Over-ear headphones are frequently the favored option for isolating oneself from the surroundings. I see the appeal; my Sony WH-1000XM4s are essential for me. Yet, carting around bulky headphones while on the go is not always convenient. I seek headphones that can fit in my pocket while still effectively blocking out noise. This is where high-quality noise-cancelling earbuds come into play.

Top brands provide their take on ANC earbuds, each showcasing unique designs and characteristics. Since testing all the newest earbuds isn’t feasible, I’ve compiled a review of the finest ANC earbuds available for you.

What are the top noise-cancelling earbuds?

Not all earbuds provide the same experience — some are significantly more comfortable. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Numerous audio brands deliver solid sound quality and noise cancellation, but Bose and Sony truly lead the pack. They provide outstanding ANC and elevate the listening experience for music and podcasts. A quality pair of headphones makes “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter even more infectious.

Typically, earbuds aren’t as comfortable as over-ear headphones. I’ve come across several earbuds that don’t fit well or cause discomfort. Bose consistently provides the most comfortable headphones and earbuds. Nevertheless, Bose and Sony are not the sole contenders. I’ve evaluated the top options on the market to uncover what defines excellent wireless earbuds.

How do noise-cancelling earbuds function?

Noise-cancelling earbuds are small enough to fit in your pocket. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

All noise-cancelling headphones, including earbuds, incorporate some degree of passive noise cancellation. Over-ear headphones naturally dampen noise by enveloping the ears, while earbuds are less effective in blocking sound. Instead, wireless earbuds transmit sound directly into the ear canal to obscure other noises, depending more on active noise cancellation (ANC) to diminish ambient noise.

ANC is an electronic function within the headphones. Internal microphones detect surrounding sounds and invert them, effectively canceling them out. Occasionally, noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds may emit a faint buzzing or humming due to ANC. However, the best ANC earbuds should not produce this buzzing.