Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds in 2024
Bowers & Wilkins PI7: Bowers & Wilkins upgraded their fantastic sounding PI7 noise cancelling earbuds in 2023. The S2 model offers a better battery life, and Bluetooth range is now 25 meters (double that of the previous range). Additionally, the buds now integrate into the new Bowers & Wilkins Music app for iOS and Android and have a much-improved setup experience.
Sony LinkBuds S: Unlike the “open” LinkBuds, the LinkBuds S are traditional noise-isolating earbuds with tips that jam in your ears. The WF1000XM4 is smaller and lighter, and features Sony’s V1 processing. Sony has since released a more compact version of the WF1000XM5. They’re not as good, but they are still very good. Their sound quality and noise cancellation don’t match up to the XM4s or the XM5s. These are the Sony earbuds for those who cannot afford Sony’s flagship buds but still want to get 80% of their features and performance at a lower price. Sony’s WF-1000XM4 is a great earbud, but the newer version has been released. If you can find them on sale, they may be worth considering.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 : The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 was among the top true-wireless earbuds in 2022. Sennheiser released an upgraded version of the Momentum True Wireless 4, which is still one of the best true wireless earbuds. Also, the newer AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5 buds are arguably superior, so only look to buy the Momentum True Wireless 3 when they’re significantly discounted.
JBL Tour Pro 2: JBL’s Tour Pro 2 earbuds have received a lot of attention for bringing something new to true-wireless earbuds: a full-color touchscreen display embedded in the case that allows you to access the earbuds’ key features and control playback as well as adjust volume levels. The earbuds are a bit of an gimmick, but they’re also very useful. While the buds could sound slightly better for their list price, overall the JBL Tour Pro 2s are very good earbuds that offer a good fit, a robust feature set, strong battery life, plus solid noise canceling and voice-calling performance.
Beyerdynamic Free Byrd
: Beyerdynamic may be late to the game, but it’s finally introduced its first truly wireless earbuds, which feature active noise canceling, up to 11 hours of battery life (with noise canceling off) and impressive sound quality. Read our Beyerdynamic Free Byrd review.Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
: Available in four colors, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 noise-canceling headphones don’t feature as good sound or noise canceling as the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, but they’re compact (15% smaller and 20% lighter than the earlier Buds Plus, they barely stick out of your ears) and cost significantly less. They also reduce wind noise because they are more flush against your ears and have a curved design. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, the next-up in price, are waterproof (IPX7). Bang & Olufsen EX
Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay earbuds are its best true-wireless earbuds. The earbuds are comfortable and secure (except for those who have really small ears), offer great sound quality, noise cancellation, and an improved voice-calling experience over B&O’s previous EQ buds. With three microphones per earbud, they reduce background noise, while still picking up your voice. They’re not in most people’s budget, but they are arguably the best earbuds with stems. They have a slightly better sound than the AirPods Pro 2, with deeper, more powerful bass, and richer and more accurate sound. Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4
: While their sound isn’t quite up to the level of higher-end buds like Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 that cost significantly more, the Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 earbuds have a strong set of features, including a spatial audio mode with head tracking, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, up to nine hours of battery life, wireless charging and support for Sony’s LDAC audio codec that can offer sound improvements if you have the right setup.Sennheiser CX Plus
: The Momentum True Wireless 3 are Sennheiser’s flagship true-wireless earbuds. The CX Plus, which has very good sound quality and decent noise cancellation for much less money, is an excellent alternative. Even cheaper is the CX step-down, which does not have active noise cancellation.
