Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for 2025: Top Picks for Commuting, Workouts & Calls

In our increasingly noisy world, finding moments of peace and focus can be a challenge. Whether you’re commuting on a bustling train, working in a busy office, battling gym distractions, or simply trying to immerse yourself in music or a podcast, background noise constantly interferes. This is where noise-cancelling earbuds become indispensable. These tiny powerhouses actively block out ambient sounds, creating a personal sound bubble that allows for unparalleled immersion and concentration.

In 2025, the technology in true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds has reached new heights, offering incredible sound quality, effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and crystal-clear call performance in a compact, wire-free form factor. This comprehensive guide is dedicated to helping you discover the best noise-cancelling earbuds for 2025. We’ll delve into the crucial features that define a top-tier pair, explore different use cases, and review our top picks to ensure you find the perfect companion for commuting, workouts, and calls.

Why Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Are a Game Changer in 2025

Noise-cancelling earbuds offer a blend of convenience and immersion that makes them a must-have for modern life:

Unrivaled Portability: Their compact size makes them easy to carry anywhere, fitting into the smallest pockets.
Effective ANC: They actively reduce ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your audio or calls without external distractions.
Immersive Audio: With noise removed, you can hear every detail in your music, podcasts, or game audio.
Clear Calls: Many models feature multiple microphones and AI-enhanced voice pickup for crystal-clear calls, even in noisy environments.
Comfort & Fit: Designed for long-wearing comfort and a secure fit, crucial for workouts and daily commutes.
Battery Life: Modern earbuds offer impressive battery life with their charging cases, providing hours of listening time.

Key Features to Look For in Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

When selecting noise-cancelling earbuds, pay close attention to these critical specifications:

1. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Effectiveness

The core feature. Look for earbuds with robust ANC that can significantly reduce a wide range of noise, from low-frequency hums (like airplane engines or traffic) to mid-range chatter. Some offer adjustable ANC levels or adaptive modes.

Diagram showing how Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology works in earbuds

2. Sound Quality

Beyond ANC, the audio quality should be excellent. Look for earbuds that offer a balanced sound profile, clear vocals, rich bass, and crisp highs. Many brands offer companion apps for EQ customization.

Close-up of an earbud's internal audio driver for high-quality sound

3. Call Quality & Microphone Setup

Crucial for calls in noisy environments. Look for earbuds with multiple beamforming microphones (often 3-6 per earbud) and AI noise reduction for clear voice pickup.

Wireless earbud demonstrating clear call quality with noise-cancelling microphones

4. Comfort, Fit & Durability

Fit: Essential for both comfort and ANC effectiveness (a good seal is key). Look for multiple ear tip sizes (silicone, foam) and wing tips for a secure fit, especially for workouts.
Comfort: Lightweight design for long wear.
IP Rating: For workouts, look for an IPX4 (sweat and splash resistant) or higher rating.

Secure and comfortable fit of a noise-cancelling earbud with different ear tip options

5. Battery Life

Consider both the earbuds’ playtime on a single charge (e.g., 6-10 hours with ANC) and the total playtime with the charging case (e.g., 20-40 hours). Look for fast charging capabilities.

6. Connectivity & App Support

Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 is ideal for stable connection and power efficiency.
Multipoint Connectivity: Allows connection to two devices simultaneously.
Companion App: For customizing ANC levels, EQ, controls, and firmware updates.

Our Top Picks: Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for 2025

Here are our top recommendations for noise-cancelling earbuds that deliver excellent performance, comfort, and value for commuting, workouts, and calls in 2025:

1. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC (Best Overall Value)

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC noise-cancelling earbuds and charging case

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC punches well above its weight, offering incredible value. It boasts highly effective adaptive ANC, superb sound quality (customizable via the Soundcore app), and excellent call quality. With up to 10 hours of playtime per charge (with ANC) and 50 hours total with the case, plus a comfortable fit and IPX4 rating, they are a standout choice for any budget.

Pros: Outstanding ANC for the price, superb battery life, great sound quality, comfortable fit, IPX4 rating.
Cons: Case might be slightly bulky, no wireless charging on base model.

2. Sony WF-C700N (Lightweight & Reliable)

Sony WF-C700N noise-cancelling earbuds and compact charging case

The Sony WF-C700N brings Sony’s renowned audio expertise to an affordable price point. These earbuds are remarkably lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for long listening sessions. They offer solid active noise cancellation, good sound quality (customizable via the Sony Headphones Connect app), and an IPX4 rating for workouts. Their compact size makes them highly portable.

Pros: Very lightweight and comfortable, good ANC, reliable Sony audio quality, IPX4 rating, compact case.
Cons: ANC not as strong as premium models, shorter battery life than Liberty 4 NC.

3. JBL Tune Beam (Balanced Sound & Solid ANC)

JBL Tune Beam noise-cancelling earbuds with stem design

The JBL Tune Beam offers a balanced sound signature with punchy bass and clear vocals, combined with effective active noise cancellation. These stem-style earbuds provide a secure and comfortable fit, making them suitable for daily commutes and workouts (IPX5 splash-proof). They also feature good call quality with multiple microphones and touch controls for easy management.

Pros: Good balanced sound with bass, effective ANC, comfortable stem design, IPX5 rating, decent call quality.
Cons: ANC performance might vary in very noisy environments, stem design might not appeal to everyone.

4. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE (Best for Samsung Users & Comfort)

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE noise-cancelling earbuds with wingtip design

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE offers excellent value, especially for Samsung smartphone users, integrating seamlessly within the Galaxy ecosystem. They provide surprisingly effective ANC, impressive sound quality, and a very comfortable and secure fit thanks to their unique wingtip design. Call quality is also a strong point. They are a great choice for those seeking reliable ANC earbuds with a comfortable fit.

Pros: Great ANC for the price, excellent sound quality, very comfortable and secure fit, good call quality, seamless Samsung integration.
Cons: Best features are with Samsung phones, no wireless charging on the case.

How We Selected These Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Our selection process for the best noise-cancelling earbuds for 2025 focused on models that offer genuinely effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), combined with clear and enjoyable sound quality, and reliable microphone performance for calls. We prioritized earbuds that provide a comfortable and secure fit, good battery life (both earbuds and case), and excellent value for their price point. User reviews and overall brand reputation also played a significant role.

Tips for Optimizing Your Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Find the Right Ear Tips: A good seal is crucial for both sound quality and ANC effectiveness. Experiment with all included ear tip sizes.
Keep Them Charged: Regularly charge your earbuds and their case to ensure they are always ready.
Update Firmware: Keep your earbuds’ firmware updated through their companion app for performance improvements and bug fixes.
Customize via App: Use the brand’s companion app (if available) to adjust ANC levels, EQ settings, and touch controls to your preference.
Clean Regularly: Clean the ear tips and earbud grilles regularly to prevent earwax buildup, which can affect sound and ANC.

Conclusion

Noise-cancelling earbuds are a modern marvel, offering a portable oasis of calm and immersive audio in any environment. In 2025, you don’t need to splurge on premium models to experience effective ANC, great sound, and clear calls. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, Sony WF-C700N, JBL Tune Beam, and Samsung Galaxy Buds FE stand out as top choices, each offering impressive value and functionality.

By prioritizing ANC effectiveness, sound quality, call clarity, and a comfortable fit, you can confidently select a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that will transform your commuting, workouts, and daily focus. Get ready to tune out the world and tune into your audio! What’s the main reason you’d use noise-cancelling earbuds? Share your thoughts in the comments below!