Best noise-canceling earbuds for 2025 — guide & top picks
Whether you commute, work in a busy café or just want some peace, the right noise-canceling earbuds help you focus on music, podcasts—or silence. Modern true wireless earbuds pair hybrid or adaptive ANC with long battery life, comfy seals, USB-C charging and companion apps for customization.
Top 6 picks (2025)
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 — Best integration for Apple users; strong ANC and seamless ecosystem support.
Find on Amazon - Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — Excellent noise cancellation and comfort for long sessions.
Find on Amazon - Sony WF-1000XM5 — Top-tier adaptive ANC, refined sound and compact design.
Find on Amazon - Technics EAH-AZ100 — Outstanding ANC performance across frequencies; RTINGS favorite for noise blocking.
Find on Amazon - Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 — Great ANC/value balance with secure fit and immersive audio features.
Find on Amazon - Sony WF-C710N — Budget-friendly ANC option with solid battery life and good customization via app.
Find on Amazon
How to choose the best ANC earbuds for you
- Design & fit: Look for a seal that suits your ear shape—foam tips, fins or hooks can improve isolation and ANC performance.
- Type of ANC: Hybrid ANC uses inside+outside mics; adaptive ANC adjusts in real time for changing environments and wind.
- Customization: Companion apps with ANC sliders or presets help balance noise reduction vs battery life and comfort.
- Battery & extras: Expect 6–10 hours with ANC on; modern cases are pocketable and many use USB‑C. Look for touch controls and water resistance if needed.
How we test
We evaluate ANC earbuds by wearing them across real-world scenarios for days where possible—coffee shops, home offices, travel and simulated constant noise (white noise machines, vacuums). Tests include music and podcast listening, call quality, battery drain under typical volumes, and full reviews of companion apps and updates versus prior models.
Notes: This post summarizes expert recommendations and common test methods for 2025 ANC earbuds. No direct links to the original review source are included here.