Top 10 Wireless Earbuds for Noise Cancellation and Battery Life

Wireless earbuds are now expected to deliver both excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) and long battery life. Modern headphones pack advanced ANC tech while extending playtime, thanks to bigger batteries and efficient chips. For example, one 2025 model achieves 10 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 48 hours total. This guide covers 10 top earbuds (premium, mid-range, and budget), focusing equally on noise-cancelling power and battery longevity. We highlight the latest 2024–2025 releases alongside enduring high-performers, citing tests and specs for all major features.

1. Sony WF-1000XM5

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are flagship models known for class-leading ANC and solid battery life. Reviewers note “outstanding active noise cancellation performance”, with Sony’s dual hybrid ANC blocking over 30 dB of noise. The earbuds use Sony’s V1 processor for ambient sound control and support Sony’s LDAC codec for hi-res audio. They also support Bluetooth 5.3 (with multipoint pairing) and are rated IPX4 (splash-resistant).

• Battery life: ~8 hours per charge (ANC on), ~24 hours total with case
• Active Noise Cancelling: Dual hybrid ANC (excellent performance, >30 dB reduction)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC/AAC/LDAC codecs)
• Water resistance: IPX4 (sweat/splash-resistant)
• Other: Fast charging, wireless (Qi) charging on case, foam ear tips for snug fit.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose’s new QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2023) focus on “world-class noise cancellation”. They use dual mics and custom tuning for powerful ANC. Reviews confirm “excellent overall ANC” capable of isolating everything from low engine rumbles to high-frequency chatter. Each bud lasts about 7 hours per charge (Bose advertises 6 h with ANC, 4 h with Spatial Audio) and about 28 hours total with the case. The buds are IPX4-rated (sweat/splash-proof).

• Battery life: ~7 hours per charge, ~28 hours total with charging case (up to 6 h ANC, 4 h with spatial mode on).
• Active Noise Cancelling: Adjustable ANC with best-in-class isolation.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.x (A2DP/HFP), supports Bose App.
• Water resistance: IPX4 (protected against sweat/splashes).
• Other: Includes ear tips and stability bands; case lacks wireless charging.

3. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd gen, 2022) remain top picks for iOS users. They offer about 6 hours of playback on a charge (30 h total with case) and “Pro”-level ANC – Apple claims up to 2× noise reduction versus the original AirPods Pro. Reviews note superb ANC and spatial audio features. The buds use the H2 chip (Bluetooth 5.3, AAC codec) and are IPX4 water-resistant. Key features include adaptive EQ, Speech Enhancement for calls, and MagSafe wireless charging on the case.

• Battery life: Up to 6 hours per charge, ~30 hours total with case.
• Active Noise Cancelling: Improved ANC (Apple reports 2× the cancellation of 1st-gen).
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (AAC codec), seamless pairing in Apple ecosystem.
• Water resistance: IPX4 (sweat/splash-proof).
• Other: Spatial Audio with head-tracking, wireless charging case (MagSafe/Qi), in-ear pressure relief vents.

4. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 (2023) offer balanced sound and strong ANC. In tests, they delivered ~7 h45 min of music playback (slightly under the 7 h spec with ANC on). Rtings measured ~83% noise attenuation, noting they physically block up to 50 dB in some frequencies. Battery life is a standout: buds alone run ~8 h (with ANC) and the case brings the total to ~38 h. They support Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC/AAC/aptX Adaptive/LDAC) and are rated IP54 (dust/splash resistant).

• Battery life: ~8 hours per charge with ANC, ~38 hours total.
• Active Noise Cancelling: Hybrid ANC with ~83% noise reduction (effective against mid-low rumble).
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC/AAC/aptX Adaptive/LDAC) with multipoint (via app).
• Water resistance: IP54 (water/dust resistant).
• Other: Auto on/off sensors, customizable EQ via Sennheiser app, wireless charging case.

5. Jabra Elite 10 (Gen 2)

Jabra’s Elite 10 (2023) buds improved on the Elite 85t with solid ANC and battery. Testing found about 7.5 hours of playtime. ANC is excellent: reviewers note the Elite 10 “blocks out the low rumble of bus and plane engines as well as passenger chatter very well”. The buds (IP57-rated) survive sweat and rain.  and support Wireless Alexa/Google Siri. They use Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC/AAC) with multipoint. Other perks include Qi wireless charging, customizable EQ, and an IP57 rating (buds).

• Battery life: ~7.5 hours per charge, ~27–36 hours total (27 h with ANC on, 36 h ANC off.
• Active Noise Cancelling: Very effective ANC; Jabra calls it “2× stronger” than prior, blocking road and engine noise.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC/AAC), up to two-device multipoint pairing.
• Water resistance: IP57 (buds withstand water immersion, case IP54.
• Other: Wireless charging case, metal frame for stability, aptX not supported.

6. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

The Galaxy Buds FE (2023) are Samsung’s budget ANC earbuds (~$100). They provide 6 hours of playback per charge with ANC on (9 h with ANC off) and up to 21 h total with the case. ANC is basic but effective for noise-blocking in everyday scenarios. The buds are IPX2-rated (light splash resistance and connect via Bluetooth 5.2. They support Samsung’s Auto Switch between devices, have 3 mics (for voice), and include wingtips for a secure fit.

• Battery life: 6 h (ANC on) up to 21 h total (9 h/30 h without ANC).
• Active Noise Cancelling: Enabled on a budget model; blocks ambient noise (not high-end, but usable).
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, Samsung Fast Pair and Auto-Switch with Galaxy devices.
• Water resistance: IPX2 (protection from dripping/splashes).
• Other: Touch controls, wireless case (USB-C charge only), Ambient Sound mode for awareness.

7. Beats Fit Pro

The Beats Fit Pro (2022) are sport-oriented buds with ANC. They last about 6–6.4 hours with ANC on, delivering ~24 h total with the case. ANC performance is decent but not top-tier – it attenuates bass and midrange well but struggles with higher frequencies. The Fit Pro are IPX4-rated (sweat-resistant). They support Apple’s H1 chip (spatial audio on iOS), Bluetooth 5.3 (on newer production), and include proximity sensors for auto-pause.

• Battery life: ~6 h (ANC on) per charge, ~24 h total with case.
• Active Noise Cancelling: Adaptive ANC reduces low/midrange noise; quieter than Bose/Apple ANC.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0/5.3 (SBC/AAC), Apple H1 chip on iOS for quick pairing.
• Water resistance: IPX4 (sweat/proof for workouts).
• Other: Secure wingtip design, in-ear detection, Qi wireless charging not supported.

8. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 4 NC (2023) punches above its price with solid ANC and long runtime. Battery tests show ~8 hours per charge (with ANC on) – impressive for the ~$80 price. ANC is “good” for the price, isolating low rumble and chatter effectively (though not on par with premium buds). The Liberty 4 supports Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC/AAC/LDAC), includes LDAC codec (for Hi-Res on Android), and is IPX4-rated. Features include customizable EQ via the app, multipoint connectivity, and Qi wireless charging.

• Battery life: ~8 hours (ANC on) per charge, ~32+ hours total with case.
• Active Noise Cancelling: Strong ANC for budget earbuds (Anker notes “good ANC” performance).
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC/AAC/LDAC), app-controlled EQ, multi-device pairing.
• Water resistance: IPX4 (sweat/splash-proof).
• Other: Fast charging (10 min → 1 h play), wireless charging case, transparency modes.

9. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro

Xiaomi’s Buds 4 Pro (2023) deliver very good sound but only modest ANC. Battery life is about 5 hours with ANC active and up to ~9 hours with it off (case brings total to ~38 h). Reviewers found the ANC “underwhelming” – only the highest setting makes a noticeable difference in a quiet room, and it barely suppresses street noise. The buds are rated IP55 (splash and dust resistant) and support Bluetooth 5.3 (AAC/LDAC). They do offer dual transparency modes and adaptive sound via the app.

• Battery life: ~5 h with ANC on, ~38 h total with charging case (advertised, ANC off).
• Active Noise Cancelling: Present but only modestly effective (max ANC significantly reduces ambient noise, but not “every unwanted sound”).
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC/AAC/LDAC), supports Android Fast Pair.
• Water resistance: IP55 rated (ears and case: splash/dust-resistant).
• Other: Six mics (for calls with AI noise reduction), hybrid ANC (feedforward + feedback), case with Qi wireless charging.

10. Google Pixel Buds Pro

The Google Pixel Buds Pro (2022) are a top midrange option. They achieve 7+ hours of listening time per charge (Rtings measured ~7.4 h). Google’s hybrid ANC earned praise for “impressive full-range noise isolation” – it reliably hones in on engine rumble and chatter. Key specs include Bluetooth 5.0, IPX4 water resistance, and multipoint pairing support. They also offer wireless charging, Google Assistant touch controls, and multipoint device connection via Google Fast Pair.

• Battery life: ~7 hours per charge, ~12–13 hours total with case (1.8x charges).
• Active Noise Cancelling: Hybrid ANC with outstanding isolation (blocks low rumbles well).
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC/AAC), multipoint pairing, Fast Pair.
• Water resistance: IPX4 (resists splashes).
• Other: Wireless charging case, real-time translation in Google Translate, dual transparency modes.

Conclusion: These 10 earbuds represent the best balance of ANC and battery life across price points. Premium models like the Sony XM5 and Bose Ultra excel in both arenas, while mid-range and budget options like Samsung Buds FE and Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offer great value. When choosing, consider your priorities (e.g. comfort, codec support, ecosystem) along with noise cancellation and up-time. Each model above has been vetted by expert reviews and real-world tests