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Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds – The Perfect Sound Experience

Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds – The Perfect Sound Experience

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
8 minute read

Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds – The Perfect Sound Experience

Explore the best wireless noise-cancelling earbuds delivering perfect sound and immersive listening for every lifestyle.

The Rise of Truly Wireless Earbuds

Truly wireless earbuds have only recently taken the spotlight in the audio market. Although smaller brands dabbled with a few models over the years, it wasn't until Apple launched the first AirPods in late 2016 that these earbuds skyrocketed in popularity. Since then, nearly every brand has jumped into the race.

What was once an expensive gadget with limited features is now accessible across all price ranges, packing impressive specs. While the battery life of compact wireless earbuds can't match that of larger Bluetooth headphones, most popular models include a charging case that extends playback time on the go. Some even support convenient wireless charging pads!

Top Wireless Earbuds: In-Depth Reviews

Best Overall Wireless Earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless-1 Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless-2 Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless-3 Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless-4 Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless-5

Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless

  • Sport & Fitness: 8.1
  • Travel: 8.2
  • Office Use: 7.6
  • Wireless Gaming (in development): 5.6
  • Wired Gaming (in development): 5.5
  • Audio Accuracy: 7.9
  • Noise Isolation: 8.6
  • Microphone (in development): 6.1
  • Frequency Consistency: 8.1
  • Bass: Boosted (+4 dB)
  • Midrange: Balanced (-1 dB)
  • Sound Signature: Warm
  • Type: In-ear
  • Housing: Closed
  • Wireless: Truly Wireless
  • Driver: Dynamic
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Microphone: Yes

Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless earbuds are the finest truly wireless buds we've tested. They build on the legacy of the WF-1000XM4 with upgrades like memory foam ear tips and a stellar active noise cancellation (ANC) system that significantly cuts background noise. The foam tips tackle high-frequency noises—think chatting neighbors or clinking dishes—while ANC focuses on low-frequency rumbles like bus engines or laundry dryers.

With ANC enabled, you get over eight hours of uninterrupted playback, plus extra charges stored in the case. Their warm sound profile adds a punch to techno mixes, making them perfect for bass lovers. Not a fan of heavy bass? Easily tweak the sound with the app’s graphic equalizer and presets.

If superior noise isolation is your priority, Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds offer even better blockage of sounds such as train engines and are a comfy choice for commuting. However, they fall short on mid-frequency noise blocking like office chatter and lack Sony's LDAC high-res streaming support or multi-device pairing.

The ANC system in Sony WF-1000XM5 significantly reduces background noise, creating a more immersive audio experience.

– Audio Tech Review

Best Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds

Technics EAH-AZ80-1 Technics EAH-AZ80-2 Technics EAH-AZ80-3 Technics EAH-AZ80-4 Technics EAH-AZ80-5

Technics EAH-AZ80

  • Neutral Sound: 7.3
  • Commuting/Travel: 8.0
  • Sport/Fitness: 8.3
  • Office: 7.6
  • Wireless Gaming: 5.7
  • Wired Gaming: 5.6
  • Calls: 6.8
  • Type: In-ear
  • Housing: Closed
  • Wireless: Truly Wireless
  • Driver: Dynamic
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Microphone: Yes

The Technics EAH-AZ80 stands out as the best wireless earbuds in the upper mid-range segment. Their ANC rivals Sony’s WF-1000XM5, blocking everything from bus engines to office chatter effectively. With ANC on, expect about 7.3 hours of battery life, slightly less than Sony’s 8.75 hours.

Their warm sound profile resembles Sony's: powerful drums, rich bass to please hip-hop fans, and detailed vocals and instruments. The companion app lets you fine-tune sound through an equalizer and presets.

Built for fitness enthusiasts, these earbuds are comfortable, stable, and well-constructed. They sport an IPX4 water resistance rating (not the case), support LDAC for high-res audio streaming, and allow multi-point pairing with up to three devices—ideal for multitaskers answering calls during work.

Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds for Everyday Use

Nothing Ear-1 Nothing Ear-2 Nothing Ear-3 Nothing Ear-4 Nothing Ear-5

Nothing Ear

  • Sport & Fitness: 8.0
  • Travel: 7.6
  • Office Use: 7.4
  • Wireless Gaming (in development): 5.7
  • Wired Gaming (in development): 5.6
  • Audio Accuracy: 7.6
  • Noise Isolation: 7.5
  • Microphone (in development): 7.0
  • Frequency Consistency: 7.8
  • Bass: Slight Boost (+2 dB)
  • Midrange: Slightly Reduced (-2 dB)
  • Sound Signature: Warm
  • Type: In-ear
  • Housing: Closed
  • Wireless: Truly Wireless
  • Driver: Dynamic
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Microphone: Yes

Nothing Ear earbuds offer a great balance in the mid-range without making too many sacrifices for the price. While not as stable as Technics EAH-AZ80, they’re just as comfy and well built. The default sound profile is fairly flat with a mild bass boost and slightly softened highs, fitting most genres. The app allows easy sound customization if you prefer a rockier or more energetic vibe.

Their noise isolation combined with ANC effectively blocks environmental distractions across frequencies. For the best mid-range ANC, Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are worth a look, though their mic isn’t quite as sharp as Nothing’s.

These earbuds sport IP54 protection, and their case boasts IP55, making them resilient against rain, dust, or sweaty workouts. Plus, they support high-res Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and LHDC, though virtual surround sound is absent.

Affordable Wireless Earbuds

Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless-1 Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless-2 Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless-3 Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless-4 Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless-5

Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless

  • Neutral Sound: 7.1
  • Commuting/Travel: 8.2
  • Sport/Fitness: 8.0
  • Office: 7.5
  • Wireless Gaming: 5.6
  • Wired Gaming: 5.4
  • Calls: 6.4
  • Type: In-ear
  • Housing: Closed
  • Wireless: Truly Wireless
  • Driver: Dynamic
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Microphone: Yes

If you’re hunting for a budget-friendly pair, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless is a fantastic starting point. Their mic isn’t quite as clear as Nothing Ear’s, but their warm sound signature suits various genres. They lack some detail in lows and highs, so vocal lovers should tweak the app’s equalizer presets for crystal-clear sound.

Anker’s adaptive ANC adjusts based on your environment, efficiently blocking low-frequency noises like engine hum. Battery life extends beyond eight hours with ANC active, plus four extra charges from the case.

The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True Wireless share similar traits but have a stem design offering more stability. They emphasize bass more, ideal for EDM and hip-hop fans, yet Space A40s excel at blocking low-frequency noise and maintain more consistent sound.

Best Budget Wireless Earbuds

JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless-1 JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless-2 JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless-3 JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless-4 JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless-5

JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless

  • Neutral Sound: 7.7
  • Commuting/Travel: 7.3
  • Sport/Fitness: 8.1
  • Office: 6.9
  • Wireless Gaming: 5.9
  • Wired Gaming: 5.8
  • Calls: 6.5
  • Type: In-ear
  • Housing: Closed
  • Wireless: Truly Wireless
  • Driver: Dynamic
  • Noise Cancelling: No
  • Microphone: Yes

JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless offer affordable earbuds with a companion app for better control—a rarity in budget models. Bass is boosted, and the upper mids slightly lifted, which makes vocals shine even in complex mixes. You can tweak sound through a parametric equalizer and presets.

These are reliable, lightweight buds with IP54 dust and water resistance. Over eight hours of battery life lets you jam through your workday. Passive isolation blocks some low-frequency rumble and a good deal of chatter, but no ANC here—check out our mid-range picks if you want active noise suppression.

Their mic performs well in quiet spaces but struggles with noise separation. JBL’s Vibe Beam True Wireless have slightly better noise handling but offer less battery and one fewer case charge, though their case features a lid.

Best Wireless Earbuds for iPhone

Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)-1 Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)-2 Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)-3 Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)-4 Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)-5

Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)

  • Sport & Fitness: 7.9
  • Travel: 8.4
  • Office Use: 7.7
  • Wireless Gaming (in development): 5.7
  • Wired Gaming (in development): 5.5
  • Audio Accuracy: 7.8
  • Noise Isolation: 9.2
  • Microphone (in development): 5.9
  • Frequency Consistency: 8.0
  • Bass: Balanced (0 dB)
  • Midrange: Underpowered (-5 dB)
  • Sound Signature: Warm
  • Type: In-ear
  • Housing: Closed
  • Wireless: Truly Wireless
  • Driver: Dynamic
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Microphone: Yes

For Apple fans, the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are a premium choice that integrates seamlessly with Apple devices. While they lack Sony's cross-platform sound customization, iOS users enjoy features like the H2 chip for effortless pairing and Spatial Audio, which delivers immersive surround sound on compatible content.

Their adaptive equalizer produces warm tones with a gentle bass boost, making vocals and instruments sound cozy. Noise cancellation is excellent, blocking airplane engines and office noise better than Sony. Battery lasts just under six hours with ANC on, and the case offers four additional charges.

Comfort-wise, these earbuds suit most ears but can sometimes slip out, requiring occasional adjusting.

Additional Options to Consider

  • Devialet Gemini II True Wireless: Premium in-ear buds with exceptional noise isolation and superior microphone quality, perfect for calls despite shorter battery life than Sony's WF-1000XM5.
  • Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless: Ideal for workouts with secure ear hooks but no ANC and less intuitive controls compared to Technics EAH-AZ80.
  • Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: Open-fit design leaves ear canals clear for situational awareness, great for podcasts, but bass lacks depth compared to warmer-sounding in-ear models.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro: Sleek in-ear buds with solid noise cancellation but shorter 6-hour battery and less effective voice isolation on the mic.
  • Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: Features adaptive equalizer tuned to ear shape, good noise blocking comparable to Nothing Ear but pricier and less deep insertion.
  • JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless: Budget in-ear buds with bass-heavy sound and EQ presets, no ANC but solid passive isolation and reliable fit for workouts, though lacking a companion app.

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