Top 7 Noise-Canceling Earbuds for Crystal-Clear Calls in Loud Environments

In our modern, fast-paced world, we find ourselves making phone calls on the go more than ever.

Whether it’s for business or personal matters, clear communication is essential, even in noisy surroundings. This is where the importance of having the best earbuds for calls in noisy environments becomes evident.

No one wants to strain their ears or constantly repeat themselves due to background noise interference. To help you stay connected and communicate effectively, we’ve complied a list of the top earbuds designed to cut through the noise and keep your conversations crystal clear.

1. Apple AirPods Pro

Apple’s AirPods Pro have earned their place as one of the best all-around wireless earbuds, excelling in noise cancellation and call quality. Their active noise-cancelling feature, coupled with the transparency mode, allows you to switch between blocking out external sounds and letting them in when you need to be aware of your surroundings.

The AirPods Pro maintain their position as the top choice in Apple’s range of in-ear audio products. They excel in noise cancellation and deliver a pleasing sound quality. Additionally, they offer spatial audio with head tracking for enhanced immersion, along with outstanding Adaptive Audio transparency modes. The inclusion of a USB-C port on the case enhances the convenience of charging compared to previous models.

Pros

1. Impressive and well-balanced audio performance
2. Outstanding active noise cancellation
3. Conversation Aware feature adjusts music volume when you speak
4. Charging case features a built-in speaker and a USB-C port
5. Effortless integration with Apple devices

Cons

1. Lack of support for hi-res codecs
2. Inability to adjust EQ presets

2. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Bose is synonymous with top-notch sound quality, and the QuietComfort Earbuds are no exception. With advanced noise-canceling technology, these earbuds are a great choice for drowning out background noise during calls. The built-in microphone system ensures your voice is heard loud and clear on the other end of the line.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds stand out with their unparalleled noise-cancellation capabilities, effectively suppressing both low and high-frequency noises. Their secure fit and user-friendly Bose Music companion app further enhance their appeal. Additionally, they cater to Android users by supporting the high-quality AptX Adaptive codec.

These earbuds are perfect for travelers and individuals working in noisy environments due to their remarkable noise-blocking abilities. While there are more advanced options available for audiophiles and hi-res streaming enthusiasts, these earphones still deliver a top-tier audio experience.

Pros

1. Industry-leading noise cancellation
2. Crisp and full-bodied audio
3. Active Aware seamlessly blends noise cancellation and transparency modes
4. Spatial audio support with head tracking
5. Strong Bluetooth codec support

Cons

1. Lack of wireless charging support for the case
2. Absence of multipoint connectivity

3. Jabra Elite 10

The Jabra Elite 10 Pro earbuds, boasting an IP57 rating, are a fantastic choice for high-intensity workouts. We especially appreciate their excellent companion app and strong active noise cancellation (ANC). Additionally, the HearThrough ambient listening mode ensures you remain aware of your surroundings.

With their bass-forward sound profile and effective HearThrough mode, these earbuds are a runner’s dream. The adjustable transparency and ANC mode settings provide you with a great level of customization.

Pros

1. Robust bass and clear highs
2. Impressive noise cancellation
3. Support for Dolby Atmos with head tracking and customizable EQ
4. High-quality construction
5. Case offers wireless charging capability

Cons

1. On-ear buttons are prone to accidental activation
2. Slight hiss in noise cancellation mode

4. Sony WF-1000XM5

While Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds might not quite surpass the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in noise cancellation, they excel at blocking out higher frequencies due to their hybrid eartips. Additionally, they deliver exceptional sound quality, support the LC3 and LDAC codecs, and offer impressive microphone performance.

The WF-1000XM5 earbuds are likely to attract audiophiles more than the AirPods Pro or the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, thanks to their customizable EQ settings and high-end codec support.

Pros

1. Deep, resonant bass response and precise, clear highs
2. Customizable in-app EQ
3. Outstanding noise cancellation
4. Exceptional microphone clarity
5. Case features wireless charging capability
6. Hands-free access to Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons

1. Relatively high cost
2. Some extraneous features in the companion app

5. EarFun Air Pro 3

The EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds are exceptional in delivering profound bass and stand out as one of the most cost-effective options under $100, adept at effectively reducing distracting noise. These earbuds also provide impressive connectivity options, supporting the low-latency AptX Adaptive and LC3 codecs. While their companion app might appear slightly outdated, it encompasses all the essential features, including a six-band EQ and a section for downloading firmware updates.

If you have a budget of approximately $100 and possess a penchant for bass-rich audio, the Air Pro 3 earphones are an obvious choice. However, if your primary focus lies in ANC performance, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds still maintain a slight advantage.

Pros

• Notable deep bass response
• Quality noise cancellation considering the price
• App features customizable
• EQ Wireless charging supported by the case

Cons

• Sound signature significantly deviates from accuracy
• App’s design could benefit from further refinement

6. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

Best Noise Cancellation Under $100 4.0 Excellent Why We Chose It The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds stand out in their price range by effectively reducing low-frequency rumble and performing well against mid and high frequencies.

They also provide a detailed audio profile, support the high-end LDAC codec on compatible Android devices, and offer good battery life. The Soundcore app is a bonus, offering adjustable EQ and control customization.

If you’re on a tight $100 budget, desire above-average noise cancellation, and appreciate quality sound, the Anker earbuds should be at the top of your list.

Pros

1. Powerful bass with crisp highs
2. Impressive noise cancellation considering the price
3. LDAC support for Android users
4. Feature-rich companion app includes EQ adjustments

Cons

1. The default sound profile has noticeable tuning
2. Average water-resistance rating

7. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro combines effective ANC with outstanding audio performance. Furthermore, they leverage the Samsung Seamless Bluetooth codec for hi-res streaming (available on certain Galaxy devices), allowing the dual drivers in each earbud to deliver remarkable audio quality. The ANC experience is also impressive considering the price point.

Ideally, these earbuds are perfect for Android users, but to unlock their full potential, including 24-bit hi-res streaming, you’ll need a Galaxy smartphone running Android 8.0 and One UI 4.0 or later with 1.5GB of RAM. If your device meets these criteria, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are a great choice.

Pros

1. Dual drivers provide exceptional bass depth and clarity
2. 24-bit streaming support for select Galaxy phone users
3. Effective active noise cancellation
4. Wireless charging for the case
5. Waterproof design

Cons

1. Limited customization of in-app EQ
2. Average battery life

Buying Guide: Noise-Canceling Earbuds for Crystal-Clear Calls in Loud Environments

Do Earbuds with Noise Cancellation Fully Eliminate Background Sounds?

Active noise cancellation, often referred to as ANC, originally found its place in over-ear and on-ear headphones before making its way into wireless earphones. As the term “active” implies, noise cancellation of this kind relies on a power source, in contrast to passive noise reduction. ANC technology draws power from a built-in battery to operate its circuitry, equipped with microphones that capture the surrounding sounds.

It then generates an inverse sound signal, aiming to neutralize the ambient noise by creating sound waves that cancel it out.

The efficacy of ANC varies based on the manufacturer and the nature of the ambient noise. Generally, even quality ANC systems exhibit optimal performance against low to mid-frequency sounds, particularly consistent droning noises like those from engines or appliances.

The best ANC systems extend their effectiveness to higher-frequency sounds, such as office conversations and keyboard typing. Nevertheless, the most critical factor in dealing with these sounds is achieving a secure in-ear seal.

On the topic of in-ear sealing, passive noise cancellation (also known as passive noise isolation or passive noise reduction) relies on physically blocking external sounds through the ear canal’s sealing.

This method does not involve microphones or batteries, yet it often surpasses active noise cancellation because it effectively reduces noise across various frequency ranges. Earplugs, for instance, still have their purpose as they rely on this principle—they work.

How to Identify Inferior Noise-Canceling Earbuds: What to Look for?

Inferior ANC circuitry often introduces an audible high-frequency hiss, reminiscent of white noise or tape hiss, masking some higher frequencies it cannot eliminate.

The easiest way to detect this is to activate ANC in a completely quiet environment—if your earphones seem to elevate the ambient noise level, then they are introducing a hissing sound. Most earbuds we test exhibit some level of hissing, but the prevalence of this noise depends on the ANC’s quality.

Another issue with low-quality ANC, particularly in wireless headphones and earphones, pertains to the alteration in audio quality when ANC is active. Ideally, ANC should not affect the sound of music or any audio content.

Unfortunately, some models we assess undergo significant sound signature changes when ANC is engaged, leading to increased bass, treble, and volume levels, which, in most cases, may not be excessively disruptive. However, premium ANC should not impact audio performance in any way.

An Understanding of Transparency or Ambient Mode

Many true wireless earbud models incorporate an ambient monitoring mode that enables you to remain aware of your surroundings without removing the earpieces. This feature is particularly valuable in office and airport settings, as well as for runners who need to stay alert to traffic and environmental sounds.

Although not all true wireless earbuds featuring ambient monitoring mode are equipped with noise cancellation, the majority of models do.

Several of these models offer on-ear controls that allow users to switch between ANC and ambient/transparency modes.

Are Investments in Noise-Canceling Earbuds Worth Making?

High-quality true wireless earphones offering audiophile-grade sound and exceptional ANC can exceed $300 in cost, but these are not the only options available. We are now witnessing the emergence of budget-friendly alternatives that provide commendable noise cancellation and audio quality for less than $100.

Conclusion

In a world filled with constant chatter and background noise, it’s crucial to have the right tools for effective communication.

The best earbuds for calls in noisy environments are designed to ensure you can hear and be heard, even when surrounded by distractions.

Whether you opt for the renowned Apple AirPods Pro, the noise-canceling prowess of Bose, or the Anker Soundcore, you’re making an investment in communication clarity.

Say goodbye to muffled conversations and hello to clear, uninterrupted calls, no matter where you are.