 Active are a great pick for your workout and more, offering superb overall performance, durability, and a well-rounded user experience. If you need improved calling abilities, the Elite 7 Pro are nearly identical to their cousins but trade the grippier exterior of the Active model for additional calling software.

Read our full Jabra Elite 7 Active review.

Pros

  • Snug and stable fit

  • Great battery and waterproofing

  • Loaded with features

Cons

  • So-so default sound

Buy now at Amazon

$104.99 from Walmart

Other Top Noise-Canceling Earbuds We Tested

Product image of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, adaptive transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 6 hours with ANC; up to 24 hours with the case

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II brought noise-canceling performance to an entirely new level when they hit the market in September, 2022. They virtually eliminate airplane noise or HVAC, leaving barely a whisper of hiss, but how they attenuate conversation is the most impressive. Troublesome midrange frequencies are targeted to cause ambient conversation to disappear behind the most modest level of music.

Bose has improved the QCEII’s sound performance by adding a 3-band EQ in the Bose Music app. It isn’t as detailed as what you get from Sony, but it allows you to tame some frequencies and take the edge off. The app allows customization of touch controls for track navigation, activation of your device voice assistant, ANC mode, and volume, all usable in conjunction with one another.

The Bose do have some flaws, especially call quality, which suffers mightily outdoors. Expect your voice to be covered by distracting whooshes of traffic and even a slight breeze. The app is also missing some customizability options that are found with competitors, and their active transparency mode doesn’t function as cleanly as the AirPods Pro 2.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II review.

Pros

  • Incredible noise canceling

  • Clear sound

  • Secure and light fit

Cons

  • Lackluster call performance

  • Missing some standard features

$199.00 from Amazon

$199.00 from Best Buy

$279.00 from Walmart
Product image of Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4
  • Ambient sound modes: ANC, transparency Mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 8 hours with ANC, 12 hours without; two full case recharges

The WF-1000XM4 are excellent noise-canceling earbuds, with fantastic sound quality and an innovative design.

Our Best Overall pick before the Bose QCEII and updated Apple AirPods Pro released, the Sony XM4 offer some of the best sound you’ll hear from a set of ANC earbuds. Because of Sony’s impressive noise cancellation technology, the audio they produce is all the more accessible. You’ll find tranquility with these earbuds on a level that’s hard to find with any headphones.

The XM4 are incredibly customizable—Sony’s Headphones Connect companion app lets you tweak EQ, along with a variety of other features, to your heart’s content. With the XM4 connected to Headphones Connect, the earbuds become smart enough to know when to swap between noise cancellation and ambient audio, based on your routines and locations.

The XM4s touch controls allow you to map their volume controls to their touchpad using the app, but only at the expense of losing access to other functionality, which is a shame. In addition to this, we would have appreciated seeing a few extras like Find My Earbuds functionality–something we expect from a set of ANC earbuds in this price range. Despite these minor complaints, the XM4 are still some of the best all-around noise-canceling earbuds you can buy.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review.

Pros

  • Fantastic noise canceling

  • Superb sound

  • Next-gen battery life

Cons

  • No good solution for volume control

  • Missing some features

Buy now at Amazon

$279.99 from Walmart
Product image of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
  • Ambient sound modes: ANC, adjustable transparency Mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: Up to 6 hours with ANC; up to 18 hours with charging case

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer brilliant active noise cancellation with an elegant aesthetic, clear sound, and comfy, secure fit.

These features come with a hefty price tag, though, and there are some compromises elsewhere in the design. What’s more, the QuietComfort weigh a gram more per earbud than the Sony XM4. They also come with a chunky charging case that offers only two recharges for a relatively low 18 hours of total listening time. Their stylized sound is good but doesn't quite match our favorite earbuds at this price point, sometimes becoming a bit sharp in the upper register.

We like the QuietComfort’s onboard volume control, which can be accessed via swipes up and down on the right earbud’s touchpad. The Bose Music app allows you to adjust noise cancellation levels in multiple ways, the loudness of your own voice during phone calls, and other parameters. However, there are some features Bose excluded that we'd expect from ANC earbuds like these, including some form of EQ to switch up their sound signature and the ability to skip songs backward from the QuietComfort’s on-earbud controls.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review.

Pros

  • Top-notch noise canceling

  • Comfy, secure fit

  • Tight, present audio

Cons

  • Chunky design

  • Case has mediocre battery

  • Middling features for the price

Buy now at Amazon

$279.00 from Walmart
Product image of Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
  • Ambient sound modes: Hybrid adaptive ANC, adjustable transparency mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: Up to 7 hours per charge; up to 28 hours total with case

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds offer everything we like about the previous iteration while improving active noise canceling in a big way.

With fantastic sound quality, the Momentum 3 offer a more stylized soundstage that’s a bit brighter than we’ve seen in previous generations. It’s also a smidge clearer, with more attention to detail. If you don’t love the sound as is, the three-band EQ allows for basic adjustment (though we wouldn’t have minded more control).

Other notable features include adjustable controls–including volume controls, which are switched on by default–a new wireless charging case, and standards like auto-pause and the ability to use one earbud at a time. They also offer advanced audio codecs like aptX Adaptive and AAC for improved sound for Android or iPhone, respectively.

While the Momentum 3 keep the same IPX4 water resistance as their predecessor, their new design makes them sportier and more comfortable to wear, thanks to multiple ear tips and fins options. They may not be your go-to running buds, but they’ll work in a pinch for most any activity. Perhaps the best news is that all the improvements come with a lower MSRP than Sennheiser’s previous pair.

As for downsides, we still don’t find these buds quite as comfortable as semi-open pairs like the Jabra Elite 85t and Apple AirPods Pro. Their charging case is both heftier and bulkier than most competitors, and there’s no earbuds finder available.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds review.

Pros

  • Fantastic sound quality

  • Much improved ANC

  • Smaller footprint

Cons

  • Bulky, heavy case

  • No multipoint pairing

$196.38 from Amazon

$279.99 from Best Buy

$199.95 from Walmart
Product image of Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
  • Ambient sound modes: Active noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Water resistance: IPX7
  • Battery life: Up to 5 hours with ANC (8 without); up to 30 hours with charging case

For Android phone users, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are the go-to choice, especially those with a Samsung Galaxy phone. Their six audio presets sound great (Normal, in particular has excellent midrange response and vocal clarity), and the ANC delivers great low-end cancellation of airplane drone and a modest midrange improvement to handle clicky keyboards or coffee shop conversation.

The design is smaller than the Galaxy Buds Pro by 15%, giving them a slimmer profile when worn. Their fit is solid, and with IPX7 water resistance they’re a good workout solution. Samsung has also changed to a matte finish over the gloss of previous iterations, which is a look we prefer.

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are loaded with features such as Easy Pair and Auto Switch, Bixby voice control, 360 Audio, and 24-bit high-res audio. All of those features are Android-specific, as there isn’t an iOS app, and the 24-bit audio support relies on certain Samsung Galaxy phones. Their five-hour battery life is on the low end (and in our testing it came in a little under that number), but a quick five-minute charge in the case will get another hour of listening.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review.

Pros

  • Small, lightweight, comfortable

  • Excellent audio performance

  • Solid ANC

Cons

  • No multipoint pairing

  • Samsung-only features

$229.00 from Samsung

$179.99 from Amazon

$189.99 from Best Buy

$189.99 from Target
Product image of Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless
Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless
  • Ambient sound modes: Adjustable ANC, adjustable transparency mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: Up to 5.5 hours with ANC, 7 hours without; up to 25 hours with charging case with ANC, 31 hours without

Jabra’s Elite 85t really have it all: smooth and balanced sound, comprehensive controls, a compact form factor, great features, and, of course, impressive active noise cancellation. While it's not on par with what you’ll enjoy from Bose’s, Apple’s, or Sony's top models, it's just a tier below them, and more than strong enough to make them a great choice as your go-to noise cancelers.

The 85t's robust ANC is all the more impressive given the earbuds’ semi-open design, which keeps your ears feeling comfortable for long periods. While a more bulbous design means the fit isn’t quite as secure as other Jabra buds, their oval tips assure you won’t hear yourself chewing, walking, or jogging like you might with more sealed ear tips. Despite this, music is intimate and noise canceling is effective.

The Elite 85t’s controls are customizable through Jabra’s excellent Sound+ app, allowing you to configure the buds’ two easy-push buttons as you see fit. Also customizable are noise cancellation and transparency mode. The latter is among the most natural-sounding you’ll hear on the market, keeping you aware of your environment in style. The controls allow them to transition seamlessly between ANC and transparency modes, even while wearing gloves.

As for downsides, the battery isn't quite as good as what you'll get from newer products, and the fit isn't as stable as workout buds. Finally, while you can use one bud at a time, only the right one will pull off the trick, which makes them less versatile in this use case than some competitors.

Read our full Jabra Elite 85t review.

Pros

  • Outstanding features and design

  • Rich, balanced sound

  • Impressive noise canceling

Cons

  • Not as sport-friendly as other Jabra buds

Buy now at Jabra

$176.37 from Amazon

$88.99 from Walmart
Product image of Google Pixel Buds Pro
Google Pixel Buds Pro
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 7 hours with ANC (up to 11 without); up to 31 hours with the case

Google has struggled when it comes to crafting a competitive pair of wireless earbuds, but the Pixel Buds Pro have finally put the mega-brand on solid ground. The latest addition to the Pixel buds family adds better sound, next-gen battery life, and solid active noise canceling and transparency mode.

The addition of ambient sound modes (noise canceling and transparency) is the biggest headline. While not on par with the latest from Apple and Bose, these noise-canceling wireless earbuds are competitive against most models in their class, at a competitive price point.

The Pro’s sound signature is stylized rather than neutral, and we wish there was a bit more presence in the midrange. But the treble is very clear and bass response is richer and more thunderous in the sub-bass regions than any Pixel Buds before them, without blurring other registers. Call quality is also good, able to block out modest environmental noise well.

The design is nearly as tempting as previous Pixel Buds models, offering a comfy fit that’s heftier without feeling too cumbersome. Controls are simple and responsive (including volume control) and there are also some great features here, especially for Android users.

Read our full Google Pixel Buds Pro review.

Pros

  • Solid audio and ANC

  • Excellent battery life

  • Stylish and comfortable

Cons

  • Lacking audio adjustments

  • Some features still buggy

$139.00 from Amazon

$139.99 from Abt

$139.00 from Walmart
Product image of Beats Fit Pro
Beats Fit Pro
  • Ambient sound modes: Adaptive ANC, transparency mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: Up to 6 hours with noise canceling, 7 without; up to 27 hours with charging case

The Beats Fit Pro are an excellent option for iOS users, and solid noise cancelers.

Along with noise canceling and transparency modes like their AirPods cousins, they have similar battery life. They also offer some clear advantages, though. They provide a more secure fit thanks to their rubbery fins, and they're also a much better choice for Android users, thanks to the dedicated Beats app. The Fit Pro also offer plenty of iOS features—iCloud/Music Sharing, Hands-Free Siri, Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking, and Find My tracking so you won’t lose them.

That’s not to say the Fit Pro are perfect. During testing, their audio wasn’t quite as clear as the AirPods Pro when making voice calls in a windy environment. You also can’t wirelessly charge their case, and they can occasionally be finicky on Android phones.

Read our full Beats Fit Pro review.

Pros

  • Clear, balanced sound

  • Good noise canceling

  • Ample feature set

Cons

  • Can be finicky on Android

  • No EQ modes

  • Case lacks wireless charging

$199.99 from Best Buy

$199.99 from Target

$199.95 from Abt

$199.95 from Walmart
Product image of Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
  • Ambient sound modes: ANC, transparency mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: Up to 6 hours with ANC, 7 hours without; up to 26 hours total with case

The Liberty Air 2 Pro’s are the first earbuds from Anker’s Soundcore line to offer active noise cancellation. We were pleased to find that the ANC they provide is surprisingly good.

The amount of noise reduction is not quite as impactful as Anker’s other offering on this list—the Space A40—but the Liberty Air 2 Pro’s effective ANC with equally adequate transparency mode is still a serious feat—especially considering their AirPods Pro-like, semi-open fit.

Soundcore allows users to customize the earbuds’ ANC and equalization settings. However, we found sticking to the earbuds’ Soundcore Signature setting delivered the kind of balanced sound that suits most musical genres.

The Liberty Air 2 Pro feature IPX4 water resistance and a solid battery life of around six hours with ANC turned on and seven hours without it. Those numbers are about middle-pack for this category, but that’s nice to see considering their cost. We do wish Soundcore had made these earbuds fit more securely for workouts and found a way to offer more comprehensive controls. That being said, these are small transgressions for an otherwise value-packed pair of true wireless earbuds.

Read our full Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro review.

Pros

  • Great sound for the price

  • Thick with features

  • Good noise canceling for the price

Cons

  • Not ideal for active usage

  • Limited controls

Buy now at Amazon

$129.99 from Target

$95.00 from Walmart
Product image of Panasonic RZ-S500W
Panasonic RZ-S500W
  • Ambient sound modes: Adjustable ANC, adjustable transparency mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: Up to 6 hours with ANC, 6.5 hours without; up to 19.5 hours with charging case

Panasonic's RZ-S500W combine great sound and top-notch noise canceling at a fantastic value.

Their treble region can be slightly tinny, but the sound overall is clear and balanced. With Panasonic’s app, you can adjust everything from EQ to noise cancellation and transparency mode.

While we found the RZ-S500W comfortable, the fit can be tricky because of their bulky design. Even when they're properly sealed, they tend to jostle during rigorous activities. Lastly, their charging case only holds two charges, meaning you’ll have to top it off more frequently than most rivals.

Read our full Panasonic RZ-S500W review.

Pros

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Clean, balanced sound

  • Impressive feature set

Cons

  • Battery life is so-so

  • Fit may be tricky for some

$179.99 from Amazon

$143.82 from Walmart

How We Test Noise-Canceling Earbuds

The Testers

John Higgins is Reviewed’s Managing Editor of Tech. He’s been immersed in audio from a young age, starting with piano in the early ’80s before discovering a variety of other instruments and recording techniques. After earning an audio production degree and post-grad in music performance, he began covering audio products with Home Theater Magazine in 2003 while working as a professional musician and sound editor for films.

Other contributors to this list include Reviewed's former Managing Editor Ryan Waniata, former Home Theater editor Lee Neikirk, and Reviewed contributor Nick Woodard, a tech journalist specializing in smart home products and all things related to home theater.

The Tests

True wireless earbuds all come with two individual buds—no wires between them—and a charging case.
Credit: Reviewed.com / TJ Donegan

True wireless earbuds all come with two individual buds—no wires between them—and a charging case.

To find the best ANC earbuds, we put a laser-sharp focus on active noise canceling, but we also took note of several issues consumers typically run into when buying both wireless and “true wireless” earbuds (those completely free of any wires). In addition to sound quality, noise isolation, and comfort, we analyze each on battery life, ease of use, controls, and wireless range.

We put the earbuds through a battery of basic audio tests to judge noise canceling across low and high frequencies, as well as passive and active noise attenuation to see how well each earbud blocks outside noise. From there, we use all the earbuds extensively, playing test tracks from a wide variety of musical genres.

We further test the noise canceling in a variety of environments, including using professional speakers blasting airplane engine drone, a pink noise generator, and a crowd noise emulator in an acoustically treated environment. We also test them in real-world scenarios, including (when possible) airplane travel, walking around busy streets, and yard work like mowing the lawn or using a leaf blower.

Other real-life tests include sweat proofing, short- and long-term comfort, measuring a full charge of battery life at medium volume, taking phone calls, and testing connectivity over distances and through obstacles like doors and walls. All of this data is compiled in our master rubric to determine rankings as scientifically as possible.

To account for durability, which wireless earbuds have struggled with, we note any major issues that popped up in user reviews (where available), and retest the earbuds after firmware updates. We also use these earbuds over a prolonged period and update their firmware when available to test out the latest features.

What You Should Know About Buying Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Knowing the basic terminology of noise-canceling earbuds, can help you find your footing as you decide which features you truly need, and where you may want to compromise to fit your budget.

What is active noise canceling?

Originally developed for pilots, noise-canceling technology utilizes tiny microphones to reduce the impact of ambient noise around you using phase cancellation of unwanted frequencies. ANC headphones have become a mainstay for travelers, public transit commuters, gym-goers, and others looking to eliminate background noise. All of our picks here feature at least mid-level ANC, though their effectiveness across frequencies varies.

What is transparency mode?

Transparency mode, also called hear-through mode or ambient sound mode, uses tiny microphones just like noise canceling, but in this case they pipe in sound to keep you aware of your environment. Not all transparency modes are created equal, and how a headphone’s hardware and software handle things like wind gusts can make a serious difference in the feature’s utility.

What are Bluetooth headphones?

Bluetooth headphones let you unplug from your source device, while "true wireless" earbuds offer totally wire-free listening with no cable between the earbuds. Bluetooth range defaults at 33 feet in its current iteration, though effectiveness will vary based on many factors, including antenna strength of both your source device and your headphones, as well as barriers like doors or walls.

Dust and water resistance ratings

IP is a rating used across a wide array of electronics that signifies how well the device takes on the elements. You'll often see the code "IPX" with a number at the end, or you may see codes like IP67, etc. The first number is dust resistance—how well the product stands up to ingress. The second number is water resistance. The higher those numbers, the better. You can find more info in our water resistance guide.


Meet the testers

Lee Neikirk

Lee Neikirk

Former Editor, Home Theater

@Koanshark

Lee was Reviewed's point person for most television and home theater products from 2012 until early 2022. Lee received Level II certification in TV calibration from the Imaging Science Foundation in 2013. As Editor of the Home Theater vertical, Lee oversaw reviews of TVs, monitors, soundbars, and Bluetooth speakers. He also reviewed headphones, and has a background in music performance.

See all of Lee Neikirk's reviews
John Higgins

John Higgins

Managing Editor, Tech

@johntmhiggins

John is Reviewed's Managing Editor of Tech. He is an ISF Level III-certified calibrator with bylines at ProjectorCentral, Wirecutter, IGN, Home Theater Review, T3, Sound & Vision, and Home Theater Magazine. When away from the Reviewed office, he is a sound editor for film, a musician, and loves to play games with his son.

See all of John Higgins's reviews
Ryan Waniata

Ryan Waniata

Former Managing Editor - Electronics

@ryanwaniata

Hailing originally from Montana, Ryan parlayed his time working as a musician and audio engineer into a career in digital media in 2012. Since then he's had extensive experience as a writer and editor, including everything from op-eds and features to reviews on TVs, audio gear, smart home devices, and more.

See all of Ryan Waniata's reviews
Nick Woodard

Nick Woodard

Contributor

@nwoodard25

Nick Woodard is a tech journalist specializing in all things related to home theater and A/V. His background includes a solid foundation as a sports writer for multiple daily newspapers, and he enjoys hiking and mountain biking in his spare time.

See all of Nick Woodard's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

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