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Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds (2026): Bose, Apple, Samsung, Beats, and More
The best noise-canceling earbuds are indispensable tech we all use daily for listening to any and everything—from phone calls, podcasts, and TV shows to workouts, commuting, and air travel. The list is endless. If you buy only one pair of headphones, you should make it a good pair of noise-canceling earbuds.
Most wireless earbuds come with built-in noise cancellation, but the difference between a good pair and a great pair is vast. Trust me, I’ve tested every one of our top picks in the real world—think busy New York City streets, loud cafes, crowded gyms, and rush-hour subway platforms—and sometimes, the noise cancellation is less effective at doing its one job. My top picks come from brands like Bose, Anker, Apple, and Beats, and while none is best overall, a few great options fit different needs.
For more choices, check out our Best Noise-Canceling Headphones (which includes non-earbuds), Best Cheap Headphones, and Best Workout Headphones guides.
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Updated September 2026: I've updated WIRED's product recommendations and honorable mentions. I also updated specs, prices, and links.
If you’re seeking the absolute best active noise canceling (ANC), the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) should be at the top of your shortlist. In all my testing, I've yet to find a pair of noise-canceling earbuds that can knock these off the throne, though some models come close. In any environment, whether it’s a noisy subway platform or an international flight, these earbuds largely block out noise. Plus, they sound great, with most music and TV shows coming in clearly and with ample detail.
This second-generation version improves upon the original in small but important ways, including enhanced ANC, more stable connectivity, wireless charging, better personalized sound tuning, and improved customization options within the app.
All that noise-canceling comes at a cost. These are big earbuds that, while comfortable, wouldn’t be my first choice for working out or keeping things fast and light. The QuietComfort Ultra is also pricey and doesn’t have very impressive battery life (just six hours). But for ANC alone, it is the gold standard.
It’s hard to find effective noise-canceling earbuds at lower price points, but the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro bucks the trend, delivering excellent ANC for well under $200. They have a similar shape and size to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (though they are a bit smaller), with similar touch-sensitive controls on each bud.
While the noise-canceling isn’t as ironclad as the Bose, I actually find these earbuds more versatile. They have better battery life, a more secure fit, and a much higher dust and water resistance rating (IP55). But the biggest differentiator is call quality—these are some of the best earbuds for calls, full stop. They outperformed every other wireless earbud I tested them against on noisy city streets. What keeps Bose at the top spot is its more effective noise-canceling and detailed sound.