Best Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds for 2025

TLDR Review: Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds

TLDR Review·1 months ago

Gift Guide for Podcast Listeners

Gift Guide·2 months ago

What is DSEE Extreme on the Sony WF-1000XM5?

Q&A·2 days ago

What Bluetooth codecs does the Sony WF-1000XM5 support?

Q&A·2 days ago

How do I customize the touch controls on the Sony WF-1000XM5?

Q&A·2 days ago

What is DSEE Extreme on the Sony WF-1000XM5?

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Still curious about the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

DSEE Extreme is one of those features that sounds like marketing fluff but actually works. It's Sony's audio upscaling tech that makes compressed music (like Spotify streams) sound closer to high-resolution quality. ## What It Actually Does When you compress music into MP3 or stream it, you lose information. The algorithm tosses out frequencies and details to shrink the file size. You can't hear what's not there. DSEE Extreme tries to put it back. It uses AI trained on tons of music to predict what the original uncompressed audio probably sounded like. Then it adds those missing pieces back in real-time while you listen. It's not magic. It can't perfectly recreate what was lost. But it can get surprisingly close, and the difference is audible. ## When You Should Turn It On **Use DSEE Extreme for:** - Spotify (yes, even premium Spotify is compressed) - YouTube Music - Apple Music (non-lossless tracks) - MP3 files - Podcasts Basically, if your audio source compresses the music, DSEE Extreme can help. **Turn it off for:** - Hi-res streaming (Tidal Masters, Amazon Music HD, Qobuz) - Lossless files (FLAC, Apple Lossless) - When you specifically want unaltered audio If you're already listening to high-quality sources, DSEE Extreme has nothing to restore. It might actually introduce subtle processing artifacts you don't want. ## Does It Really Work? Yes. When A/B testing with Spotify tracks, the difference is noticeable. Listen to a familiar song, toggle DSEE Extreme on, and you'll hear it. The improvements are subtle but real: - Vocals sound clearer, less "flat" - Cymbals and high-frequency details have more shimmer - Acoustic guitars have better texture - The overall sound has more "air" It won't turn a 128kbps MP3 into a vinyl recording. But it noticeably improves streaming audio. The difference is most obvious on well-recorded acoustic music and vocals. ## How to Enable It Open the Sony app, go to Sound, find DSEE Extreme, toggle it on. That's it. ## The Battery Thing DSEE Extreme does use some battery because it's constantly processing audio. It's not dramatic. Maybe you lose 15-30 minutes over a full charge. For most people, the audio improvement is worth it. ## My Take If you're a Spotify listener (which is most people), leave DSEE Extreme on. It genuinely improves the listening experience with no real downside for compressed audio. If you pay for Tidal HiFi or Apple Music Lossless specifically for high-quality audio, turn it off. You're already getting the good stuff. You don't need AI guessing what it should sound like.

What Bluetooth codecs does the Sony WF-1000XM5 support?

The [WF-1000XM5](https://shopsavvy.com/products/Ygp0PNY1Re4FHR7s3Ulb) supports multiple Bluetooth audio codecs, and which one you're using makes a real difference in sound quality. Here's the breakdown. ## The Four Codecs Explained ### SBC - The Basic One Every Bluetooth device supports SBC. It's the universal fallback. Quality is fine but nothing special. The WF-1000XM5 only uses this if nothing better is available. ### AAC - The iPhone Standard This is what iPhones use. It's good quality and efficient. If you're on iOS, this is what you're getting, and honestly, it sounds quite good for most music. ### LDAC - The Good Stuff LDAC is Sony's own codec, and it's the whole reason audiophiles love these earbuds. It can push up to 990 kbps of data. That's nearly three times what SBC can do. The result? Noticeably better audio quality, especially with hi-res music files. The catch: it only works on Android, and you have to enable it manually. ### LC3 - The Future This is part of the new Bluetooth LE Audio standard. It's more efficient than older codecs and enables features like audio sharing. Support is still rolling out, so you probably won't use this much yet. ## Which Codec Am I Using? Check the Sony app. Under Sound settings, it shows you the active codec. Most Android users default to AAC or SBC until they enable LDAC manually. ## Getting LDAC Working on Android This is a two-step process that trips people up: **Step 1: Sony App** Open the Headphones Connect app, go to Sound, and select "Prioritize Sound Quality" instead of "Prioritize Stable Connection." **Step 2: Android Settings** Go to Developer Options (tap Build Number 7 times in About Phone to unlock this), find Bluetooth Audio Codec, and select LDAC. Both steps are required. Skip either one and you won't get LDAC. ## The iPhone Reality Bad news for iPhone users: iOS doesn't support LDAC. Apple controls Bluetooth codecs tightly, and they only allow AAC. Is AAC bad? No, it's actually quite good. You're not getting the absolute best the [WF-1000XM5](https://shopsavvy.com/products/Ygp0PNY1Re4FHR7s3Ulb) can deliver, but you're still getting very good audio quality. Most people can't tell the difference in everyday listening. ## When LDAC Causes Problems LDAC pushes a lot of data over Bluetooth. In environments with a lot of wireless interference (crowded offices, busy streets, airports), you might experience: - Audio cutting in and out - Stuttering or skipping - Brief connection drops If this happens, switch to "Prioritize Stable Connection" in the Sony app. You'll trade some audio quality for reliability. For most situations outside a quiet room, stable connection might actually be the smarter choice.

How do I customize the touch controls on the Sony WF-1000XM5?

The [WF-1000XM5](https://shopsavvy.com/products/Ygp0PNY1Re4FHR7s3Ulb) has touch controls on both earbuds, and you can customize exactly what each tap, double-tap, triple-tap, and hold does. The defaults are fine for most people, but tweaking them to match how YOU use the earbuds makes a big difference. ## Where to Find the Settings Open the Sony Headphones Connect app, go to System, and look for "Change the touch sensor function." From there you can configure the left and right earbuds separately. ## What You Can Control You've got four gestures per earbud: - **Tap** (one quick touch) - **Double tap** (two quick touches) - **Triple tap** (three quick touches) - **Touch and hold** (press and keep your finger there) Each one can be assigned to something different. ## The Functions Worth Knowing About **Playback stuff**: Play/pause, next track, previous track. The basics. **Volume**: This one uses touch and hold. Keep your finger on the earbud and volume gradually goes up or down. You'll need to assign volume up to one earbud and volume down to the other if you want both. **Noise control**: You can cycle through Noise Canceling, Ambient Sound, and Off. Super useful if you need to quickly let sound in. **Voice assistant**: Works with Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri depending on your phone and preferences. **Speak-to-Chat**: Instantly pauses music and turns on ambient sound for a quick conversation. ## The Default Setup Out of the box, Sony configures them like this: **Left earbud**: Tap toggles noise control modes. Hold triggers Speak-to-Chat. **Right earbud**: Tap plays/pauses. Double tap skips forward. Triple tap goes back. Hold activates your voice assistant. This is actually a pretty solid setup for most people. ## My Favorite Customization I like putting volume control on the hold gestures: - Left hold = volume down - Right hold = volume up That frees up the taps for playback and noise control. Being able to adjust volume without pulling out my phone is really convenient. ## Some Tips **Dominant hand gets the important stuff.** If you're right-handed, put your most-used controls on the right. You'll naturally reach for that side. **Keep quick access to ANC/Ambient.** The ability to instantly switch noise modes is one of the best features. Don't bury it under triple-taps. **You can disable touch completely.** In the app, there's an option to turn off touch controls. Handy when you're cleaning the earbuds or if you keep accidentally triggering gestures. ## Fair Warning Touch controls on earbuds are not perfect. Sometimes you'll accidentally tap when adjusting fit. Sometimes a double tap registers as two single taps. It's just the nature of touch-sensitive surfaces in your ears. You get used to it.

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Runner-up: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds, Wireless Earbuds with Spatial Audio and World-Class Active Noise Cancellation, Deep Bass, Up to 6 Hours of Playtime, Black

8.1

Overall Score: 8.1/10

Professional:8.9/10

Consumer:7.3/10

$229.00 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a stellar runner-up, offering noise cancellation levels that are almost on par with our top pick. These earbuds excel in creating a peaceful listening bubble, thanks to Bose's cutting-edge ANC technology. They boast a sleek, premium design and deliver comfort for extended listening sessions. Though they are slightly more expensive than the Sony WF-1000XM5, the superior noise cancellation and sound quality could make the extra cost worth it, especially for Bose enthusiasts who prioritize a quiet environment above all else.

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TLDR Review: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds earn a high score due to their exceptional noise cancellation and sound quality, which consistently impress users across various environments. However, they face criticism for connectivity issues, sensitivity of touch controls, and a lack of wireless charging capability, which some feel detracts from their premium price tag. Overall, they deliver a solid performance for those prioritizing noise cancellation and audio quality.

TLDR Review·1 years ago

8.1

Overall

Gift Guide for Podcast Listeners

Gift Guide·2 months ago

Do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds support wireless charging?

How does the sound quality compare to other high-end earbuds?

How comfortable are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for long-term wear?

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Budget Pick: Earfun Air Pro 3

EarFun Air Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive Sound, 6 Mics cVc 8.0 ENC, Bluetooth 5.3 Earbuds, Multipoint Connection, 45H Playtime, App Customize EQ, Wireless Charging

8.37

Overall Score: 8.37/10

Professional:9.04/10

Consumer:7.7/10

For budget-conscious consumers, the Earfun Air Pro 3 offers impressive features at an unbeatable price of just $56. Despite its affordable pricing, these earbuds provide strong ANC, excellent sound quality, and a comfortable fit. They feature perks typically seen in higher-end models, such as AptX Adaptive, wireless charging, and multipoint connectivity. Additionally, their robust battery life ensures that they can keep up with your daily activities without frequent recharges. The Earfun Air Pro 3 delivers exceptional value, making it the top budget pick for anyone looking to experience quality ANC without breaking the bank.

Available at Amazon

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TLDR Review: EarFun Air Pro 3 Earbuds

The EarFun Air Pro 3 earns a strong score due to its commendable sound quality, effective active noise cancellation, and impressive battery life, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers. While most reviews laud the features and performance, some users have noted issues with connectivity and touch controls. Overall, these earbuds provide a solid value proposition for their price range.

TLDR Review·1 years ago

8.37

Overall

What Bluetooth codecs does the EarFun Air Pro 3 support?

How is the sound quality of the EarFun Air Pro 3?

Does the EarFun Air Pro 3 have wireless charging?

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Best for Apple Compatibility: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging Without AppleCare+

7.9

Overall Score: 7.9/10

Consumer:7.9/10

For Apple aficionados, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are the go-to option. These earbuds seamlessly integrate with Apple devices and offer stellar sound quality complemented by effective noise cancellation. The new version introduces USB-C connectivity and improved dust resistance, ensuring durability and versatility. Features like spatial audio and Adaptive EQ enhance the listening experience, providing a rich, immersive sound. Priced at $250, the AirPods Pro can often be found on sale, offering a perfect blend of performance and convenience for Apple users.

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$100.99 at Walmart

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Apple AirPods Pro 2 TLDR Review: Premium Wireless Earbuds with Outstanding Noise Cancellation

TLDR Review·2 months ago

How good is the noise cancellation on AirPods Pro 2?

Q&A·3 months ago

How long does the AirPods Pro 2 battery last?

Q&A·3 months ago

How long does the battery last on AirPods Pro 2?

Q&A·4 months ago

How good is the noise cancellation on AirPods Pro 2?

More Answers

Still curious about the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

Let me give you the definitive answer: the noise cancellation on AirPods Pro 2 is genuinely exceptional – the kind of impressive that makes you wonder how you tolerated noisy environments before. ## Outstanding Noise Blocking Performance Apple claims twice the effectiveness of the original AirPods Pro, and this isn't marketing hyperbole. The improvement is immediately apparent from the moment you put them on. **Where They Absolutely Excel:** - **Air travel:** That constant engine drone disappearing completely transforms long flights into peaceful experiences - **Daily commuting:** Subway sounds, bus engines, and traffic noise become dramatically subdued - **Open office environments:** Distracting keyboard typing and conversations fade into the background - **Coffee shops and restaurants:** Ambient chatter and equipment noise virtually disappear ## The Advanced Technology Creating the Silence Multiple microphones continuously monitor environmental noise while the H2 chip performs thousands of real-time calculations to generate precise "anti-noise" that neutralizes unwanted sounds. This computational audio approach delivers consistently superior results across varying noise environments. ## Game-Changing Adaptive Transparency Mode This intelligent feature allows essential sounds (conversations, safety alerts, vehicle warnings) to pass through while maintaining protection against noise pollution. You can navigate urban environments safely while enjoying dramatically reduced background noise – perfect for city commuting and busy public spaces. ## Honest Assessment of Limitations **Complete silence isn't achievable.** Sharp, sudden sounds like car horns or direct conversation attempts will still penetrate. This intentional design prioritizes safety awareness. **Proper fit is absolutely critical.** Without an excellent ear tip seal, noise cancellation effectiveness plummets dramatically. Fortunately, Apple includes four tip sizes (XS through L) to accommodate most ear shapes. **Some users report firmware-related performance degradation.** While not universally experienced, it's worth monitoring your device's performance over time. ## Competitive Landscape Position These rank among the industry's top performers alongside Sony WF-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort earbuds. The AirPods Pro 2 particularly excel within Apple ecosystems due to seamless device integration and automatic feature optimization. ## The Transformative Bottom Line First-time noise cancellation users should prepare for a genuinely transformative audio experience. This technology becomes indispensable once experienced – particularly for frequent travelers and urban dwellers. The improvement over original AirPods Pro justifies upgrading for anyone prioritizing noise isolation in challenging acoustic environments. Remember: achieving optimal performance requires proper ear tip sizing – this single factor determines your entire noise cancellation experience. **Ready to experience industry-leading noise cancellation?** [Compare AirPods Pro 2 prices](https://shopsavvy.com/products/airpods-pro-2nd-gen) and find today's best deals from top retailers.

How long does the AirPods Pro 2 battery last?

If you're wondering whether the AirPods Pro 2 will actually last through your daily routine, I've got excellent news: Apple finally solved the battery life issue that frustrated users of the original model. ## The Real-World Battery Performance Let's cut to the chase – you're getting **6 solid hours** from the earbuds themselves, representing a substantial upgrade from the 4.5 hours of the first-generation model. That extra 1.5 hours might not sound dramatic on paper, but it makes the crucial difference between your AirPods dying during your evening commute versus lasting your entire workday. With the charging case, you're looking at **30 hours total** – enough to power you through almost a full week of moderate use without scrambling for a charging cable. ## The "Emergency Power" Solution We've all experienced that sinking feeling when AirPods are about to die right before an important call or during a long flight. Here's where the AirPods Pro 2 truly excel: - **5 minutes in the case** = 1 hour of listening (perfect for those quick coffee break charges) - **15 minutes** = 3 hours of power (enough time to grab lunch and save your commute) This rapid charging capability is genuinely transformative. You can rescue almost any dead battery situation with just a few minutes of strategic charging. ## What Actually Impacts Your Battery Life Here's the reality about what drains your battery faster: **The Primary Culprits:** - Maximum volume levels (try keeping it under 80% for optimal battery life) - Constant Active Noise Cancellation mode (though the audio improvement is worth it) - Extreme temperatures – your AirPods perform poorly in very cold or hot conditions **The Surprising Non-Issues:** - Transparency mode has minimal battery impact - Device switching between your iPhone and MacBook creates negligible drain - Spatial Audio processing is surprisingly efficient ## Real-World Usage Scenarios **For Average Users:** If you're using them 2-3 hours daily (commuting, calls, music), you'll probably charge the case twice weekly. It's remarkably freeing to stop constantly monitoring battery levels. **For Power Users:** Heavy users with AirPods in from 9 AM to 6 PM will need daily case charging. However, strategic quick top-ups during lunch breaks or meetings maintain continuous usage. **For Frequent Travelers:** This is where these truly shine. International flights and multi-day trips become stress-free without hunting for charging outlets. The 30-hour total capacity is genuinely reliable. ## The Advanced Technology Behind the Improvement Apple's H2 chip delivers genuine efficiency improvements beyond marketing claims. Think of it as upgrading from a gas-guzzling vehicle to an efficient hybrid – identical performance with dramatically better energy management. The charging case also received intelligence upgrades: enhanced power management, more efficient charging cycles, and superior charge retention when stored. ## Bottom Line: Freedom from Battery Anxiety If battery concerns were preventing your AirPods Pro purchase, the 2nd Generation essentially eliminates that hesitation. You'll no longer be the person frantically searching for chargers mid-day. The improvement feels more significant than raw numbers suggest because it crosses the psychological threshold where you stop obsessing over battery life and simply enjoy using them freely. That peace of mind alone justifies the investment. **Ready to upgrade your audio experience?** [Check current AirPods Pro 2 prices](https://shopsavvy.com/products/airpods-pro-2nd-gen) and find the best deals available today.

Are AirPods Pro 2 worth the upgrade?

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Best for Sports: Beats Fit Pro

Beats Fit Pro - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Apple H1 Headphone Chip, Compatible with Apple & Android, Class 1 Bluetooth, Built-in Microphone, 6 Hours of Listening Time - Sage Gray

7.7

Overall Score: 7.7/10

Professional:7.9/10

Consumer:7.5/10

Tailored for those with an active lifestyle, the Beats Fit Pro delivers a robust performance ideal for sports and workouts. Equipped with Apple's H1 chip, these earbuds come with top-tier features like active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and Adaptive EQ. Designed to remain secure during even the most intense activities, they also carry an IPX7 water resistance rating, making them resilient against sweat and splashes. Priced around $160, the Beats Fit Pro strikes a balance between cost and performance, ensuring you get the dynamic sound quality synonymous with the Beats brand while staying active.

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$159.00 at Amazon

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