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11 best noise-cancelling earbuds to shop now in Singapore
From brands such as Samsung and Sony
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One downside of city living is that we’re constantly surrounded by noise. So, it’s no wonder that audio devices like noise-cancelling earbuds have caught on.
More than just a way to play music, noise-cancelling earbuds have become a way to block out distracting sounds and allow a moment of respite. Like noise-cancelling headphones
To help you find the perfect pair, we’ve put together this list of 11 best noise-cancelling earbuds you can shop now.
In this article:
Our top picks for best noise-cancelling earbuds
Best noise-cancelling earbuds: What to consider
Best noise-cancelling earbuds to shop now
Best noise-cancelling headphones: Alternatives to ANC earbuds
Our top picks for best noise-cancelling headphones
Overall best noise-cancelling earbuds:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Best affordable noise-cancelling earbuds:
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5
Best noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple users:
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Splurge for best noise-cancelling earbuds:
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
Best noise-cancelling earbuds: What to consider
Besides evaluating sound quality and prices, other features to consider will depend on how you use your noise-cancelling earbuds.
Here are some questions you can ask to choose the right earbuds for your needs.
How important is comfort and fit?
Comfort and fit are probably the most crucial criteria for music lovers who want to wear the earbuds for long durations.
If you are exercising while wearing the earbuds, you want them to feel secure during active use. Earbuds with hooks around the ears may be a good option.
Choosing between silicon or foam ear tips will affect the fit, amount of pressure placed on your ear canal (and ear fatigue experienced) and how well sound is being blocked out.
How much sound do you want to block out?
If you want noise-cancelling earbuds that block out sound completely, you want to go for a model that offers active noise cancellation (ANC).
ANC earbuds have built-in microphones which pick up ambient sounds and generate ‘anti-noise’ sound waves that cancel out the unwanted noise.
But not all ANC earbuds are made equal. Adaptive ANC earbuds are a more advanced version of regular ANC earbuds; they continuously assess and adjust the noise cancellation intensity to more effective reduce noise levels.
There is also passive noise cancellation, which makes use of physical features like fitted ear cups to block out sound.
Consider a model which incorporates both passive and active noise cancellation into their design for optimal sound isolation.
Do you need to switch between noise-cancellation and ambient mode?
If you’re intending to use them in an office, a pair of earbuds that allows you to seamlessly switch between ambient and noise-cancelling modes may be preferable. This way, you can speak to colleagues without removing your earbuds.
Also consider if you want a feature that automatically switches to transparency mode when it detects speech.
Those who intend to jog outdoors may want to prioritise having an ambient mode option so as to remain aware of their surroundings.
How long are you intending to use the noise-cancelling earbuds for?
Battery life is important if you are going to use the earbuds heavily.
If you frequently use them on long commutes, you want a pair that offers several hours of listening on a single charge and a case that provides multiple recharges.
Other features to consider
Multi-device pairing: Good for those working in an office who need to switch between devices.
Microphone performance: Ensure your voice comes out clear and crisp during calls by choosing earbuds with good mic quality.
Water, dust and sweat resistance: An essential feature for those who exercise outdoors.
Customisable EQ: Audiophiles will likely appreciate being able to moderate bass and treble levels, among other factors.
Best noise-cancelling earbuds to shop now
Sony WF-1000XM5, $296.56
Original price: $429 (31 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: LAZADA
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with ambient sound mode option
Battery life: Up to 8 hours with ANC turned on, 12 hours with ANC turned off
Water-resistant: Yes
Mic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 5.9g, case is 39g
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is worth the splurge for those looking for noise-cancelling earbuds which offer excellent ANC performance and premium sound quality that comes with a deep bass and clear vocals.
Aside from its real-time audio processors filtering out unwanted sound, the foam ear tips provide additional passive isolation. Compared to its previous iteration, the Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds have a smaller, more ergonomic design to fit in ears comfortably.
Apple AirPods Pro 3, $349
PHOTO: LAZADA
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with ambient sound mode option
Battery life: Up to 8 hours with ANC turned on, 10 hours with ANC turned off
Water-resistant: Yes, also sweat- and dust-resistant
Mic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 5.55g, case is 44g
Considered to be one of the best ANC earbuds currently on the market, the AirPods Pro 3 is a popular choice for Apple users. The ultra-low noise microphones and advanced audio allows for greater noise isolation, removing four times more noise than its previous iteration.
Aside from providing great sound quality, the AirPods Pro 3 also serve as a pair of hearing aids, real-time language translator and fitness tracker.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), $341.49
PHOTO: AMAZON
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with customisable ambient sound controls
Battery life: Up to 4 hours with ANC turned on, 6 hours with ANC turned off
Water-resistant: Yes
Mic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 7.1g, case is 60g
If you have not bought into the Apple ecosystem, consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2). They offer a comfortable and secure fit, good sound quality and are generally considered to be great all-rounder noise-cancelling earbuds.
Their active noise-cancelling abilities are considered to be on par with that of Apple AirPods Pro 3. One difference is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) has wireless charging available.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5, $117
Original price: $179 (53 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: SHOPEE
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with ambient sound mode option
Battery life: Up to 8 hours with ANC turned on, 12 hours with ANC turned off
Water-resistant: Yes, also sweat- and dust-resistant
Mic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 4.6g, case is 48g
To deliver superior voice reduction and noise cancellation, the Soundcore Liberty 5 noise-cancelling earbuds’ adaptive ANC feature adjusts every 0.3 seconds and its acoustic cavity dampens human voices.
Their HearID technology analyses the way you hear sound and adapts the output to provide you with a personalised sound profile and listening experience.
OPPO Enco Air4 Pro, $107
Original price: $129 (17 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: SHOPEE
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with ambient sound mode option
Battery life: Up to 5.5 hours with ANC turned on, 12 hours with ANC turned off
Water-resistant: Yes, also sweat- and dust-resistant
Mic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 4.4g, case is 47g
Dependable battery life and reliable performance aside, another core appeal of the OPPO Enco Air4 Pro noise-cancelling earbuds are their strong value proposition within their price segment.
While this model does have good sound quality, it has a weaker mic performance. Still, those who are already integrated into the OPPO ecosystem can consider these earbuds as an affordable option.
JBL Tour Pro 3, $309
Original price: $399 (23 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: LAZADA
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with ambient sound mode option
Battery life: Up to 7 hours with ANC turned on, 11 hours with ANC turned off
Water-resistant: Yes, also sweat- and dust-resistant
Mic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 5.6g, case is 71.8g
JBL continues to deliver reliable true wireless earbuds with the Tour Pro 3 as its latest flagship model. The ANC earbuds successfully isolate and remove any unwanted ambient noise so you can fully appreciate the sound quality.
The larger-than-usual charging case has a small LCD touchscreen you can use to manage controls, adjust sound settings and pair new devices.
OPPO Enco Air4 Pro, $107
Original price: $129 (17 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: OPPO
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with ambient sound mode option
Battery life: Up to 5.5 hours with ANC turned on, 12 hours with ANC turned off
Water-resistant: Yes, also sweat- and dust-resistantMic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 4.4g, case is 47g
Dependable battery life and reliable performance aside, another core appeal of the OPPO Enco Air4 Pro noise-cancelling earbuds is their strong value proposition within its price segment.
While this model does have good sound quality, it has a weak mic performance. Still, those who are already integrated into the OPPO ecosystem can consider these earbuds as an affordable option.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, $270.43
Original price: $358 (24 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: SHOPEE
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with ambient sound mode option
Battery life: Up to 6 hours with ANC turned on, 7.5 hours with ANC turned off
Water-resistant: Yes, also sweat- and dust-resistant
Mic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 5.4g, case is 46.5g
The Samsung Galaxy Buds is a lightweight and comfortable option with a tight seal and snug fit. As compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Other than having active noise cancellation that helps you tune out noises, the earbuds also come with three microphones designed with noise reduction technology to ensure that your calls will be crisp and clear.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, $268.50
Original price: $329 (18 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: LAZADA
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with ambient sound mode option
Battery life: Up to 8 hours with ANC turned on, 10 hours with ANC turned off
Water-resistant: Yes, also sweat- and dust-resistant
Mic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 8.7g, case is 69g
Engineered with nickel-titanium ear hooks that are durable and flexible, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 prioritises stability without sacrificing comfort. The secure fit also makes the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 a suitable choice for those looking for noise-cancelling earbuds to wear while playing sports or working out.
A built-in heart-rate sensor delivers critical health data to you, so you can track your performance. This model is available in 4 colours: Jet black, quick sand, hyper purple and orange.
Sony WF-C710N, $148.80
Original price: $199 (25 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: SHOPEE
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with ambient sound mode option
Battery life: Up to 8.5 hours with ANC turned on, 12 hours with ANC turned off
Water-resistant: Yes, also sweat- and dust-resistant
Mic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 5.2g, case is 38g
Another Sony contender is the Sony WF-C710N true wireless earbuds. As one of the best affordable noise-cancelling earbuds on the market, the entry-level option packs a punch with its pleasing sound profile and deep bass.
Compared to previous models, it has new ear-detection sensors and an upgraded voice-calling performance. The Sony WF-C710N earbuds are available in pink, black, white and blue.
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, $528.11
Original price: $699 (24 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: SHOPEE
Active noise cancellation: Yes, with ambient sound mode option
Battery life: Up to 6.5 hours with ANC turned on
Water-resistant: Yes, also sweat- and dust-resistant
Mic: Yes
Weight: Each earbud is 7g, case is 46g
A luxury product with the price tag to match, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 offers a top-notch look and feel. Three microphones in each earbud allow for good voice-calling performance and superior noise-cancelling abilities.
Audiophiles may find the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds to be worth the splurge if they’re looking for a premium prodcut with superb clarity and rich, accurate sound.
All prices are correct at time of publication
Best noise-cancelling headphones: Alternatives to earbuds
Earbuds are a lightweight, discreet alternative to heavier over-ear headphones. But their smaller size also impacts their ability to capture sound and reduce background noise. Additionally, earbuds generally have poorer mic quality than headphones.
Depending on your needs, you could switch between noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones. A good noise-cancelling headphones to consider is the Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5, $350.10
Original price: $575 (39 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: AMAZON
The Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones remain light while delivering great sound and call quality. When the smart detection feature picks up your voice, it pauses music temporarily.
If you’d like to compare other over-ear headphones models to the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, check out this list of best noise-cancelling headphones
FAQs: Best noise-cancelling earbuds
1. Which earbuds have the highest noise cancellation?
Of all the best noise-cancelling earbuds featured on our list, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 3 are strong contenders for earbuds with the highest noise cancellation.
2. Is it worth buying noise cancelling earbuds?
Yes, noise-cancelling earbuds are worth buying if you use them on a regular basis and are in an environment which tends to have constant background noise levels. By blocking out most unwanted sounds, you can focus better and listen to music and audio with greater clarity.
3. Is there 100% noise cancelling?
While active noise cancelling technology has come a long way, it is only effective for consistent low noise levels. Currently, there isn’t an audio product that is 100% noise cancelling.
4. What is the best alternative to AirPods?
While the AirPods are a great option for noise-cancelling earbuds, there are other models you can look at if you are not bought into the Apple ecosystem. Android users can consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and OPPO users can look at the OPPO Enco Air4 Pro.
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