But they’re also just good earbuds, with excellent noise-canceling and a particularly impressive transparency mode. They also have heart rate sensors built into each earbud, meaning you can start and track a workout and get accurate, detailed stats without wearing a fitness tracker. I’ve tested them against wearables from Garmin and Google, and they are surprisingly accurate.
Apple recently introduced ANC into its entry-level AirPods 5, which I will be testing soon.
Best ANC Earbuds for Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro emulate the magic of AirPods, but only for Samsung fans, says former WIRED reviewer Ryan Waniata. They have a very similar size, shape, and control scheme (pinch-and-slide controls on the stem). They are also strikingly similar in features, including accurate GPS location tracking, seamless swapping between Samsung devices, and ample control through a Samsung Galaxy phone. Where they stand out is a dual-speaker audio system that delivers rich bass and assertive treble, plus availability in multiple colors. I wouldn’t recommend the Galaxy Buds for anyone outside of Samsung’s ecosystem, though.
Best ANC Earbuds for Android
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
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For all my Google Pixel Phone readers out there, I’d strongly consider the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. The noise-canceling is excellent, and while not as strong as Bose, Apple, or Sony, these earbuds are much smaller and lighter. They also have a built-in mini wingtip on each bud, making them a bit more secure than AirPods Pro, in my testing. That, plus a long battery life and solid IP54 dust and water resistance, makes them good for commuting, travel, working out, and most anything you can throw at them.
Best ANC Earbuds for Sound Quality
If you want excellent noise-canceling and excellent sound quality, the Sony WF-1000XM6 is what you’re looking for. With the right fit, they are perhaps the best-sounding wireless earbuds that I’ve tested. They use a memory foam ear tip that, once you dial in the fit, provides excellent passive noise isolation. Combined with the near-Bose-level ANC, you can effectively tune out most of your surroundings.