The Definitive List of Noise Cancelling Earbuds 2017

Introduction

In the first of this series, I’ve compiled a list of noise cancelling earbuds and in-ear monitors currently available as of 2017. In my research, I’ve come to notice the following:

1. Noise cancelling earphones is a small market, and the product range for headphones far exceeds that of earphones.
2. There are only a handful of noise cancelling earbuds from big brand manufacturers. The rest of the list is dominated mainly by OEM/Chinese manufacturers.

It seems to me the market for noise cancelling earbuds is ripe for the picking. For the consumer, it’s not exactly good news because it means a lack of choice and variety. I’ve also noticed that plenty of other audiophile blogs seem to talk about the same 3 to 5 brand products repeatedly, namely Audio-Technica, AKG and Bose. None of the other reviews seem to mention the majority of the products on my list.

So in the interest of providing a variety of options for audiophiles, I’ve compiled a list of 27 noise cancelling earbuds. This list is accurate as of June 19, 2017, and sorted by alphabetical order.

I’ll be maintaining the list throughout the year. If you have a suggestion for a new noise cancelling earbud or IEM, let me know. The big brands should be available at your local store; as for the other Chi-Fi brands, your best bet is to read the reviews on Amazon (I’ll include a link for each product so you can check out their reviews).

Oh and before I forget, these are active noise cancelling earbuds (except for the Etymotic and Aftershokz). These all have some form of active noise cancelling technology to phase out background noise; they’re not just noise isolating in-ear monitors.

Enjoy!

27 Noise Cancelling Earbuds

1. AKG K391NC High-Performance Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Active noise cancellation
• In-line microphone and remote control
• Closed-back design
• 40-hour play time
• Includes flight adapter

2. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Cancels up to 90% of background noise
• Delivers exceptional pure audio signal in noise-cancelling mode
• Built-in microphone and controller
• Includes flight adapter

3. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 QuietPoint Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Includes a miniature microphone in each earpiece that picks up ambient noise
• Creates a noise-cancelling wave that acts as noise eraser
• Reduces background noise by up to 90%
• Includes flight adapter

4. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC40BT QuietPoint Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

• Active noise cancellation
• Reduces ambient noise by up to 90%
• 13.5mm drivers for high fidelity tone
• Connects with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
• Built-in microphone and remote control

5. BeoPlay H3 ANC — B&O Play by Bang & Olufsen

• Specially designed by Bang & Olufsen
• Crafted from a solid block of lightweight aluminum
• 26 air vents provide excellent acoustics
• Miniature bass port in its internal cabinet enhances low frequencies

6. Bluephonic Wireless Sport Bluetooth Earbuds

• Sweat-proof design for active use
• Flexible ear-hooks ensures a secure fit
• 8-hour play time
• Comes with a built-in microphone

7. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• “Aware mode” lets you hear what’s around you at the touch of a button
• TriPort technology and Active EQ for high-fidelity sound
• Stay Hear+ ear-tips for a comfortable and secure fit
• Comes with in-line microphone and remote control

8. Canbor Sweatproof Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

• CVC 6.0 noise cancellation
• IPX5 water resistance for active use
• 8-hour play time
• Comes with built-in microphone

9. Cowin HE8 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Cancels out ambient noise up to 32dB
• Weighs only 15g
• 11-hour play time
• 60 days of standby

10. Creative EP-3NC Noise Cancelling Earbuds – link

• Active noise cancellation
• Dynamic 9mm neodymium drivers
• Built-in monitor function to hear surrounding sounds
• Comes with flight adapter

11. Etymotic Research ER4P-T MicroPro Noise-Isolating In-Ear Monitors

This is the only IEM on the list that doesn’t have active noise cancellation. Instead it relies on Etymotic’s ACCU-Fit eartips to produce up to 35-42dB, or 98% ambient noise reduction.

• Balanced armature drivers
• Designed for sound engineers and audiophiles
• Braided cables reduce microphonic sounds
• Replaceable filters protect the drivers from earwax
• Comes with assortment of ear-tips

12. Foneso F10 Wireless Sport Earbuds

• Sweat-proof design for active use
• Flexible ear-hooks for a secure fit
• Pairs with two different devices at the same time
• 10-hour play time

13. Forone Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• 8mm drivers
• IPX4 waterproof design for active wear
• Active noise cancelling technology
• Up to 8-hour play time

14. Harman Kardon Soho II Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• 9mm dynamic drivers
• Active noise cancellation
• 35 hour battery life
• Frequency range: 12Hz – 24 kHz

15. Huawei Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Features active noise cancellation
• 2 dynamic drivers and 2 balanced armatures for hi-end tone
• Oxygen-free copper cable for low distortion
• Lightweight aluminum shell

16. iLepo i20 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Active noise cancellation
• 8 to 10-hour play time
• Comes with built-in microphone and remote control

17. Intcrown S960 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

• DSP noise cancellation technology
• Lightweight design is perfect for active use
• 5-hour play time
• Comes with multiple ear-tips

18. JBL Reflect Aware with Adaptive Noise Control

• Active noise cancelling earphones
• 14.8mm dynamic drivers
• Sweat-proof design
• Reflective cable is perfect for active use

19. Phiaton BT 220 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Active noise cancelling technology
• Blocks up to 95% of ambient noise
• Up to two simultaneous Bluetooth connections
• Near-Field Communication (NFC) enabled
• 17-hour play time

20. Phiaton BT 100 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Reduces ambient noise by up to 95%
• IPX4 sweat and water resistant
• Built-in microphone and controls
• Features NFC pairing

21. Polk Audio AM6617 Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Active noise cancellation
• Optimized Active Tuning for enhanced audio quality
• Push-to-Hear control mutes audio and amplifies ambient sounds
• Built-in microphone and remote control

22. Sony MDRNC13 Noise Cancelling Earbuds

23. Stoon QY8 V4.1 Wireless Earbuds

• Pairs with 2 devices simultaneously
• Sweat-proof and lightweight for active wear
• 7-hour play time

24. TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

• Features active noise cancellation technology
• Long 15-hour play time
• Interchangeable earbuds and hooks for a comfortable and secure fit
• Gold-plated 3.5mm audio jack
• Comes with flight adapter
• Built-in microphone and remote control

25. Tronsmart Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Reduces ambient noise by up to 28dB
• 20-hour play time
• Lightweight and ergonomic neckband

26. Tate & Baüer Elite Series Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

• Crystal clear highs and deep bass
• CVC 6.0 noise cancelling technology
• Custom designed ear hooks for secure fit
• Up to 10-hour play time
• Built-in microphone

27. AfterShokz Bluez 2S Open-Ear Wireless Stereo Headphones

I’m including the Bluez 2S even though I consider it a headphone. AfterShokz integrated bone conduction technology with dual noise cancelling microphones in a wireless, sporty design. One thing about bone conduction technology is that it allows the wearer situational awareness, and the Bluez 2’s unique selling point is the ability to tune out the world around you without really tuning out.

Seems to me like it’s aimed at people who enjoy sports, but I could see several different uses for it at home and in the office. I’ll be sure to write an in-depth review if I pick up one of these in future.

Conclusion

There we have it, 27 noise cancelling earbuds currently available (technically 25 if you exclude the Etymotic and the AfterShokz). I’ve tried to be as comprehensive as I can but if you believe I’ve left something out, do let me know. I’ll be doing a separate list for over/on-ear noise cancelling headphones soon. If you prefer cans, then be sure to look out for my upcoming post.

This is Part 1 of a series of curated lists for headphones. For Part 2, check out the Complete Guide to 17 Cheap Wireless Headphones for TV.