Best Noise-cancelling Earbuds in India for 2024

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What are the Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds?

Noise-cancelling earbuds are essential because they help block out unwanted sounds, making it easier to enjoy your music, podcasts, or phone calls without distractions. Whether you’re on a noisy bus, in a busy office, or want some peaceful moment, these earbuds can make a big difference in your daily life.

When choosing the best noise-cancelling earbuds, several key factors come into play. The first and most important factor is noise-cancelling performance, which measures how well the earbuds can block out surrounding noise, allowing you to focus on your audio. Comfort is another crucial factor. Earbuds should feel good in your ears, even after long periods of use, without causing pain or falling out easily.

Battery life is also significant. Long battery life means you can use the earbuds for many hours without needing to recharge, which is especially useful for long trips or busy days. Additional features such as wireless charging, touch controls, and water resistance add convenience and durability to the earbuds, making them more appealing.

In this review, we will examine five top models: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, OnePlus Buds 3, Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, and EarFun Air Pro 3. These earbuds offer a mix of excellent noise-cancelling, comfort, battery life, and extra features. Let’s find out which ones are the best for you!

These are the 5 Best Noise-cancelling Earbuds in India

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have undergone a design overhaul, featuring a sleeker charging case and more compact earbuds prioritizing portability and user comfort. The redesigned earbuds boast a smaller profile that rests more gently within the ear canal, reducing potential fatigue during extended listening sessions.

The included stability bands, which Bose calls ear fins, provide a secure and customizable fit that conforms to the unique shape of your ears. This combination of design enhancements ensures that the earbuds stay securely in place, even during active use or exercise.

The QuietComfort Earbuds II remain a top choice for those prioritizing noise cancellation. While the lack of single usage mode and wireless charging might be dealbreakers for some, the improved design, comfort, and enhanced controls make them a worthy upgrade for many users.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II review

The OnePlus Buds 3 are the latest addition to OnePlus’ true wireless earbud lineup, offering an enticing blend of affordability and performance. Inheriting a similar design language to the Buds Pro 2, they feature a sleek metallic finish that adds a touch of elegance and enhances grip for a secure fit. The earbuds are remarkably comfortable for extended wear, making them suitable for casual listening and active pursuits.

A notable upgrade is the touch-sensitive controls, which now include intuitive swipe gestures for volume adjustment—a feature often missing in more affordable earbuds. This upgrade allows for seamless control of your audio experience without reaching for your phone.

The OnePlus Buds 3 are an excellent choice for budget-minded listeners who prioritize value and high-quality audio. While they may lack some premium features like wireless charging, their overall performance, especially in audio fidelity and battery life, makes them a standout option in their price range.

Read our full OnePlus Buds 3 review

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are premium true wireless earbuds that seamlessly blend style and substance. Available in a range of eye-catching colors, their sleek matte finish looks sophisticated and resists fingerprints and scratches, maintaining their pristine appearance.

The earbuds’ ergonomic design, featuring a secure fit with snug ear tips and a unique winged structure, ensures they stay comfortably in place during daily activities or workouts. Additionally, their IPX7 water resistance rating provides peace of mind, allowing you to use them confidently during sweaty gym sessions or unexpected rain showers.

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro are an excellent choice for those deeply invested in the Samsung ecosystem. They offer a range of exclusive features and seamless integration. While they still provide a solid experience for other users, the full potential of their advanced audio capabilities shines brightest when paired with compatible Samsung devices.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro review

The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds, priced at ₹7,499, are a budget-friendly option that maintains Soundcore’s reputation for prioritizing comfort. The ergonomic design caters to various ear sizes and remains secure during workouts. However, some may find the earbuds slightly bulky.

Battery life is a standout feature, offering an impressive 10 hours of playtime without ANC and a still-respectable 8 hours with ANC enabled. The earbuds also support fast charging, providing 4 hours of listening time with a quick 10-minute charge. While somewhat bulky, the included case features wireless charging and a unique button-activated lid for convenience.

The touch controls are responsive and fully customizable through the Soundcore app, allowing for personalized control over playback, ambient sound modes, and volume. The earbuds also support multi-point connection, enabling seamless switching between two connected devices.

The audio quality is characterized by a powerful, bass-forward sound signature that appeals to bass enthusiasts. While they lack the spatial audio feature in some pricier models, the Liberty 4 NC offers 3D surround sound and sound leakage compensation, although its effectiveness may vary.

The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds punch well above their weight class, offering impressive noise cancellation and a fun, bass-heavy sound at a remarkably affordable price. While they have minor drawbacks, their strengths far outweigh their shortcomings, making them a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a feature-packed audio experience.

Read our full Soundcore Liberty 4 NC review

The EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds are a remarkable value proposition, offering a wealth of features at a surprisingly affordable price, especially with current discounts and coupon codes. The earbuds deliver impressive battery life, boasting up to 9 hours of playtime without ANC and 7 hours with ANC engaged, with the charging case extending those figures to 45 and 37 hours, respectively.

A quick 10-minute charge translates to 2 hours of listening for those on the go. The case’s inclusion of Qi wireless charging is a welcome surprise for a budget-friendly model.

The comprehensive touch controls allow you to effortlessly manage playback, adjust noise cancellation, and even summon your voice assistant. Further customization is possible through the intuitive EarFun app, which provides access to firmware updates and pre-set EQ options.

Additionally, the earbuds support multi-point connection, a feature typically found in more expensive models, enabling seamless switching between two paired devices.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) performance is surprisingly robust for this price point. It effectively reduces background noise and even higher-pitched sounds, creating a more immersive listening experience. The transparency mode is equally impressive, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds.

Overall, the EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds are stellar for budget-conscious consumers seeking a feature-rich listening experience. While the default sound might require some tweaking and the build quality isn’t luxurious, the exceptional noise cancellation, long battery life, and multi-point connection make them a standout option for their price.

Read our full Earfun Air Pro 3 review

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Noise-cancelling Earbuds?

Finding the perfect noise-cancelling earbuds can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re here to simplify the process and help you select the pair to elevate your listening experience and provide a tranquil escape from the world around you.

1. Noise Cancellation Technology

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This cutting-edge technology actively uses microphones and speakers to counteract external noise. It is particularly effective for low-frequency sounds like engine rumbles or the hum of an air conditioner.
• Passive Noise Isolation: Achieved through the physical design and snug fit of the earbuds, passive noise isolation creates a seal in your ear canal, blocking out a wider range of sounds, including higher frequencies.

The ideal choice often involves a combination of ANC and passive noise isolation, which provides comprehensive noise reduction across the entire sound spectrum.

2. Sound Quality

Don’t compromise on audio quality when seeking tranquility. Look for earbuds that deliver a well-balanced sound profile with crisp highs, detailed mids, and a satisfying bass response.

• Tailor to Your Taste: If you crave powerful bass, prioritize models known for their low-end emphasis. For a more neutral or analytical sound signature, seek out earbuds with a balanced frequency response.
• Consider Codecs: For high-quality wireless audio, look for earbuds that support aptX, LDAC, or other high-resolution audio codecs.

3. Comfort and Fit

Comfort is paramount, especially for extended listening sessions. Ensure a secure and snug fit to maximize noise cancellation and prevent the earbuds from falling out during activities.

• Multiple Ear Tip Sizes: Choose earbuds with various ear tip options to ensure a perfect fit for your ears.
• Earbud Design: Consider whether you prefer a stem-style design (like AirPods) or a more compact, in-ear design. Select a style that feels comfortable and secure for you.

4. Additional Features

• Transparency Mode (Ambient Sound): This feature allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, ideal for conversations or staying aware in busy environments.
• Customizable Controls: Opt for earbuds with customizable touch or button controls to tailor the experience to your preferences.
• Water Resistance (IPX Rating): If you’re an active user or prone to encountering moisture, choose earbuds with an IPX4 rating or higher for sweat and water resistance.
• Battery Life: Consider your typical usage patterns and choose earbuds with a battery life that matches your needs. Some models offer extended playtime, while others prioritize a compact, lightweight design.
• Voice Assistant Integration: If you frequently use voice commands, look for earbuds that seamlessly integrate with your preferred voice assistant, such as Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa.

5. Price

Noise-cancelling earbuds are available at various prices, from budget-friendly to premium. Set a realistic budget before shopping to narrow your options and avoid overspending. Remember, a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee superior performance. Many affordable earbuds offer excellent noise cancellation and impressive sound quality, so pay attention to hidden gems in the lower price ranges.

Noise-cancelling Earbuds FAQs

Are noise-cancelling earbuds worth it?

Yes, noise-cancelling earbuds are an excellent choice for many listeners. They offer a quieter environment by reducing unwanted background noise, allowing you to focus better, enjoy your audio content more, and potentially experience health benefits like reduced stress. While they might cost a bit more, the advantages make them a worthwhile investment.

Which type of noise cancellation is best for earbuds?

The ideal type of noise cancellation for your earbuds depends on your specific needs and listening preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the different options:

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This technology is particularly effective at reducing low-frequency noises that can be disruptive during travel or commutes. It uses microphones to detect external sounds and generate counteracting sound waves to cancel them out. ANC excels at blocking low-frequency rumbles like airplane engines, traffic noise, or air conditioners.

Passive Noise Isolation: Effectively blocks out a wide range of sounds, including higher-frequency noises, due to a seal created by the earbuds’ design and the quality of the ear tips within the ear canal. Some users also find passive noise isolation more comfortable for extended wear than ANC.

Hybrid ANC: For the most comprehensive noise cancellation, earbuds with hybrid ANC combine both active and passive noise cancellation technologies. This approach offers a powerful solution against unwanted noise, addressing a wider range of noise frequencies.

Adaptive ANC: This advanced technology takes noise cancellation to the next level by automatically adjusting the level of noise reduction based on your surroundings. For instance, adaptive ANC might dampen low-frequency noise on a plane but allow some ambient noise to pass through in a quiet coffee shop, ensuring optimal performance and a more natural listening experience in various environments.

In a separate topic, we’ll cover the different noise cancellation technologies and their functionalities in more detail. In the meantime, consider the types of noise you typically encounter and your comfort preferences when choosing earbuds. Try different models to see which type feels most comfortable and practical.

Is noise cancellation in earbuds harmful to my ears?

No, noise cancellation technology itself is not inherently harmful to your ears. It can benefit your hearing health by reducing the need to increase volume to drown out external noise. By creating a quieter environment, noise-cancelling earbuds can help you enjoy your audio at lower, safer volumes.

However, it’s crucial to maintain a moderate volume level even when using noise cancellation. Listening to audio at high volumes for extended periods, regardless of noise cancellation, can damage hearing.

Some individuals might experience a slight hissing sound or pressure sensation when using noise-cancelling earbuds. If you find this uncomfortable, consider using the earbuds for shorter durations, taking breaks, or choosing models with adjustable ANC levels to find a setting that works for you.

Do noise-cancelling earbuds work without music?

Yes, noise-cancelling earbuds work without music. The active noise cancellation (ANC) technology functions independently of any audio playback. It uses microphones to detect external sounds and then generates “anti-noise” frequencies to counteract those sounds, effectively reducing the overall noise level.

This feature is handy when you want a quieter environment without necessarily listening to music, such as while working, studying, traveling, or simply relaxing.

It’s important to note that using ANC without music will consume some battery power. Still, it can be a valuable tool for creating a peaceful and focused environment even when you’re not enjoying your favorite tunes.

What is ENC in earbuds?

ENC stands for Environmental Noise Cancellation. Unlike Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which focuses on reducing noise for the listener, ENC enhances voice clarity during calls. It uses microphones to identify and suppress background noise, making your voice clearer to the person on the other end of the call.

ENC is particularly useful in noisy environments where clear communication is essential, such as busy streets or crowded offices. Some earbuds combine ANC and ENC technologies to provide a comprehensive solution for listening and communication needs.