Wireless ANC Headphones: Ultimate Technology Comparison and Reviews

Explore the best wireless ANC headphones with top noise-cancellation technology and sound quality to find your perfect audio companion.

Introduction to Wireless ANC Headphones

Modern wireless headphones pack sophisticated active noise cancellation (ANC) technology into compact designs. With dozens of great ANC models available at various price points, choosing the right pair can be overwhelming. Drawing on 15 years of headphone testing experience, this guide highlights current favorites that not only excel at minimizing ambient noise but also deliver impressive sound, comfortable design, and solid call quality. Plus, some budget-friendly picks are included for those who want excellent ANC headphones without breaking the bank.

Which ANC Headphones Are the Best Overall?

It's tough to crown a single "best" ANC headphone, but standouts include Apple AirPods Pro 2, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and Sony WF-1000XM5. New additions like Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5, Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and Earfun Air Pro 4 also deserve attention.

Top ANC headphones dynamically mask a wider frequency range, adapting on the fly using advanced algorithms, enhanced microphones, and powerful processors embedded in the earbuds. Apple, Sony, and Bose lead this category, though competition is fierce. Note: This review focuses on earbuds, but for over-ear options, explore our dedicated ANC headphone review.

Detailed Reviews of Top ANC Headphones

Best Overall ANC Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Pros:

• Excellent sound with class-leading noise cancellation
• Fit Kit ear tips and stabilization system for secure, comfortable fit
• Immersive audio offers a fresh listening experience
• Slightly improved voice call quality

Cons:

• No wireless charging or multipoint Bluetooth
• Immersive audio mode reduces battery life

These QC Ultra earbuds are a subtle upgrade over the excellent 2022 QC Earbuds 2, offering outstanding noise cancellation—possibly the best available. Transparent mode sounds natural, and ActiveSense auto-activates ANC when surrounding noise spikes, akin to AirPods Pro's Adaptive Audio. They deliver a clearer sound with an expanded soundstage thanks to Immersive Audio.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 6 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 24 hours (ANC off)
• IPX4 splash resistance
• Weight per earbud: 7.1g
• Case dimensions: 2.6 x 2.3 x 1.0 inches

Best Sony ANC Headphones

Sony WF-1000XM5

Pros:

• Smaller, sleeker design
• Enhanced sound, noise cancellation, and call quality
• Updated processors and drivers

Cons:

• High price point
• "Find Me" feature not integrated in app
• Companion app stability issues
• Not ideal for Apple users

The WF-1000XM4 earned accolades for its sound and ANC, but its bulk limited fit for some. Sony addressed this in the WF-1000XM5, which are smaller with improved all-round performance including sound, ANC, and voice calls. While expensive (~$370 USD), they remain among the finest wireless ANC earbuds on the market.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 12 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 36 hours (ANC off)
• IPX4 splash resistance
• Weight per earbud: 5.9g
• Case dimensions: 2.5 x 1.6 x 1.0 inches

Top Apple Wireless ANC Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Pros:

• Lightweight design with USB-C charging support
• Excellent sound and noise cancellation
• Powered by Apple H2 chip
• High-performance voice calls
• Supports 20-bit lossless 48kHz audio in Apple Vision Pro headset

Cons:

• No high-res audio support on non-Vision Pro Apple devices
• No XL ear tips included

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 now feature USB-C charging to align with newer iPhones. They deliver superb sound, ANC, and call quality, along with dust resistance and a new acoustic architecture enabling lossless audio for Vision Pro users. Recommended for Apple fans, especially when priced around $250 USD.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 6 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 30 hours (ANC off)
• IP54 splash and dust resistance
• Weight per earbud: 5.3g
• Case dimensions: 1.2 x 0.9 x 0.9 inches

Best Budget ANC Earbuds (Under $130 USD)

Method Skullcandy 360 ANC

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Impressive sound for the cost
• Comfortable and secure fit
• Decent ANC
• Good battery life

Cons:

• Bulky charging case

Skullcandy teamed up with Bose to create these budget-friendly earbuds echoing features of the premium Bose QuietComfort Ultra. They offer Bose-like sound and fit with the Fit Kit stabilization system. The ANC is solid though not class-leading. Ideal for users seeking value with good sound and comfort.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 11 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 40 hours (ANC off)
• IPX4 splash resistance
• Weight per earbud: 11g
• Case dimensions: 5.5 x 1.8 x 1.5 inches

Outstanding Mid-Range ANC Earbuds

Earfun Air Pro 4

Pros:

• Affordable
• Very good sound and build quality
• Decent ANC
• Supports AAC, AptX, and LDAC codecs

Cons:

• Touch controls and call quality could improve

Earfun continues impressing with the Air Pro 4, upgrading from its predecessor with better sound and ANC. It supports premium codecs like LDAC for Android users. Comfortable and lightweight, these earbuds punch above their price, though touch controls and call clarity aren't perfect.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 11 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 52 hours (ANC off)
• IPX5 water resistance
• Weight per earbud: 5.2g
• Case dimensions: 2.8 x 2.0 x 1.2 inches

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Excellent sound quality
• Good ANC
• Great call quality
• Stylish glowing buds

Cons:

• Pricey
• Design is somewhat generic

If the tips fit snugly, these earbuds impress with sound and call clarity. The ANC is decent but could be better. They offer a solid feature set and represent a strong choice for Samsung users.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 7 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 26 hours (ANC off)
• IP54 splash and dust resistance
• Weight per earbud: 5.4g
• Case dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.6 inches

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5

Pros:

• Comfortable fit and stylish design
• Enhanced ANC and call quality
• Good sound and battery life (8 hours with ANC)
• Convenient flip-top charging case

Cons:

• Price ideally closer to $130 USD
• Slight sibilance in highs

Anker's Liberty 5 earbuds improve on predecessors with better ANC and voice call noise reduction. Compact with physical button controls and high-quality sound, they provide excellent value for their mid-range price.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 8 hours (ANC on)
• IP55 splash and dust resistance
• Multipoint Bluetooth support
• True wireless earbuds

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Pros:

• Smaller size
• Improved sound and ANC
• New Tensor A1 chip
• Excellent battery life
• Good call quality
• Hands-free Google Assistant (Android)
• Spatial audio

Cons:

• Fit may not be tight for all ears
• No aptX or LDAC support for Android users
• Some features unavailable for Apple users

Google refreshed their ANC earbuds with a sleeker design and powerful new chip, offering enhanced sound, spatial audio, and hands-free voice assistant for Android users. Perfect for Pixel owners, though ear tip fit is critical for optimal performance.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 12 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 48 hours (ANC off)
• IP54 splash and dust resistance
• Weight per earbud: 4.7g
• Case dimensions: 0.9 x 0.9 x 0.7 inches

Nothing Ear (2)

Nothing Ear (2)

Pros:

• Stylish design with improved sound and ANC
• Reliable feature set
• Decent call quality

Cons:

• No XL ear tips included
• ANC changes sound signature

This model is a successor to the Nothing Ear (1), maintaining a familiar look but with improved sound, ANC, and battery life. A more affordable Ear (a) model offers fewer features but similar core performance.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 8.5 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 40.5 hours (ANC off)
• IP54 splash and dust resistance
• Weight per earbud: 4.8g
• Case dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.9 inches

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Pros:

• Redesigned with smaller size and better sound
• Powered by Apple H2 chip
• Effective ANC and call quality
• Heart rate sensors
• Long battery life
• Wireless charging

Cons:

• Some users struggle to close case tightly
• AirPods Pro 2 lacks some features
• Simpler Find My function

Great for workouts, these earbuds combine the secure fit of ear hooks with premium sound and ANC, alongside advanced health sensors and Apple's ecosystem.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 10 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 36 hours (ANC off)
• IPX4 splash resistance
• Weight per earbud: 8.7g
• Case dimensions: 2.6 x 1.3 x 3.1 inches

Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100

Technics EAH-AZ100

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• 10% smaller and 16% lighter than predecessor
• Improved ANC and call features
• Dolby Atmos spatial audio with head tracking
• Triple device Bluetooth multipoint

Cons:

• Still protrude more than some competitors

Panasonic's flagship earbuds deliver pristine audio with proprietary magnetic fluid drivers for rich, clear sound. They also feature spatial audio and solid ANC, designed for comfort and extended wear.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 12 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 29 hours (ANC off)
• IPX4 splash resistance
• Weight per earbud: 5.9g
• Case dimensions: 0.9 x 1.0 x 0.9 inches

JBL Live Beam 3

JBL Live Beam 3

Pros:

• Comfortable design
• Good sound, ANC, and call quality
• Unique built-in touchscreen LCD on charging case
• Wireless charging
• Long battery life

Cons:

• ANC is good but not top-tier

These earbuds stand out with a 1.45-inch LCD touchscreen on the charging case for easy control. They deliver solid audio performance and useful features, often found at discounted prices making them a compelling buy.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 12 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 40 hours (ANC off)
• IP55 splash and dust resistance
• Weight per earbud: 5.0g
• Case dimensions: 2.4 x 2.0 x 1.2 inches

Sony LinkBuds Fit

Sony LinkBuds Fit

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable, secure fit with multiple tip sizes
• Very good sound and ANC
• High-quality voice calls
• Built-in voice controls

Cons:

• Charging case is a bit bulky
• No wireless charging

These earbuds combine comfort with competent ANC and call performance. They feature Sony Air Fitting Supporters for stability and come with an array of ear tip sizes, including XL.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 8 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 22 hours (ANC off)
• IPX4 splash resistance
• Weight per earbud: 4.9g
• Case dimensions: 1.3 x 1.9 x 1.9 inches

Beats Fit Pro

Beats Fit Pro

Pros:

• Lightweight with built-in wing tips for secure fit
• Great sound and ANC
• Powered by Apple H1 chip

Cons:

• No wireless charging
• Basic Find My support

Technically not AirPods but built on similar tech, Beats Fit Pro are ideal for active users needing secure fit plus advanced ANC and sound from Apple’s H1 chip.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 6 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 24 hours (ANC off)
• IPX4 splash resistance
• Weight per earbud: 5.6g
• Case dimensions: 2.4 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches

Bose QuietComfort (2024)

Bose QuietComfort (2024)

Pros:

• Comfortable and secure fit
• Very good sound and ANC
• Wireless charging case
• Built-in voice controls

Cons:

• Bulky earbuds and case
• Call quality could improve
• Voice control sometimes unreliable

These new QC earbuds cost less than the Ultra model but still offer excellent ANC, comfort, and voice control capabilities with wireless charging.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 8.5 hours (ANC on)
• IPX4 splash resistance
• Multipoint Bluetooth
• Wireless earbuds

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

Pros:

• Outstanding sound
• Smaller size with improved fit
• Enhanced ANC
• Charging case doubles as Bluetooth transmitter
• Supports wireless charging

Cons:

• Expensive
• Other premium earbuds may offer better ANC and call quality

Pi8 earbuds are some of the best-sounding wireless buds around, with a unique charging case that transmits Bluetooth signals. ANC and call quality are improved but not best in class.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 6.5 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 20 hours (ANC off)
• IP54 splash and dust resistance
• Weight per earbud: 6.0g
• Case dimensions: 2.5 x 1.1 x 2.0 inches

Apple AirPods 4 ANC (Open Design)

Apple AirPods 4 ANC

Pros:

• Same H2 chip as AirPods Pro 2
• More compact design
• Effective ANC
• Improved sound and voice call quality
• Personalized spatial audio
• Wireless charging case with Find My speaker

Cons:

• Battery life could be better
• ANC not as strong as AirPods Pro 2

These are the first open-style earbuds with effective ANC, ideal for those who dislike in-ear seals. They offer a special listening experience at a slightly higher price.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 5 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 30 hours (ANC off)
• IP54 splash and dust resistance
• Weight per earbud: 4.3g
• Case dimensions: 1.8 x 2.0 x 0.8 inches

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Pros:

• Superb sound quality
• Updated Qualcomm chipset
• Slightly improved battery and ANC
• Increased dust resistance

Cons:

• No design changes
• Pricey

Known for amazing sound, the fourth-gen Momentum True Wireless delivers subtle refinements in ANC and connection reliability. Voice call clarity could improve, but these remain a solid premium choice.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 7.5 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 30 hours (ANC off)
• IP54 splash and dust resistance
• Weight per earbud: 6.2g
• Case dimensions: 2.8 x 1.8 x 1.4 inches

Beats Studio Buds Plus

Beats Studio Buds Plus

Pros:

• Light, discreet, comfortable
• Enhanced sound and ANC
• Better voice calls
• Android and iOS friendly

Cons:

• No wireless charging
• No spatial audio or in-ear detection

An improved version of the original Studio Buds, these offer upgraded audio, ANC, and call clarity, with a transparent design that turns heads.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 9 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 36 hours (ANC off)
• IPX4 splash resistance
• Weight per earbud: 5.0g
• Case dimensions: 2.83 x 2.0 x 1.0 inches

Beyerdynamic Amiron 300

Beyerdynamic Amiron 300

Pros:

• Comfortable, lightweight
• Very clean, detailed sound
• Good call quality
• Wireless charging

Cons:

• Expensive
• ANC is decent but not top-tier

These compact earbuds deliver rich, detailed audio with a balanced tone and good bass clarity. ANC is effective but not on par with flagship models. Includes multiple mics for clear calls.

Specs:

• Battery life: Up to 10 hours (ANC off)
• Total playtime with case: Up to 38 hours (ANC off)
• IP54 splash and dust resistance
• Weight per earbud: 4.4g
• Case dimensions: 1.1 x 2.0 x 2.4 inches

Key Considerations When Choosing ANC Headphones

Budget

Determine your budget first. Affordable ANC earbuds are improving rapidly—good options start around $80 USD (e.g., Earfun Air Pro 4). Premium brands like Sony, Apple, and Bose often cost over $400 USD.

Comfort and Fit

A snug, comfortable fit is crucial. Without proper sealing, both sound quality and ANC effectiveness drastically drop.

Durability and Features

Look for robust builds and IP ratings indicating dust and water resistance, especially for outdoor or active use.

Return Policy

Since fit matters so much, buy from retailers with flexible returns to exchange or return if the earbuds don’t fit well.

How We Test ANC Headphones

We evaluate headphones on six pillars:

• Design: Ergonomics, build quality, controls, and water resistance.
• Sound Quality: Bass depth, clarity, dynamics, and naturalness assessed via music tracks.
• ANC Performance: Tested indoors near noisy equipment and outdoors in busy environments to measure noise reduction across frequencies.
• Features: Transparency modes, ear detection, app quality, and extra functions.
• Call Quality: Real-world phone calls in noisy streets to judge voice clarity and noise suppression.
• Value: Comparing all factors at each price point.

Other Tested Wireless ANC Headphones

• Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: Affordable, improved ANC, supports LDAC.
• Status Between 3ANC: Utilitarian design, great sound, decent ANC.
• Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2: Fantastic sound, longer battery, improved app integration.
• JBL Live Pro 2 & Live Free 2: Comfortable, effective ANC, multipoint Bluetooth.
• Master & Dynamic MW09: Premium materials, great sound, limited availability.
• Sony LinkBuds S: Compact, budget-friendly Sony option with decent ANC.
• Sony WF-1000XM4: Still an excellent option with discounts.
• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: Great sound, consider only with a discount.
• JBL Tour Pro 2: Innovative touchscreen case, good sound and ANC.
• Beyerdynamic Free Byrd: New wireless ANC earbuds with impressive sound.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: Compact, budget-friendly, decent ANC.
• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX: Premium sound and build, excellent noise cancellation.
• Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4: Feature-rich at mid-price.
• Sennheiser CX Plus: Good sound with ANC at a lower price point.

Frequently Asked Questions About ANC Headphones

• Does ANC drain the battery faster?
  Yes, ANC typically reduces battery life, especially in earbuds, which normally last 5-8 hours without ANC and 7-12 with it.
• Does ANC affect sound quality?
  It can slightly degrade sound, particularly if ANC isn't top-notch, sometimes causing a faint hiss.
• Do ANC headphones block all noise?
  They excel at blocking low-frequency sounds like airplane hum but less effective for high-frequency noises like crying or conversations.
• Is it called noise-cancelling or noise-cancelling?
  Both spellings are correct; the difference is mainly US vs. British English.
• Can ANC cause ear pressure?
  Some users feel ear pressure with ANC headphones, though manufacturers have improved designs to minimize this.

"The new Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers possibly the best noise cancellation on the market, transforming your listening experience." — Editor’s Note

Conclusion

Choosing the right ANC wireless headphones boils down to your priorities—budget, comfort, sound quality, and features. From premium options like Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5 to budget-friendly gems like Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, there’s something for every listener. Have you found your perfect ANC earbuds yet, or are you still hunting for that ideal fit and sound? Share your thoughts!

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