Tech Desk 
Sep 17, 2024
The best noise-cancelling earbuds are a great option to reduce distractions from offices, make your commute more relaxed and finally get rid of the annoying air conditioning whine in the local library.
Gadinsider has compiled a lineup of the best 5 noise-cancelling earbuds of 2024 to give a clear image.
What is ANC?
Active noise cancellation (ANC) models use built-in mics to pick up ambient sounds around the user. An identical but inverted audio signal of the noise is played back to the listener through the headphones.
Best noise-cancelling earbuds (2024)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 induce major updates to the popular AirPods Pro original, along with the USB-C version and a new suite of adaptive audio features, the AirPods Pro 2 are Apple's best-ever ANC earbuds, and, by extension, the best noise-cancelling buds.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds bring the same top-tier noise-cancelling performance while introducing immersive audio. With better stabilising fin alignment, they provide enhanced fit and stability and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds could be worn all day long.
Sony WF-C700N
The Sony WF-C700N may be an entry-level set of ANC wireless earbuds, but they have many similar features and a brand experience as you get with the company's WF-1000XM5. The adaptive ANC technology worked much better than expected at the price.
Read more: Best wireless earbuds of 2024
It adapts your behaviour and tweaks noise neutralisation to your environment, while the 20 levels of ambient listening are a boon for everyone who wants to maintain awareness while wearing these earbuds.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony's XM-series earbuds go from strength to strength with each new generation. The WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are claimed to be smaller and lighter, yet they're boasted with some of the strongest features and performance.
AirPods 4 with ANC
AirPods 4 upgrade Apple's entry-level wireless earbuds. Not only do they arrive with an overdue update to the very product lineup that put AirPods on the map, but they come in a version with active noise cancellation that costs under $180.
The AirPods 4 with ANC wouldn't be effective. However, they’re quite impressive when it comes to reducing ambient sounds, and the adaptive audio feature blends ANC with transparency for a listening experience.
