Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

When packed into in-ear buds, it gets even better, as the silicon ear tips allow for a great seal from the outside world. The latest version of Bose’s buds, the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, have the best ANC of any pair of earbuds that you can buy right now. They cost more than some of the competition, but the noise canceling you get out of them is second to none. 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. This list is designed to be as useful and easy to use as possible. my first project, www.calameo.com, up is our quick list at the top, which shows you the best earbuds at a glance with star ratings for their key features.

However effective the noise cancellation is when deployed, it’s no good if the track you’re listening to becomes constricted, tinny or otherwise compromised. Sony includes four sizes of tips, but this pair may still prove challenging to keep in place for folks with small ears or who are very active. And the unique foam and silicone tips can make your ears feel full, a sensation some people may find uncomfortable.

You’d think without a true seal in more of this “open ear” style bud, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation wouldn’t be effective. But they’re actually quite impressive when it comes to reducing ambient sounds, and the adaptive audio feature blends ANC with transparency for a listening experience. At CES 2025, JBL announced the Endurance Race 2 true wireless earbuds with ANC. They’re designed for workouts but also have features that could be useful outside of the gym. The IP68-rated earbuds are held in place with looped wings, and they feature four microphones for clear phone calls. The Endurance Race 2 buds provide 12 hours of playtime per charge (less when using ANC) with an additional 36 hours of power in the IPX2-rated, splash-resistant charging case.

We were blown away by these noise-cancelling earbuds and we think you will be too. While the Bose are our current kings, Samsung might have something to say about it in the shape of their new noise-cancelling Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (£219 / £250 / AU$399), which were announced on the 10th July. We have a pair in for review so keep your eyes peeled for it appearing on our website in the coming weeks.

Some might also not like the feeling of the slightly stiff-fitting wings as well, as they bury into parts of your ears. Battery life is also not amazing, but about par for the course out of the buds at 7 hours. The large case does net you more staying power, however, with 30 hours on tap.

In other words, with the Air Pro 4s, you’re not likely to find yourself halfway through a five-hour flight enduring some forced mindfulness while your earbuds juice back up. Personally, I’ve owned, used, and loved Bose QuietComfort headphones for years. (I previously tested the QC 35 IIs and the QC 45s, both standouts in the field of ANC headphones.) But, with the Ultras, I feel like Bose really stepped up the QuietComfort line. I’ve worn them with earrings all day and on a five-hour flight while wearing glasses, and not once did I experience any soreness or discomfort. Flying was never the most stress-free way to travel, but thanks to never-ending airline delays, unruly passengers, and the incredible shrinking airline seat, it can be a nightmare. If you’re ready to upgrade your flying experience, picking up a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can go a long way.

While over-ear headphones often deliver superior sound quality thanks to their larger drivers, the best wireless earbuds win on comfort, portability and convenience. Plus, they spare you from sweaty ears and dreaded headphone hair in the summer. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE may not have the same Active Noise Cancelling strength as the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Edifier TWS1 Pro 2, but it comes really close and blocks wind noise wonderfully. Vocals are nuanced and reach the highest outbursts controlled, yet also dip easily into the lows – giving them a dynamic performance. Instrumental mid-tones are natural and textured, and while the mid-bass isn’t the tightest, the bass hits deep and impactful. With IPX4 splashproof protection and 5,5 hours of battery life on a single charge, these are a great package.

When you’re on a plane, over-ear headphones are typically going to offer the best experience for noise cancellation. Over-ears create a better seal around your ear that helps you block out even more sound. They also are more likely to have a 3.5mm cable and audio jack so you can use them as wired headphones, which some folks prefer for in-flight entertainment.

We’ll also offering recordings of microphone quality so you can compare different earbuds on that front, and we’ll give you exact figures for how long the battery in them lasts with active noise cancellation turned on. If you’re on a budget the EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds are our top recommendation. The ANC doesn’t deliver the cocoon of silence you’d expect from higher-end options, but we thought it was good – especially considering the price. It’s capable of reducing low-end sounds pretty effectively, including traffic noise, so it makes it much easier to hear what you’re listening to.