Best Noise cancelling buds

[stocknoob4111]

Currently have my trusty QC25 from 2016 still functioning but physically deteriorated through use of course. When I was researching NC headphones at the time I tried (and I had also previously purchased) several headphones from various brands and although all of them "claimed" NC none of them actually worked even remotely close to how well the QC25s did.

So, looking to upgrade to something newer, I did a search here and the results were a few years old so thought i'd ask this question again to get more current feedback.

Looking for:
- NC as good or better than the QC25 especially on airplanes (Most important criteria of course)
- Bluetooth 5.0 or higher
- Earbuds format (I am trying to lower travel weight/space and my current headphones are a monstrosity that I would rather not carry around)

I already have non-NC earbuds that I like and use so these would be specifically for use on the airplane.

Bose has a model at $199 here: https://tinyurl.com/26c6aef7
and a $299 model here: https://tinyurl.com/yc48vpsu

Any feedback on the above 2 models ? Any other suggestions from Sony, Samsung etc.? Thanks in advance!!

[rob]

Your links are busted... but I love the quite comfort buds from bose.... Really great for airplanes (I also came from over the ear variety but buds are just far more convenient).

[kevinf]

The Bose QuietComfort II earbuds are considered to have the best ANC available at the moment.

[LifeIsGood]

Early last year I purchased a pair of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, Certified Refurbished on Ebay directly from Bose. They malfunctioned almost immediately and Bose replaced them. They also came with a 2 year third part warranty. A couple of months ago they went thru the wash and died. Much to my surprise, the warranty company send me a refund of my purchase price. I liked the buds but have small ear canals and the fit wasn't ideal.

This month Costco had the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds with Apple care on sale for $129. The fit is great but noise cancelling seems to be non-existent. I don't know if they're defective or just lousy but they're going back.
I'll be following this thread for recommendations.

[Dave5280]

Bose has the best noise cancellation technology.

I’ve read good reviews about the latest Apple versions also.

[simplesimon]

I recently got the newest Bose earbuds and I like them. I wasn't sure how they'd fit as the Apple earbuds always fell out of my ear, but it's well designed where you turn it after placing it in the ear to get a snug fit.

[jocdoc]

Soundcore Space A40. Cheaper and better app

[hunoraut]

If you are wanting headphones that are in-ear (ie deep canal fit) that are the best for eliminating outside sound, any slim "in-ear monitor" would be the best. Their passive sound isolation is superior to active noise cancellation on buds.

For "buds" (ie loose ear fit), I have the Bose QC Earbuds and Apple AirPods Pro. Bose are *probably* slightly better at ANC. But like most product categories, the Apple are better for everything else related to use - better case, better reliability of connection, etc etc.

[Sandtrap]

The Bose QuietComfort II earbuds are considered to have the best ANC available at the moment.

+1
I went through 3 sets returned on lst 30 days due to reliability issues and pairing with my iPhone 14 pro max.
Yes. The ANC is the best. but lacking other areas such as audio and call quality (mic noise cancellation).

I now cycle through 2 pairs of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 (short battery life). The ANC is the next best to the Bose.
I also use the very spendy Apple AirMax over ear headphones which are outstanding and built like tanks. Around 500 dollars.

To OP:
Info on this post/thread might have helpful input for you as well:
viewtopic.php?t=386187
j

[Finridge]

Another vote for the Soundcore Space A40

[FIRWYW]

Have not tried the Bose, but if like their other proxy’s, I would assume the are amazing. Apples don’t stay in my ears and hurt me so regardless of how well they NC are a no go. Jabra 7t pro are great for me with excellent noise isolation AND NC. Stay in place and are comfortable while running on treadmill and general use. Sound quality is good for me, but not Bose level (or at least not the level of Bose products we have owned . ( The jabra is basically double the price I paid for it a while back though)

[alfaspider]

Bose has the best noise cancellation technology.

I’ve read good reviews about the latest Apple versions also.

Some will make that argument in favor of Sony. I have a set of XM4s (XM5 is now the latest) that are excellent in the noise cancellation category. My only real gripe is the lack of a "find my" location feature like the airpods. These are small items and easy to lose.

[curmudgeon]

I was pretty impressed with the Tozo NC9 earbuds I got off of Amazon for $40 a year ago. I got them for my wife, but she had problems keeping them in the ear and/or losing them, so I got her a different pair with ear loop and wire between them. I adopted the Tozos which fit me well, and use them for long flights. The noise cancelling is good enough that I've given up carrying the over-the-ear Bose I used to use.

[Wading Ashore]

Tried Bose QC Comfort II (I see they have just come out with an Ultra model). Worked well for two hours, then fell out of my ear, disconnected and couldn't be re-connected. Tried troubleshooting from the app, then called Tech Support - she couldn't do it either, and her English was nearly unintelligible. Returned them and bought Sony XM5's. So far they seem very good, and the app is excellent.

[silverbullet75]

I have the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, and have found the noise (and wind) cancelling to be of very good quality, as well as the sound.

The major drawback vs. QC35's or another over-the-head style model is that the true wireless earbuds are relatively heavy - it is not as issue on a plane, but can make them more prone to fitting poorly or shifting while running.

[EnjoyIt]

I'm a big fan of the AirPods pro 2. Although from my understanding they are not #1 in noise cancelation, the fact that I have an iPhone and MacBook pro and live in the apple eco system makes them very easy to use, switch between sources (phone vs laptop,) and simply very convenient. My only gripe with them is when making phone calls, they don't have very good ambient noise canceling so some noises come out very loudly to the person you are talking to.

[vnatale]

I'm a big fan of the AirPods pro 2. Although from my understanding they are not #1 in noise cancelation, the fact that I have an iPhone and MacBook pro and live in the apple eco system makes them very easy to use, switch between sources (phone vs laptop,) and simply very convenient. My only gripe with them is when making phone calls, they don't have very good ambient noise canceling so some noises come out very loudly top the person you are talking to.

I both my pair used from Craigslist for $80. I was graphically shown how noise cancelling they were when I went to start my car and then heard that grinding noise because my car was already running. With them in my ears I was not able to hear that my car was already running.

[pizzy]

I'm a big fan of the AirPods pro 2. Although from my understanding they are not #1 in noise cancelation, the fact that I have an iPhone and MacBook pro and live in the apple eco system makes them very easy to use, switch between sources (phone vs laptop,) and simply very convenient. My only gripe with them is when making phone calls, they don't have very good ambient noise canceling so some noises come out very loudly top the person you are talking to.

I both my pair used from Craigslist for $80. I was graphically shown how noise cancelling they were when I went to start my car and then heard that grinding noise because my car was already running. With them in my ears I was not able to hear that my car was already running.

I hope you don’t wear them while driving.

[LifeIsGood]

Just received my Soundcore Space A40 buds based on a couple of recommendations here. Terrific product for the money. Easy to set up, great noise cancellation and 5 sets of ear tips practically guarantee a good fit. I'll be returning the Beats.

[davebo]

I've used Airpod Pros for 2.5 years and think they are great, but can't compare them to anything. The only time I use them for noise cancelling is when I'm riding on the tractor, working out, or on a plane. Other than that, I typically just have 1 in.

[vnatale]

I've used Airpod Pros for 2.5 years and think they are great, but can't compare them to anything. The only time I use them for noise cancelling is when I'm riding on the tractor, working out, or on a plane. Other than that, I typically just have 1 in.

Are you saying only one in to use on phone calls?

[davebo]

I've used Airpod Pros for 2.5 years and think they are great, but can't compare them to anything. The only time I use them for noise cancelling is when I'm riding on the tractor, working out, or on a plane. Other than that, I typically just have 1 in.

Are you saying only one in to use on phone calls?

Yes, most of the time I'm making calls in my house and I'll only use 1. I'll only put 2 in if I need to drown out the noise, but it's not usually necessary.

[02nz]

Note that Bose just came out with new "Ultra" earbuds (and over-ears). No reviews yet so we don't know if ANC is improved. I'd also look at the Sony WF-1000XM5.

But for iOS, the usability advantages of the AirPods Pro 2 are big enough to outweigh the relatively small differences in ANC and other areas.

[Wading Ashore]

I'd also look at the Sony WF-1000XM5.

I have an Android (Samsung) phone. Just got the Sony WF-1000XM5's. VERY happy with them so far.

[Nearly A Moose]

If this is still a live issue, the Bose QC II are great for listening to audio. Very good noise cancelling. Not quite as good as the QC 35 over the ear set that I wear when I’m working from home and the kids are noisy, but I think they’re excellent headphones. I use them for audio in noisy environments. Daily on the metro (subway), and when I’m flying and don’t want to bother with the larger over the ear headphones. I’m usually listening to an audiobook at a decently high speed, or sometimes a podcast, and I’m able to hear it very clearly without having to Jack up the volume. I think they’re an excellent purchase and a real upgrade over a lesser quality mid-$100 set I’d been using.

I have the impression they’re so-so for call quality, but it’s hard to tell how I sound to others. But I also really don’t like doing phone calls with noise cancelation because I feel I can’t hear my own voice well, so that’s an issue I have with all noise canceling headphones. I still use my AirPods for actual phone calls.

[kenai]

I have the Bose QC 25. It still works and works really well. I also have the AirPods Pro. I stopped using my Bose when I bought the AirPods Pro. The convenience of not having to pack the Bose headphones on trips was enough for me. I can't even feel the difference in ANC performance between the two brands.

[Zagnificent]

Have not tried the Bose, but if like their other proxy’s, I would assume the are amazing. Apples don’t stay in my ears and hurt me so regardless of how well they NC are a no go. Jabra 7t pro are great for me with excellent noise isolation AND NC. Stay in place and are comfortable while running on treadmill and general use. Sound quality is good for me, but not Bose level (or at least not the level of Bose products we have owned . ( The jabra is basically double the price I paid for it a while back though)

I concur with the Jabra models. I have both the 75t and 85t models. The 85t is more comfortable with better ANC, but in my experience the functional battery life is ~3 hours before needing to go back in the case. These also protrude from the ear a little more. The 75t is a little smaller, with better battery life--I use these more for working out. I LOVE my Jabra ear buds; I had one pair that experienced issues with connectivity and Jabra replaced quickly and easily.

[Claudia Whitten]

No buds are as good as a nice NC headset, over-the-ear, like the Bose QC45 or an earlier model of the same.

Recent flights had the Bose QC45, the Bose QuietComfort Buds II, the Apple AirPods Pro 2, and the AirPods Pro 1.

Didn't take long on flights to see the value of the traditional headsets. They simply do what you want from noise cancelation: they cancel the noise, and in a more effective and comfortable way than things pushing into and sticking out of your ears can.

Wish it weren't true, but it is. Yeah, I'd like effective NC that I can put in my pocket, too. But in this case, you get more if you're willing to carry more. And when it comes to protecting my hearing and my sanity, I'll willing to carry more.

[anon_investor]

Just received my Soundcore Space A40 buds based on a couple of recommendations here. Terrific product for the money. Easy to set up, great noise cancellation and 5 sets of ear tips practically guarantee a good fit. I'll be returning the Beats.

How do you like them? I am thinking about picking a paid up the next time they go on sale, I have seen them a few times in the $40-50 range.

[LifeIsGood]

I really like these buds. I ordered a pair of Beats along with the A40's and tried them both. My main concern was the noise cancelling performance and the A-40's won hands down. The fact that they were less than 1/2 price compared to the Beats was the icing on the cake.

Just received my Soundcore Space A40 buds based on a couple of recommendations here. Terrific product for the money. Easy to set up, great noise cancellation and 5 sets of ear tips practically guarantee a good fit. I'll be returning the Beats.

How do you like them? I am thinking about picking a paid up the next time they go on sale, I have seen them a few times in the $40-50 range.

[Sandtrap]

Update:
Currently test driving the Bose over ear QC 45's to compare to my Apple AirMax ($500+) headsets for ANC performance.

j

[Youngblood]

I recently changed gyms and they blast music so loud I contemplated quitting because
I enjoy listening to podcasts during aerobic exercise and I couldn’t hear them using the two
earbuds I had.

My daughters gave me AirPods Pro 2 several months ago. Problem solved, fantastic ANC.
I'm still amazed when I put them on, silence except for whatever I'm listening to.

[clutchied]

so I don't typically do apple stuff so I can't compare but on sale currently the google pixel buds pro are a great deal.

Sound is good and NC tech seems to be great. I like the option to turn off NC and turn on the "not locked in feel" of earbuds meaning that take ambient noise and amplify it for you so you can actually hear people and carry on a convo with them in.


They've been really useful for me.

The only thing I don't like about them is trying to run with them which may just need a different earpiece size. The non-pro buds are really perfect for running on a treadmill an they don't move around.

[bogswenbern]

Only noise I ever want to cancel out is the high-pitched whiny noise when an airplane is at the gate (and I think they are draining sewage?). I tried the Sony WX-1000M3 but they are ear canal types and fall out too easily even with foam covers. Now I think I just have to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds that don't have noise cancelling, but just turn up music louder.

[pizzy]

Only noise I ever want to cancel out is the high-pitched whiny noise when an airplane is at the gate (and I think they are draining sewage?). I tried the Sony WX-1000M3 but they are ear canal types and fall out too easily even with foam covers. Now I think I just have to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds that don't have noise cancelling, but just turn up music louder.

You’re allowed to try others besides the Sony.

[bogswenbern]

Only noise I ever want to cancel out is the high-pitched whiny noise when an airplane is at the gate (and I think they are draining sewage?). I tried the Sony WX-1000M3 but they are ear canal types and fall out too easily even with foam covers. Now I think I just have to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds that don't have noise cancelling, but just turn up music louder.

You’re allowed to try others besides the Sony.

wish there was some place i could go and pay a fee and try on true wireless headphones, maybe with a hygienic cover. bit of a hassle and moral issue lol to buy and return

i tried Sony because of CR ratings

not worth luggage space for over ear style while flying

wish airplane just added sound insulation

[pizzy]

Only noise I ever want to cancel out is the high-pitched whiny noise when an airplane is at the gate (and I think they are draining sewage?). I tried the Sony WX-1000M3 but they are ear canal types and fall out too easily even with foam covers. Now I think I just have to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds that don't have noise cancelling, but just turn up music louder.

You’re allowed to try others besides the Sony.

wish there was some place i could go and pay a fee and try on true wireless headphones, maybe with a hygienic cover. bit of a hassle and moral issue lol to buy and return

i tried Sony because of CR ratings

not worth luggage space for over ear style while flying

wish airplane just added sound insulation

The system is built that buy/try/return/keep is the only solution. Don’t sweat it.

[anon_investor]

I really like these buds. I ordered a pair of Beats along with the A40's and tried them both. My main concern was the noise cancelling performance and the A-40's won hands down. The fact that they were less than 1/2 price compared to the Beats was the icing on the cake.

Just received my Soundcore Space A40 buds based on a couple of recommendations here. Terrific product for the money. Easy to set up, great noise cancellation and 5 sets of ear tips practically guarantee a good fit. I'll be returning the Beats.

How do you like them? I am thinking about picking a paid up the next time they go on sale, I have seen them a few times in the $40-50 range.

Thanks for sharing, I will keep an eye out for a sale on these.