The Best Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones for 2024

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Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — Credit: Tim Gideon

Do noise canceling headphones block out all sounds?

Active noise cancellation (ANC) first debuted in over-ear and over-ear headphones, but is now prevalent in wireless headphones. As the first word of the term suggests, active noise cancellation requires energy, as opposed to passive noise reduction. The battery power powers the ANC circuitry which creates a live inverse signal of ambient noise using microphones. Just as adding a negative number to its positive equivalent results in zero, the goal here is to compensate for ambient noise with inverse sound waves.

Does it work? It depends on the manufacturer and the nature of the ambient noise. Even competent ANC is generally much more effective against low and mid frequencies, especially against unchanging drone-like sounds, like those of a motor or appliance. The best ANC does the same for some high-frequency sounds, like office chatter and keyboard clicks. But a tight in-ear seal is what helps the most against these sounds.

Speaking of the in-ear seal, passive noise cancellation (or passive noise isolation) uses the physical seal of the ear canal to block out ambient sound. This method doesn’t require mics or batteries, but it is, in many ways, more effective than active noise cancellation, as it helps reduce frequencies across the board. Earplugs still exist for a reason: they work.

Bad noise-canceling headphones: what to avoid

Lower quality ANC circuits often produce an audible high-frequency hiss, like white noise or tape hiss, that masks some of the higher frequencies that it cannot eliminate. The easiest way to tell if this is happening is to turn on ANC in a completely silent environment: if your headphones seem to be making the background noise louder, they’re adding hiss. Most of the headphones we test add a few degree of hissing, but the quality of the ANC dictates its prevalence.

Another aspect of poor quality ANC, especially in wireless headphones and earphones, is the difference in how music (or other audio) sounds when active. ANC shouldn’t change the sound of music at all, but some models we test produce very different sound signatures when ANC is turned on, such as more bass, more treble, and higher volume levels. . The effect (in most cases) is not too disruptive, however.

What is ambient mode (or transparency)?

Many truly wireless models include a feature that lets you monitor your surroundings without removing the earbuds. This is useful in offices and airports, as well as for runners who need to be aware of traffic and car horns. Not all true wireless earbuds with an ambient monitoring mode also include noise cancellation, but most of those we tested do.

Many offer on-ear controls that let you cycle through ANC and ambient/transparency modes. We note whether the headphones include this feature, as well as how it works, in each of our reviews.

Are Noise Canceling Headphones Worth It?

The best true wireless earbuds with audiophile-pleasing sound and great ANC can easily cost over $300, but they’re not your only options. We’re starting to see some interesting, budget-friendly alternatives that offer commendable noise cancellation and sound quality for under $100.

Their value depends on the nature of the noise in your environment and the extent to which it prevents you from concentrating on what you need to do. If you can’t think clearly without silence or (at least a greater sense of) calm, noise-canceling headphones are well worth the peace of mind they can provide.

Once you’ve found the perfect pair, check out our stories on five simple tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you’re using your headphones wrong.