The 5 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds of 2026

Everyone needs a little peace sometimes. If you use headphones daily for commuting or work, good noise cancellation can make a big difference. While over-ear models were once the best for active noise cancelling (ANC), many compact in-ear options now offer impressive performance. Some even provide great isolation without ANC by physically blocking your ear canals.

After testing dozen of earbuds and in-ear headphones, here are our top picks for the best noise cancelling options.

Summary of Recommendations

1. Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2

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What we like

• 'Smart case' offers wired playback support
• Outstanding noise isolation performance
• Comfortable, stable fit
• Graphic EQ and presets in app
• IP68 rating against dust and water submersion.

What we don't like

• Mic can sound thin and unnatural

The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 True Wireless are the best noise cancelling earbuds we've tested. Their outstanding ANC effectively reduces noise across all frequencies, from the deep rumble of a train to the high-pitched hum of a fan. Even sharp sounds like car horns on a busy street are significantly muffled. With ANC enabled, they provide around eight hours of continuous playback, and their case offers three additional charges. The case also functions as a Bluetooth LE transmitter, which is useful for connecting to in-flight entertainment on planes.

Designed for active use, these earbuds have a secure fit with a grippy coating that keeps them in place, even during sweaty workouts. Their IP68 rating ensures durability, whether they're dropped in water or exposed to dust on long hikes. Out of the box, they deliver a well-balanced sound with extra bass for added punch. However, their treble can be uneven, causing some sibilant sounds to be either harsh or dull. Fortunately, their companion app includes a graphic EQ and presets, allowing you to customize the sound to your liking.

2. Jabra Elite 10

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What we like

• In-app EQ and presets
• Some listeners might enjoy the virtual surround sound features
• Sturdy build quality
• Great stability for sports
• Outstanding noise isolation performance
• IP57 rating for dust and water resistance

What we don't like

• Poor passive soundstage
• High latency with PCs

While not as effective at noise cancellation as the newer Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, the Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless still offer excellent ANC at a slightly lower price. They do a great job minimizing background noise, making them ideal for blocking out office chatter. While they let in a bit more engine hum and fan noise than the Elite 8 Gen 2, very low-frequency sounds are often drowned out by your audio anyway, so they remain a solid choice.

The Elite 10 have a mostly neutral sound profile, delivering clear and detailed audio across basslines, vocals, and instruments. Like the Elite 8, they add extra punch to the low end, though their treble can be a bit uneven. A noticeable peak in the mid-treble may make high-pitched sounds like sibilants seem harsh, but their companion app includes an EQ for sound customization. With ANC enabled, they last about 7.5 hours on a single charge, with the case providing three additional charges. They also support Dolby Spatial Sound for a more immersive listening experience and Dolby Atmos for surround sound, though you'll need specially formatted Dolby Atmos files to take full advantage of it.

3. Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless

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What we like

• Customizable via companion app's graphic EQ and presets
• Comfortable, stable, and well-built design
• Great overall noise isolation, thanks to ANC system
• IPX4 water resistance
• Supports multi-device pairing

What we don't like

• Battery drains faster with LDAC codec
• Sub-par overall microphone performance

The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are the best mid-range ANC earbuds we've tested. While their build quality isn't as premium as the Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless, they offer comparable noise isolation, effectively reducing sounds like plane engine hum and office chatter. They also tend to go on sale for less than the Jabra, making them a great option if you're looking for a deal. With ANC on, they provide over seven hours of battery life, and their case holds an additional 2.3 charges for easy on-the-go top-ups.

These earbuds support multi-device pairing, allowing you to stay connected to both your phone and computer simultaneously. Their small, lightweight design ensures comfort during long listening sessions, making them a solid choice for those with smaller ears. Their sound profile is more subdued than the Jabra, with a slightly recessed treble that can make sibilants and cymbals sound dull. However, vocals and instruments remain clear and detailed, offering a smoother, less fatiguing listening experience. If you prefer a more customized sound, their companion app includes a graphic EQ and presets to fine-tune the audio to your liking.

4. Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless

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What we like

• Sound customization features available via companion app
• Amazing full range noise isolation performance
• Comfortable and well-built design
• Rated IPX4 for water resistance
• Supports multi-device pairing

What we don't like

• They lack stability fins and can pop out of your ear
• Mic has poor recording quality

The best budget ANC earbuds we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless. Despite their lower price, they outperform the Sony LinkBuds S in overall noise isolation. Their adaptive ANC effectively reduces bass-heavy sounds like plane engine rumbles, making them great for travel. They also do a solid job minimizing mid- and high-frequency noises, such as office chatter or the hum of a computer fan. These versatile earbuds include useful features like multi-device pairing and LDAC codec support for high-resolution audio streaming.

Built to last, they have a warm default sound profile that can be customized using the companion app’s graphic EQ and presets. With over eight hours of continuous battery life and a case that provides four additional charges, they’re well-suited for long days on the go. However, their microphone quality is a drawback—calls sound distant and sharp, making them less ideal for frequent phone conversations.

5. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

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What we like

• Spatial Audio and head tracking support
• Stellar ANC performance
• Comfortable and premium design
• 6-hour continuous battery life and four extra charges in the case
• Certified IPX4/IP54 (USB-C) for resistance against water splashes

What we don't like

• No high-quality audio codec support
• Bad passive soundstage
• Tips can wiggle out during intense workouts
• Sub-par overall microphone performance
• No seamless device-switching outside Apple ecosystem

If you're looking for premium earbuds with excellent Apple device compatibility, consider the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. Priced similarly to the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, their ANC is just as effective and even better at blocking out real-world sounds like office chatter and street noise. As an Apple product, they come with iOS-specific features, making them a great choice for MacBook and iPhone users. Spatial Audio enhances immersion with virtual surround sound, while the H2 chip ensures seamless pairing across Apple devices.

Their adaptive EQ creates a warm sound profile, making them well-suited for genres like folk and jazz. However, unlike the Jabra, their sound customization features are exclusive to iOS users. With ANC on, they provide about six hours of continuous battery life, and their case offers four additional charges. They have a comfortable fit, though they may need occasional readjustment. If you prefer an open-ear design with ANC, the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation Truly Wireless offer a similar Apple ecosystem experience, though they are less effective at reducing high-frequency noise.