Short answer: the best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy are the Apple AirPods Pro 3 ($249): SoundGuys measured a 90 percent average reduction in outside noise, the highest it has ever recorded. On Android, get the Sony WF-1000XM6 ($329.99, 88 percent) or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) ($299). For less, the Sony WF-C710N ($129.99) and the CMF Buds 2 Plus (about $59–79) cancel noise far better than their prices suggest.
How we put this together: this guide ranks earbuds mainly on published noise-cancelling measurements from SoundGuys, which has measured more than 100 noise-cancelling earbuds, plus manufacturers’ specifications and other independent reviews (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.
Best noise-cancelling earbuds compared
| Earbuds | Best for | Noise cancelling (SoundGuys) | Battery with ANC | List price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Best overall, best for iPhone | 90% average reduction; 9.0/10 | Up to 8 hr | $249 | Check Price |
| Sony WF-1000XM6 | Best for Android | 88% average reduction; 8.8/10 | Up to 8 hr | $329.99 | Check Price |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Most comfortable | SoundGuys’ best for Android | Up to 6 hr | $299 | Check Price |
| Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 | Best sound, longest-lasting | Adaptive ANC | Up to 6 hr | $299.95 | Check Price |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | Best for Samsung | 84% average reduction | Up to 6 hr | $249.99 | Check Price |
| Sony WF-C710N | Best under $150 | 8.5/10 | About 9 hr (SoundGuys) | $129.99 | Check Price |
| CMF Buds 2 Plus | Cheapest that’s still good | 83% average reduction; 8.3/10 | About 9 hr (SoundGuys) | $79 (often $59) | Check Price |
Noise-cancelling figures are SoundGuys’ lab measurements (average reduction in outside noise across frequencies) and scores out of 10. Battery figures are the makers’ ratings with noise cancelling on, unless marked as SoundGuys’ measurement. Results depend on a good ear-tip seal, so your experience can differ.
The best noise-cancelling earbuds in 2026
1. Apple AirPods Pro 3: best overall
The AirPods Pro 3 have the strongest noise cancelling SoundGuys has measured in earbuds: a 90 percent average reduction, and a 9.0/10 noise-cancelling score that earns them its best-overall pick. Apple says they remove up to twice as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2. They last up to 8 hours per charge with noise cancelling on, are rated IP57, and come with five ear-tip sizes from XXS to L, which helps get the tight seal noise cancelling depends on (Apple specs).
Good to know: they’re made for the iPhone. On Android they cancel noise just as well, but you lose most of the smart features, such as automatic switching, Live Translation and the Ear Tip Fit Test. See our best earbuds for iPhone for more.
Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →
2. Sony WF-1000XM6: best for Android
Sony’s WF-1000XM6 (February 2026) are the closest rival to the AirPods Pro 3. SoundGuys measured an 88 percent average noise reduction, up from 87 percent on the XM5, and found their passive isolation, the noise blocked by the fit alone, is better than Apple’s. It also praises their sound and “outstanding” microphones for calls. They support LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint on Android, are rated IPX4, and last up to 8 hours per charge (24 with the case).
Good to know: at $329.99 they’re the most expensive pick, and SoundGuys notes the larger buds may not suit smaller ears. If that’s you, see our best earbuds for small ears.
Check the WF-1000XM6 on Amazon →
3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): most comfortable
Bose’s earbuds are SoundGuys’ pick for Android and a long-time favourite for flights and commutes. What Hi-Fi? praises their outstanding noise cancelling and design, and the stability-band fit is comfortable for long wear. Bose rates them at up to 6 hours per charge (4 with Immersive Audio), with three more charges in a wireless-charging case, plus multipoint and IPX4 (Bose).
Good to know: battery life is the shortest of the premium picks, and SoundGuys calls the second generation a modest update over the first. They’re often discounted from $299.
Check the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds on Amazon →
4. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5: best sound, longest-lasting
The Momentum True Wireless 5 are for listeners who put sound first. T3 calls them comfortable and terrific to listen to, with great noise cancelling, at a fair $299.95. They have adaptive noise cancelling with automatic wind adjustment, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive on Snapdragon Sound Android phones, four mics per earbud, and up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancelling on (40 hours in total with the case). Unusually, the batteries in the earbuds and case are replaceable, so they should last longer than most earbuds.
Good to know: on an iPhone they stream over AAC, so the hi-res codecs don’t help, and the AirPods Pro 3 cancel more noise for less money.
Check the Momentum True Wireless 5 on Amazon →
5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: best for Samsung
On a Galaxy phone, the Buds 4 Pro are the natural choice. SoundGuys measured an 84 percent average noise reduction, 5–10 dB better than the previous model, and they add Samsung’s 24-bit/96kHz codec, head gestures and an IP57 rating. Battery life is up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancelling on.
Good to know: many of the extras only work with a Samsung phone, and there’s no true multipoint. Our best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy has more Samsung options, including the cheaper Buds 3 FE.
Check the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →
6. Sony WF-C710N: best under $150
SoundGuys names the WF-C710N its best budget noise-cancelling earbuds, scoring the noise cancelling 8.5/10. You also get multipoint, IPX4, about 9 hours per charge in SoundGuys’ testing and up to 30 hours with the case, for $129.99.
Good to know: they don’t have the hi-res codecs or the call quality of Sony’s flagship. For more options at this price, see our best earbuds under $150.
Check the Sony WF-C710N on Amazon →
7. CMF Buds 2 Plus: the cheapest that are still good
The CMF Buds 2 Plus, from Nothing’s budget brand, cut outside noise by 83 percent on average in SoundGuys’ testing, “comparable to earbuds that cost twice as much”, and score 8.3/10 for noise cancelling. They add LDAC hi-res audio on Android, a custom EQ in the Nothing X app, about 9 hours per charge and an IP55 rating. The list price is $79, and they often sell for about $59.
Good to know: LDAC only helps on Android, and on an iPhone you manage them through the Nothing X app rather than iOS settings. They’re also the top noise-cancelling pick in our best earbuds under $100. For even cheaper options, see our best earbuds under $50 for Android.
Check the CMF Buds 2 Plus on Amazon →
How to get the most from noise-cancelling earbuds
- The seal matters most. Noise cancelling works with the ear tip, not instead of it. If the tip is too small or too big, low rumble leaks in and the cancelling sounds weak. Try every tip size, and use a fit test if your earbuds have one.
- Expect rumble to vanish, not voices. Noise cancelling is best at steady, low sounds like engines, trains and air conditioning. Voices and sudden noises are harder to cancel, even on the best earbuds.
- Battery drops with it on. Every pick here lasts longer with noise cancelling off, often by an hour or more per charge.
- For long flights, consider over-ear headphones. The best earbuds now come very close, but over-ear headphones are often more comfortable for hours at a time and last longer per charge. See our best noise-cancelling headphones.
Also worth a look
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: SoundGuys measured about 86 percent noise reduction, more than Samsung’s pricier Pro model of the same generation, for $149.99 (often less). Best on a Samsung phone; no multipoint or wireless charging.
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: strong noise cancelling in a very small, light design; the pick for Pixel owners. See our Pixel earbuds guide.
- Soundcore P30i: the cheapest way to get noise cancelling, usually well under $50, though it’s well behind every pick above.
Our verdict
For the strongest noise cancelling in earbuds, get the AirPods Pro 3, especially with an iPhone. On Android, the Sony WF-1000XM6 come within a whisker and add LDAC and excellent mics, while the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds are the most comfortable. Sound lovers should look at the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5, and Samsung owners at the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. On a budget, the Sony WF-C710N and CMF Buds 2 Plus deliver real noise cancelling for a fraction of the price.
Frequently asked questions
Which earbuds have the best noise cancelling?
The Apple AirPods Pro 3. SoundGuys measured a 90 percent average reduction in outside noise, the highest it has recorded in earbuds. The Sony WF-1000XM6 are close behind at 88 percent, with better passive isolation, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are the most comfortable of the top picks.
AirPods Pro 3 or Sony WF-1000XM6 for noise cancelling?
For pure noise cancelling, the AirPods Pro 3 measure slightly better (90 vs 88 percent in SoundGuys’ tests), but most people won’t notice the difference. Choose by phone: the AirPods Pro 3 for an iPhone, the WF-1000XM6 for Android, where they add LDAC and multipoint.
What are the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds?
The Sony WF-C710N ($129.99), which SoundGuys rates 8.5/10 for noise cancelling, and the CMF Buds 2 Plus ($79, often $59), which cut outside noise by 83 percent on average. The Soundcore P30i are cheaper still but cancel much less noise.
Are noise-cancelling earbuds as good as over-ear headphones?
The best earbuds now come very close for noise cancelling, and they’re far more portable. Over-ear headphones still tend to be more comfortable for long flights and last longer per charge, so frequent flyers may prefer them.
Why doesn’t noise cancelling work well in my earbuds?
Usually because the ear tips don’t seal. Try a different tip size in each ear and run your earbuds’ fit test if they have one. Also remember that noise cancelling is strongest on steady low sounds like engines; voices and sudden noises always get through more.
