How ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) Earbuds Work

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) earbuds use advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. Here’s a basic explanation:

Microphones: ANC earbuds have microphones on the outside (and sometimes inside) that pick up surrounding noise.
ANC Processor: The collected noise is analyzed by the ANC processor in real-time.
Inverted Sound Waves: The processor generates sound waves that are the exact opposite (inverse) of the ambient noise.
Cancellation: When these inverse sound waves are played through the earbuds, they effectively cancel out the unwanted noise through destructive interference.

This technology is especially effective at reducing consistent low-frequency sounds like the hum of an airplane engine or air conditioning.

Recommended ANC Earbuds and Comparisons

Here are some popular ANC earbuds, along with a comparison of their key features:

ANC Quality: Excellent
Battery Life: Up to 8 hours with ANC on, 12 hours without
Sound Quality: Superior, with a well-balanced sound profile
Comfort: Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip options
Additional Features: IPX4 water resistance, LDAC support, Speak-to-Chat, wireless charging

ANC Quality: Very Good
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with ANC on, 30 hours with charging case
Sound Quality: Clean and balanced, with a focus on clarity
Comfort: Comfortable with silicone tips in various sizes
Additional Features: Seamless integration with Apple devices, spatial audio, IPX4 water resistance, MagSafe charging

ANC Quality: Excellent
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with ANC on, 18 hours with charging case
Sound Quality: Rich and full, with a focus on deep bass
Comfort: Secure and comfortable fit
Additional Features: IPX4 water resistance, touch controls, customizable sound profiles

ANC Quality: Very Good
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours with ANC on, 28 hours with charging case
Sound Quality: High fidelity with a dynamic soundstage
Comfort: Comfortable with a variety of ear tip options
Additional Features: IPX4 water resistance, customizable EQ, aptX Adaptive support

ANC Quality: Good
Battery Life: Up to 5.5 hours with ANC on, 25 hours with charging case
Sound Quality: Well-balanced with strong bass
Comfort: Comfortable with semi-open design
Additional Features: IPX4 water resistance, customizable ANC, wireless charging

Best Overall ANC: Sony WF-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer top-notch ANC performance.
Best for Apple Users: Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation provide seamless integration with Apple devices.
Best Sound Quality: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is ideal for audiophiles.
Best for Comfort: Jabra Elite 85t offers a comfortable fit and good ANC.

Choosing the right pair depends on your priorities, such as ANC quality, battery life, sound quality, and additional features.